Elkhart Public Library - Downtown Branch

You can reserve meeting rooms online at myepl.org/meeting-rooms or in person. You must be at least 18 years old and have an Elkhart Public Library card in good standing. Meeting rooms vary in size and are available for community groups, businesses, and organizations. Reservations are subject to availability and library policies.

Yes! Street parking is available around the Downtown branch at 300 S. Second Street in downtown Elkhart. Additional public parking is available in the downtown area. Please note that parking availability may be limited during busy periods or downtown events.

The Downtown branch offers a free STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) lab with hands-on kits and activities for kids to explore and learn. Children can experiment with robotics, building projects, art activities, and more. The STEAM lab encourages creative learning and discovery in a fun, supportive environment.

Yes! The Downtown branch houses rare and unique materials in our local history collection that are only available for viewing at this location. These include historical publications like "Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties" (1893) and historical atlases. Contact our Reference Department at 574-522-5669 for information about accessing these materials.

Absolutely! The Downtown branch features multiple quiet areas, especially on the upper floors, perfect for studying, reading, or working. We also have study rooms and comfortable seating throughout the building. Whether you need complete silence or a peaceful atmosphere, you'll find the right space at our main location.

Visit the Downtown branch's second floor where reference librarians can help you search our local obituary database (dating back to 1921) and Elkhart Truth newspaper archives. We also provide access to digital resources including NewspaperArchive and the Elkhart Truth online archive. Stop by or call 574-522-5669 for research assistance.

The Downtown branch is our main location and flagship facility, offering the most extensive collection of materials, specialized resources like genealogy and local history archives, reference librarians for in-depth research assistance, the STEAM lab, larger meeting rooms, and rare materials only available at this location. It serves as the central hub for Elkhart Public Library's services.