Are you looking for your next great read? We can help! Visit us in person, explore reading recommendations online, join an in-person or online book discussion, get recommendations on Facebook, tune in to our televised book club segments, and more. Get started here!

Sunday Nights on Facebook
Join us on Sunday nights at 8:30 p.m. on Facebook for Currently Reading. Enjoy this hour during which book enthusiasts share favorite books and offer suggestion about what to read next. Find out about the books that have everyone talking.

Indy Now Book Club
Catch book recommendations and Library program highlights from your own local librarians once a month on the Indy Now Morning Show with Ryan and Jillian on Fox59. The show airs at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays. Browse our past appearances.

In-Person & Online Book Discussions
Do you love talking about books? Join one of our book discussions or book clubs available both in-person and online.

Online Reading Recommendations
NovelList and NovelList K-8 are online services that offer reading recommendations. Browse both fiction and nonfiction, read-alike suggestions, series information, reviews, and lists of recommended and award-winning books for adults, teens and kids. Learn how to start on this video tutorial. Also try Book Connections which includes a “find the right book for you” feature.

Would you prefer one-on-one help? Call or ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text, or email ask-a- librarian.

Make a selection from one of the book lists below created by our staff of avid readers. You can also follow our staff’s most recently published lists on the library catalog home page. Don’t miss our If You Like… suggestions that cover all the favorite genres like science fiction, graphic novels, romance, and more. Finally, don’t miss What We’re Reading Teens and What We’re Reading Kids.

alt="Illustration of a mammoth and two dinosaurs on a background of fossils."

Unearth Imagination
May 31 – August 2

Prizes for all ages – including adults! Summer is the perfect time to explore new worlds, discover exciting stories, and build a love for reading! These fun, engaging activities, events, and book recommendations are tailored just for you! Join us for an adventure in learning to become a lifelong reader!

Looking for a summer read? Browse our staff created book lists:

Barbeque!

As the days get slowly warmer the urge to sear food on a grill in your backyard grows. The Library has lots of wonderful books to help you scratch that itch!

Title - Big MoeTitle - American GrillTitle - AsadaTitle - Guga

Disability Representation in Fantasy and Science Fiction

These stories feature characters in fantastical or futuristic settings whose disabilities are not “magically cured”; some of them do use familiar mobility aids or prosthetics, and/or they are fighting for a society that accommodates and supports their differences. In some of the stories, the disability is just an aspect of the character and doesn’t affect the plot really. I’ve tried my best to include stories that are either #OwnVoices (the author personally shares the disability or is intimately aware of the disability (a family member has it) or it has been confirmed that great care and research was taken when writing the story, and they’ve avoided certain harmful tropes.

Title - Witch Hat AtelierTitle - DeeplightTitle - The Bone HousesTitle - Unbroken

National Ice Cream Month

It’s getting hot outside! Check out a book on how to make your own ice cream to cool down with this month, or learn about the history of ice cream and other frozen sweets from around the globe.

Title - Ice Cream ManTitle - Easy No-churn Ice CreamTitle - Cooler Than LemonadeTitle - Aguas Frescas and Paletas : Refreshing Mexican Drinks and Frozen Treats, Traditional and Reimagined

Fiction Featuring Type 1 Diabetics

In the US alone there are an estimated 2 million people living with type 1 diabetes. This list goes out to all the fellow type 1 and otherwise insulin dependent diabetics out there looking for representation. These portrayals are honest and accurate, so you won’t find any wild misinformation in this list. No demoralizing apocalypse stories, either.

Title - Accidental DemonsTitle - Sleeping Spells & Dragon ScalesTitle - It All Begins With Jelly BeansTitle - The Truth According to Blue

History of Protest

Defending Democracy is an ongoing struggle, and there’s always a protest happening somewhere. Learn about the importance of protest throughout American history with the titles below.

Title - A Protest History of the United StatesTitle - We the ResistanceTitle - The StadiumTitle - Young and Restless

Conceptual Art

Conceptual Art emphasizes the concept behind the work as more important than the art itself. It is a very significant movement in contemporary art. I made this list to help this movement to be more accessible to art lovers unfamiliar with it.

Title - Conceptual ArtTitle - MemoryTitle - Black ImaginationTitle - Conceptual Art

Birds!

What does the meme say? “As you age, it’s ridiculous how fast bird-watching creeps up on you.” And, it’s TRUE! Here is a selection of books that will round out your bird knowledge once that creep happens.

Title - The Joy of BirdingTitle - Birds of Indiana Field GuideTitle - Indiana Bird WatchingTitle - The Birds of Indiana

Let the Games Begin

Whether you’re gearing up for GenCon (July 31 – August 3 in Indianapolis) or just love a good magical showdown, these teen books put strategy, survival, and strength to the ultimate test. From deadly tournaments and royal trials to virtual games and magical gauntlets, each story features characters fighting for glory, love, freedom, or just to stay alive.

Title - WarcrossTitle - A Trial of SorcerersTitle - The Kinder PoisonTitle - The Gilded Ones

Enemies to Lovers Romances

Celebrate Read a Romance Novel Month with one of the genre’s best tropes: enemies to lovers. Whether it’s workplace rivals, royal adversaries, or sworn magical foes, these characters start tense and combative but end up falling for each other. Spanning contemporary, fantasy, LGBTQ+, and historical romances this list is sure to have a story to please nearly every romance reader!

Title - The Hating GameTitle - The Bridge KingdomTitle - Not Safe for WorkTitle - The Serpent & the Wings of Night

Are you looking for reading recommendations for teens? We can help! Visit us in person or online to get great ideas for your next great read. For one-on-one help call or ask a Library staff member at any of our locations. You can also call, text, or email ask-a- librarian! Here are some more ideas to help you find what to read next.

  • Follow our staff’s most recently published book lists on the library catalog home page.
  • Don’t miss our If You Like… suggestions that cover all the favorite genres like science fiction, graphic novels, romance, and more.
  • Join us Sunday nights at 8:30 p.m. on Facebook for Currently Reading where book enthusiasts offer their suggestions.
  • Catch book recommendations and IndyPL program highlights from your own local librarians once a month on the Indy Now Morning Show with Ryan and Jillian on Fox59. The show airs at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays. Browse our past appearances.
  • You can also get reading recommendations online from NovelList or Book Connections. Read book reviews, see “read alike” lists, browse starred reviews, and more.

Make a selection from one of the book lists below created by our staff of avid readers whose reading experiences and tastes cover about any interest you can think of!

alt="Illustration of a mammoth and two dinosaurs on a background of fossils."

Unearth Imagination
May 31 – August 2

Prizes for all ages – including teens! Summer is the perfect time to explore new worlds, discover exciting stories, and build a love for reading! These fun, engaging activities, events, and book recommendations are tailored just for you! Join us for an adventure in learning to become a lifelong reader!

alt="Teen using a wooden from to make homemade paper and illustrations showing the step-by-step process."

Get creative and learn the art of papermaking in this hands-on workshop for teens! See the schedule and register for Teen Art: Papermaking.

Let the Games Begin

Whether you’re gearing up for GenCon (July 31 – August 3 in Indianapolis) or just love a good magical showdown, these teen books put strategy, survival, and strength to the ultimate test. From deadly tournaments and royal trials to virtual games and magical gauntlets, each story features characters fighting for glory, love, freedom, or just to stay alive.

Title - WarcrossTitle - A Trial of SorcerersTitle - The Kinder PoisonTitle - The Gilded Ones

Disability Representation in Fantasy and Science Fiction

These stories feature characters in fantastical or futuristic settings whose disabilities are not “magically cured”; some of them do use familiar mobility aids or prosthetics, and/or they are fighting for a society that accommodates and supports their differences. Some of the stories, the disability is just an aspect of the character and doesn’t affect the plot really. I’ve tried my best to include stories that are either #OwnVoices (the author personally shares the disability or is intimately aware of the disability (a family member has it) or it has been confirmed that great care and research was taken when writing the story, and they’ve avoided certain harmful tropes.

Title - Witch Hat AtelierTitle - DeeplightTitle - The Bone HousesTitle - Unbroken

Time Travel // Prehistoric Times Edition

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to come face to face with a dinosaur? Maybe your excitement would change depending on the dinosaur! These titles feature characters traveling to prehistoric eras — to a time before written historical records, anywhere from 2.5 million years ago to around 5,600 years ago. On the flip side, some of these titles feature creatures being transported from their distant time period to modern day, with many a shenanigan or two to be had.

Unearth Imagination May 31 – August 2, prizes for all ages – including teens! Summer is the perfect time to explore new worlds, discover exciting stories, and build a love for reading! These fun, engaging activities, events, and book recommendations are tailored just for you! Join us for an adventure in learning to become a lifelong reader!

Title - WeTitle - The Magic School Bus in the Time of the DinosaursTitle - Dinosaurs Before DarkTitle - The Dinosaur That Pooped the Past

Trans & Non-binary Characters in Manga

In recent years, we have seen a wonderful collection of LGBTQ+ manga translated and published in English. Here is a list of manga with trans and non-binary characters and themes. You can find both autobiographical accounts, as well as tales of fiction.

Title - At 30 I Realized I Had No GenderTitle - Boys Run the RiotTitle - The Bride Was A BoyTitle - I Wanna Be Your Girl Vol. 1

If You Like Brandon Sanderson

For fans of the Cosmere, the Cytoverse, and other works by Brandon Sanderson. If you enjoy god-level magic systems, dense world histories, complex political systems, superheroes, fairy tales, space operas, heists, and tales that focus on the actions of average people trying to change the system – these books are for you!

Title - SteelheartTitle - ViciousTitle - RenegadesTitle - Skyward

Morality & Ethics in YA Fantasy & Sci-Fi

Interesting, thought-provoking reads that bring up questions about morality, ethics, etc. within the context of YA science fiction and fantasy. Villains that make you think, heroes with tough choices, and subjects that challenge your opinion of right and wrong. Both teens and adults will find interesting and complicated moral dilemmas in these books.

Title - UnwindTitle - GracelingTitle - Children of Blood and BoneTitle - Scythe

Fiction Featuring Type 1 Diabetics

In the US alone there are an estimated 2 million people living with type 1 diabetes. This list goes out to all the fellow type 1 and otherwise insulin dependent diabetics out there looking for representation. These portrayals are honest and accurate, so you won’t find any wild misinformation in this list. No demoralizing apocalypse stories, either.

Title - Accidental DemonsTitle - Sleeping Spells & Dragon ScalesTitle - It All Begins With Jelly BeansTitle - The Truth According to Blue

Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Editions

The hardcover Fullmetal Editions, include 5-7 chapters each instead of the 3-5 the original volumes did, causing there to be 18 volumes of the Fullmetal Editions compared to the original 27 volumes.

Title - Fullmetal AlchemistTitle - Fullmetal AlchemistTitle - Fullmetal AlchemistTitle - Fullmetal Alchemist

Blushes and Butterflies

Experience heart-wrenching crushes, first loves, the drama of adolescent friendships, and plenty of innocent fluff with these romance and friendship focused manga, set in high school, for teens.

Title - Waiting for SpringTitle - The Guy She Was Interested in WasnTitle - My Love Mix-up!Title - A Condition Called Love

Staff Picks 2024- Best of Teen

Enjoy this list of our favorite YA reads of 2024, which spans genres. Enjoy dark academia, fake dating, poetry, comic adventures, subverted fantasy tropes, heists, D&D, and more!

Don’t forget that this year, we’ve included our favorite selections from the back catalog, in the hopes you can get your hands on a book you’ll love right now.

Title - Where Sleeping Girls LieTitle - Hockey Girl Loves Drama BoyTitle - Dear WendyTitle - The Unboxing of A Black Girl

100 Books Before Graduation

Read 100 books before graduating from high school and receive prizes as you work toward your goal. Prizes will be awarded after reading 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 books! Most importantly, students will expand their mind, vocabulary, critical thinking, and test scores! This program is for students in grades 7-12. Learn more about 100 Books Before Graduation and register.

Are you looking for reading recommendations for kids? We can help! Visit us in person or online to get ideas for great reads for kids. For one-on-one help call or ask a Library staff member at any of our locations. You can also call, text, or email ask-a- librarian!

This collection of book lists created by our staff can assist students with homework, help them find more books by their favorite authors, and aid parents in finding books for the youngest readers, among other things! We add new lists each month so returning readers can continue to find their next read! Find more reading recommendations for kids in our blog or enjoy storytime online.

You can also get reading recommendations online from NoveList K-8 Plus or Book Connections. Read book reviews, see “read alike” lists, browse starred reviews, and more.

alt="Illustration of a mammoth and two dinosaurs on a background of fossils."

Unearth Imagination
May 31 – August 2

Prizes for all ages! Summer is the perfect time to explore new worlds, discover exciting stories, and build a love for reading! These fun, engaging activities, events, and book recommendations are tailored just for you! Join us for an adventure in learning to become a lifelong reader!

Looking for a summer read? Browse our staff created book lists:

Picture Book Stars to Celebrate Independence & Freedom

Learn about the 4th of July, Juneteenth, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Thirteenth Amendment, and more! Read stories about family and neighborhood traditions all over the country from parades to fireworks to noodles to pie.

Title - The Night Before FreedomTitle - Revolutionary Prudence WrightTitle - Her Name Was Mary KatharineTitle - Fireworks

Picture Books Which Celebrate America’s Rich Cultural Diversity

Here are some books that touch on America as a Nation of Immigrants. These are picture books, but many are inspired by real people and true stories.

Title - Five StoriesTitle - The Welcome ChairTitle - The Day You BeginTitle - Islandborn

Set sail, tiny sailors!

For children looking for nautical reads this summer, add these picture books featuring boats or lighthouses to your holds list.

Title - Boats on the BayTitle - Boats Will FloatTitle - Alphabet BoatsTitle - The Goat and the Stoat and the Boat

Let Me Share My Culture With You

Dive into these wonderful picture books that feature children sharing their culture with classmates, friends, and neighbors.

Title - Our Favorite Day of the YearTitle - The Day You BeginTitle - Everyone Loves Lunchtime but ZiaTitle - Home in A Lunchbox

Beach Time, Excellent!

In this list you’ll find picture books that feature the many wonders to be found where sand and rocky shores meet ocean waves. Humor and history, family fun and sensory delights, gorgeous artwork and evocative descriptions spill from these pages. Enjoy a little respite from our mostly beach-less state, until one day your feet just might carry you to the edge of the world.

Title - Jules Vs. the OceanTitle - Hum and SwishTitle - There Might Be LobstersTitle - Bluey

I’m Hungry!

Lets run a restaurant! These books are all about hamburgers and hotdogs and running a restaurant!

Title - The Burger and the Hot DogTitle - Blow up A BurgerTitle - Burger BoyTitle - Hamburgers

Summertime Books for Kids

The sweet summer season captured in picture books!

Title - And Then Comes SummerTitle - Jabari JumpsTitle - Our PoolTitle - Bubbles...up!

Giddy Up, Partner

Explore the old west with these fun picture books. Giddy up!

Title - Bad Day at RiverbendTitle - I Wanna Be A CowgirlTitle - Armadillo RodeoTitle - Let

Staff Picks 2024 – Best of Picture Books

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Our staff share some of their favorite picture books from 2024 that they have seen – from beautiful to funny, we hope there is something for you and your littlest readers to enjoy.

Title - The Yellow BusTitle - Treehouse TownTitle - It Bears RepeatingTitle - The Bakery Dragon

Staff Picks 2024 – Best of Fiction for Kids

Some of our favorite new fiction titles published for kids. At the very bottom of the list, enjoy older bonus material: staff were also asked if they read an older title/not published in 2024 that they might also recommend.

Title - FerrisTitle - The Bletchley RiddleTitle - Amari And The Despicable WondersTitle - The Color of Sound

Staff Picks 2024 – Best of Beginning and Early Readers for Kids

Staff sent in some of their favorite 2024 books that fall into our JZ and JE category. JZ are the books for young readers that are beginning to read on their own and typically these books have very controlled vocabulary and still a lot of pictures. (Think Piggie and Elephant; Bob books; Yasmin). JEs are books that introduce a longer narrative and sometimes chapters or vignettes; contain more content; characters that have depth and experiences. (Think Magic Treehouse or Bad Guy series)

Title - Bunny and ClydeTitle - Fox Plays BallTitle - The Adventure and Other StoriesTitle - The Cozy Home

Join Us for Storytime!

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  • Event: Storytime at Spades Park
  • Date & Time: Thursday, July 17, 10:30am
  • Location: Spades Park Branch
  • Description: Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and an adult are invited to join us for stories and more every Thursday in the Community Room followed by socialization time for children and caregivers.
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Storytime at Michigan Road
  • Date & Time: Thursday, July 17, 10:30am
  • Location: Michigan Road Branch
  • Description: Preschoolers, toddlers, and their caregivers are invited for stories, fingerplays, crafts and activities.
  • No Registration Required.

The Indianapolis Public Library is seeking social practice artists for 2026 programming related to the semi-sesquicentennial—the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Project Scope

Artists will lead the creation of a social practice art piece constructed in collaboration with Library patrons. Artwork will encourage civic reflection and relate thematically to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Art may explore topics such as the passage of hope from one generation to the next, the shared American experience, and varied perspectives on what it means to live in America today.

Artists will plan, develop, and facilitate programs that invite the collaborative development of a cohesive art piece based on the concepts of social practice art. Artists will be paid up to $4,800 and are required to make multiple visits to various locations of The Indianapolis Public Library over the course of 2026. During Library visits, artists will lead both the collaborative creation of the art piece and civic reflection conversations.

The project will be led by up to 3 professional Indianapolis-based artists, each assigned to a different region of The Indianapolis Public Library system. Artists will be selected for their ability to facilitate social practice art experiences.

About Social Practice Art

Socially engaged practice, also known as social practice art, can include any artform which involves people and communities in debate, collaboration, or social interaction. The participatory element of socially engaged practice is key, with the artwork created often holding equal or less importance to the collaborative act of creating them. Social practice art stokes conversation through collaboration, emphasizing community building over artistic outcome. At the heart of this art project is conversation. This project will encourage patrons to participate in civic reflection with their neighbors through the act of making something together.

How to Apply

Submit your application online.

Deadline to Apply:
11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, 2025 

In How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag follow step-by-step directions at home for making your own ice cream. Find out the science behind how this works. Smart as well as delicious! Watch a demonstration of how this works in the video below. With a few simple ingredients you can be eating a DIY slushie cold treat in no time! Even on a very hot day!

A little bit simpler science recipe you can try is making a DIY slushie from your favorite drink. The same science principles apply! Your favorite drink is pretty good with ice floating in it. When your drink has ice cubes in it, the ice cubes make the drink colder, but the ice cubes don’t make the drink itself freeze. The ice cubes IN the drink melt because they are colder then the drink itself. The drink melts the ice cubes by lowering their temperature. If you want a slushie you need to put ice AROUND your drink instead of IN it.

Melting point is the temperature at which a solid will melt. For ice this temperature is 32 degrees. If you put a drink in the freezer, where the temperature is 32 degrees or colder, the drink itself will freeze. Solid. You won’t be able to drink it!

To make your DIY slushie you want the temperature around your favorite drink to be lower than 32 degrees so the drink itself will get really cold. Keep an eye on it and stir it a lot so it doesn’t freeze solid. Make an easy slushie using ice cubes and salt. Note: the salt does NOT go IN your drink!

Salt lowers the melting point of water. Adding salt to ice cubes makes them stay frozen longer. If ice with salt added to it is packed around a liquid, like your drink, the salted ice will make your drink so cold that it will turn into a slushie!\

What You Need:

  • Your Favorite Drink (Soda, orange juice, lemonade, etc.)
  • Quart-size zip-lock bag
  • Gallon-size zip-lock bag
  • 2 cups ice
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • Bowl

Fill the quart size bag with your favorite drink and zip it closed. HINT: Make sure the bag is zipped really good or your slushie will taste bad when some of the salt leaks into your bag. Put the quart size bag inside the gallon bag. Add the ice and salt to the gallon bag. Next, zip the gallon size bag closed. Finally, shake the bag a lot – even play catch with it…gently. In about 15 minutes you will feel the ingredients in the quart size bag starting to firm up. What started out as a liquid is changing to a solid. When it feels done take the quart size bag out of the gallon size bag. Rinse it off good in clean water. Then open the bag, squeeze the slushie into a glass and enjoy!

When you add salt to the ice cubes you lower the melting point of the ice cubes by several degrees. The ice cubes stay colder, longer – long enough to turn your drink slushie. The secret is the catalyst – the salt. A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a reaction.

Science Experiment Idea

Make 3 different quart size bags each filled with the exact same amount of your favorite drink. Fill each of three gallon size bag with the exact same number of ice cubes. Add 1/8 cup of salt to the first gallon size bag and label it with a sharpie, “1/8”. Then add 1/4 cup of salt to the second gallon size bag and label it “1/4”. Finally, add 1/3 cup of salt to the third gallon size bag and label it “1/3”. Have a couple friends help you shake and smoosh the bags to make the slushies. Time how long it takes each of the bags to turn into a slushie. Which amount of salt makes a DIY slushie the fastest?

Websites, Activities & Printables:

You can also ask a math and science expert for homework help by calling the Ask Rose Homework Hotline. They provide FREE math and science homework help to Indiana students in grades 6-12.

e-Books & Audiobooks

Use your Library Card to check out kitchen science books at any of our locations, or check out kitchen science e-books and audiobooks from OverDrive Kids right to your device! If you have never used OverDrive before, you can learn how to use e-books and alearn how to use audiobooks.

Need more help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian. The Tinker Station helpline at (317) 275-4500 is also available. It is staffed by device experts who can answer questions about how to read, watch and listen on a PC, tablet or phone.

Ice Cream and Other Edible Science for Kids

Let your kitchen become a science lab and bake, melt, freeze, or boil an experiment you can eat!

Title - The Ultimate Science Cookbook for KidsTitle - The Story of Ice CreamTitle - Super Fun Kitchen Science Experiments for KidsTitle - Kitchen ScienceTitle - 10-minute Kitchen Science ProjectsTitle - Sheet Pan ScienceTitle - The Chemistry of FoodTitle - The Complete Cookbook for Young ScientistsTitle - Kitchen ChemistryTitle - Hack Your Kitchen : Discover A World of Food Fun With Science BuddiesTitle - Kitchen Explorers!Title - Experiment With Kitchen Science

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Central Library proudly presents its annual small business series of free, in-person workshops plus a dedicated legal clinic tailored specifically for both established business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. This year’s series promises to be more comprehensive than ever. The series includes workshops delving into crucial topics such as financial statement analysis, legal considerations for businesses, effective marketing strategies, , and safeguarding intellectual property. This year’s series also includes two workshops presented in Spanish.

In addition to our hands-on workshops, we offer a curated selection of business books designed to inform, inspire, and guide you through every stage of your business journey. Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine and expand your existing enterprise, our resources will provide valuable insights and practical advice.

Join us at Central Library to gain expert knowledge, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and access tools that will help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to supporting your success and equipping you with valuable resources to help you thrive in today’s competitive business environment.

Questions?  Call Central Library and ask to speak with a Business Librarian. 

Feel free to walk in, but we encourage you to register.

2025 Small Business Series

  • Event: Start Strong
  • Date & Time: Monday, September 29, 6:00pm
  • Location: Central Library
  • Description: We’ll cover some basic information about Indiana business taxes including how to register to collect and remit state taxes, an overview of common tax types that your business may deal with, and how to file and pay business taxes correctly.
  • Register Here

More Business Resources

Banned Books Week is an annual celebration of the freedom to read. It was launched in 1982 as a response to a growing number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores, and libraries. Celebrate with us!

The freedom to choose or reject ideas, to read books of our choice…is the very bedrock of our free society.” ~Kurt Vonnegut

Banned Books Week Oct. 5-11, 2025. Censorship is so 1984. Read for your rights. ala.org/bbooks ALA American Library Association

“With the escalation in attempts to ban books in libraries, schools, and bookstores around the country, George Orwell’s cautionary tale “1984” serves a prescient warning about the dangers of censorship. This year’s theme reminds us that the right to read belongs to all of us, that censorship has no place in contemporary society, and that we must defend our rights.” ~ American Library Association

“The 2025 theme of Banned Books Week serves as a reminder that censorship efforts persist to this day,” ALA President Cindy Hohl said. “We must always come together to stand up for the right to read.”

Censorship by the Numbers. Percentage of total titles targeted by pressure groups and decision makers. 6% in 2005, 8% in 2010, 14% in 2015, 25% in 2020, and 72% in 2024. Pressure groups and the decision makers they influenced targeted 4,190 total titles in 2024. From 2001-2020, this constituency attempted to remove an average of 46 titles per year. ala.org/bbooks
Censorship by the Numbers. Who Challenges Books? Nearly 72% of censorship attempts in 2024 were initiated by pressure groups and decision makers who have been swayed by them.  36$ Board/administration, 26% Pressure groups, 10% Elected officials/government, 16% Parents, 7% Other/unknown, 4% Patrons, 1% Librarians/teachers, staff. Statistics based on 5,813 book challenges.
Censorship by the Numbers. Where do Challenges Take Place? Multi-title challenges at schools remained alarmingly expansive in 2024. The trend of attempting to censor materials and services available to entire communities through their public library continued. 55% Public libraries, 38% School libraries, 5% Schools, 2% Higher education/other. Statistics based on 804 cases with known locations. ala.org/bbooks

ALA Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024

“The American Library Association documented 821 attempts to censor materials and services at libraries, schools, and universities in 2024. The most common reasons for challenges were false claims of illegal obscenity for minors; inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters or themes; and dealing with topics of race, racism, inclusivity, equity, and social justice. Of the 2,452 unique titles that were challenged or banned in 2024, here are the top 10 most frequently targeted.” -American Library Association

All annotations are provided by the American Library Association

Title - All Boys ArenTitle - Gender QueerTitle - The Bluest EyeTitle - The Perks of Being A Wallflower

Freedom to Read — Local Challenges

In support of the freedom to read, the Indianapolis Public Library seeks to share information about challenged books during banned books week. The books on this list have been challenged locally at the Indianapolis Public Library. We’ve included the reason for the challenges, and a brief description of the library’s response to the challenges. It includes a mix of books for children, teens and adults. Content warning: The descriptions in the list contain mature content.

IndyStar September 24, 2024: Hoosiers Challenged These 346 Books at Indiana Libraries Last Year. Is Your Favorite Listed?

Title - Can We Please Give the Police Department to the Grandmothers?Title - Bridge to TerabithiaTitle - The Little Red WolfTitle - Jacob

Celebrating the Freedom to Read in 2023 with John Green

We hosted #1 New York Times bestselling author and Indianapolis resident, John Green and former Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) educator and Indiana State Senator Andrea Hunley (District 46) on October 2, 2023 at Central Library. To a packed house, John and Andrea discussed the importance of protecting our freedom to read.

Memorable Highlights:

  • What we read shapes what we think. The best example of this in a book is Fahrenheit 451.

  • Libraries don’t exist for everyone to be comfortable with every book in the library. I have profound disagreements with some books in the library, and that’s ok.

  • When people tell you who they are, believe them.

  • There is power in the story. Structures of power try to take stories. Books that get banned are often the most needed. We have to fight to keep them in libraries.

  • I am heartened by all the people working on our problems. Look for the people trying to address these problems. Find hope in that.

  • Nothing can be truly neutral, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t work toward an array of voices. You can’t be neutral, but you can be inclusive.

  • If we are going to make progress together, we have to assume a position of a good faith conversation.

Green’s community discussion underscores the importance of unrestricted access to information and the power of literature to challenge conventional norms.

Green’s young adult (YA) novel Looking for Alaska is listed among the American Library Association’s most banned books in 2022, and it has been referenced in nationwide discussions on book banning and reshelving in schools and public libraries. His YA novel, The Fault In Our Stars, has also been challenged and pulled from the shelves of school library collections and public libraries.

At The Indianapolis Public Library, Green’s titles are on the shelf in the Teen collection, circulating and in demand. Listen to The Indianapolis Public Library’s CEO, Gregory A. Hill, Sr., share the Library’s role in protecting a community’s freedom to read.

WFYI Presents a Documentary: Read or Restrict

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Conservative activists and parents have put pressure on local schools and library boards to remove certain books from their collections. Many of the targeted titles feature LGBTQ and other minority characters, beloved by young adult readers who want to see themselves reflected in literature. Critics of these titles label them as obscene or inappropriate for kids. But who gets to decide? 

The film includes interviews with:

  • Jason Aukerman, Center for Ray Bradbury Studies
  • Micah Beckwith, Life Church & former Hamilton County Library board member
  • Jonathan Friedman, PEN America
  • Leah Johnson, Young Adult novelist and owner of Loudmouth Books
  • Diane Rogers, Indiana Library Federation
  • Jim Tomes, Indiana Senator

Watch the documentary Read or Restrict. Aired March 12, 2023.

Dig Deeper

If you want to dig deeper about our mission as a library you can read the Library Bill of Rights stating the rights of library users to intellectual freedom and the role public libraries play to support those rights. For more information about banned and challenged books, visit ala.org/bbooks. You might also find interesting The Freedom to Read Statement, which explains why the freedom to read is essential to our democracy. To learn more, browse our book list How Censorship Impacts the First Amendment. IndyPL’s own Materials Selection Policy is also available.

Two children looking at a tablet while hiding in a tent fort.

Picture book read along stories play like a movie and are great for listening practice as well as really fun! You can stream picture book videos free with your IndyPL library card. Illustrations move as you watch the narrated stories. Video picture books are especially convenient for car trips. You can check out several at a time and play them multiple times while you have them checked out. They are perfect for “read it again!”

To stream these videos for kids you will need a Hoopla account. Hoopla is the service the Library uses to deliver these videos to you.

Get Started Streaming Picture Book Videos on Hoopla

  • You can access Hoopla to stream picture book videos from any device, including iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast.
  • Visit Hoopla to sign up with your Library card.
  • Once you borrow a movie, you have 3 days to view it as many times as you like.
  • Your total borrows reset on the 1st of the month.
  • Once you have reached your 10 items a month borrowing limit, you will not be able to borrow any Hoopla content until the new month starts and your 10 borrows reset.
  • Need help? Watch a video tutorial.

Here are a few favorites to get you started, or see Hoopla’s complete list of picture book videos for kids.

Need more help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text, or email Ask-a-Librarian. The Tinker Station helpline at (317) 275-4500 is also available. It is staffed by device experts who can answer questions about how to read, watch and listen on a PC, tablet or phone.

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Child drawing or writing with a variety of colored pencils.

Drawing, coloring, and writing can help your child practice early learning skills with their favorite book characters. You can even use them to plan a fun book character birthday party on the cheap! All you need is a computer, printer, some time…and your Library card! We also have the books, movies, and music to make your party a memorable hit! Look for online video read alouds to go with the book character printables at Free Video Read Alouds and MORE Free Video Read Alouds.

Publisher Index Pages for Book Character Printables:

Child dressed like little red riding hood reading to her stuffed animals while sitting on a blanket with a picnic basket in the woods.

There are lots of stories kids can rattle off without even thinking very much. The Three Little PigsThe Three Bears, and Cinderella are examples of some commonly told stories children all over the world often know. Told in different places, the stories take on interesting differences that reflect a country’s environment or culture. Fairy tale variants like these can be great introductions to new places and new people!

Sometimes storytellers like to have fun with a traditional story too. Cinderella plays in a hockey game instead of going to a ball. The Big Bad Wolf tells HIS side of the story. The story happens in a new or unique place. Try one of these for a unique twist on classic tales!

title - The Twelve Dancing Princessestitle - Jacqueline and the Beanstalktitle - The Ninjabread Mantitle - The Egyptian Cinderella

Have fun with fairy tale variants – unique spins on these classics!

Hispanic Retellings of Classic Tales

Here are some favorite classic tales and traditional stories told with details and cultural traditions of the American Southwest, Mexico, Central or South America.

Title - AdelitaTitle - Paco and the giant chile plantTitle - The Runaway TortillaTitle - La Princesa and the PeaTitle - The Pot That Juan BuiltTitle - The Three CabritosTitle - Rubia and the Three OsosTitle - The Three Little JavelinasTitle - Señorita GorditaTitle - The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden StirredTitle - Chachalaca ChiquitaTitle - The Party for Papá Luis

Need help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text, or email Ask-a-Librarian. The Tinker Station helpline at (317) 275-4500 is also available. It is staffed by device experts who can answer questions about how to read, watch and listen on a PC, tablet or phone.

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June and July hold annual reminders of the history of independence and freedom in the United States. See our staff recommendations that will give you a variety of perspectives on pivotal events that have shaped our views.

Important Milestones

July 4, 1776
Independence Day

Independence Day commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The declaration announced the separation of the 13 colonies from Great Britain. The declaration says, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

January 1, 1863
Emancipation Proclamation

But for America’s Black population, these words did not apply. They remained enslaved for nearly 100 more years until US President Abraham Lincoln declared in the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 that “All persons held as slaves within any States, or designated part of the State, the people whereof shall be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.

June 19, 1865
Juneteenth

It took more than two years for this news of independence and freedom to travel throughout the country. On June 19, 1865 Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and declared “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” Juneteenth reminds us that the process of ending slavery, of extending independence and freedom to everyone, was not a single moment in time, but multiple moments.

In his “I have a dream” speech in 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. referenced this ongoing fight for freedom “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.

July 2, 1964
Civil Rights Act

It took another 100 years for President Lyndon B. Johnson to sign the Civil Rights Act in 1964 outlawing racial discrimination in the United States. The process continues to this day.

President Joe Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. “By making Juneteenth a federal holiday, all Americans can feel the power of this day, and learn from our history, and celebrate progress, and grapple with the distance we’ve come but the distance we have to travel.” He continue “After all, the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans didn’t mark the end of America’s work to deliver on the promise of equality; it only marked the beginning. To honor the true meaning of Juneteenth, we have to continue toward that promise because we’ve not gotten there yet.

See more library resources at:

Slave Narratives: The Stories that Abolished Slavery

Today slave narratives are seen as first person stories about one of the darkest times in United States history, but when slave narratives were being published in the 1800s they were a powerful tool used in the fight for their own freedom. Through their stories they were able to contradict the slaveholders’ favorable claims concerning slavery. Through these narratives they could tell the horrors of family separation, the sexual abuse of black women, and the inhuman workload. The narratives helped show the humanity of the most dehumanized people in the country.

Title - Narrative of the Life of Frederick DouglassTitle - The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah EquianoTitle - Twelve Years A SlaveTitle - William Wells Brown

    Picture Book Stars to Celebrate Independence & Freedom

    Learn about the 4th of July, Juneteenth, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Thirteenth Amendment, and more! Read stories about family and neighborhood traditions all over the country from parades to fireworks to noodles to pie. #indyplkids

    Title - The Night Before FreedomTitle - Revolutionary Prudence WrightTitle - Her Name Was Mary KatharineTitle - Fireworks

    Photograph of Frederick Douglass.

    Hoosiers Reading Frederick Douglass Together

    The Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities started the program Reading Frederick Douglass Together to encourage groups to read and discuss Frederick Douglass’s “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” and explore freedom in America.

    Douglass first gave the speech on July 5, 1852 at an event commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Abraham Lincoln delivered this speech well before the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the 13th Amendment in 1865, which freed enslaved people. His words in The Meaning of July 4th for the Negro continue to resonate with Black citizens after more than 150 years, highlighting that not all were free at the time. The speech says in part,

    “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.” And he asked them, “Do you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak to-day?”

    Resources

    If you are unable to attend a reading, you can read the text online. There is a printable tip sheetdiscussion guide, and page of helpful resources. Watch this short video of five descendants of Frederick Douglass reading excerpts from his famous speech, which calls on people to reflect on America’s long history of denying equal rights to Black Americans.

    Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

    Frederick Douglass, born into slavery in 1818, grew up to become a human rights activist, gifted speaker, and author. He also started a newspaper, served as a U.S. Marshal, and became the first African American to receive a vote for President at a major party’s convention during the 1888 Republican National Convention. (Benjamin Harrison, from Indianapolis, went on to win the presidency in 1889.) He lectured on civil rights and abolition and also supported Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth, and Susan B. Anthony in their fight for women’s suffrage. He published his first autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, in 1845. It it the first hand account of his childhood as a slave.

    More Reading:


    Visit the Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC) at Central Library to find and check out books that affirm and celebrate the Black experience.

    The CBLC includes a section just for kids. Every book taken off the shelf, both fiction and non-fiction, features Black characters or historical and contemporary people that highlight the Black experience, history, or biography.

    The Center for Black Literature & Culture at Central Library

    The Central Authors Engraving Project – Frederick Douglass

    Frederick Douglass (1817-1895) was an extraordinary leader and abolitionist who escaped slavery to become one of the greatest orators in modern history and was instrumental in the emancipation of slaves in the United States. Check out the items on the following list by or about Dougalss to learn more about this great man.

    Title - Narrative of the Life of Frederick DouglassTitle - My Bondage and My FreedomTitle - Life and Times of Frederick DouglassTitle - The Heroic SlaveTitle - Frederick DouglassTitle - Frederick DouglassTitle - Frederick DouglassTitle - Frederick Douglass

    Basketball swishing through the net and the Indiana Pacers logo

    If you are gearing up to cheer on the Pacers, there’s no better time to dive into the team’s rich history. From their roots to unforgettable playoff moments, The Indianapolis Public Library offers a courtside seat to decades of Pacers pride. Take a look at our reading recommendations for all ages about basketball from high school to college to the WNBA and NBA. You can even explore the intersection of basketball and the arts – music, poetry, photography, fashion, sculpture, painting and film.

    You’ll also find a special Pacers display on the top floor of Central Library in the Indianapolis Special Collections Room. Visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the city skyline while exploring the team’s legacy. This display will be available until Sunday, June 22nd, when the NBA playoffs end.

    History

    Reading Recommendations

    Hoops & Books

    Take a look through this list of books about basketball from high school to college to the NBA.

    Title - The Wonder BoyTitle - Above the NoiseTitle - DreamTitle - It

    Basketball Movies

    Here are a few movies and documentaries about basketball to get you ready for all the live action!

    Title - Above the RimTitle - Alaskan NetsTitle - Assembly HallTitle - Bad Boys

    Underdog Stories

    When things are tough, an underdog story is a great way to feel inspired to keep going…like the Pacers. Never give up!

    Title - Into Unknown SkiesTitle - The Boys of RiversideTitle - UnderdawgsTitle - The Watermen

    e-Books & Streaming

    Basketball & Pacers Pride in Indiana

    In 49 states it’s just basketball…but this is Indiana. Make a selection from Books on and off the Court — Basketball in Indiana! – e-books and audiobooks to enjoy between games while we cheer our Pacers on! Yes ‘Cers! Learn how to use your library card to checkout e-books or audiobooks.

    Women’s Hoops: The Essential Reading List

    NCAA tournament season is almost upon us, and the WNBA opener is on the horizon. Get amped for all the action to come with new and classic reads about women’s basketball.

    Title - Hoop MusesTitle - Inaugural Ballers : the True Story of the First U.S. WomenTitle - Dear Black GirlsTitle - Dust Bowl Girls

    Art & Basketball

    Explore the intersection of basketball and the arts – music, poetry, photography, fashion, sculpture, painting and film.

    Title - Soul of the GameTitle - FlyTitle - The Story of Basketball in 100 PhotographsTitle - A History of Basketball in 15 Sneakers

    Basketball Hoops & Hopes -Chapter Books for Kids!

    Here are some great reads for kids that feature basketball!

    Title - Remember UsTitle - Falling ShortTitle - Roster ReboundTitle - Shot Clock

    Pacers Pride at the Library

    https://indypl.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/display/1540560119/2452145039

    Thinking of starting a nonprofit organization? First consider that . . .

    “Starting a nonprofit may be the most complicated way to act on your passion to serve your community. It requires much planning, time, effort, and money just to start; however, the biggest challenge is to develop and maintain reliable income streams. Estimates vary; nevertheless, most experts agree that less than half of nonprofit startups survive beyond five years. Of those that survive, perhaps one-third are in financial distress.” (From What are alternatives to starting a nonprofit?, an article in Candid’s “learning community for the social sector.”)

    Tips for Getting Started

    If you decide to explore setting up a nonprofit, have already done so, or work for a nonprofit organization, Candid Learning has much to offer. Moreover, it provides valuable resources and insights to support your efforts. So, be sure to check out the TRAINING, TOPICS, RESOURCES, or Ask Us tabs across the top of the page. Additionally, these sections offer a wealth of information to help you get started. Ask Us is Candid’s way for you to engage their team of experts. As a result, they can answer questions about foundations, philanthropy, fundraising, and nonprofits. Furthermore, they offer insights on various other related topics.

    State of Indiana: Resources for Nonprofits and Faith-Based Organizations

    Business Plans Handbook Creating a business plan can help a nonprofit organization describe how it intends to implement its mission and achieve its set of goals and objectives. (To access this database outside the library, you will need to log in with your IndyPL library card.)

    IndyPL’s 2024 Nonprofit Program Series

    IndyPL’s nonprofit program series offers training on a variety of nonprofit management topics. Past workshops have included starting a nonprofit, fundraising, recruiting volunteers, developing a board of directors, and more.

    Recommended Program Development Tools

    Measuring Program Outcomes: A Practical Approach: by United Way of America’s Task Force on Development.

    Funding for Nonprofit Organizations

    Before you do, read Is Your Organization Grant Ready? to determine if your nonprofit should invest time and money in pursuing such funding at this point. Additionally, this resource will help you assess your readiness for grant applications.

    If you decide the time is right to pursue grants, consider these resources:

    The Indianapolis Public Library is a Funding Information Network partner with Candid, headquartered in New York City. As such we provide access to their subscription databases Foundation Directory Online and Foundation Grants to Individuals Online. (Currently at Central Library only)

    NOTE: We are currently able to provide you with temporary remote access to Foundation Directory Online Essential from home.

    For an introduction to using Foundation Director Online, see this video presentation, How to use the New FDO.

    Considering Government Grants? See General Guide to Government Funding produced by Congressman Andre Carson’s office.

    Volunteers

    The Value of Volunteer Time “helps acknowledge the millions of individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and energy to making a difference. Charitable organizations can use this estimate to quantify the enormous value volunteers provide.”

    Statistics and Data

    Indiana State Data Center Grant writers often need demographic data from the Census and other local sources. Contact the Indiana State Data Center, your safety net for stats.

    IndyVitals measures the long-term impact of the work of Plan 2020 partners at the neighborhood level.

    The Human Needs Index (HNI) is believed to be the first multidimensional measure of poverty in the United States from the nonprofit perspective. The high-quality, monthly data from The Salvation Army goes back to 2004 and illuminates trends in poverty and vulnerability.

    Central Indiana Nonprofit Salary Report “Prior to the 2010 Nonprofit Salary Report, a comprehensive summary of nonprofit 501(C)3 salaries and benefits did not exist, so we were excited to begin a tradition that we feel is very important to the current and future vitality of the
    Central Indiana nonprofit sector.”

    Local Nonprofit Resources

    Charitable Allies “Charitable Allies is a charity that provides legal, educational, administrative support, training, and consulting services to nonprofits.”

    Indiana Nonprofit Database This is a single, comprehensive listing of nonprofit organizations in the state— a joint product of the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy, the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs and the Indiana Business Research Center as part of the Indiana Nonprofits Project: Scope & Community Dimensions.)

    Social Assets and Vulnerabilities Indicators “Whether you’re a grant writer seeking vital funding or an executive director developing a strategic plan, SAVI helps you make informed decisions based on the social, economic and other demographic realities in some 2,000 Central Indiana communities.” Free training on SAVI is available at the Polis Center. The full course options are available here.

    Association of Fundraising Professionals-Indiana “The Association of Fundraising Professionals-Indiana Chapter fosters the growth of development of philanthropy, the fund-raising profession, the Chapter, and its individual members.”

    Indiana Philanthropy Alliance is a nonprofit membership association of and for the state’s philanthropic grantmaking community. Our members include public and private foundations, corporate giving programs, governmental grantmakers, regranting organizations, philanthropic advisors and other qualified individuals. Collectively, our membership holds about $12.5 billion in assets and awards more than $500 million in grants each year. Consequently, this substantial financial capacity enables us to make a significant impact through our funding efforts. IPA itself does not make grants.

    Legal Resources

    Community Development Legal Project – The Community Development Legal Project (CDLP) was started by Indiana Legal Services (ILS). It offers a variety of legal services to eligible nonprofits, community organizations, and low income individuals free of charge. Legal issues can be complex. Since the cost of navigating legal issues can be prohibitive, the CDLP can help alleviate some of these concerns. Furthermore, it offers services statewide to existing eligible nonprofit organizations as well as aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start a for-profit or nonprofit venture. Specifically, CDLP services include assistance with legal issues related to forming a new entity. Additionally, CDLP addresses legal concerns related to ongoing business operations, such as governance, contracts, real estate, tax, and employment issues.

    If your organization is in need of legal assistance, or determining whether an issue your organization is facing may be better addressed with the help of an attorney, your organization should consider contacting the CDLP project attorney to discuss whether assistance is available.

    Investigating Tax-Exempt Organizations

    Internal Revenue Service Nonprofit Tax Information

    Tax Exempt Organization Search (formerly Select Check) Tax Exempt Organization Search helps users find information about a tax-exempt organization’s federal tax status and filings.

    National Directory of Nonprofit Organizations A comprehensive guide to the growing nonprofit world designed for marketers, sales staff, and nonprofit professionals. Provides contact and basic factual information on the largest nonprofit organizations in the United States. Go to IndyPL Research. Select Gale Directory Library. Then, scroll down to find the National Directory of Nonprofit Organizations. Additionally, this directory provides comprehensive information on various nonprofit organizations. (In order to access the databases outside the library, you will need to log in with your IndyPL library card.)

    ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer “Use this database to view summaries of 3 million tax returns from tax-exempt organizations and see financial details such as their executive compensation and revenue and expenses. You can browse IRS data released since 2013 and access over 9.6 million tax filing documents going back as far as 2001.”

    Online Newsletters and Blogs for Nonprofit Organizations

    Candid Learning Blog “highlights the knowledge you need to be a better grantseeker. Join the conversation.”

    Indianapolis Not-for-profit News “For 15 years, Charitable Advisors has worked to provide relevant information and is designed to be your “one-stop” nonprofit-sector resource. The weekly e-newsletter is sent directly to your email and is now mobile friendly. If you want information that is important to your work and keeps you up to speed on what your peers are doing, Not-for-profit News is the information source for you.”

    Periodicals (paper format)

    The Chronicle of Philanthropy PERIODICAL

    Giving USA 361.7 GIV

    Grassroots Fundraising Journal PERIODICAL (Grassroots Fundraising Journal, a beloved publication with a history of over 35 years, has paused publication indefinitely. The last issue was July-August 2018. While there are no current plans to produce new articles, we know that thousands of people continue to find the fundraising information, case studies, and how-to instructions valuable. The full archive of the Journal is now available free to the public. By freeing up access to the archive, we can continue to spread fundraising knowledge and lift up the work of sustaining grassroots organizations.

    Library Computer Catalog Searches and E-Books and Audiobooks from Candid

    Questions about Indypl’s nonprofit resources? Email our Nonprofit Team,  or call Central Library and ask to speak with someone on the Nonprofit Team.

    alt="Nonprofit series classroom."

    Our Fall 2025 Nonprofit Series at Central Library offers free, in-person workshops on a variety of nonprofit management topics including starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, developing a board of directors, strategic planning, fundraising, volunteer recruitment, planning effective programs, and writing successful grant proposals. Workshops are led by local nonprofit experts. We also offer training on using Foundation Directory, a prospecting tool for researching grant funders as well as how to find evidence-based research for grant proposals. These sessions are led by librarians on our Nonprofit Team at Central Library.


    Nonprofit Program Series at Central Library Schedule & Registration:

    • Event: Nonprofit Book Discussion Group
    • Date & Time: Tuesday, August 26, 6:00pm
    • Location: Central Library
    • Description: Central Library is excited to offer its first book discussion group for nonprofits. Gather with others from the nonprofit community to discuss ideas and themes related to nonprofits across a variety of readings.
    • No Registration Required.

    Questions about the Nonprofit Program Series at Central Library? Email or call Central Library and ask to speak with a librarian on our Nonprofit Team.

    Not able to attend one of our workshops? Watch one of our recorded sessions from our Spring 2021 workshop series available on The Library’s YouTube channel.

    For more information, resources, funding tips, and helpful tools see our blog post Nurturing the Nonprofit Organization.

    Made possible by Meridian Foundation through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.

    Nonprofit Book Discussion Picks

    A sampling of books relevant to issues facing nonprofit organizations. Consider reading one together with your organization. If you or your organization needs support locating learning resources, get in touch with our Nonprofit Team. Call the Library at 317-275-4100 and ask to speak to the Nonprofit Team or email us at nonprofit@indypl.org.

    Title - Lean ImpactTitle - Our Secret SocietyTitle - Nonprofit NeighborhoodsTitle - Decolonizing WealthTitle - Madam C. J. WalkerTitle - What the FundraisingTitle - Charity CaseTitle - The Divine EconomyTitle - Founding FinanceTitle - Caring CashTitle - How We Give NowTitle - Measuring the Networked Nonprofit

    June 19th is Juneteenth, a day set aside to commemorate the day Texas slaves first learned about emancipation. More than two years after President Lincoln signed the emancipation proclamation! Union army general Gordon Granger made the announcement in Galveston on June 19, 1865. His announcement made Texas the last state to hear the news. Juneteenth is a crucial piece of the complex series of announcements, documents, and events that lead to the passage of the 13th amendment.

    Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

    Juneteenth National Independence Day is a United States federal holiday. It was signed into law by President Joe Biden on Thursday June 17, 2021. Listen to Opal Lee, the activist known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” reflect on her efforts that are credited with the day being officially recognized. In 2017 at the age of 89 Lee walked from Fort Worth to Washington D.C. to call attention to her quest. To learn more about Opal check out Opal Lee and What It Means To Be Free.

    Annual Indy Book Fest & Juneteenth Celebration

    The Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC) hosted an annual Juneteenth celebration at Central Library. The event took place Saturday, June 14.

    This year’s presentation, called Liberating Minds: African American Literature and Libraries, included a wonderful selection of local authors, the Musical sounds of Nu Destiny Christian Church Choir, exciting drop-in kids’ activities, and more!

    Our featured speaker was librarian Mychal Threets who says “Library joy and book joy are what I’m all about. We all belong in our libraries!” Mychal joined us in a conversation moderated by Ashley C. Ford.

    Remembering the History of Emancipation

    In the NPR interview What the Emancipation Proclamation Didn’t Do, Lonnie Bunch III, founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History, said the following about remembering the history of emancipation:

    “Well, I think that on a very specific notion, I would love people to realize that African-Americans were agents in their own liberty. I think that that’s an important piece, rather than simply the notion, if you look at the movie “Lincoln,” it seems as if Lincoln freed the slaves, rather than it’s part of a complicated nuanced puzzle that led to emancipation.

    But, I think the other part that’s so important to me about this moment is this is a moment for Americans to remember that you can believe in a change that you can’t see. That the Emancipation Proclamation, slavery was something that everybody knew was going to exist forever except for a few fanaticals. But suddenly the Emancipation Proclamation began America on a trajectory that ultimately led to a fundamental change in citizenship and equality. And so what I hope is that people would realize that they have a right to demand and effect change because change is possible in this country.”

    Learn more about Juneteenth

    Watch:

    • Our streaming service called Kanopy has a curated collection of films that commemorate Juneteenth. If you have never borrowed from Kanopy before directions and a video tutorial are available.
    • Watch the online exhibition Slavery & Freedom from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History. It highlights stories behind some of the museum’s most compelling objects.
    • Blacks and the Vote This online discussion from the CBLC includes the importance of voting, inspired poetry from local performers, and a moderated panel discussion about what voting means in today’s America.

    Listen:

    Read:

    Take a Deeper Dive:

    The Juneteenth Table: Putting the Twist on Tradition

    Celebrate Juneteenth with culinary creations, both traditional and modern! Each title contains recipes that call back to African heritage, African-American history, and long-held traditions of eating red foods for health, happiness, and celebration. Add something new to your Juneteenth table with these delicious offerings below. Happy Cooking!

    Title - Watermelon & Red BirdsTitle - My AmericaTitle - Ghetto Gastro Black Power KitchenTitle - Black Food

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    Here are five tips to help you explore voices of the LGBTQ+ experience as well as a convenient clickable list of LGBTQ+ authors linked directly to our catalog for placing requests or checking out e-books and audiobooks. If you need help finding books by LGBTQ+ authors, we can help!

    1. Read an award winner.

    Make a selection from some of the most distinguished honors in literature.

    2. Borrow e-books or downloadable audiobooks.

    Browse OverDrive’s LGBTQIA+ collections of e-books and downloadable audiobooks.

    If you have never borrowed from OverDrive or the OverDrive Libby app before, both OverDrive browser directions and Libby app directions are available as well as an OverDrive video tutorial and Overdrive/Libby Support.

    Need more help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian. Additionally, the Tinker Station helpline at (317) 275-4500 is also available. It is staffed by device experts who can answer questions about how to read, watch and listen on a PC, tablet or phone.

    3. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

    LGBTQ+ Graphic Novels

    Graphic novels where LGBTQ+ characters and themes are relevant to the plot.

    Title - Fun HomeTitle - Bingo LoveTitle - My Lesbian Experience With LonelinessTitle - BatwomanTitle - Wandering SonTitle - LumberjanesTitle - My BrotherTitle - Skim

    4. Use your IndyPL Library card to login to Novelist Plus.

    Novelist Plus makes finding books by LGBTQ+ authors easier. Browse recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning books all by LGBTQ+ authors on Novelist. Browse the LGBTQIA category to see sample and see listings that show a star rating and the option to “Check Availability” to see if a book is available to borrow from IndyPL. When you click on a book you can read a brief description and get ideas for read alikes.

    5. Subscribe to the Rainbow Reads newsletter from NextReads.

    Subscribe to NextReads to receive reading recommendation in your inbox monthly for help finding books by LGBTQ+ authors. Book suggestions are linked to our catalog for easy requesting. It’s FREE! See a sample issue and Subscribe to NextReads!

    LGBTQ+ Adult Authors

    LGBTQ+ Teen Authors

    LGBTQ+ Childrens Authors

    Storytime with Dad is a great way to spend part of Father’s Day! Listen together to Hair Love, a story about a daddy daughter duo who work together to come up with the perfect hair style for a special day. They don’t know at first exactly which hair style will work, but as they try each one, they know which ones won’t! Follow along as they keep their cool and don’t get discouraged as they try and try again. You will also find below more free online read alouds, e-books, and online activities. It’s Father’s Day Storytime Online! Don’t miss our list of favorite books to check out for Father’s Day!

    Talk!

    After listening to the story, talk about some of the things that happened in it.

    • Why was Zuri so excited about her day? Why was it important to her to have her hair done?
    • How would you have felt if you couldn’t get your hair ready for a special event?
    • Have you ever had a hard time combing your hair? How did you feel when you were struggling with it? Did you ask for help?
    • Why does Zuri look at her ipad?
    • What ae some of the things that Zuri and her dad did do to figure out how to style her hair?
    • How did Zuri feel when her mother saw what they had done.

    Read!

    Use your indyPL Library Card to check out books about Father’s Day at any of our locations, or check out Father’s Day e-books and audiobooks from OverDrive Kids right to your device. If you have never used OverDrive before, you can learn how to use it for both e-books and audiobooks.

    Click on the book covers below to listen to more Father’s Day video read aloud stories right now! It’s Father’s Day storytime online! Did you like these? You can find more stories at Free Video Read Alouds and enjoy even more themed reading and activity fun at IndyPL’s DIY Online Storytimes at Home.

    title - And Tango Makes Threetitle - Big Papa and the Time Machinetitle - Brick by Bricktitle - Blank Entrytitle - Hair Lovetitle - How to Cheer up Dadtitle - I [heart] Dad With the Very Hungry Caterpillartitle - Jabari Jumpstitle - You Made Me A Dadtitle - Blank Entrytitle - Blank Entrytitle - Blank Entry

    The Best Dads in Picture Books to Check Out with your IndyPL Library Card

    List Cover Images - They teach, play, protect, tease, feed, and adventure from dawn to dark. These picture book dads show how it’s done from sweet to ornery to laugh out loud! They are great fun for Father’s Day and every day!

    Sing!

    Enjoy this sing along from Miss Linky. “Dads are special and they deserve some love on Father’s Day. Sing this song for your daddy and practice the moves to let your him know that he means the world to you!”

    Write!

    Find some crayons or makers to color a picture, practice writing the letters, or see if you can follow your way through a maze without getting stuck.

    Play!

    Take a walk with your dad and read a story as you go! We invite you to visit StoryWalk® in Ruckle Street Park at 3025 Ruckle Street. Stroll through the park and read a book displayed in mounted frames.

    Find Ways to Play with Dad! searchable activities database from PBS Kids Results include printable activities, crafts made with things found around the house, online games, recipes, experiments, and more. You can search by age, favorite PBS kids show character, or by keyword.

    Join Us for In-Person Storytime

    • Event: Storytime at Spades Park
    • Date & Time: Thursday, July 17, 10:30am
    • Location: Spades Park Branch
    • Description: Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and an adult are invited to join us for stories and more every Thursday in the Community Room followed by socialization time for children and caregivers.
    • No Registration Required.
    • Event: Storytime at Michigan Road
    • Date & Time: Thursday, July 17, 10:30am
    • Location: Michigan Road Branch
    • Description: Preschoolers, toddlers, and their caregivers are invited for stories, fingerplays, crafts and activities.
    • No Registration Required.

    Need Help?

    Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text, or email Ask-a-Librarian. The Tinker Station helpline at (317) 275-4500 is also available. It is staffed by device experts who can answer questions about how to read, watch and listen on a PC, tablet or phone.