Changes coming in 2026
With recent legislative changes, we know that our annual budget will be decreasing over the next several years. In order to make sure we're ready for these decreases and are able to serve our taxpayers to the best of our ability, we have a few changes we'll be implementing in 2026 as outlined below. 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. Please note that some of these changes will effect only certain card types. To learn more about our various card types offered, please visit our Types of Cards page.
Changes to GPL programs
Beginning January 2026, program registration for most GPL programs will require a GPL library card. Any GPL library card will work (resident, nonresident, reciprocal, etc). In rare instances, we may open up larger programs or programs with low registration to anyone with or without a card. In these cases we will promote these programs as open to all. As we are funded by tax dollars, and those dollars are shrinking, we are making this change in order to make sure we are serving those who pay taxes to GPL.
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 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.
The Studio Makerspace will continue to be available only to those with a GPL library card.
Changes to the building
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 and fixing current plumbing issues, and updating electrical systems for better efficiency. Additional information will be coming as schedules are established and design elements are complete.