Willard Public Library - The Oldest Public Library in Evansville
This library has history! Dating back to August 23, 1876, Willard Carpenter sent a letter to library trustees outlining his plans for “The Willard Library”. That same day, Willard and Lucina Carpenter deeded the land the library would sit on to the library trustees, and on March 28, 1885, Willard Public Library held its opening ceremonies.
In 1972 Willard Library was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the same year, the “Friends of Willard Library” was formed to promote awareness of all that the library has to offer, increase financial support, and sponsor cultural programs for the community.
Willard Public Library Today
Today, patrons of the library take advantage of what was started in 1876. Since then, the library has expanded 8,000 square feet below ground to store library archives and open a gallery capable of seating 150 people. In 2015, the expansion was opened to the public, attracting visitors from around the nation. Now, the Willard Library provides services to help people of all ages to learn and grow.
Programs and Services at Willard Library
Children’s Events and Services
Sometimes you just need to get out of the house! The Willard Library regularly hosts children's events that are designed to create lifelong readers.
- Access thousands of print, audio and eBooks
- Access eBooks, audio books & magazines on the Libby app
- Attend a virtual author talk
- Dive into the archives of historic photos
- Uncover the past with the help of the genealogy and local history department
Willard Library is located at 21 First Avenue in Evansville, Indiana. To learn more about the fascinating history of Willard Library, and to search the library catalog, visit their website.
Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library
The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (EVPL) has 8 convenient locations around the Evansville area. The EVPL encourages everyone to be curious and get involved!
No matter what side of town you live on, there’s an EVPL near you! For information, addresses, and operating hours for all 8 locations, visit their website.
Programs and Services at the EVPL
Children’s Events and Services - Ages 0-5
The EVPL knows that literacy skills are built early! For parents that need to get out of the house, or are looking for other ways to enrich their little one’s lives, these events are for you!
- Storytime, rhymes, and songs
- Play n’ Learn
- Baby n’ Me (ages 0-23 months)
- Pre-K Science
- Scavenger Hunts
Children’s Events and Services - Ages 6-11
For kids in Elementary School, The EVPL has programs and events to open their minds and keep them active.
- Family Dancing Night
- Reading with a Therapy Dog
- Take-Home Science Activities
- Crafts
- Movie Nights
- STEAM Club
- And more
Young Adults Events and Services - Ages 12-18
Programs for young adults are designed to help teens unwind and reinforce what they learn at school.
- Drawing Club
- Teen Quiet Space
- Board Game Drop-in
- Robotics Drop-in
- Chess Time
- Teen Gaming
- And more
For adults 18+, the EVPL has it all!
- Family Movie Night
- Walking Club
- Book Clubs
- Yoga
- Trivia
- Tech Time - for any questions about technology and devices
- Digital Archive - people, places, and things around Evansville
- And much more
On top of the EVPL’s extensive catalog of books, you can rent DVDs, CDs, and even a lawnmower from the “Library of Things”!
Newburgh Chandler Public Library
The Newburgh Chandler Public Library (NCPL) has 3 branches in Newburgh and Chandler, just minutes from Evansville. These libraries are fantastic places for quiet study, reading, and research.
For NCPL branch addresses and operating hours, and to view their upcoming events and current library catalog, visit their website!
Programs and Services at the NCPL
Along with their expansive catalog of books, there are children, teen, and adult activities every month.
Children's Events and Services:
The Children’s area at the Newburgh Bell Road Branch has a colorful and inviting children’s section that’s perfect for reading time with your little ones.
NCPL children’s events include:
- Storytime
- Mess Makers - play with art supplies
- Pajama Storytime
The Teen department at NCPL is packed with awesome events!
- De-stress: Be a Kid Again
- Anime Club
- Study Time
- Seasonal Crafts
- LEGOs
- Teen area in the library with desks and computers
For adults, the NCPL is THE place for learning new technology and meeting new friends!
- NCPL Makerspace Lab - 3D printing 3D laser printing, Cricut, Sewing Machine, Laminator
- Meeting rooms to host small gatherings and celebrations
- NCPL Library of Things
- Craft and Stitch Club
- Book Clubs
Find Your Next Obsession at an Evansville Region Library
Public libraries in the Evansville Region have all the resources you need for learning, studying, researching, meeting new friends, and finding your new favorites. You’re sure to find books, programs, and services that will interest you!
