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EVPL Red Bank is now closed to begin the work of constructing a new library for you! A temporary library location is planned to open nearby in early 2026.
You may use the drive-up book drop in the parking lot through the end of the year. After that, please return materials to another EVPL location until the temporary library location opens.
JUMP TO: Project Overview | Dates to Know | Saying Goodbye to EVPL Red Bank | EVPL Red Bank History
Project Overview
Renderings of the new building, courtesy of MKM architecture + design, will be shared soon. The new building will be approximately 20,000 square feet, feature multiple meeting and study rooms, dedicated programming spaces, and capacity for nearly 80,000 items.
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Dates to Know
- Friday, Dec. 5: Last day to pick up holds
- Thursday, Dec. 11 • 2:00 – 3:00 pm: Stories with Santa
- Thursday, Dec. 11 • 6:00 pm: Rebuild Information Session
- Friday, Dec. 12 • 9:00 – 6:00 pm: Last day of operation
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Saying goodbye to EVPL Red Bank
Patrons of EVPL Red Bank are encouraged to visit the location during this last month of operation. EVPL staff have planned several ways to commemorate time spent in the library and learn about the future of the location, including a full week of programs dedicated to saying goodbye to EVPL Red Bank.
Origami: Book-Page Butterflies
Transform old book pages into beautiful origami butterflies! Learn simple folding techniques, create your own set to take home, and explore a few bonus patterns. All supplies provided.
- Monday, Dec. 8 • 5:00 – 6:00 pm
’90s Party
Break out your flannel, neon, or your favorite ’90s character look! Join us for a totally nostalgic celebration featuring ’90s trivia, a timeline of pop-culture throwbacks, and plenty of retro fun. All ages welcome.
- Tuesday, Dec. 9 • 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Stained Glass Art Night
Create your own colorful “stained-glass” art using simple materials and vibrant designs. Then snap a picture with Heidi to show off your creation! This program is designed for all ages.
- Wednesday, Dec. 10 • 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Red Bank Piñata Demolition
Join us for a symbolic send-off: a miniature Red Bank piñata that everyone can take a swing at! Celebrate the end of an era as we look forward to the branch’s bright future.
- Friday, Dec. 12 • 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Make Your Farewell Mark on Red Bank
Help us say goodbye to the current EVPL Red Bank building before the rebuild by adding a message to our farewell wall and celebrating your memories of the space. A passive drop-in activity available all week.
- Monday, Dec. 8 – Friday, Dec. 12 • All day
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EVPL Red Bank History
The Red Bank Library building was dedicated on September 14, 1991, and underwent renovations in 2006. Over the years, this location has provided programs, materials, and offerings to hundreds of thousands of patrons of all ages. The Howard Room, the large meeting room, was named for Ed Howard, who spent 33 years as the head of the library system.
Rebuild Project FAQs
Why is a new building needed for EVPL Red Bank?
The need to increase the size and scale of EVPL Red Bank has been recognized for many years. EVPL Red Bank, which serves the western part of Vanderburgh County, was built in 1991 and was scaled to that area’s population at that time.
The West Side has changed substantially in those 34 years, and during the development of EVPL’s Master Facilities Plan, released in January 2022, it was determined that the current building is smaller in space and collections than what has been needed for many years.
When assessing the scope of this project, both an expansion and a rebuild were researched. An expansion of the current building would be almost as much as the rebuild due to issues within the current structure and what major renovations would be needed.
How much will the project cost, and how is it being paid for?
The project is being funded by a $12 million bond issuance, which was approved by the Library Board and the Evansville City Council in 2025. The project amount does not meet the threshold where taxpayers would vote on the project during an election. The bond issuance keeps the library’s debt service tax rate neutral. The percentage of the library’s debt service fund is not increasing.
The bond issuance was done by EVPL and is not funded by the city or the county. The library system has its own tax levy that is separate from the city and county budgets and operates independently with its own governing Board of Trustees per state statute.
What is the initial timeline for this project?
On Thursday, December 11, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm, library users can learn more about the project during an information session with MKM architecture + design and EVPL leadership at EVPL Red Bank.
Now through December 12, EVPL staff have planned several ways to commemorate time spent in the library and learn about the future of the location, including a full week of programs dedicated to saying goodbye to the current EVPL Red Bank.
Once the library closes December 12, staff will begin boxing up collections to prepare them for relocation to storage or to the temporary location being established, which is planned to open in early 2026.
The current site will be prepared for construction of the new building by first demolishing the existing facility; architectural and design plans will also be finalized during that time.
It is anticipated that the project will go out for bid in Spring 2026.
Is the Heidi (stained-glass) window moving to the new building?
While the Heidi window will not be part of the new Red Bank location, we are currently in discussions on how to commemorate, remember, rehouse, or repurpose the window. It is not the intent to have it demolished with the building.
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