Wabash Carnegie Public Library
Wabash Carnegie Public Library is a nonprofit public library in Wabash, Indiana, serving local residents with 85,000+ physical items, digital lending via Hoopla and Libby, genealogy research, and community programming across all age groups.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1903
- HeadquartersWabash, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Wabash Carnegie Public Library does
Wabash Carnegie Public Library (WCPL) is a nonprofit public library serving Wabash, Indiana and surrounding communities, operating from a 1903 Carnegie-funded Neo-Classical limestone building expanded to 21,156 square feet in 2024. The library provides free access to a collection of over 85,000 physical items including books, music CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks, supplemented by digital lending platforms Hoopla and Libby/Overdrive, and specialized research databases including Ancestry Library Edition, Heritage Quest, MyHeritage, ProQuest Newspaper Archive, and Chilton Library for automotive repair. Programs span all age groups, including the annual Summer Reading challenge (tracked via Beanstack), Teen Book Drop monthly curated deliveries, StoryWalk outdoor reading trail, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, and adult readers' advisory services, supported by genealogy research assistance and community event programming.
The library operates on a publicly funded model with revenue derived primarily from local tax appropriations and supplemented by nominal fees for printing ($0.10-$0.20 per side), faxing ($1.00 per sheet), and StoryWalk sponsorships at $80 per month. Core technology infrastructure relies on third-party platforms: Polaris for catalog management, Hoopla for digital media streaming including BingePass, Libby/Overdrive for ebooks and audiobooks, and Beanstack for reading challenge tracking. Distribution occurs through a single physical location, an online catalog, and state-level interlibrary loan participation via INSPIRE (Indiana's statewide digital library consortium) and the Statewide Remote Circulation Service.
The library is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by multiple local governmental bodies and employs approximately 13 staff including an Executive Director, Business Manager, Community Outreach Manager, and specialized librarians for Youth, Adult, and Technical Services. The organization is currently in leadership transition, with the Board actively interviewing candidates to replace Director Debra Greenacre, and faces an operational supply-chain challenge as longtime book supplier Baker & Taylor is expected to close by year-end. Marketing and engagement are delivered across Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, a podcast, and SMS text alerts.
Wabash Carnegie Public Library firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Wabash Carnegie Public Library
- Legal name
- Wabash Carnegie Public Library
- Website
- https://wabash.lib.in.us
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1903
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Wabash Carnegie Public Library is a nonprofit public library in Wabash, Indiana, serving local residents with 85,000+ physical items, digital lending via Hoopla and Libby, genealogy research, and community programming across all age groups.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Wabash Carnegie Public Library industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Library Services
- NAICS
- Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL)
Keywords
Where Wabash Carnegie Public Library is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Wabash
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Wabash Carnegie Public Library business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others
Revenue model
- Public Library Funding: Publicly funded library supported by local tax revenue and government appropriations. Services are free to the public. Some nominal fees charged for printing, copying, faxing, and genealogy research requests.
- Fee-based Services: Printing and copying services (B&W $0.10 per side, Color $0.20 per side), faxing ($1.00 per sheet), and genealogy research requests (free unless copies or postage required).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Monthly | Free Library Services - Standard patron access to books, media, digital content, programs, and community resources |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Printing and Copying Services |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Fax Services |
| Other | Monthly | StoryWalk Sponsorship |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Wabash Carnegie Public Library product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Wabash Carnegie Public Library is a nonprofit public library providing free access to physical and digital collections, including 85,000+ books, music, DVDs, and downloadable content, alongside digital lending through Hoopla and Libby platforms. It delivers community programming for all ages (storytimes, Teen Book Drop, Summer Reading, adult readers' advisory), genealogy research services using Ancestry and related databases, and ancillary services such as printing, copying, faxing, notary, room reservations, and interlibrary loan. Services are free to patrons with a library card, with sponsorship and small fees covering supplementary offerings.
Product overview
Wabash Carnegie Public Library provides comprehensive public library services to the Wabash, Indiana community through a combination of physical collections and digital resources. The library operates as a single public library system with diverse service offerings including traditional lending (85,000+ physical items), digital media through Hoopla and Libby platforms, genealogy research services with multiple databases, and extensive programming for all ages. Key products include the Teen Book Drop monthly curated book service, StoryWalk outdoor reading trail, Summer Reading Program through Beanstack, and specialized collections like Ancestry.com Library Edition and Chilton Library for automotive repair information. Additional services include printing/copying/fax, notary public, room reservations, interlibrary loan, text alerts, and the Dial-a-Story recording service. The library serves children, teens, and adults through dedicated sections including a Children's Room and Young Adult space, with programming managed by specialized librarians.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Physical Library Collections Traditional physical library lending collection of over 85,000 items including books, music CDs, audiobooks on CD, DVDs, and large print materials, available to patrons with a library card.
- Hoopla Digital Digital media streaming and lending platform offering ebooks, audiobooks, music, movies, TV shows, comics, and magazines, with BingePass for 7-day unlimited streaming access to collections like Curiosity Stream.
- Libby (Overdrive) E-book and audiobook lending platform providing access to digital reading content through the patron's library card.
- Genealogy and Local History Research Genealogy research services including access to Ancestry Library Edition, Heritage Quest, MyHeritage, ProQuest Newspaper Archive, Find-a-Grave, microfilm records of local newspapers dating back to 1848, marriage records, and yearbooks.
- Teen Book Drop (Teen Book Bags) Monthly curated book delivery service for teens and kids with personalized book selections based on patron questionnaire preferences, delivered monthly or bi-monthly.
- StoryWalk Outdoor reading activity placing children's storybooks along a walking route at Paradise Springs Riverwalk Trail, with monthly rotating books and $80/month sponsorship availability.
- Summer Reading Program Annual reading challenge program running June 8 – July 19, 2026 with theme 'Unearth A Story,' where patrons log reading minutes through Beanstack to earn prizes across all age groups.
- Printing, Copy, Scan and Fax Services Document services including black and white copies at $0.10 per side, color copies at $0.20 per side, free scanning to email and USB, fax services at $1.00 per sheet, and wireless printing via airprinter.com.
- Notary Public Services Notary services for official document witnessing and notarization (currently unavailable).
- Room Reservation Meeting and study room reservation system for community groups and events, available through cybrarian3.com.
- Interlibrary Loan Materials borrowing service through Statewide Remote Circulation Service and Indiana Share program, enabling patrons to request items from other Indiana libraries.
- Public Computer and Internet Access Public computers with internet access available for patron use, including access to specialized databases like Ancestry Library Edition.
- Reference and Research Databases Online research resources including INSPIRE (Indiana's virtual library), NoveList K-8 Plus, World Book Kids, Chilton Library for automotive repair, Newsbank, Salem Press, and Gale databases.
- 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Early literacy program encouraging families to read 1000 books with children before kindergarten, managed through the Beanstack platform.
- The Bookmark Podcast Library podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Pocket Casts delivering book recommendations and library news.
- Text Alerts SMS-based notification system for library program announcements and library closing alerts.
- Dial-a-Story Phone-based story recording service accessible at 260-274-8400, allowing community members to record stories for library patrons.
- Teen Programming and Events Teen-focused events including craft nights, hangouts, Summer Reading Challenge participation, and book discussions, managed by the Young Adult Librarian.
- Adult Readers' Advisory and Book Clubs Adult readers' advisory including book bags, curated lists, book clubs, history explorations, and craft nights.
- Book Request Services Patron-driven collection development allowing requests for physical books, Overdrive/Libby ebooks and audiobooks, and interlibrary loan items.
Companies that use Wabash Carnegie Public Library
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Wabash Carnegie Public Library technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Wabash Carnegie Public Library partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Hoopla (hoopladigital.com)coreDigital content platform partnership providing unlimited streaming of movies, TV shows, music, ebooks, and audiobooks. Includes BingePass for 7-day unlimited access to collections like Curiosity Stream and magazines. Single borrow provides 7 days of access.
- Libby/OverdrivecorePrimary ebook and audiobook lending platform. Patrons access digital collection through library card. Available via libbyapp.com.
- BeanstackcoreReading challenge and tracking platform used for Summer Reading and Winter Reading programs. Patrons log reading minutes and track progress toward prizes. Available via web and mobile app.
- Ancestry Library Edition (ProQuest)coreGenealogical research database accessible on library public computers or WiFi. Provides billions of records including census data, vital records, immigration records from US, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia and worldwide.
- INSPIRE (Indiana's Digital Library)coreIndiana's state-funded digital library consortium providing access to databases, ebooks, and learning resources for Indiana residents.
- BABE (Wabash County)minorLocal organization partnership providing coupons for children's program participants. Children earn coupons through Storytimes and 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program.
- Baker & TaylorcoreTraditional book supplier currently in transition as the company is expected to close at end of year. Library is actively exploring new partnerships and suppliers to maintain collection development.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights3 records
Wabash Carnegie Public Library competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- Hoopla Digital (Midwest Tape): Core technology partner providing digital content (ebooks, audiobooks, streaming media, BingePass) to WCPL. While not a direct competitor, Hoopla is a critical infrastructure provider whose platform expansion and content catalog directly shape WCPL's digital service offering.
- Libby/OverDrive: Primary ebook and audiobook lending platform used by WCPL. Functions as enabling infrastructure for the library's digital lending — a complementary, not competitive, relationship that defines the modern public library's digital access model.
- INSPIRE (Indiana State Digital Library): State-funded digital library consortium providing databases and ebooks to all Indiana residents, including WCPL patrons. Functions as a backbone enabler of WCPL's digital research and lending capabilities through shared state-level procurement.
- ProQuest (Ancestry Library Edition): Provides the Ancestry Library Edition database used by WCPL for genealogy research. An enabling technology vendor whose product is core to WCPL's differentiated genealogy service offering.
Emerging players
- Beanstack: Reading challenge and engagement platform used by WCPL for Summer Reading and Winter Reading programs. Represents the emerging class of library-specific engagement software that competes for budget and shelf space within the library tech stack.
Regional players
- Indianapolis Public Library: Central Indiana's largest public library system operating multiple branches. Shares the same Indiana library ecosystem (INSPIRE, state-funded databases) and offers similar digital lending (Hoopla, Libby) and community programming, but at significantly greater scale.
- Allen County Public Library: Indiana-based public library system serving Fort Wayne and Allen County. Comparable in offering traditional lending, digital content, genealogy, and community programming through Hoopla/Libby partnerships. Operates in the same state but in a larger metro area, making it a regional benchmark.
Broad incumbents
- Boston Public Library: America's first large free municipal public library, established with a Carnegie legacy. Offers similar core services (physical lending, digital access, genealogy, community programming) and shares the historical architecture distinction with WCPL, though at much larger scale.
- New York Public Library: One of the largest and most renowned public library systems in the U.S. Operates with a Carnegie legacy comparable to Wabash's heritage building. While vastly larger in scale, NYPL provides a benchmark for advanced digital services, programming, and community partnerships that public libraries can aspire to.
Direct peers
- Charleston Carnegie Public Library (Illinois): Small-town Carnegie Public Library in Illinois serving a similar community size and demographic. Shares the Carnegie heritage building, traditional lending plus digital services, and community programming model — the closest direct comparable in scale and mission to WCPL.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Wabash Carnegie Public Library social profiles
Digital presenceWabash Carnegie Public Library financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Wabash Carnegie Public Library leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
Wabash Carnegie Public Library funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Wabash Carnegie Public Library M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Wabash Carnegie Public Library
What does Wabash Carnegie Public Library do?
Wabash Carnegie Public Library is a nonprofit public library providing free access to physical and digital collections, including 85,000+ books, music, DVDs, and downloadable content, alongside digital lending through Hoopla and Libby platforms. It delivers community programming for all ages (storytimes, Teen Book Drop, Summer Reading, adult readers' advisory), genealogy research services using Ancestry and related databases, and ancillary services such as printing, copying, faxing, notary, room reservations, and interlibrary loan. Services are free to patrons with a library card, with sponsorship and small fees covering supplementary offerings.
Is Wabash Carnegie Public Library a public or private company?
Wabash Carnegie Public Library is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Wabash Carnegie Public Library founded?
Wabash Carnegie Public Library was founded in 1903. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Wabash Carnegie Public Library based?
Wabash Carnegie Public Library is headquartered in Wabash, United States, in the North America region.
How does Wabash Carnegie Public Library make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Public Library Funding is the primary driver. The others are fee-based Services.
Who are Wabash Carnegie Public Library's main competitors?
Others on record are Hoopla Digital (Midwest Tape), Libby/OverDrive, INSPIRE (Indiana State Digital Library) and ProQuest (Ancestry Library Edition). Beanstack is listed as an emerging player. Regional players are Indianapolis Public Library and Allen County Public Library. Broad incumbents are Boston Public Library and New York Public Library. Charleston Carnegie Public Library (Illinois) is listed as a direct peer.
Does Wabash Carnegie Public Library have an API?
No public API is recorded for Wabash Carnegie Public Library.
What industry is Wabash Carnegie Public Library in?
Wabash Carnegie Public Library's product category is Public Library Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAIACAO, Public Libraries & Information Services, with a secondary code of EDAEAGAC, Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management. Its NAICS code is 51921 and its SIC code is 8200.