Library leaders describe Whitestone branch growth, Zionsville services and fundraising plans

The library’s Whitestone branch, which opened in April 2024, has exceeded expectations and is drawing regular use from residents across the county, library representatives told the Boone County Council.

The report, delivered by library representatives Mr. Capper and Ms. Jones, said Whitestone offers amenities not available at the Zionsville branch, including an interactive children’s wall described as a light-bright–style display and a sound recording studio. “It’s been very, very well received,” Mr. Capper said of the Whitestone opening.

Why it matters: county officials said the branches provide both cultural services and practical community space. The Zionsville branch also served as a voting center during the primary and general elections, the presenters said, and the library’s bookmobile has reached assisted-living facilities and outlying residential areas.

Presenters said routine programs and new spaces are producing strong participation: a long-running holiday “snowflake shop” fundraiser drew hundreds of children — including some driving 20–30 miles to attend — and both branches’ maker studios report regular use for activities ranging from 3-D printing to knitting.

The library representatives announced a fundraiser scheduled for the evening of March 22 at the Whitestone branch with the theme “Color Our World,” timed to support the summer reading program. They said the event will include food, music and an auction and that organizers will seek sponsorships from local businesses and groups; start time was described as between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., with final details still being finalized.

The presenters also raised a procedural security concern: when picking up periodic disbursements from the county, library staff have received large, six-figure checks without being asked for identification. The presenters recommended the county consider electronic deposit procedures for those disbursements to reduce the risk of fraud or theft.

County staff responded that the county does not currently use ACH for settlement of those funds because settlement reporting to the state is required twice a year, and that existing pickup procedures rely on known, recurring pick-up designees. Councilmembers asked county staff to follow up about maintaining a pickup list and whether occasional positive identification could be required.

The council thanked the presenters and encouraged colleagues and members of the public to visit the Whitestone facility.