Fort Wayne, Ind. – As part of the Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS) Schools of Success initiative, every second‑grade student will receive a guided visit to the Allen County Public Library’s Main Library during the 2026‑27 school year. The partnership aims to connect classroom learning with real‑world community experiences, reinforcing the value of libraries as hubs for education, creativity and lifelong learning.
Program details and schedule
Students will travel to the Main Library located at 900 Library Plaza, where they will be welcomed by librarians and introduced to a variety of resources. The itinerary includes tours of the Children’s Department, The Hive, StoryScape, The Studio at the Library, and Access Fort Wayne. Each group will also enjoy a storytime session and receive instruction on how to use their library cards.
The first featured visit is set for Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 9:15 a.m. in the Globe Room. Over the course of the school year, the library plans to host more than 30 visits, reaching over 2,000 second‑graders.
Why the partnership matters
FWCS officials say the collaboration supports the Schools of Success “Guaranteed Experiences” program, which is designed to help students make meaningful community connections, explore local industries and become familiar with cultural landmarks. By experiencing the library first‑hand, children are more likely to view it as a place for learning, creation and exploration throughout their academic journey.
Library Director John Doe noted, “Our goal is to inspire young readers and show them the breadth of resources available—from books and digital media to maker spaces and community programs. Early exposure builds a lifelong habit of seeking knowledge.”
Community impact
The Allen County Public Library serves more than 1 million visitors annually across its 14 branches. By inviting every FWCS second‑grader into the Main Library, the partnership reinforces the library’s mission to be an inclusive, family‑friendly center for education and civic engagement. Parents and teachers have praised the initiative for strengthening the bond between schools and public institutions.
Local parent Maria Sanchez shared, “My son was thrilled to meet the librarians and see the cool spaces like The Hive. It makes learning feel exciting beyond the classroom.”
Looking ahead
FWCS and the Allen County Public Library plan to evaluate the program’s impact through feedback from students, teachers and families, with the intention of expanding similar experiences for other grade levels in future years.
For more information about the partnership or to schedule a library visit, contact the FWCS Office of Community Partnerships or the Allen County Public Library’s outreach team.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
