A third branch of the local public library is now in the planning stages and could be opened within a few short years.
The Fishers Public Library is a part of the Hamilton East Public Library (HEPL) system which currently consists of a branch in Fishers and a branch in Noblesville. The plan is to expand this to a third branch located on the East side of the cities. This would be near the border off of Olio Road between 146th Street and 156th Street. This location is about equal distance for the existing two branches and would provide a branch located where a lot of the current growth is within the area. HEPL already owns the roughly 10 acres of land, and the preliminary public hearings are already happening.
This new branch would be a smaller location aimed to supplement what is already provided by the two main branches.
The Plan for a New Branch
The idea of a new branch is not new. The library took initial steps in February of 2024 when they started the process and then created a planning committee. They selected Veridus Advisors to help plan the project. In June through October of 2024, Veridus conducted demographic analysis. The results showed that the current library branches were too far for many residents of Fishers and Noblesville. The recommendation presented was to use the Olio Road property to build a new branch.
At the beginning of 2025 the library conducted focus groups, coordinated with legal and financial advisors, and did a study to determine feasibility. From April to June of 2025 the library did an RFPQ for architectural services. Services were acquired and between July of 2025 and April of 2026 a floor plan and conceptual renders were created. The first preliminary meeting occurred in April and the second in May.
In talking with the library director, construction could begin soon and the new branch could be open within two years.
What’s Coming In the New Branch?
Of course, what most people are interested in knowing is what will the new branch include and what will it look like. The plans include stages of development. This helps keep the project manageable and avoids the need to increase taxes. Within the first stage, the focus will be on creating the library branch itself and the parking. Future phases will focus on providing outdoor amenities including an activity lawn, a performance area, a play area, a shelter, and an open meadow.
The library building itself will be a smaller branch, so don’t expect large buildings like the current Fishers and Noblesville branches. Even so, that doesn’t mean it will lack. It will include a program room as well standard areas for adult, children, and young adult books and resources. There will also be a children’s program area. A number of tables and study areas should be available throughout the branch as well. A preliminary drawing of the planned interior has been provided:
Paying for the Library Branch
HEPL is currently doing preliminary hearings around the funding of the new branch. A bond will be used with a a maximum maturity of 20 years and a maximum principal amount of $20,605,000. The library’s current Debt Service Fund tax rate is $0.0168. After the bonds are issued, the Debt Service Fund levy will increase to a maximum of $0.0179. It was indicated this will not cause any increase to the current rate, thus no new tax to fund this branch.
Conclusion
The addition of the third branch aligns with the growth happening in Fishers and Noblesville. The location balances out access across the area. With the library focused on not increasing taxes and with the second preliminary meeting happening today, the process is moving forward and moving quickly. The recent renovations at the current branches have pretty much concluded, so it seems like a perfect time to forge ahead with a new branch. The current public library branches are an amazing resource within our community. A third branch only expands on this!
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