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As we bid a fond farewell to the current Red Bank, let’s take a look at its history.
Red Bank first opened its doors to the public on September 14, 1991 (1). The idea behind Red Bank was to have a library that would serve the needs of the evolving west side. In particular, the University Village Shopping Center on the north side of the Lloyd Expressway was doing very well. Patrons could stop by the library during shopping trips. “It was really important for EVPL and for the expanding west side, and important to be where people are,” said EVPL Director of Public Services Nancy Higgs, who also served as Red Bank Branch Manager from 2005-2011.
According to Pam Locker, the first manager of EVPL Red Bank, a two-story design was proposed during the planning stages, and pillars were also considered. The library was designed by Rubert Condict and decorated by Charlene Buente. The total cost was $2.1 million in 1991, which would be $5 million today.
Red Bank was constructed on the former site of a house built in 1850 by Henry Tiemann, who was the grandfather of Jane Heneisen, library board member, and her twin sister, Luise Schnakenburg (2). The sisters donated a stained-glass window in the children’s area in memory of their mother. This window features a design inspired by the literary character of Heidi and has become one of the most recognized elements of Red Bank (3).
Other notable things about Red Bank included a large meeting room, named after then EVPL director Ed Howard, and a drive-up book return (4). This was the first drive-up return in the EVPL system and proved to be very popular. The quilt in the children’s department has also been a favorite decoration at the location. (5).
The library was popular from the very beginning; more than 350 people attended the opening day ceremonies. During its first two weeks of existence, Red Bank circulated more items than the West and Howell Branches combined did during the full month of September. Items circulated 81 times an hour at Red Bank, far outmatching 31 per hour at the West Branch and 13.5 per hour at the Howell Branch. Shortly after Red Bank’s opening, the Howell Branch closed. During its first year, Red Bank had the busiest Sundays of any library in the system, which supported the idea that patrons made the library part of their shopping trips.
EVPL Oaklyn Manager Becky Miller, who worked at Red Bank from 2000-2025, including the last three years as manager, said that Red Bank had a homey feel with its openness and light. Because of its location, patrons from Posey County, many of whom buy PLAC cards, use the library as well. During Red Bank’s long run, there have been many great children’s librarians, according to Higgs, and the children’s programming has been popular across generations (6-10).
Red Bank was part of the first group of EVPL libraries to host early voting in 2008, and patrons really took advantage, with lines stretching through the library and into the parking lot.
A common theme when talking to past and current Red Bank employees is that they felt that limited space has been an issue. Fortunately, plans for the new Red Bank have taken this into account, and it will be substantially bigger (approximately 20,000 square feet vs. the current 14,000 square feet), which will help continue the tradition of great services and programs.
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