What Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library does

Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (EVPL) is the municipal public library system serving Evansville and Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Established as a government entity under Indiana library law, EVPL operates nine physical branches (EVPL Central, East, McCollough, North Park, Oaklyn, Red Bank, Red Bank Express, Stringtown, and West) distributed across the county, providing residents and property owners free access to physical and digital collections, programming for all age groups, and community services. The system serves primary segments of Children (0-11), Teens (12-18), and Adults (18+), with secondary support for special needs communities, local history researchers, and small businesses/job seekers, delivering a horizontal segment-coverage strategy through early literacy initiatives (1000 Books Before Kindergarten, 300 Books by 3rd Grade, Storytime), summer reading programs, business and job-seeker resources, and arts programming.

The platform architecture is built on a public catalog running on Aspen discovery, with mobile access delivered through a native iOS/Android app built on the Communico platform. Digital content distribution is achieved via integrations with Libby (Overdrive) for eBooks/audiobooks, Hoopla for streaming media, Kanopy for ad-free video, Comics Plus for graphic content, and Beanstack for reading challenge tracking. The Library of Things extends the lending portfolio beyond books to non-traditional items (kayaks, paddleboards, musical instruments, sensory items), and value-add facilities include the Maker Studio, Preservation Studio for digitization, Sensory Rooms, and meeting room reservations. Proprietary content assets include the Indiana Room, Digital Archive, and Oral History Archives preserving local heritage.

The business model is rooted in local property-tax funding through Vanderburgh County, supplemented by Public Library Access Card revenue ($70 in 2026 distributed via Indiana State Library), minimal card replacement fees ($1), and charitable donations through the affiliated EVPL Foundation (a 501(c)(3)). The go-to-market is dual-channel: a community-led motion with nine physical branches and outreach services, and a direct-to-consumer motion via free library cards accessible in-person or digitally. There are no traditional revenue-share mechanics, paid pricing tiers, or commercial monetization vehicles; standard library cards are free to county residents and property owners.

Name

Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library

Legal name

Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library

Website

https://evpl.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library is a municipal public library system serving Vanderburgh County, Indiana through nine physical branches, a unified Aspen-powered catalog, and digital platforms (Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, Comics Plus). It provides free books, programming, early literacy initiatives, business and genealogy resources, and community services funded primarily by local property taxes.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (519210)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC), Library Collections & Cataloging Services (Acquisitions, Metadata, Circulation) (EDAEAGAE), Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing) (EDAEAGAF), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Community education programs
• Digital lending platform
• Early literacy programs
• Local history archives

Headquarters

HQ city

Evansville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Tax Funding: As a public library system, EVPL is primarily funded through local property taxes paid by Vanderburgh County residents. This provides the core operational budget for all branches and services.
2. Public Library Access Card (PLAC): The PLAC program allows individuals to purchase a card ($70 annually in 2026) that enables borrowing from any public library in Indiana. Revenue is collected by the Indiana State Library and distributed back to libraries based on use.
3. EVPL Foundation Donations: The 501(c)(3) Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library Foundation accepts charitable donations to support initiatives, programs, and services. Foundation organizes book sales as primary fundraising activities.
4. Library Card Replacement Fees: $1 replacement fee for lost or damaged library cards. First replacement is provided free of charge.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library is a nine-branch public library system that provides free access to physical and digital lending collections, early literacy and reading programs, arts programming, maker spaces, local history archives, and community services (passport, notary, meeting rooms) to Vanderburgh County, Indiana residents. The library supplements in-branch services with mobile apps, digital content platforms (Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, Comics Plus), and the unique Library of Things lending program for non-traditional items such as kayaks, musical instruments, and sensory kits.

Product overview

Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (EVPL) is a nine-branch public library system serving Evansville and Vanderburgh County, Indiana. The system operates a unified service model combining physical branch locations with an integrated digital platform. The core offering centers on the Aspen-powered public catalog and digital collections accessible via Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, and Comics Plus. Supporting services include maker spaces (Maker Studio, Preservation Studio), early literacy programs (1000 Books Before Kindergarten, 300 Books by 3rd Grade, Storytime), reading challenges (Summer Reading Program, Annual Reading Challenge), the Arts at EVPL arts programming initiative, Library of Things lending, Digital Archive for local history, EVPL Academy for online learning, EVPL Extras discount and pass program, and community services such as notary, passport, and meeting room reservations. All services are accessed via the EVPL mobile app, the public website, or in-person at branch locations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EVPL Foundation: 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation established to support the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library through fundraising, events, and special initiatives including the SPEAK lecture series and arts programming.
• Check It Out With EVPL
• Our Summer Reading Program
• 1000 Books Before Kindergarten
• 300 Books by 3rd Grade

Products and services

• EVPL Mobile App Native mobile application for iOS and Android enabling cardholders to access the library catalog, manage accounts, browse events, and use library services on mobile devices. Built on the Communico platform.
• Digital Catalog (Aspen) Online Aspen-powered catalog for searching physical and digital collections, placing holds, managing accounts, and browsing library materials. Accessible at catalog.evpl.org.
• Digital Collections (Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, Comics Plus) Digital content platforms offering eBooks, audiobooks, magazines (Libby); music, movies, TV shows (Hoopla); ad-free video streaming (Kanopy); and comics/graphic novels (Comics Plus), all accessible with an EVPL library card.
• Library of Things Unique lending service offering non-traditional items including kayaks, paddleboards, musical instruments, video games, kitchen equipment, art supplies, sensory items, and STEAM kits, available for checkout with a signed waiver.
• EVPL Maker Studio Technology and maker space providing access to creation tools, technology assistance, and hands-on learning experiences for library patrons.
• Preservation Studio Specialized studio for preservation services, digitization of materials, and archival support for local history and special collections.
• Storytime Programs Early literacy programs including Baby & Me, Storytime, Play & Learn, and Digital Storytimes on YouTube, designed to build foundational reading skills through reading, singing, talking, playing, and writing.
• 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Early literacy initiative encouraging families to read 1,000 books before kindergarten. Tracked through Beanstack with milestone patches at 100, 250, 500, 750, and 1,000 books. Funded by Evansville Promise Neighborhood.
• 300 Books by 3rd Grade Reading program supporting children from kindergarten through 3rd grade to read 300 books, with progress tracked via Beanstack or paper log and milestone buttons awarded at 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 books.
• EVPL Academy Online learning platform providing tutorials and courses on using EVPL databases, research tools, and software applications, accessible via Niche Academy.
• Digital Archive Online repository of digitized local history materials, historical newspapers, photographs, and recorded testimonials preserving Evansville and Vanderburgh County heritage.
• Indiana Room Local history and genealogy research center providing access to historical records, census data, newspaper archives, and specialized collections documenting Evansville and Indiana history.
• Library Card Services Multiple library card tiers: Standard (free for Vanderburgh County residents), Courtesy EVPL Card (for non-residents enrolled/employed in county), Limited EVPL Card (temporary housing), eAccess Card (student/business/general), and PLAC ($70/year, statewide borrowing across Indiana public libraries).
• EVPL To Go Curbside pickup service allowing patrons to reserve materials online and retrieve them without entering the library.
• Meeting Room Reservations Bookable community meeting, program, and event spaces at all EVPL locations, reservable through rooms.evpl.org.
• The Arts at EVPL Arts programming initiative sponsored by the EVPL Foundation featuring visual arts exhibits, literary arts events, performing arts, culinary arts, and the SPEAK explorative lecture series.
• Our Summer Reading Program Annual summer reading celebration featuring 600+ programs across all branches, with reading logs, prizes, and registration/completion rewards for all ages. Themed '250 Years of History' for Summer 2026.
• Annual Reading Challenge Year-round community reading challenge encouraging patrons to read and track books monthly for prize drawings, with prizes awarded in five age categories at all locations.
• Check It Out With EVPL Podcast Library podcast featuring staff book recommendations, book talks, and community highlights, with new episodes released on the first and third Monday of each month on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
• EVPL Extras! Initiative providing library cardholders access to discounts and free passes beyond traditional lending, including museum passes (Evansville Museum, Wartime Museum, Mesker Park Zoo), Wesselman Woods passes, and business discounts.

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Azzip PizzaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Summer reading program prize sponsor for Our Summer 2026: 250 Years of History celebration.
• Be Happy Pie CompanyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Summer reading program prize sponsor for Our Summer 2026: 250 Years of History celebration.
• Crumbl CookiesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Summer reading program prize sponsor for Our Summer 2026: 250 Years of History celebration.
• Dig 'N Roll Indoor PlaygroundminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Summer reading program prize sponsor and pass provider for Our Summer 2026: 250 Years of History celebration.
• Donut BankminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Summer reading program prize sponsor for Our Summer 2026: 250 Years of History celebration.
• Evansville Philharmonic OrchestraminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Summer reading program prize sponsor and arts programming partner for Our Summer 2026 celebration.
• Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure ParkminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Summer reading program prize sponsor providing passes for Our Summer 2026: 250 Years of History celebration.
• Franklin LanesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Summer reading program prize sponsor providing passes for Our Summer 2026: 250 Years of History celebration.
• University of Evansville AthleticsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Summer reading program prize sponsor for Our Summer 2026: 250 Years of History celebration.
• University of Evansville TheatreminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Summer reading program prize sponsor and arts programming partner for Our Summer 2026 celebration.
• Wesselman WoodscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Provides nature preserve passes as prizes for summer reading and ongoing library cardholder benefits.
• Evansville Museum of Arts, History, & SciencecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership provides family museum passes available for checkout from EVPL. The museum has a permanent collection of over 50,000 items and programs for all ages.
• Evansville Wartime MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily passes to the museum can be checked out from EVPL. Pass includes general admission for up to two adults and two children, excluding special event days.
• Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic GardencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily zoo passes available for checkout through EVPL's Library of Things program.
• Wesselman Woods Nature PreservecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily passes for Wesselman Woods can be borrowed from EVPL. Passes can be used year-round to explore the nature preserve.
• Indiana Arts CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEVPL Foundation is the Indiana Arts Commission Region 10 (Greater Evansville Area) Regional Arts Partner. Partners work alongside the IAC to promote and expand arts participation in Indiana.
• Vanderburgh County Schools (pre-K-12)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSchool partnerships for Student eAccess card distribution, making digital library resources available to students at partner schools.
• Local Businesses (Library Card Discount Program)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPilot initiative partnering with local businesses to offer discounts or special offers to EVPL cardholders showing their library card.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Indiana State Library: Statewide library agency that administers the PLAC program EVPL participates in; broader institution with statewide scope rather than municipal services.
• Library of Congress: National library with broader archival, research, and legislative functions; relevant as a major incumbent in the broader library/archive space though it does not compete for municipal lending.

Direct peers

• Allen County Public Library: Fort Wayne-based public library system serving Allen County with 14 branches, robust programming, and digital services — comparable Indiana municipal library with similar multi-branch service model.
• Louisville Free Public Library: Kentucky-Indiana border metropolitan public library system with multiple branches, similar programming breadth, and tax funding — directly comparable municipal public library.
• St. Louis County Library: Regional public library system serving St. Louis County, Missouri with 20 branches and similarly broad programming and digital lending — direct regional peer of comparable scale.
• Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library: Large Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana tri-state metro library system with 41 branches, strong digital offerings, and comparable community programming — peer at slightly larger but comparable scale.
• Indianapolis Public Library: Indiana's largest municipal public library system serving Marion County with multiple branches, digital lending, community programming, and tax funding — the closest direct peer to EVPL within Indiana.

Others

• OverDrive / Libby: Primary digital lending platform that EVPL and most U.S. public libraries depend on; an enabling ecosystem vendor rather than a competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/evplVideos
• Facebookfacebook.com/EVPLibrary
• Instagraminstagram.com/evplibrary
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/evansville-vanderburgh-public-library

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library