Garfield Park Branch Library

Thanks to a generous grant, the Shelby Branch Library will begin a renovation project in July of 2011 which will greatly improve services to the community at large, as well as allowing the branch to implement energy efficient upgrades to the building. When it reopens, it will be renamed the Garfield Park Branch Library.

New features to the branch will include:

• A new computer lab with 21 public PCs
• A dormer window to increase access to natural lighting
• Upgrades to a more energy efficient heating and air conditioning system
• Improved lighting controls to allow better utilization of natural light and reduced energy usage
• Installation of rain barrels to utilize rain water for maintenance of landscaping
• Creation of composting bins for maintenance of landscaping

The original Shelby Branch opened on September 9, 1918 when the south side was still mainly farmland. The library was first housed in the old District School No. 34 at 2359 Shelby Street.

After moving into temporary housing in 1964 while a new 6,400 square-foot building was constructed, the branch first opened on November 8, 1965 adjacent to the Garfield Park Conservatory, at 2502 Shelby. It is open 6 days a week and serves a lively, diverse population on the south side of Indianapolis.