The new Glendale Branch Library had its grand opening and ribbon cutting on March 30, 2024. It moved from above Staples at Glendale Town Center to the site of the old John Strange School at 3660 East 62nd Street [HH35 on (slightly off) map]

Around 3,200 visited on this first day.

Jena Mattix, Branch Manager for Glendale, opened the ceremony and welcomed the attendees. Speakers included:

• Deirdre George Davis, President Washington Township School Board
• Gregory A. Hill, Sr. CEO The Indianapolis Public Library
• Judith B Thomas Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement City of Indianapolis
• Hope C. Tribble President Board of Trustees, Indianapolis Public Library
• State Representative Carey Hamilton, Indiana House District 87
• State Senator Fady Qaddoura Indiana Senate District 30
• Councilor La Keisha Jackson City-County Council District 15

State Senator Fady Qaddoura gave a rousing speech on the topic of freedom of information for all. "If we are interested in sustaining our democracy, we need to be sure that our children have full access to knowledge, to education, with no restrictions. The only way to strengthen democracy, the only way to preserve the civic fabrics of our community, the only way to support equity and be sure that when those libraries are open, and some of our kids belong to low income families, have a place to access the internet, to access books, to learn and achieve their highest potential."

Next, dignitaries gathered for the ribbon cutting. There was a cake cutting and music was provided by The Embers.

Here is a history of the library in the Broad Ripple area:

• 1930-1938 910 Broad Ripple Avenue (about the east section of Brothers today)
• 1938-1949 6235 Bellefontaine (pronounced Bell-Fountain, currently Guilford Avenue) ground floor of Mustard Hall
• 1949-1986 6219 Guilford Avenue (connected to IPS School 80)
• 1986-2000 1550 Broad Ripple Avenue, in Broad Ripple Park
• 2000-2024 6101 N. Keystone Avenue, in Glendale Mall
• 2024-         3660 East 62nd Street, site of former John Strange School