2026 Disruptions and Changes
Due to required HVAC maintenance, there will be BIG changes coming to GPL in 2026. This is on top of changes we have had to make to programs and services due to anticipated revenue decreases over the next several years as a result of recent legislative changes. While we had anticipated construction starting in June, it has been delayed. Construction is still happening, but we do not have an updated timeline yet. We will try to communicate this information as soon as we can.
Please note that some of the changes listed below will effect only certain card types. To learn more about our various card types offered, please visit our Types of Cards page.
Overview of Changes
- 2nd floor will be closed for a time during construction
- 1st floor will be closed for a time during construction
- Program registration will be open to GPL resident card holders only for the first two weeks before opening up to other card types
- GPL's Summer Reading program will only be open to GPL resident cardholders
- Limited hours will be set for Kids toy checkout and The Studio makerspace during June and July
- Study rooms and community rooms will NOT be available during construction
Changes to the building & department closings
In 2025 the library secured a $2.5 million bond for needed upgrades - no taxes were increased. Over the last few years we have been fortunate to complete projects that have brought the library up to modern standards, expanded study rooms, and added interactive elements in the kids department. Our goal is always an inviting, well-maintained environment for our community. This new bond is to take care of future facility needs that might be difficult to complete with reductions to our revenue. Expected projects include updating our HVAC and better temperature control throughout the building, replacing the carpet in the Kids Department, renovating our bathrooms, fixing current plumbing issues, and updating electrical systems for better efficiency.
HVAC maintenance will begin in 2026. As a part of this work the 2nd floor will be closed for a few months Public computers, the Adult Help Desk, and a modified Studio Makerspace will move to the 1st floor during this time. Unfortunately, study rooms, the GPL Living Room, and our Hospitality Area will not be available while the 2nd floor is closed.
Following the closure of the 2nd floor, the HVAC work will move downstairs and the 1st floor will be closed as the 2nd floor is reopened. The Kids Department, TeenHQ, and community meeting spaces will be unavailable during this time. Additional information on library access and a modified Kids Desk will be provided as we get closer to August. We will continue to share updates and timelines as this project progresses. We appreciate your patience as this necessary work is completed.
Changes to GPL programs
The 2026 Summer Reading Program, in which participants can earn incentives for reading, will only be available for GPL resident cardholders due to limited space and decreasing budgets.
During the summer of 2026, general event and program registration will open to GPL resident cardholders only for the first two weeks. Following this two week window, registration will open to all cardholders. In rare instances, we may open up larger programs to anyone with or without a card. In these cases we will promote these programs as open to all. As we plan for a future of budget uncertainty, we are making this change in order to make sure we are prioritizing those who live within our district and directly pay taxes to GPL, especially while we will have limited space this summer.
Changes to Study Rooms
Our study rooms are busy! In order to ensure equal access, especially for those who pay taxes to GPL, we will be making some changes to our study room procedures. Beginning January 2026, a GPL library card will be required to reserve our study rooms in advance (whether online or in person). A library card will also be required to extend the time someone is in a study room up to a max of 4 hours per day. Anyone without a GPL library card will be able to use our study rooms on a first come, first served basis for a max of 2 hours per day. Those without GPL library cards will be unable to receive a time extension. The GPL Living Room is excluded from these changes.
Changes to Kids Toy Checkout
Due to increased use in the summer, toy checkout will only be available during select hours.
Toy Checkout Hours - beginning June 1, 2026
Monday & Tuesday: 9am - 11am and 2pm - 6pm
Wednesday & Thursday: 12pm - 6pm
Friday & Saturday: 12pm - 4pm
Summer changes to The Studio Makerspace
A GPL library card will continue to be required to use The Studio Makerspace. The Studio will have limited hours during June and July. Kits and community equipment will be available during these times.
The Studio Makerspace Hours - beginning June 8, 2026
Monday - Friday: 12pm - 5pm
Changes to Digital Offerings
With reduced budgets, we are forced to reduce some of our offerings. This includes our digital services. As of November 2025, we have reduced the number of checkouts available to GPL resident cardholders. (Please note that non-resident cardholders are unable to use our digital offerings).
Kanopy - Number of tickets per month is dropping from 12 to 8 tickets.
Hoopla - Library's daily budget is shrinking so the monthly checkouts will drop from 8 to 5 per month.
Libby/Overdrive - GPL will reduce its monthly spending budget, which may result in longer wait times on holds.
Changes to physical offerings
Changes to the offerings available inside the library will be minimal at this time, but this is something we will continue to evaluate. Beginning January 2026, all Experience Passes will only be available to our GPL Resident cardholders. Non-resident cardholders will need to rely on their home library for these resources. This is to ensure that these limited resources are made more readily available for those who support us through their tax dollars.
Learn more
To learn more about the financial struggles Indiana libraries are facing, please visit our Greenwood Library Foundation webpage or read over the recent Library Coffee Talk presentation slides.