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.
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.
Remembering Brian Wilson
As we look back over Brian Wilson’s life and reflect on the enduring impact of his musical genius, I hope these books and movies will offer new insights and a deepening appreciation for his accomplishments and his personal struggles.
Sci-Fi Dinosaurs
Forget about dragons, dinosaurs represent their own sci-fi sub-genre. Here are some titles to help you reach your Adult Summer Reading Program goal.
Listen with Liz – June 2025
I love nonfiction audiobooks. This is a totally random list of titles I listened to in May 2025. Titles are listed in alphabetical order.
Rock Climbing Fiction
Welcome to the world of rock climbing fiction. Writing about rock climbing is nothing new, as many great non-fiction works exist about climbing tips, record-breaking accents, and iconic climbers. Now, with a recent surge in the sport’s popularity, rock climbing has begun creeping it’s way into many genres of fiction writing. This list is inspired by the North Mass Boulder rock climbing gym’s book club, and includes some of their past reads.
Queer Fantasy
Within these magical tomes are stories full of wonder and weirdness, dragons and demigods, teas and lattes, and, yes, plenty of LGBTQIAP+ representation. June is Pride Month, and if you’re looking to expand your TBR, hopefully there is something in this list for you!
For Fresh Flower Fans🌻
We’re coming into the best time of year – local flower season! Whether you grow, forage, or purchase your stems, find a little inspiration for making the most of those beautiful blooms. 🌸
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!
- All About Jurassic Park
- Dinosaurs – Books for Adults
- Indiana Geology & Geography
- Natural History Large Print & Audiobook Suggestions
- Paleoart
Try our printmaking and paleoart workshop for adults. Schedule & Register for Printmaking Paleoart
- Paleontology
Try our exploring paleontology workshop for adults. Schedule & Register for Exploring Paleontology - Rock Art & Cave Painting
Try our art in stone workshop for adults. Schedule & Register for Art in Stone - Summer Reading Quick Reads
- That’s Not a Dinosaur
That’s Not a Dinosaur!
It might be large and extinct, but not every ancient creature we unearth is a dinosaur! Explore some of the OTHER amazing prehistoric creatures from the planet’s past with these books. Unearth Imagination! Join our Summer Reading Program May 31 – August 2 – open to ALL ages! Learn more about the Summer Reading Program.
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.
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!
The Center for Black Literature & Culture at Central Library will host the 8th Annual Book Fest and Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 14, 2025 offering a glimpse into African American Art, literature, and storytelling. Learn more about our Book Fest and Juneteenth Celebration.
Finding Books by LGBTQ+ Authors
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!
Long Days, Longer Books
Looking to fill your extra daylight hours with reading, but you hate having to choose your next book? Choose a long read (sometimes lovingly referred to as a “doorstopper”) and stay in the same story for longer!
As a bonus, you might even be able to complete 20 hours worth of reading for the Summer Reading Program with just one of these tomes! You certainly can if you choose to listen to the audiobook version.
Many Ways to Garden!
With spring just around the corner this is a WONDERFUL time to turn your attention to helping plants grow!
Appalachian Trail + Women + LGBTQ + Music
We were happy to host Jordan Jinosko in conversation about her composing, based on her trek on the Appalachian Trail. And maybe you’re interested in the Appalachian Trail, or the space along the trail, and have already read A Walk in the Woods. What other things might you find interesting? P.S. Weeding this list down to just these items was TOUGH. If these excite you (or don’t) keep looking for other options in our collection!
Cookbooks with a Picture for Every Recipe
I simply refuse to look through a cookbook without photos for each recipe. Am I right? I also don’t like fussy recipes with long ingredient lists and difficult instructions. All of these cookbooks meet those high standards!
Harlan Coben adaptations on Netflix
Do you like to watch the Harlan Coben collection on Netflix? Read the books here!
Native Plants for your HOA yard
Native flowers and permaculture gardening in your HOA neighborhood?! Yes, you can…with the help of these resources!
