EVPL Oaklyn Renovation Celebration to take place Friday

Evansville – EVPL Oaklyn’s renovation project is nearly complete, and the community is invited to see the updates and upgrades at the location’s Renovation Celebration this Friday, July 17, from 4:00 – 5:30 pm.

The open house event will feature activities throughout the building, including a scavenger hunt to encourage exploration of new and renovated spaces. Creative projects, robot programming and play, oversized games, and refreshments will also be part of the celebration.  After the event, Darabello will perform from 6-7 p.m. as part of EVPL’s Concerts on the Lawn series, a Performing Arts Experience sponsored by the EVPL Foundation. 

“Since the facility opened in 2003, the needs of EVPL Oaklyn patrons have evolved, and we wanted to make updates to the building and outdoor features that would help us meet those needs now and for years to come,” said Scott Kinney, CEO, EVPL.

Some of the key features of the renovation include expanding the library’s meeting room and adding three additional small group rooms, a sensory room, and a family restroom. New outdoor features, including a performance area on the patio and meadow activity pavilions, have also been added.  Updated flooring, new furniture, energy-efficient lighting, and fresh paint were also part of the renovations.    

EVPL Oaklyn opened 23 years ago, replacing the former building nearby at the intersection of Oak Hill and Lynch Road. Built nearly completely underground beneath a living native meadow roof, the library has attracted regional and national interest from architects and library planners.

The recent renovations began in August 2025 and have been completed in phases to help minimize disruption of services. The library was completely closed for only two weeks of the entire renovation process. 

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