The new entrance for the Fulton Library will be located off of West Dunn Street.

Text and Photos
By Libby Hubbard
InkFreeNews

FULTON COUNTY — Major renovation projects are underway within the Fulton County Public Library system, aiming to bring fresh life, safety improvements and enhanced usability to one of the county’s community hubs.

Library Director Andrea Roe recently shared an in-depth look into the project, which has been several years in the making, and is being funded by a 20-year, $2.8 million construction bond.

Library Director Andrea Roe standing in front of the current Teen Room, which is starting renovations, June 16.

The renovations come as part of the library’s long-term strategic plan developed in 2022 with the help of Rethinking Libraries, which included a facility assessment, visioning study, and community focus groups.

“This is the kind of work that doesn’t come around every year,” Roe said. “We’ve planned carefully and tried to be practical with every dollar. This isn’t about aesthetics; it’s about safety, function and visibility.”

Among the most urgent upgrades is the relocation of the Fulton branch entrance.

The current entrance faces SR 25, where children running to the doors have had dangerous close calls with traffic. The new entrance will be relocated to Dunn Street, with a better-marked entrance, and the circulation desk moved for improved visibility.

Other critical updates include a new HVAC system for the older side of the building; fresh paint and flooring; and a long-overdue overhaul of drainage in the parking lot at the Aubbeenaubbee branch, issues identified as safety hazards during planning.

“This project allows us to tackle everything at once,” Roe said. “We’re not just fixing things, we’re re-imagining the space for how people use the library today.”

A significant part of that vision includes elevating the Main Library’s creative and youth services. The hidden-away maker-space will be moved front and center, while the teen room is being expanded and reestablished for better access.

Roe emphasized that the changes are not cosmetic; they’re about making the library more inviting, inclusive and effective.

“There’s been this perception that the library raised people’s taxes,” Roe noted. “But the truth is, the bond only nudged the rate up by about half a penny. We’ve worked hard to stay fiscally responsible.”

The $2.8 million project is managed through a combination of local and professional partners, including Baker Tilly and Ice Miller as bond counsel. Permits and compliance are handled through a general contractor and architect to streamline the process.

The updates come at a time of legislative uncertainty for libraries across Indiana, with shifting local government funding policies and tax structures. Despite that, Roe is optimistic.

“We’re doing this for the long term. Libraries aren’t static, they evolve with their communities,” she said. “We’ve been thoughtful and careful, but also a little bold.”

Renovations are expected to continue into next year, with the final bond payment scheduled for January 2026.

Beginning on Monday, June 16, the Main Library’s entrance in Rochester will be closed, requiring patrons to enter through Fulton Avenue, until the construction ceases.

The Aubbeenaubbee branch in Leiters Ford was expected to close for bathroom renovations on Monday, June 9, with a re-opening set tentatively for the next Monday, June 16th.

Until then, Roe says visitors can expect some dust, but also a lot of progress.

All future library renovation updates can be found online at fulco.lib.in.us.