NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) — A decision to close a food pantry at the Floyd County Library is prompting community backlash, with local leaders and residents questioning how low-income families will be supported once the program ends.
The library is phasing out its "Community Corner" food pantry, which has operated for nearly five years. The decision was first raised during a July 2025 board meeting and later approved unanimously in December.
In the July meeting, board members discussed complaints about homeless people loitering in the library and if that and the food pantry are two separate issues or not.
When asked if that was the reasoning, library officials said the move came after ongoing discussions about whether the pantry fits within the library’s core mission and services.
Library marketing director Luis Munoz said the library will continue to provide limited food assistance through its "Day Bags" program and a partnership with Dare to Care Food Bank. The closure also won't affect the Summer Meals Program.
"The library welcomes all people, and will always welcome all people," Munoz said, noting concerns had been raised in recent discussions about how services were being used.
The library currently operates two food-related programs: Community Corner and Day Bags. Officials said Community Corner is being phased out in stages throughout the summer, while Day Bags will remain in place.
But the decision has drawn criticism from some community members who say the pantry filled a critical gap.
Paul Snyder said the closure could have been handled differently and called for more collaboration between the library and local organizations.
"To me, effective leadership from the library would have been working with the community organizations and community partners to fill in the gaps," Snyder said.
Snyder announced plans to host a public meeting at Central Christian Church at 6 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the closure and possible alternatives alongside other pastors and community leaders. He has invited library board members and local elected officials, though it is unclear whether any will attend.
He said the goal is to bring stakeholders together to find solutions and ensure residents who rely on the pantry are not left without support.
The library board has not publicly commented on whether further changes to food-related services are being considered.
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