The Syracuse Public Library will host  the documentary “Free for All: The Public Library” from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, in the downstairs meeting room.

Filmmakers Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor turn the cameras on America’s beloved public institution — the library — and the dramatic human stories unfolding within it.

After the film, we’ll hold a Q&A session with SPL Executive Director Kim Blaha and SPL Assistant Director Megan Daumen. Blaha will also share updates on the library's building project.

Brew City Roasting Company will provide lemonade and pastries during this special event.

In 2025, families will share one card. Teens can have their own card if they are the only child in the family. This change is to allow us to stretch the Fairfield Literacy Fund further. This program is for children, preschool through 12th grade for the 2025-2026 school year.

​To register, parents should bring proof of residency in one of the three townships. All summer library cards expire on Aug. 31. The last day to register for a card is Aug. 1.

Syracuse Public Library's seed library is now available upstairs! Each family can “check out” 10 seed packets — only 1 packet per seed variety (ex. one type of carrot). These are checkouts that you don't have to worry about returning.

Don’t have a library card? You can still “check out” seeds; we have a special library card for the seed library.

Patrons can sign in to it with their Evergreen account at syracuse.evergreenindiana.org. ASPEN allows for better filtering of search results and will even show you what is available on the Libby and Hoopla apps.

Watch for Sarah’s videos introducing ASPEN and its features on the library’s social media accounts! (The first one is below!)

Libraries remain gateways to knowledge that are not barred by a price tag. In fact, libraries are one of the few places people can enter without the expectation of having to buy something. Even Starbucks recently rolled back the use of its space or restrooms without making a purchase.

Libraries are much more than books. They offer community through free programming, early education opportunities, quiet meeting areas, helpful librarians and outreach. Libraries also connect people of all economic backgrounds to technology and so many other resources.

In 2024, 5,245 people attended the Syracuse library’s programs. The library made 160 deliveries to homebound patrons who cannot visit. Its public computers were used 3,058 times, allowing people to apply for jobs, file taxes, fill out important documents, conduct business or simply stay in touch with friends and family.

Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library has seen a 24.25% increase in checkouts from 2022 to 2024. In 2024, its patrons checked out a total of 89,810 materials — that figure is greater than the entire population of Bloomington, Ind., which was 78,840 people in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Children alone checked out 33,297 books! Of that total, digital material checkouts through the Libby and Hoopla apps made up only 26.71% — or 23,810 — of SPL’s total borrows. Our hotspots also remain popular with 246 borrows. During its first full year, our new board game collections saw 128 borrows.

Syracuse Public Library continues to seek new ways to engage and support the community in its endeavors of lifelong learning.

In celebration of National Library Lovers Month, library staff have created “little staff libraries” filled with books they love and recommend. Patrons are encouraged to browse their little libraries and check out their contents with their library cards. Also, watch the library’s social media pages for an upcoming Library Lovers giveaway. We'll also have special bookmarks with librarian recommendations and to-be-reads.

For those who live in Syracuse or Turkey Creek Township, there has never been a better month to sign up for a library card and find your community.

Both concepts show the possibility of a 14,568-square-foot library structure on the 705 N. Dolan Drive. The concepts feature study spaces, meeting rooms that could be accessed after library hours, a central circulation desk, a quiet reading space, and more.
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Attendees were able to provide feedback on the concepts for future refinements. Going forward, there will be additional meetings where the community will be encouraged to attend. Currently, community members can ask to see the concepts at the adult and children desks. The concepts are not final designs.

The workshop examined what elements could fit in a new library built on the Dolan Street Property. Attendees were encouraged to dream during the session, and there were some cool features, including a business center with a laminator; a fenced in space for children to enjoy; a meeting space that the public could use (including after library hours); and private study rooms. Becky’s Garden could also be expanded and feature a calming walkway. There would also be outdoor spaces designed for different age groups — adults, too!
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There are no finalized designs. The architects at Arkos Design will take information gleaned at the workshop and further refine it. SPL will hold additional meetings that will be open to the public. Watch for news on SPL’s website.

As the project develops, follow its progress at https://www.syracuse.lib.in.us/building-project.html.

These cards are made possible by the Fairfield Schools Literacy Fund, created by an anonymous donor who wanted to stop the summer slide for students living in the Fairfield Schools district. Families and children can sign up for a card any time from May 1-Aug. 1, with cards all expiring on Aug. 31.

Children, ages birth to entering 12th grade in 2024, who live in either Benton, Clinton, or Jackson townships. The Fund is only available to children.

​Home-schooled children who live in Benton, Clinton, or Jackson townships also qualify for a free summer library card.

This native plant memorial garden will honor long-time Syracuse Public Library librarian Becky Brower's passion for the natural world, particularly native plants and pollinators. Through its creation, we will continue to spread awareness for the valuable role played by native plants and hopefully encourage a greater appreciation for them within the community.

The Becky's Garden web page will chronicle the garden's progress and provide educational resources for those wanting to learn more about its plants and native plants and animals in general,

People can bring the plants In the Garden has confirmed they want to the library either a few days before the planting (May 23) or on the day of the planting. Please be sure to email Sarah so we know what to expect.

In the Garden is also seeking rock donations to create bee habitats for our native burrowing bees like the bumble bee! Once again, email Sarah and let us know what you have.