Nappanee Public Library Renovation
Project Information
Status: Planning & Design
Construction beginning soon!
Estimated Completion Date: Fall/Winter 2026
Access: Open
Architect: Arkos Design
Estimated Cost: $4,675,000 | More Details
Exciting Changes coming to the Nappanee Public Library
The Nappanee Public Library is excited to share plans for our upcoming renovation. This renovation will help make better use of our space by highlighting our rich history and improving our access and services for the community. NPL is working with Arkos Design, an architectural firm based in Mishawaka, for this project. While the library is still finalizing details, we are excited to share some updates and renderings!
Please note that these images are a preview of our proposed renovation design and not all elements are fully rendered. Final designs are subject to change and could look different once the project is complete.
The renovation will refresh 20,000 square feet of the library, adding updated furniture, better technology access, and improved accessibility. The Children’s Department will expand to create a more inviting space for families, while a brand-new Teen Space will provide a dedicated area for young adults (see right). Meeting rooms and study spaces will be relocated and improved, making them easier to access for community gatherings, tutoring, and remote work. The adult collections will be reorganized for better browsing, and staff areas will be updated to improve efficiency.
Phase 1 of the renovation is expected to begin in late October 2025.
The project will be completed in three phases, allowing the library to remain open throughout construction. While some areas may be temporarily relocated, all library services, programs, and resources will continue as usual with minimal disruptions. See the FAQ below for more information.
The historic facade of the 1936 building will not be altered, but the historic nature of our building will be emphasized and highlighted even more in the new renovation. Throughout the building, there will be design features that were inspired by the library’s history. For example, the original entrance of the 1936 building will feature new custom-made doors that are meant to resemble the original doors (see left).
Phase 1 – Upper Level
Main Entrance
The library is dedicated to keeping the traditional charm of the original building. The Main Entrance of the library will have plenty of space to access the elevator, find popular materials, and work with library staff.
Fiction Collection
New shelving will provide additional space to grow our collection and allow easier browsing. Public computers will be positioned throughout the library, along with comfortable seating and space to enjoy library materials and technology.
Reading Room & Nonfiction Collection
We are excited to have the Adult collection together in one space. Adult fiction and nonfiction collections and AV items will be located on the Upper Level. Along with a new reading room for magazines, newspapers, and the Local History collection.
Teen Room
A space just for teens. There will be room for Teen programming, public computers, and a safe and inviting supervised area just to hang out. The Teen collection will have more room to grow, right outside this room, so it can be enjoyed by everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the construction expected to begin?
Construction is expected to begin October, 2025
Will the library remain open?
We expect the library to remain open for the entirety of the project. We may need to close, or change hours, on rare occasions. We will notify the public as promptly as possible if and when those changes or closures will occur.
Will the library still have programming?
Programs will continue, but they may be moved to new locations during different phases of the renovation.
Can we still use the library’s meeting rooms?
Meeting rooms will be unavailable after October 15th. We will have limited meeting room spaces available at the Heritage Collection during this time.
Can customers still use computers and printing facilities during the renovation?
We will have computers and printing available during the renovation. There may be rare occasions where this service is disrupted.
Will customers still have elevator access?
We intend to have an elevator available during the entire renovation to prioritize accessibility. If elevators are not available, we will provide accommodations as best we can.
Will we still be able to look for books?
We intend to have the majority of the collection accessible at all times. Please ask a staff member if you ever need help finding anything.
When is construction expected to end?
The project is estimated to be completed in late 2026.
Who is your contractor?
When a contractor has been selected, that information will be announced and made public.
Funding & Tax Impact
The total assumed borrowing amount is $4,675,000. The estimated monthly impact on a Nappanee home owner, with an assessed home value of $193,400 is $5.83
Community Feedback
“The Nappanee Public Library is a vital resource for our community, and I believe that the planned renovations will enhance its value even further. This project has the potential to create a more welcoming and inviting space, fostering greater community engagement and providing expanded opportunities for learning and growth.”
-Phil Jenkins, Mayor of Nappanee
“As a board member I am super excited about the future of NPL and this much needed renovation. These updates, while preserving the library’s history, will be adding something for everyone in the community. From our children’s space to our meeting rooms, these improvements will give a nicer space for community and family events. It has been encouraging to hear how many community members utilize our library and it is my hope that they will continue to utilize this updated space in the future. I am most excited for our children’s space, the children in this community deserve the best!”
-Sherrie Mullet, Board President
“Whenever I meet a family that’s new to the Nappanee area, I always tell them that they have to check out our library! The amount of programming and special services provided really offer something for everybody. That’s the kind of welcoming environment you want to be known for!”
-Scott Boehner, Nappanee Business Owner
“As a homeschool family, the library has been such a great resource. From kids’ events and a great non-fiction section to books for homeschooling parents, homeschool field trips, and fun things like book review show-and-tell, they’ve really made an effort to support families like ours. I’ve made some of my closest, lifelong friends through the library, and I’ll always be grateful for that. Our shared love of reading—and the Nappanee Public Library—brought us together!”
Hannah Wegmiller, Library Customer
“This renovation reflects NPL’s commitment to the responsible use of taxpayer dollars to improve our collections and better serve our community. The new meeting room complex will allow more groups, clubs, and individuals to use our space as a community gathering place, and give us the opportunity to provide an even wider variety of programs for our customers. The improved staff work areas will also help us optimize our workflows and efficiency, so that we can provide even better customer service to the people we serve.”
-Seth James, Library Director