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 8:30pm 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.
Wednesday Mornings – Indy Now Book Club
The Library helps host a ‘book club’ on the Indy Now Morning Show with Ryan and Jillian on Fox59. Tune in at 10 a.m. every other Wednesday. Catch book recommendations and IndyPL program highlights from your own local librarians. Re-watch segments you have missed and see book lists of the books mentioned in each segment.
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.
Local Book Influencers Share Their Favorite Reads of 2024 (So Far!)
Folks who are on social media may already be aware that platforms like Instagram and TikTok are an excellent source for anyone who is hungry for more book recommendations. Accounts can be dedicated to entire subgenres (like cozy fantasy!) or can read widely. The list contains recommendations from 10 different Indiana based bookstagrammers and booktokers (plus 4 bonus recommendations!). Dive in and find a new book to read and new accounts to follow!
Inspired by "The Bear"
If you devoured the show The Bear you might find yourself craving an Italian Beef, making people say “yes chef” in all of your home kitchen interactions, or contemplating how to make the perfect donut. This list will give you suggestions to keep the show alive while you are waiting for season 3 to drop on Hulu and Disney+.
You Are Worth It: Rest as a Form of Resistance
At a time when most all of us are pressured to constantly be on the go and burning out, taking the time to slow down and care for ourselves can be a powerful act. Here are some books on the idea of rest as a form of resistance against oppression, capitalism, and the
societal pressure to outperform ourselves at every turn.
A History of Fairs and Festivals
The Indiana State Fair is coming up, so get into the celebrating spirit with these titles on the history of fairs and festivals around the world!
Animal Themed Crafting for Adults
Animals have been our muses since the dawn of time. If you’re looking to get creative, why not let our furry, feathery, and scaly neighbors spark some inspiration? This list is comprised of all kinds of activities for any and all skill levels. Pick up a book on your current hobby or try something new!
If You Love Alexis Nikole @blackforager
This bubbly internet educator guides viewers on Instagram and TikTok through the wonderful world of foraging wild food and the mysteries of plants. Alexis Nikole Nelson has a TED Talk, and is the newest host of Crash Course Botany on YouTube. She also won a Daytime Emmy in 2023 for an episode of “Eat This with Yara ” titled ‘The Awful Truth About ‘No Trespassing’ Signs”! Check out her videos, and these book recommends based on her content. And as Alexis’s tagline goes, perhaps we can find “Happy snacking! Don’t die!”
Graphic Novels by Nonbinary Creators
Celebrate International Nonbinary People’s Day on July 14th by reading a graphic novel from a nonbinary creator. Some titles on this list are non-fiction and memoirs, highlighting the stories of nonbinary people. Other titles are fiction created by nonbinary authors and artists.
Mysteries for Dog Lovers
Dogs as working companions or just beloved pets are featured in these mystery books and series.
Slow Paced Alien Stories
Why do so many alien movies and video games have to be shoot-em-up explosion fests? Maybe, the reason why we haven’t made first contact is because real aliens have become afraid of us. This list is for those who are tired of those kinds of stories. What if the encounter was more suspense than, explosions and the pew pew shootings? Included in this list are stories that do not have a neat little explanation. It is like an unfinished puzzle and you can decide if you have solved it, or if there even is a solution. World UFO day is July 2nd
They’re Watching!
In honor of Surveillance Day, here is a list of teen dystopian / big brother fiction. These books question things like how much privacy are we willing to give up in the name of security? What are the government and companies really doing with our digital devices and internet searches? I started with the classic, 1984. If a book is part a series, I will only link to the first book, but will provide the titles of the remainder of the series in the annotation.
Train Your Pet!
Is your dog, cat, bird, small mammal or fish in need of wrangling? Find guidance for training them to be the best they can be! (Okay, maybe not the fish.)
Jaws
they satisfy the fear and fascination with the ocean’s most misunderstood creature. Pair your next Jaws viewing with another shark-themed film, or read about the importance of sharks in our ecosystems!
Nick Cave
While we await the August 2024 release of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ 18th studio album ‘Wild God’, I hope these albums, concert films, documentaries, feature films, memoirs, biographies, novels, and web resources inspire you to explore Cave’s complex, ever evolving life and work.
Coffee Brewing 101
I am definitely a coffee nerd, and kinda snobby. But I also love sharing information and I’m hoping this list gets you thinking about coffee basics, and excited to attend a Coffee Brewing workshop.
Pets With Jobs
My favorite pets with jobs are the TSA dogs at the airport. Especially the German Shorthaired Pointers! Read about some inspiring and hard working pets in the titles below.
Cats
A librarian doing a list on cats – nothing could be more cliché I know. I have tried to include lots of cat and feline related books.
Eggs and Chickens
My friends got a few chickens for their urban backyard and it is fun to get fresh eggs when I need them. Learn more about backyard farming, chickens and egg recipes.
Tension- Filled Historical Romances to Read in Honor of Bridgerton Season 3
Bridgerton Season 3 is less than a month away from being released! However, for those who can’t wait that long (especially after watching all the press of Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton), we’ve compiled a list of books to tide you over.
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!
Kids love dogs. Our librarians do too! When asked which book dogs are their favorite for story time, Harry the Dirty Dog and Bark, George won by a landslide! Here are some suggestions from them for little readers who can’t get enough puppy love. E-books and downloadable audiobooks are available.
This list contains stories and information books all about growing your own garden and then using what you grow…to eat!