elkhart Archives

No matter the circumstances, Bill Phillips was always going to work.   During World War II, he trained in a segregated unit. As the civil rights movement unfolded in the 1960s, he earned a historic seat on the Elkhart City Council. In an era when quality jobs were difficult to get, he rose to vice president of the local bank.  Every step of the way, […]

The most festive time of the year is full of opportunities for family fun and bonding. Elkhart Public Library is hosting many great programs and events to get you into the holiday spirit or to get out of the house during winter break. Ongoing events • Now through Dec. 20, Pierre Moran and Dunlap host […]

When the Book Bus rolls up to a stop, kids know they’re in for a treat. When the door slides open, excitement builds as kids climb the steps to pick out a free book.  Each book taken makes a lasting impact. Children in the Elkhart area took home over 4,000 books in 2025 from dozens […]

October is full of fun with plenty of opportunities to get crafty, have fun and celebrate all things spooky. Elkhart Public Library is hosting activities for families and children throughout the month for the fall season. All month longDía de los Muertos Ofrenda – Pierre Moran and downtown – Leave an item, picture or note […]

Laurenne Hamlin worries about how her daughter will adjust to fifth grade at Concord Intermediate School. It’s what parents do.  But as a school counselor at CIS, Laurenne helps students make the transition and reassures moms and dads their kids will be just fine.  “That’s what we try to talk to parents about,” she says. […]

By: Krystal Keagle The thought of reading 1,000 books in three years can seem daunting — until you remember that it’s 1,000 children’s books. I signed Maya up for the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program at the Elkhart Public Library when she was about 5 months old. I downloaded the Beanstack app and started logging books […]

Kim Shearer says her library branch is as familiar as an old sitcom.  “It feels like ‘Cheers’ when we walk in here. Everyone knows our name here,” she says. “We’ve been coming to programs since (my kids) were in diapers, (and staff) remember them.”  In addition to friendly service at the Cleveland Branch of Elkhart […]

Activities, parties and more are part of the fun in October for Halloween and autumn celebrations. Elkhart Public Library is hosting events for the whole family. We’ve rounded them all up here, plus other local events, and will continue to update it with local trick-or-treat times. Stay tuned. Monday, Oct. 16 Pierre Moran Branch will […]

Less stress. Help for families. Energizing a love of reading.  In February 2022, Elkhart Public Library went fine free. The reason? Everyone should have access to books and resources, and one mistake shouldn’t punish anyone for years.  Since then, at least 1,400 people come back to the library. About 23 percent of accounts that previously […]