According to the American Society of Deaf Children (ASDC), “Research shows that reading and signing stories together helps promote essential literacy skills for ALL children: deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing.” This page highlights some favorites! Just click on a book cover to enjoy the video read alouds in American Sign Language. To keep up-to-date on new releases and see a more complete listing, The ASDC maintains a running list of signed stories in their ASL Stories Directory. Use it to quickly find stories by a child’s age or by the book’s title.

Stories that are both Read Aloud and Signed (ASL):

title - Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Daytitle - A Birthday Basket for Tíatitle - Black Is A Rainbow Colortitle - Chester's Waytitle - Click, Clack, Splish, Splashtitle - David Goes to Schooltitle - Un día de nievetitle - The Family Booktitle - Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bedtitle - Good Night, Gorillatitle - Heckedy Pegtitle - Imogene's Antlerstitle - It's Okay to Make Mistakestitle - The Little Red Hentitle - Lola at the Librarytitle - The Snowy Daytitle - La sombrilla grandetitle - Tektitle - Tu mamá es una llama?

Stories Signed (ASL) Only:

title - The Book With No Picturestitle - Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?title - Clifford the Firehouse Dogtitle - D.W. Flipstitle - Dinosaur Roar!title - The Duckling Gets A Cookie!?title - Duncan the Story Dragontitle - I Stink!title - I Went Walkingtitle - If You Plant A Seedtitle - Nita's First Signstitle - Planting A Rainbowtitle - Purplicioustitle - There's An Alligator Under My Bedtitle - Where the Wild Things Are

Where to Find More Video Read Alouds in American Sign Language:

Online and @Home Activities:

Learning a second language is not only good for your brain, it also lets you communicate with a new group of people. American Sign Language (ASL) is spoken by around 1,000,000 people in the United States. Introduce your children to the world of signing with the books in this collection.

Title - Can Bears Ski?Title - Hands & HeartsTitle - Baby SigningTitle - The Sound of All ThingsTitle - The Mitten StringTitle - The William Hoy StoryTitle - Friendship GoalsTitle - Moses Sees A Play

Two children riding in a car using tablets and headphones

When you are on vacation, running errands or just away from home, free video read alouds are a great way to fill what can be hours of waiting into a lot of fun! These are convenient stories for families on the go. View them on a computer, tablet, or phone. If you have a few minutes you have time for a story! The playlist below includes more than 100 video read alouds from old classics like Where the Wild Things Are to newer favorites like Little Jumbo. Featured readers include actors, performers, celebrities, and oftentimes the author themselves. This listening library is available all day every day (and all night!) for returning to old favorites. “Read it again!” has never been easier!

Also, join us for regular episodes of online storytime! Children 3-6 are invited to a virtual Library visit in Indianapolis! Tune in from home to sing along, listen to a story, see new places, and meet amazing people! Sign up for upcoming sessions or watch our archive.

Click on a book cover to hear a story!

title - Abiyoyotitle - Ada Twist, Scientisttitle - All Are Welcometitle - Are You My Mother?title - Areli Is A Dreamertitle - Arnie the Doughnuttitle - Arthur's New Puppytitle - Being Franktitle - The Case of the Missing Carrot Caketitle - Arthur's Pet Businesstitle - As Fast as Words Could Flytitle - Astronaut Annietitle - Baby Brainstitle - Baby Penguins Everywheretitle - A Bad Case of Stripestitle - Balloons Over Broadwaytitle - Be A Makertitle - Beach Day!title - The Bear Ate your Sandwichtitle - Bear Came Alongtitle - Bear Snores ontitle - Bedtime Bonnettitle - Bee Calmtitle - Before John Was A Jazz Gianttitle - Big Papa and the Time Machinetitle - Bits & Piecestitle - Blank Entrytitle - Bright Eyes, Brown Skintitle - Bright Startitle - Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?title - Carla's Sandwichtitle - Carmela Full of Wishestitle - Charlie the Ranch Dogtitle - Chester's Waytitle - Chicken Soup With Ricetitle - Chicks Rule!title - Blank Entrytitle - Clark the Sharktitle - The Coal Thieftitle - Cock-a-doodle Oops!title - The Crayon Mantitle - Dad and Me in the Morningtitle - Danbi Leads the School Paradetitle - The Day You Begintitle - Don't Let Auntie Mabel Bless the Tabletitle - Blank Entrytitle - Duck! Rabbit!title - Eat Pete!title - Edmund Unravelstitle - Elbow Greasetitle - Emma and Julia Love Ballettitle - The Empty Pottitle - Enemy Pietitle - Bonjour, Butterflytitle - Farmer Ducktitle - Fry Breadtitle - The Fuzzy Ducklingtitle - Game Changerstitle - The Gingerbread Mantitle - The Giving Treetitle - Goldilicioustitle - The Goodbye Booktitle - Goodnight, Daniel Tigertitle - Goodnight, Numberstitle - Grandma's Pursetitle - A Greyhound, A Groundhogtitle - Grumpy Monkey up All Nighttitle - Guji Gujititle - Hair Lovetitle - Happy in Our Skintitle - Harry, the Dirty Dogtitle - Hatch!title - Hello Lighthousetitle - Hello Neighbor!title - Here Comes Teacher Cattitle - Here Comes the Garbage Barge!title - Here We Aretitle - Hey, That's My Monster!title - Hey, Who Made This Mess?title - Hildie Bitterpickles Needs Her Sleeptitle - Hooray for Fish!title - Hoot & Honk Just Can't Sleeptitle - Hoot and Peeptitle - The House That Jane Builttitle - How Do Penguins Play?title - How I Learned Geographytitle - How I Met My Monstertitle - How to Cheer up Dadtitle - How to Get your Teacher Readytitle - The Hula Hoopin' Queentitle - I Am Harriet Tubmantitle - Blank Entrytitle - I Am Peacetitle - I Can Flytitle - I Need My Monstertitle - If I Ran for Presidenttitle - I'm A Ballerina!title - I'm A Trucktitle - I'm Going to Give You A Bear Hug!title - Imani's Moontitle - Blank Entrytitle - It's Okay to Make Mistakestitle - Joan Procter, Dragon Doctortitle - Kate, Who Tamed the Windtitle - Blank Entrytitle - The Kissing Handtitle - Knots on A Counting Ropetitle - Ladybug Girl at the Beachtitle - Blank Entrytitle - Library Liontitle - Lion Lessonstitle - Little Elliot, Big Citytitle - The Little Engine That Couldtitle - Little Excavatortitle - Little Owl's Snowtitle - Little Treetitle - Llama Llama Mad at Mamatitle - Love You, Hug You, Read to You!title - Llama Llama Loves to Readtitle - Llama Llama Misses Mamatitle - The Loraxtitle - Lost and Found Cattitle - Lost for Wordstitle - Lotus & Feathertitle - Louise Loves Arttitle - Maddi's Fridgetitle - Madelinetitle - Mama's Bellytitle - Maria Had A Little Llamatitle - Marlotitle - Martí's Song for Freedomtitle - Mary Had A Little Glamtitle - Max and Marlatitle - Milk Goes to Schooltitle - Millions of Catstitle - Miss Maple's Seedstitle - The Mittentitle - Miss Rumphiustitle - Molly of Denalititle - Blank Entrytitle - Monster Needs A Partytitle - A Moon of My Owntitle - My Brother Charlietitle - My Friend Maggietitle - My Hairtitle - My Rotten Redheaded Older Brothertitle - The Mysteries of the Universe

For more help keeping children hearing and enjoying great stories you can find even MORE Free Video Read Alouds or try IndyPL’s DIY Online Storytimes at Home. Because reading aloud to kids—even after they know how to read independently—benefits kids of all ages. Video read alouds are a great tool to help create a culture of reading. They don’t replace reading aloud together in-person, but they are a fun alternative and supply key early literacy benefits.

Click on a book cover below to hear a story read aloud! Featured readers include actors, performers, celebrities, and oftentimes the author themselves. This listening library is available all day every day (and all night!) for returning to old favorites. “Read it again!” has never been easier! Don’t miss the first 100 at Free Video Read Alouds or Video Read Alouds for Kids in American Sign Language (ASL). When you are on vacation, running errands or just away from home, read along stories are a great way to fill what can be hours of waiting into a lot of fun! It’s story time online! View these stories on a computer, tablet, or phone. If you have a few minutes you have time for a story!

For more ideas to help keep children hearing and enjoying great stories try our online storytimes to enjoy even more free video read alouds. Because reading aloud to kids—even after they know how to read independently—benefits kids of all ages. Video read alouds are a great tool to help create a culture of reading. They don’t replace reading aloud together in-person, but they are a fun alternative and supply key early literacy benefits.

title - Blank Entrytitle - Marlotitle - Max and Marlatitle - The Mysteries of the Universetitle - The Night I Followed the Dogtitle - Niño Wrestles the Worldtitle - Pete the Cat and the New Guytitle - Peter's Chairtitle - Please Please the Beestitle - No, David!title - Noah's Arktitle - No Mirrors in My Nana's Housetitle - No More Noisy Nightstitle - Max and the Won't Go to Bed Showtitle - Max Explains Everythingtitle - Me and My Cat?title - The Not So Quiet Librarytitle - Oh, the Places You'll Go!title - The Oldest Studenttitle - Oliviatitle - Once A Mousetitle - Overground Railroadtitle - Owl Babiestitle - Paolotitle - Pedro Goes Buggytitle - Peg + Cattitle - Mice Twicetitle - Muddy, Mud, Budtitle - My Awesome Summer, by P. Mantistitle - No Fits, Nilson!title - No Kimchi for Metitle - The Penguin Problemtitle - Peg + Cattitle - Pridetitle - The Princess and the Peatitle - Princess Penelope and the Runaway Kittentitle - Purplicioustitle - Quackensteintitle - R Is for Rockettitle - Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglassestitle - Penguintitle - Piper Green and the Fairy Treetitle - Radiant Childtitle - The Rainbow Fishtitle - The Poky Little Puppytitle - Read the Book, Lemmings!title - Remember to Dream, Eberetitle - Rent Party Jazztitle - Rocket Says Look Up!title - Romeow & Drooliettitle - Scribbles and Inktitle - Seaver the Weavertitle - Sebastian's Roller Skatestitle - Señorita Mariposatitle - Sheep Dog and Sheep Sheeptitle - Silly Suzy Goosetitle - Silverlicioustitle - Sisters Firsttitle - Six Little Chickstitle - Smash! Crash!title - The Snowy Daytitle - Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatchtitle - Sophie's Masterpiecetitle - The Sound of Silencetitle - Splish, Splash, Splat!title - Star Warstitle - Stellalunatitle - Stone Souptitle - The Straytitle - Strega Nonatitle - The Story of Ferdinandtitle - Sunny Daytitle - Supertrucktitle - The Tale of Peter Rabbittitle - Tawny Scrawny Liontitle - Tektitle - Ten Magic Butterfliestitle - Thank You, Mr. Falkertitle - That Is My Dream!title - There Was An Old Dragon Who Swallowed A Knighttitle - There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Flytitle - There's An Alligator Under My Bedtitle - Tea With Olivertitle - This Way, Charlietitle - Too Much! Not Enough!title - The True Story of the 3 Little Pigstitle - Uni the Unicorntitle - Velma Gratch & the Way Cool Butterflytitle - The Very Hungry Caterpillartitle - Viva Fridatitle - Waiting for the BiblioBurrotitle - We Are Water Protectorstitle - Welcome to the Partytitle - We're Amazing 1, 2, 3!title - We're Going on A Bear Hunttitle - What Would You Wish For?title - When A Dragon Moves intitle - When Pigasso Met Mootissetitle - When the Cousins Cametitle - Where the Wild Things Aretitle - Where's My Teddy?title - Where's Walrus?title - White Socks Onlytitle - Who Wet My Pants?title - Wild Dogs and Canines!title - Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridgetitle - With Any Luck, I'll Drive A Trucktitle - Wolfie the Bunnytitle - The Word Collectortitle - You Mattertitle - You're All My Favorites

The poet James Whitcomb Riley was born in Greenfield, Indiana on October 7, 1849. To give you an idea how long ago that was, he was about 12 years old when the U.S. Civil War started. Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell were both born around the same time. At the time of his death on July 22, 1916, Riley was a beloved figure across the country, but especially so in Indiana. Many of his poems were funny. People really liked that. During his life he traveled the country giving live shows reading his poetry. In his time, he was a rock star!

James Whitcomb Riley’s death was such news it made front page headlines in major newspapers all across the country. One of the newspaper headlines about his funeral said, “35,000 People Pass Casket of Indiana Poet”. That is a lot of people paying their respects.

Riley Recordings

During Riley’s life people did not have radios in their homes yet. In order to listen to music or readings people used a hand cranked phonograph machine to listen to audio recordings on cylinders. Today you can play a digital file of an audiobook on your phone or computer. In 1912 Riley recorded poetry readings for the Victor Talking Machine Company so that people could listen at home. You can listen to old Riley Recordings in The Library’s digital collection. Open the James Whitcomb Riley Recordings to listen to the man himself reading his own poetry.

James Whitcomb Riley Books

Mr. Riley’s most famous poems for children were and still are, “Raggedy Man,” “The Little Orphant Annie,” “When the Frost is on the Punkin,” and “The Old Swimmin’ Hole.” You can read them right now in these free e-books from IUPUI. I recommend the deliciously scary “The Little Orphant Annie.” Annie is a great storyteller! She tells the story of why you better mind your parents because “The gobble-uns’ll git you ef you don’t watch out!” To read it click on the first book below, Riley Child Rhymes, and then click on page 23.

title - Blank Entrytitle - Blank Entrytitle - Blank Entry

Websites, Activities & Printables:

In the spirit of another beloved Hoosier, David Letterman:

Top 10 Ways to Know James Whitcomb Riley was a Rock Star of his Time:

10. His book Rhymes of Childhood, published in 1912, can still be found today over 100 years later. Find it at the library or go to an online bookstore. There are not very many books still available from that long ago!

9. In the late 1890s Riley encouraged the African American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar. He wrote Dunbar a letter of recommendation that helped get Dunbar’s work published.

8. When Riley died, the President of the United states, Woodrow Wilson, and the Vice-President of the United States, Thomas Riley Marshall (who was from Columbia City, Indiana), both sent messages of condolence to his family. The Governor of Indiana allowed Riley to lay in state at The Indiana Statehouse Rotunda so that people could come pay their respects. Until that time, only Abraham Lincoln had been honored in that way.

7. Greenfield, IN, his birthplace, and Indianapolis, IN, his home for over 20 years, fought over the location of Riley’s grave. Over Riley’s Dead Body: Indy’s Weirdest Civic Fight. Indianapolis won. He grave is at Crown Hill Cemetery in a tomb at the top of a hill, the highest point in Indianapolis.

6. Both Riley’s boyhood home in Greenfield, IN and his adult home in Indianapolis, IN are museums and on the National Register of Historic Places.

5. Named in his honor, the James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children opened in 1924. In 1955 the hospital added Camp Riley, a camp for youth with disabilities.

4. In 1940, the U.S. Postal Service issued a 10-cent stamp honoring Riley.

3. Commissioned in 1942 during World War II, the cargo ship SS James Whitcomb Riley bears his name.

2. There used to be a Hoosier Poet Brand of coffee, oatmeal, vegetables, cigars and more.

1. James Whitcomb Riley donated the land Central Library is built on. The bronze gates at the main entrance on St. Clair Street were purchased with pennies donated by children. The bronze tablets on each of the iron gates say: The gates are the gift of the children of Indianapolis in loving remembrance of their friend James Whitcomb Riley

Famous Hoosiers for Kids

A look at an interesting group of the Indiana born or raised who have contributed to the history and life of the state and the nation from a millionaire businesswoman to a Disney animator to a lighthouse keeper (in Indiana!) as well as a U.S. President. #indyplkids

Title - Bill PeetTitle - John GreenTitle - Major Taylor, Champion CyclistTitle - Seed by Seed

Central Library hosts a small business series of free, in-person workshops and a legal clinic for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.  This year workshops will cover essential business topics such as financial statements, law, marketing, certifications, and intellectual property.  The Small Business and Intellectual Property Legal Clinic is where you can bring your questions about a legal aspect of starting a business or intellectual property such as trademarks and patents.  Read on for all the details and click on the links to register or browse our list of business book recommendations that will inform, inspire, and instruct you, no matter how new or established your business may be.

Schedule and Registration:

The Legal Aspects of Starting a Small Business:

Monday, September 11 from 6–7:30 p.m.

Register for The Legal Aspects of Starting a Small Business

In this workshop you will be introduced to some of the essential legal aspects of starting a small business, such as how to choose a legal structure for your business. This workshop will take place in the auditorium at Central Library.

Presented by Zach Lange

About the Presenter: Zach Lange is a business attorney at Jeselskis Brinkerhoff and Joseph, LLC. His practice areas include contract drafting and negotiation, general business counsel, general government counsel, business formation and transactions, business incentive identification, and economic development projects. He also provides counsel in the areas of corporate governance and regulatory matters.

Certification of MBE/WBE/VBE/DOBEs in the City of Indianapolis

Tuesday, September 12 from 6–7:30 p.m.

Register for Certification of MBE/WBE/VBE/DOBEs in the City of Indianapolis

This workshop will provide an overview of the City of Indianapolis’s Minority, Women, Veteran, and/or Disabled-Owned Business Enterprises program. Topics covered include benefits and requirements of certification, the application process, and recertification. This workshop will take place in the auditorium at Central Library.

Presented by Ava Taylor

About the Presenter:  Ava Y. Taylor is the Manager of Planning and Development, City of Indianapolis-Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD). Prior to joining OMWBD in 2016, she served as the Public Outreach and Events Manager for the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC). While at the ICRC she honed her skills and passion for helping others and being an advocate for social justice. She has 25+ years of experience in event planning and management, community outreach, partnership development, fundraising, and project management.

Small Business & Intellectual Property Legal Clinic (1:1 Appointments)

Monday, September 18 from 4–6:30 p.m.

Do you have questions about a legal aspect of starting a business, or intellectual property such as trademarks and patents?  Drop by the Legal Clinic to meet one-on-one with an attorney (for approximately 15 minutes).  Appointments will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Sign up outside the Riley Room at Central Library.  Then, stay for the Protecting Your Business: An Intellectual Property Masterclass for Entrepreneurs workshop, taking place in the auditorium at 6 p.m.  See additional details and register to attend this workshop below.

Participating attorneys include members of the Indy Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Section and Business Law Section.

Protecting Your Business: An Intellectual Property Masterclass for Entrepreneurs

Monday, September 18 from 6–7:30 p.m.

Register for Protecting Your Business: An Intellectual Property Masterclass for Entrepreneurs

Matt Metzger, small business owner and Intellectual Property attorney at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, will guide you through the art of identifying and protecting your valuable intellectual property assets.  As business owners and entrepreneurs, protecting our ingenious ideas and inventions is of paramount importance.  In this workshop you will learn how to safeguard your groundbreaking ideas with patents and protect confidential data with trade secrets. Also learn how to establish a strong brand with trademarks, and secure your creative works with copyrights.  This workshop will take place in the auditorium at Central Library

Come to the workshop early for the Small Business & Intellectual Property Legal Clinic, starting at 4 p.m. in the Riley Room.  See additional details in the listing above.

Presented by Matt Metzger

About the Presenter: Matt Metzger is an associate in Taft’s distinguished Intellectual Property group. Working with a remarkable portfolio of clients, ranging from individual inventors to billion-dollar international corporations, Matt is adept at securing and safeguarding valuable intellectual property assets. His in-depth understanding of both legal intricacies and business dynamics sets him apart as an advisor for entrepreneurs and business owners. Matt leverages his MBA with a specialization in finance and hands-on experience in running a successful small business. He offers a unique blend of legal and business acumen to elevate companies’ ventures.

Reach Your Target Customer: Creating a Marketing Plan for Your Business:

Tuesday, September 19 from 6–7:30 p.m.

Register for Reach Your Target Customer: Creating a Marketing Plan for Your Business

Learn practical strategies and actionable insights to effectively connect with your desired target audience, including how to develop a robust marketing plan tailored to your unique business objectives; leverage various marketing channels—both online and offline; and craft compelling messages. This workshop takes place in the auditorium at Central Library.

Presented by Ashley Martin

About the Presenter:  Ashley Martin is the Founder & CEO of Cerulean Consulting Group, where she and her team of multicultural marketers root clients large and small in the principles of both marketing and community – believing wholeheartedly that “we are better together”.  Ashley is a mission driven community builder and her purpose is to connect youth, women, and communities of color to organizations that improve their quality of life. She was recently recognized by Purdue University as a Pioneering Woman, and Junior Achievement of Central Indiana named her a finalist for one of “Indy’s Best and Brightest” awards. 

Don’t Fear the Spreadsheet: Financial Statements and Your Small Business: 

Tuesday, September 26 from 6–7:30 p.m.

Register for Don’t Fear the Spreadsheet: Financial Statements and Your Small Business

This workshop will explore different types of financial statements, how to understand them, and how to use them to manage your business and make numbers-informed business decisions. This workshop will take place in the auditorium at Central Library.

Presented by Mehnaz Qureshi

About the Presenter:  Mehnaz Qureshi is an accountant and entrepreneur in Indianapolis.  She has led Indy Tax Service, a woman-owned, minority-owned business, for two decades. Under her leadership, Indy Tax Service has become an example for how businesses can impact the community around them, helping a client base that includes local nonprofits, foreign nationals, and immigrant families with their income tax filing requirements and reporting obligations. Mehnaz’s expertise also includes bookkeeping, payroll, incorporation, personal tax planning, and small business tax preparation. 

Questions about the Small Business Series at Central Library?  Email Business Librarian Alexandra Loewen or call Central Library and ask to speak with a Business Librarian. 

The Small Business Series at Central Library is made possible by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.

Thank you to our Partners:  Indianapolis Bar Association, Indianapolis Recorder, and the Indy Black Chamber of Commerce.

Teens having a meeting

Looking for your next good book, something new to try, or homework and research resources? We can help! From books to movies to magazines and music, learn more about all the library has to offer teens!

Programs

  • Event: Teen Intro to Dungeons and Dragons
  • Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
  • Location: Michigan Road Branch
  • Description: Have you ever wanted to learn to play Dungeons & Dragons? Do you already play and want to find more people interested in the game? Join us and learn the basics. From Dice to pre-generated characters, all materials are provided. You only need to bring yourself!
  • Register Here

e-Books & Streaming

IndyPL’s e-Collection for Teens

You can download and stream millions of e-books, movies, music, and more instantly for free with your IndyPL Library card. No late fees, no worries. See all of our e-books and streaming platforms or browse these collection specifically for teens:

Need 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.

Books Unbanned e-Collection for Teens from the Brooklyn Public Library

“Brooklyn Public Library is adding our voice to those fighting for the rights of teens nationwide to read what they like, discover themselves, and form their own opinions. Inspired by the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read Statement, BPL’s Books Unbanned initiative is a response to an increasingly coordinated and effective effort to remove books tackling a wide range of topics from library shelves.”

For a limited time, individuals ages 13-21 from all over the country are invited to apply for a free electronic library card to check out from BPL’s full e-book collection as well as use their learning databases. To apply, email Books Unbanned. The free library card is valid for one year. You can use it to check out from the Library’s archive of 350,000 e-books; 200,000 audiobooks and over 100 databases.

Reading Recommendations

Are you looking for your next good read? We can help! IndyPL Staff Picks: What We’re Reading for Teens shares our most current reading suggestions or browse through all of our booklists for teens.

Online Resources

You can use your library card to access several different databases and online learning modules for both homework or fun. Here are a couple popular choices. You can see our complete listing here divided into several helpful categories like Arts & Entertainment, Auto Repar, Homework Help Grades 6-12, and more.

Creativebug
Creativebug is a library of free video tutorials taught by designers and artists on sewing, knitting, quilting, painting, drawing, and much more. Apple and Android apps are available. learn more here.

DrivingTest.org
BMV practice exams, along with additional resources on everything from what to wear on testing day to common testing mistakes. With further practice tests for motorcycle driving or commercial driving licenses, this is your one-stop shop. You can also read or download the Indiana Driver’s Handbook.

Teen Advisory Boards

At many of our locations, teen advisory groups get directly involved directly with the library by providing insight into teen interests. Through regular meetings, the groups also plan and executes programs for other teens, and assist with displays and books lists. The group setting allows teens to have responsibilities and work with teens outside their regular sphere. Call your local branch to find out more.

Volunteering

Calling all teens (14-17)! Are you looking for a way to complete your service hours or boost your college applications? Or maybe you’d like to support literacy efforts in your community. Consider connecting with your local library for a few hours a week. Learn more about volunteering.

Adults in a class

The Library’s Fall 2023 Nonprofit Program 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. We are also introducing a new workshop this fall, What’s working? Utilizing Program Evaluation to Improve Service Delivery and Outcomes. 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:

Starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

This workshop will help you assess whether starting a nonprofit is right for you. Learn what a nonprofit organization is, and the steps required to start one. See our book list: Starting a 501(c)(3) Nonpofit Organization.

Presented by Josh Abel, Legal Counsel at Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

Developing an Effective Board of Directors

This workshop will help you understand the basic responsibilities of nonprofit boards and identify methods for improving board effectiveness. See our book list: Developing a Nonprofit Board of Directors.

Presented by Falicia Brewer, President of Brewer & Associates.

Intro to Foundation Directory Online (FDO): Finding Grant Funders

Learn to use Foundation Directory Online, a research tool that can help 501(c)(3) nonprofits find grant makers most likely to fund their projects.

Presented by Leah Kim and Charlie Cain, Librarians on the Nonprofit Team at the Indianapolis Public Library and Foundation Directory Certified Trainers.

Strategic Planning for Nonprofits

A strategic plan enables your nonprofit to look ahead and make plans for the future. Learn when and how to create an effective plan to guide your organization. See our book list: Strategic Planning for Nonprofits.

Presented by Alyson Parham Small, President and Founder of the Partec Consulting Group.

Fearless Asking: How to Build an Individual Giving Program

An individual giving program is an important part of any nonprofit’s fundraising strategy. This workshop will help you understand the current fundraising environment and show you how to overcome your fears so you can ask confidently for the support your nonprofit needs. See our book list: Fundraising for Nonprofits.

Presented by Theresa Browning (CFRE)​, Major Gifts Officer at the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation and Bethany Warner (CFRE) President of Blue Pen Consulting.

Saturday September 16 from 2–4 p.m.
Register for Fearless Asking: How to Build an Individual Giving Program

Volunteer Recruitment, Retention, and More

Learn best practices and proven methods to recruit and retain volunteers. Participants will receive tools to help guide the development of a strong and lasting volunteer workforce. See our book list: Volunteer Recruitment and Management Resources for Nonprofit Organizations.

Presented by Wendy Johnson (MPA, CVA), Volunteer Resource Supervisor at the Indianapolis Public Library.

Evidence-based Research for Grant Proposals

This workshop will introduce you to resources for locating data and evidence-based research for your nonprofit organization’s grant proposals and answering critical needs statement questions.

Presented by Jordan Hunt, Public Services Librarian at the Indianapolis Public Library.

Planning Effective Programs

In this workshop, you’ll discover the main components of a solid program plan that will allow your organization to provide quality services to your community.

Presented by Gail Thomas Strong, Local Nonprofit Expert.

Successful Grant Proposals

In this workshop, you’ll learn about the grant application process and assess whether your organization is ready to apply for grants. See our book list Resources for Writing Successful Grant Proposals.

Presented by Gail Thomas Strong, Local Nonprofit Expert.

What’s Working? Utilizing Program Evaluation to Improve Service Delivery and Outcomes

This session introduces basic program evaluation strategies and activities to help you understand if your program is meeting goals, operating effectively, and making an impact in your community.

Presented by Roxy Lawrence, Director of Evaluation at the Center for Research on Inclusion and Social Policy.

Find Your Stats in a Flash!

This workshop will introduce you to Indiana State Data Center resources and give specific examples for finding data for grant proposals.

Presented by Katie Springer, State Data Center Coordinator at the Indiana State Library

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.

This Nonprofit Program Series at Central Library was made possible by Meridian Foundation, Inc. and Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.

Child wearing a backpack going to school for the first time.

In The King of Kindergarten a little boy’s parents encourage him and fill him with confidence in the time leading up to his first day of school. He can be the King of it, even if he doesn’t know everything yet! “It sounds like a lot, but you’re the King of Kindergarten. Piece. Of. Cake.” This joyful attitude about how to welcome new experiences helps him have a great first day of kindergarten! The parents in The King of Kindergarten helped by passing on the excitement of learning and the perspective that even if something is difficult at first – there will be a classroom of friends and a teacher to learn with. Learning will be fun! You can listen to The King of Kindergarten right now, read by Alvin Irby from Barbershop Books. Its starting school storytime online!

Talk!

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

  • What did the boy eat for breakfast? What is your favorite breakfast?
  • What did the boy in the story do that was very brave?
  • How was the boy going to get to school?
  • What did the father use to measure how tall the boy was?

Read!

Another great idea to get ready for the first day of school is reading books about other kids and favorite characters who are ALSO worried about the first day of school. Stories featuring the Berenstain Bears, Amelia Bedelia, Curious George and more can help your child practice what it might feel like to be anxious about school and learn great strategies for having fun instead!

Use your indyPL Library Card to check out books about starting school at any of our locations, or check out e-books and audiobooks about starting school 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 video read aloud stories about starting school right now! It’s starting school 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.

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Back to School Books to Check Out with your IndyPL Library Card

List Cover Images - Back to School is definitely here! Getting back into school goes hand in hand with eating healthy. As the learning is taking place ; it is important to have good nutrition.

Sing!

This sing-a-long will help you get excited to go to school! Watch Marshall, Skye, Chase, Blaze, Shimmer and Shine, Molly, Gil, Bot, and Geo reimagined as fuzzy felt friends singing about school.

Write!

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

Play!

Here are nine classic preschool games your new student is bound to play at school. Give them a heads up by pre-playing some of these crowd pleasers together!

Join Us for In-Person Storytime!

  • Event: Storytime at Lawrence – Pajama Storytime!
  • Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
  • Location: Lawrence Branch
  • Description: Young children and their caregivers are invited to join us for stories, songs, and fun. Stay after stories are finished for some literacy activities and play time.
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Storytime at Glendale – Babies
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, October 03, 10:30am
  • Location: Glendale Branch
  • Description: Babies up to 24 months and an adult are invited for stories, songs, fingerplays and fun! Each session is followed by playtime with special toys designed just for babies.
  • 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.

Board games

If you enjoy board, card, and dice games, you are in luck! The Library has books, programs, and gaming recommendations for tabletop gamers of all ages!

New York Times Crossword & Games

Did you know that your library card gives you free 24-hour access to the New York Times crossword puzzle and other games? You must first create a New York Times account if you don’t already have one.

  1. Visit The New York Times: Crossword & Games..
  2. Enter your library card barcode number and click “Get Code.”
  3. Click “Redeem” to submit your randomly generated access code.
  4. Since you need to have a New York Times online account to use the code, the next step prompts you to create an account (which is free) or to log in to your existing account.
  5. You now have access to The New York Times for 24 hours. After the 24 hours are up redeem another code for another 24-hours of access. Enjoy!

Gaming Programs

  • Event: Books and Rooks
  • Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 5:30pm
  • Location: Central Library
  • Description: Looking for an in-person game of chess? Come join players of all ages and skill levels every Monday night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Atrium of Central Library. Chess sets and clocks provided. 
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Teen Intro to Dungeons and Dragons
  • Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
  • Location: Michigan Road Branch
  • Description: Have you ever wanted to learn to play Dungeons & Dragons? Do you already play and want to find more people interested in the game? Join us and learn the basics. From Dice to pre-generated characters, all materials are provided. You only need to bring yourself!
  • Register Here

e-Books & Streaming

Browse a wide selection of e-books, downloadable audiobooks, and e-magazines about gaming from OverDrive. If you have never borrowed from OverDrive before both app directions and browser directions are available as well as a video tutorial and Overdrive Support.

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.

Reading Recommendations from IndyPL Staff

What To Read Next Based On Your Favorite Board Game

Title - Where the Deer and the Antelope PlayTitle - Campfire StoriesTitle - The Thing With FeathersTitle - What It

Click on a featured booklist to get gaming recommendations or see all our staff gaming lists.

Six Game Night Favorites from IndyPL Staff

Hoot Owl Hoot!

Recommended ages: 4+
Do you love Candyland? Or…are you tired of playing Candyland?! While Candyland is a classic which is available to play, you may also enjoy this colorful game. All players on one team work together to help baby owls return to their nest before the sun comes up.

Dr. Eureka

Recommended ages: 6+
This fast-paced puzzle game has players racing to pour colorful balls back-and-forth between plastic test tubes to recreate specific patterns! If you can mix and match the contents of your test tubes the fastest, you can score points by winning cards!

Pentago

Recommended ages: 7+
Are you a master of tic-tac-toe? You are ready to level up to Pentago! In this two-player game, you compete to get five marbles in a row—with a twist! After placing a marble, you must rotate one quadrant of the game board ninety degrees. You can only win if you have five-in-a-row, after the twist!

Battle Sheep

Recommended ages: 7+
If you like a little strategy, a fun challenge can be had with Battle Sheep! In this game, you start with one stack of sheep in the pasture, and each turn you split a stack and slide some sheep to a new position. If you can spread your flock out across the pasture the most, you will be the winner!

Forbidden Island

Recommended ages: 8+
Work together to find clues, discover ancient treasures, and make it back to your team helicopter–all before the island sinks below the waves forever! With multiple ways to lose and only one way to win, it will take clever teamwork and a little luck to succeed at this mission!

Ascension

Recommended ages: 10+
In many card games, everyone shares the same deck of cards. In Ascension, each player has their own small deck. By playing your starting cards carefully, you can add powerful new cards to your deck that you shuffle in and play on later turns! This fun game has a light fantasy theme, but your real goal will quickly become to collect as many of the shiny red gems as possible!

These game recommendations were contributed by Christopher Brozo, a Youth Multimedia Learning Specialist in the Learning Curve at Central Library. He loves tabletop games of all kinds, especially strategy and cooperative games! He co-hosts Family Game Night at Central, a weekly program for kids, families, and friends. Do you have a favorite game? Be sure to tell the guy who is wearing a black Learning Curve lab coat and practicing yo-yo tricks.

salad

Would you like to to mix up your usual rotation of tried-and true recipes? Would you like to more about healthy and sustainable cooking? Join us for an upcoming cooking class or explore our collection of recipe books, e-books, and e-magazines.

Cooking Programs

Eating Well on a Budget…
  • Event: Eating Well on a Budget
  • Date & Time: Thursday, October 05, 11:00am
  • Location: East Washington Branch
  • Description: Join the Marion County Public Health Department’s Nutrition Services to learn how to shop for and cook tasty, nutritious meals that won’t break the bank.
  • Register Here
Eating Well on a Budget…
  • Event: Eating Well on a Budget
  • Date & Time: Saturday, October 07, 11:00am
  • Location: Central Library
  • Description: Join the Marion County Public Health Department’s Nutrition Services to learn how to shop for and cook tasty, nutritious meals that won’t break the bank.
  • Register Here
Nutrition Education Class…
  • Event: Nutrition Education Class
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, October 10, 12:00pm
  • Location: Haughville Branch
  • Description: A limited food budget can present some challenges when you are trying to eat well for your health. But with a little extra attention and planning, it can be done!
  • Register Here

Get New York Times Cooking – free with your Library card!

Did you know that your library card gives you free 24-hour access to the recipes in the New York Times? You must first create a New York Times account if you don’t already have one.

  1. Visit The New York Times: Cooking
  2. Enter your library card barcode number and click “Get Code.”
  3. Click “Redeem” to submit your randomly generated access code.
  4. Since you need to have a New York Times online account to use the code, the next step prompts you to create an account, which is free, or to log in to your existing account.
  5. You now have access to the New York Times for 24 hours. After the 24 hours are up, you may redeem another code for 24-hour access. Enjoy!

Borrow e-cookbooks, foodie e-magazines and movies from home!

Use your library card to check out cookbooks, magazines, and movies from home. Take a trip around the world from your kitchen with these e-books featuring an array of international recipes. There are over 3,000 e-cookbooks available for check out on Hoopla and 3,500 MORE cookbooks to choose from in OverDrive.

And if the e-cookbooks aren’t enough, check out Flipster, an online service you can use to check out magazines like Food and Wine, Cooking Light, or Allrecipes.

Still looking for ideas? There are over 300 foodie movies in Kanopy. The category Cooking ranges from Supersize Me To American Masters: James Beard America’s First Foodie and includes topics like winemaking and sustainable food habits.

If you have never used any of these online services before you can get help on download and streaming.

Get reading recommendations from our staff.

Browse these featured cookbook recommendation lists created by IndyPL staff to unlock some recipe inspiration, enjoy a chef’s memoir, and more. Find more delicious reads by browsing our complete collection of cookbook recommendations.

Korean Cooking: Beyond Kimchi Fried Rice

I have some dear friends who are Korean – a second family of sorts. Over the years, they have introduced me to the wonders of Korean food. This list is my attempt to better understand and appreciate Korean food – through the process of starting to cook it for myself! Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a seasoned expert, I hope you will enjoy this curated list of cookbooks and guides.

Title - Korean Food Made SimpleTitle - Cook Korean!Title - Quick & Easy Korean CookingTitle - Maangchi

Indiana Cookbooks and Restaurants

Do you enjoy trying different restaurants around Marion County whenever you have the chance? Do you enjoy cooking and trying out different recipes? This list celebrates Indiana restaurants through the years and recipes to try.

Title - Cafe IndianaTitle - Cafe Indiana CookbookTitle - The Classic Hoosier CookbookTitle - Sunrise Cookbook

Stream With Sherry! Cooking videos to stream!

Here’s a list of streaming cooking programs for you to enjoy. Included are many different types of food – even some healthy ones!

Title - The Everyday GourmetTitle - Make the Most of your Pressure Cooker - Season 1Title - The Everyday GourmetTitle - Cooking Basics: What Everyone Should Know

The Instant Pot: Your New Best Friend!

Dear Instant Pot, Thank you for coming into my life and reducing the difficulty of my kitchen routine. Cooking shouldn’t be torture, and you’ve shown me that. I hope this list helps others find solace in their kitchens!

Title - The Instant Pot BibleTitle - Instant Pot MiracleTitle - The Essential Instant Pot CookbookTitle - How to Instant Pot

Asian and Pacific Island Cookbooks

Asian and Pacific Island food is a diverse set of cuisines that encompass many flavors and styles of cooking. Many of these cookbooks center how Asian cooking comes about in immigrant and disaporic communities, while celebrating the evolution of cultures.

Title - MelizTitle - How to Make Sushi at HomeTitle - Cook Real HawaiʻiTitle - Pomegranates & Artichokes

Cooking up a Good Read

Who doesn’t love a good mystery, complete with recipes? Even someone like me who doesn’t cook can enjoy these delicious mysteries – and possibly the recipes as well.

Title - The Body in the BelfryTitle - The Whole EnchiladaTitle - Murder Simply BrewedTitle - Murder With Lemon Tea Cakes

Jewish and Kosher Cuisine

To know a culture is to know its food. Here is a collection of cookbooks that celebrate Jewish culture and cuisine. You’ll find traditional favorites and kosher meals as well as modern recreations for those looking to meet vegan or paleo diets.

Title - Cooking Alla GiudiaTitle - Honey Cake & LatkesTitle - KoshersoulTitle - Modern Jewish Comfort Food

Indianapolis has a rich cycling history as the birthplace of Marshall “Major” Taylor, an American professional cyclist. Taylor won the sprint event at the 1889 World Track Championships. He became the first African American to win a cycling world championship. Get to know Major Taylor’s story and then learn more about bicycling in Indianapolis. Get reading recommendations as well as tips for new riding routes!

The Center for Black Literature & Culture hosted an online presentation about Marshall “Major” Taylor by Michael Kranish. Watch Kranish, author of, The World’s Fastest Man: the extraordinary life of cyclist Major Taylor, America’s First Black Sports Hero. share Taylor’s journey.

Indianapolis Velodrome

The velodrome in Indianapolis is named in honor of Major Taylor. It was the first building in the city built with public funds to be named for an African American. Indianapolis won a bid to host the 1982 National Sports Festival. Since the city was short a natatorium, a track stadium and a velodrome, all three venues were built! This was possible thanks to a partnership between the Indianapolis Parks and Recreation Department and the Lilly Endowment.

In 1987, Indianapolis hosted the tenth Pan American Games. The Velodrome played host to all the track cycling events. Afterwards, the Velodrome hosted many other events including: US Olympic Festival, Junior Track Nationals; Elite Track Nationals; Masters Track Nationals; and Collegiate Track Nationals.

In recent years the venue has suffered a slow and steady decline in condition and usage. Neighboring Marian University (whose nationally ranked cycling team practices and competes at the Indy Cycloplex) has joined with Indy Parks and Recreation Department to resurrect the Velodrome as a part of the comprehensive Indy Cycloplex facility. The project is creating a new, brighter history for the property as well as a brighter future for bicycling in Indianapolis.

Learn more about Major Taylor in Kaelynn Hayes’ Racing in the Velodrome from Discover Indiana, a statewide project that makes cultural and historical information available to the public. Finally, check out all the cycling options here in Indy in How to Explore America’s Most Underrated Biking City.

A sampling from the Major Taylor photo gallery:

Featured Book List: Cycling Books

I am a lifelong cyclist and enjoy sharing my love for the sport with others.

Title - Bicycling for LadiesTitle - Cycling on FormTitle - Outpedaling "the Big C"Title - RevolutionsTitle - Epic Bike Rides of EuropeTitle - Ride InsideTitle - The Cycling ChefTitle - Epic Bike Rides of the WorldTitle - Epic Bike Rides of the AmericasTitle - Cuba by BikeTitle - The Beautiful RaceTitle - Women on the Move

National Bike Month

Cycling fans – celebrate National Bike Month and take these books and movies for a spin! #IndyPLAdults

Title - The Cycling BibleTitle - On Freedom RoadTitle - You Are My SunshineTitle - Breaking AwayTitle - Best Bike Rides in New EnglandTitle - Two Wheels GoodTitle - The Fastest Bicycle Rider in the WorldTitle - One Day in AprilTitle - The Total Bicycling ManualTitle - Cycling Atlas North AmericaTitle - Changing GearsTitle - Breathtaking

photo of a meteor

Have you ever seen a “shooting” or “falling” star? These streaks of light are not actually stars at all, but space rocks falling through the earth’s atmosphere. These rocks, called meteoroids or meteors, rub against particle’s in the earth’s atmosphere as they fall. This creates friction, making the meteor extremely hot. Usually, the meteors become so hot they burn up and disappear before hitting the earth. The flame of that burning up is what we see and what makes meteors look like a star falling out of the sky. A meteor that survives its journey through the atmosphere and lands on the earth, is a meteorite.

At certain times of year we can see a lot of meteors all at once because the earth is passing through a field of space rocks. These times of year are called “meteor showers” because so many space rocks are falling through the earth’s atmosphere at one time. Each year in late summer the Earth passes through a trail of dust and debris left by an ancient comet called Comet Swift-Tuttle. This creates a lot of meteors that look like they are coming from the constellation Perseus. That’s we we call this time of year the Perseid Meteor Shower.

In 2023 the Perseid Meteor Shower will occur from July 17to August 24, and be at its peak around August 13.

The best way to see meteors is to go outside after dark when meteor showers are predicted, like the Perseid Meteor Shower, lie on your back and look straight up. You might have to wait. Bring a good snack like popcorn!

This meteorite is an Artifact at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “Meteorites are one of the few extraterrestrial, from outer space, materials scientists have to study. Most meteorites found on the ground are iron, which are very dense and appear quite different from ordinary rock. This is a Gibeon meteorite made up mostly of iron and nickel.”

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.

Meteor Showers in Books

Use your indyPL Library Card to check out books about meteors at any of our locations, or check out meteor 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.

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.

What to Read

title - On the Night of the Shooting Startitle - Exploring Meteor Showerstitle - How the Meteorite Got to the Museumtitle - Rocket Says Look Up!

Here are tips to help you find your next read as well as a convenient clickable list of authors linked directly to our catalog for placing requests or checking out e-books or audiobooks. See also If You Like Amish and Mennonite Fiction.

Find award winning Christian fiction.

The Christy awards are presented annually to recognize novels of excellence written from a Christian worldview. See Christy Award winners in our collection here.

Borrow e-books or downloadable audiobooks.

Browse our OverDrive Christian Fiction Collection of e-books amd downloadable audiobooks you can borrow with your IndyPL library card.

Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

Use your IndyPL Library card to login to Novelist Plus.

On Novelist Plus you’ll find reading recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning historical romance books. Once you login with your IndyPL library card, choose the “Fiction A-Z” category from the list on the left and then choose “Christian fiction.” Click on a book to read a brief description, see a star rating, and then click “Check Availability” to see if the book is available to borrow from IndyPL.

Subscribe to a Christian fiction email newsletter.

Subscribe to NextReads to receive romance reading recommendation in your inbox monthly. Book suggestions are linked to our catalog for easy requesting. It’s FREE! See a Christian fiction sample issue. Subscribe to NextReads!

Make a selection from one of these Christian fiction authors.

Tamera Alexander
Lynn N. Austin
Brenda Barrett
Terri Blackstock
T. Davis Bunn
Amanda Cabot
Kristy Cambron
Elizabeth Camden
Melody Carlson
Colleen Coble
Mary Connealy
Ted Dekker
Lauren Denton
Lynette Eason
Richard Paul Evans
Philip Gulley
Robin Jones Gunn

Irene Hannon
Robin Lee Hatcher
Rachel Hauck
Jody Hedlund
Dee Henderson
Angela Hunt
Denise Hunter
Melissa Jagears
Jerry B. Jenkins
Regina Jennings
Lakisha Johnson
E.N. Joy
Jan Karon
Karen Kingsbury
Jane Kirkpatrick
Julie Klassen
Sarah E. Ladd
Michelle Lindo-Rice

Michelle Lindo-Rice
Charles Martin
Vanessa Miller
DiAnn Mills
Janette Oke
Tracie Peterson
Deborah Raney
Kimberla Lawson Roby
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Leslie J. Sherrod
Toni Shiloh
Jill Eileen Smith
Lauraine Snelling
Jen Turano
Susan May Warren
Roseanna M. White
Karen Witemeyer

Find a book discussion near you!

You are invited to join in one of our many in-person or online book discussions that take place several times each month. In our book discussion groups we read and talk about both fiction and non-fiction books. We express our opinions (both likes and dislikes!) with other avid readers in the city.

  • Event: Adult Book Discussion at Wayne
  • Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
  • Location: Wayne Branch
  • Description: The book to be discussed is “Circe” by Madeline Miller. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program, which is free and open to everyone!
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Adult Book Discussion at Franklin Road
  • Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
  • Location: Franklin Road Branch
  • Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program. The title for October is “The Hound of The Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle.
  • No Registration Required.

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, but the biggest challenge is to develop and maintain reliable income streams. Estimates vary, but 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. So check out the TRAINING, TOPICS, RESOURCES, or Ask Us tabs across the top of the page. 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, and more.

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 2023 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 pursuing such funding at this point.

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.”

Local Nonprofit Resources

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

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 cost for help navigating legal issues can be prohibitive, the CDLP can help alleviate some of these concerns. It also offers services statewide to existing eligible nonprofit organizations and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start a profit or nonprofit business venture. CDLP services can include help with legal issues such as those related to the formation of a new entity. Additionally, CDLP can help with legal concerns related to ongoing business operations, such as governance, contract, 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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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. IPA itself does not make grants.

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 to find National Directory of 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 Librarian, Chase Martin, or call Central Library and ask to speak with someone on the Nonprofit Team.

Take a walk and read a story as you go! Stroll through a park and read a book displayed in mounted frames. Stories will be rotated on a monthly basis. Families are encouraged to post photos of their visit on social media. StoryWalk in Ruckle Street Park is at 3025 Ruckle Street. The StoryWalk is made possible by Regions Bank through a gift to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.

For more ideas to help keep children hearing and enjoying great stories enjoy these Free Video Read Alouds or have fun with even more themed reading and activity fun at IndyPL’s DIY Online Storytimes at Home. Because reading aloud to kids—even after they know how to read independently—benefits kids of all ages. Video read alouds are a great tool to help create a culture of reading. They don’t replace reading aloud together in-person, but they are a fun alternative and supply key early literacy benefits.

Research shows that reading aloud to young children can significantly improve their chance for success in kindergarten and beyond. You can also help kids enjoy books and stories by joining 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. Caregivers log books and receive incentives for reading outloud to kids. At 1000 books, every child receives a hardback picture book. Or check out a Bunny Book Bag, grab-and-go bag of 15-20 books for caregivers on the move.

Join Us for In-Person Storytime!

  • Event: Storytime at Lawrence – Pajama Storytime!
  • Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
  • Location: Lawrence Branch
  • Description: Young children and their caregivers are invited to join us for stories, songs, and fun. Stay after stories are finished for some literacy activities and play time.
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Storytime at Glendale – Babies
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, October 03, 10:30am
  • Location: Glendale Branch
  • Description: Babies up to 24 months and an adult are invited for stories, songs, fingerplays and fun! Each session is followed by playtime with special toys designed just for babies.
  • No Registration Required.

The water on the earth is in constant motion. Water falls to the earth as rain and then evaporates back up into the air forming clouds. Evaporation is the process that changes liquid (like water) to gas (water vapor in the air). Water vapor in the air forms tiny droplets. When there are a bunch of these droplets clouds form. When a bunch of the droplets stick together raindrops form and fall back to earth again. After the rain falls, some of it soaks into the earth, and some of it evaporates into the air again. This cycle is call the hydrologic or water cycle. You can build construct a DIY terrarium and observe the water cycle in it.

Make a DIY Terrarium

To see how the hydrologic cycle works you can make your own miniature model of the earth in a terrarium. A terrarium is a little garden inside a clear, sealed plastic or glass container. A canning jar is a common glass container with a lid that might be easy to find at home. You can probably find the other things you need for your terrarium in your own backyard: small stones go in the bottom of the container, dirt, and a small plant or two. Look in shady areas for moss, it grows really well in a terrarium! You can also plant seeds and watch them grow.

Here are two videos that will help you. One explains how the water cycle works and the other will take you through step-by-step directions for building your own DIY terrarium.

What You Need

  • a Clear Plastic or Glass Container With a Lid
  • Stones
  • Soil
  • Plants
  • Water
  • Little Toys for Decoration (optional)

Instructions

After planting, add enough water just to moisten the soil. You don’t want to flood your garden. You don’t want standing water in the bottom of the container. When you poor water into your terrarium you are starting the water cycle. Eventually, it will “rain” in the little glass world you have made! When you set your terrarium in the sun the water inside the terrarium will heat up and turn into water vapor in the air. This is called evaporation. When the water cools back down, it turns back into a liquid. You will see condensation – water droplets – sticking to the lid of your terrarium. If the drops get large enough, they will roll down the sides of the container or fall from the lid – rain!

The close-up on the left shows the condensation that began to form on the inside of the jar after only 1 hour sitting in the sun. If there is too much water just open the lid and let some of the water evaporate into the air outside the container. If your plants look wilted or dry, try adding a little more water. It might take some trial and error to get the amount of water needed just right.

Science Experiment Idea

Make three identical terrariums. You have to use the same kind of container, the same amount of soil & the same plants. Make your variable (the thing you are going to test) the amount of water you put into the terrariums. Measure a different amount of water into each terrarium. Close the lids and watch the terrariums over several days to see which amount of water made the best environment for your plants. A terrarium with too little water will have dry plants. A terrarium with too much water will have plants with yellow leaves and maybe even mold growing on the soil!

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 indyPL Library Card to check out books about plants at any of our locations, or check out plant 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.

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.

Little Indoor Gardens for Kids – Terrariums & the Hydrologic Cycle

To see how the hydrologic (water) cycle works you can make a miniature model of the earth in a terrarium. A terrarium is a little garden inside a clear, sealed plastic or glass container. After making one, you can watch how water evaporates, condenses and rains. Here are some books to help you learn about the hydrologic cycle and put together a terrarium of your own.

Title - A Family Guide to Terrariums for KidsTitle - DropTitle - Water CyclesTitle - The Water LadyTitle - WaterTitle - WaterTitle - How Long Is the Water Cycle?Title - The Water CycleTitle - From Raindrop to TapTitle - Fairy Garden DesignTitle - The Water CycleTitle - The Nitty-gritty Gardening Book

Here are six tips to help you find your next historical romantic read as well as a convenient clickable list of historical romance authors linked directly to our catalog for placing requests or checking out e-books or audiobooks. Also, browse our If You Like Contemporary Romance reading recommendations.

1. Read an award winner.

There are a variety of awards given each year for the best in romance writing. Browse the winners from peoples’ choice to the best romance audiobook.

  • The Romance Writers of America (RWA) Vivian Award and the Romantic Novelists Association (RNA) Rona Award both recognize excellence in romance writing.
  • The Swoon Awards, or “Swoonies” is a reader-based award celebrating the romance community’s favorite romance novels of the year.
  • The Emma Awards are the premier award for diversity in romantic literature recognizing excellence in works featuring diverse and multicultural protagonists.
  • The Lambda Literary Awards, or “Lammys,” celebrate LGBTQ storytelling with category awards for Romance, Gay Romance and Lesbian Romance.
  • For audiobook listeners try out the Audie Award winners in the Romance category. 

2. Borrow e-books, downloadable audiobooks, or movies.

Use romance lists from OverDrive and Kanopy to find e-books, audiobooks & streaming movies. Here are some short cut links to easily borrow online with your IndyPL library card. If you have never borrowed from OverDrive before, both OverDrive app directions and OverDrive browser directions are available as well as an OverDrive video tutorial and Overdrive Support. If you have never borrowed from Kanopy before, try these Kanopy directions.

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.

3. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

The Gilded Age

In United States history, the Gilded Age was an era extending roughly from 1877 to 1900. It was a time of rapid economic growth, especially in the Northern and Western United States. As American wages grew much higher than those in Europe, especially for skilled workers, and industrialization demanded an ever-increasing unskilled labor force, the period saw an influx of millions of European immigrants. The fiction and mystery books listed here are all set in that time period.

Title - Murder on Astor PlaceTitle - Murder at the BreakersTitle - What the Dead Leave BehindTitle - The Alienist

Title - The Viscount Who Loved MeTitle - To Love and to LoatheTitle - The Magpie LordTitle - The Dragon and the Pearl

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

Use your IndyPL Library card to login to Novelist Plus. On Novelist Plus you’ll find historical romance reading recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning historical romance books. Once you login with your IndyPL library card, choose the “Romance” category from the list on the left which includes choices like “Regency Rogues,” “Victorian Days,” “Men in Kilts,” and more. Click on a book to read a brief description, see a star rating, or choose “Check Availability” to see if the book is available to borrow from IndyPL.

5. Subscribe to the romance newsletter from NextReads.

Subscribe to NextReads to receive romance reading recommendation in your inbox monthly. Book suggestions are linked to our catalog for easy requesting. It’s FREE! See a sample issue. Subscribe to NextReads!

6. Make a selection from these historical romance authors.

Jennifer Ashley
Mary Balogh
Lenora Bell
Anna Bennett
Valerie Bowman
Anna Bradley
Linda Broday
Grace Burrowes
Kerrigan Byrne
Christi Caldwell
Candace Camp
K.J. Charles
Alyssa Cole
Tessa Dare
Jude Deveraux
Meredith Duran
Suzanne Enoch
Megan Frampton
Shana Galen

Shana Galen
Dorothy Garlock
Anne Gracie
Laura Lee Guhrke
Alexandra Hawkins
Karen Hawkins
Lorraine Heath
Hannah Howell
Elizabeth Hoyt
Madeline Hunter
Eloisa James
Sophia James
Sabrina Jeffries
Beverly Jenkins
Joan Johnston
Sophie Jordan
Lisa Kleypas
Lynn Kurland
Stephanie Laurens

Johanna Lindsey
Julia London
Sarah MacLean
Cathy Maxwell
Courtney Milan
Sharon Page
Mary Jo Putney
Amanda Quick
Julia Quinn
Karen Ranney
Maya Rodale
Theresa Romain
Lynsay Sands
Anna Schmidt
Cat Sebastian
Joanna Shupe
Sarah Waters
Mary Wine

Find a book discussion near you!

You are invited to join in one of our many in-person or online book discussions that take place several times each month. In our book discussion groups we read and talk about both fiction and non-fiction books. We express our opinions (both likes and dislikes!) with other avid readers in the city.

  • Event: Adult Book Discussion at Wayne
  • Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
  • Location: Wayne Branch
  • Description: The book to be discussed is “Circe” by Madeline Miller. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program, which is free and open to everyone!
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Adult Book Discussion at Franklin Road
  • Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
  • Location: Franklin Road Branch
  • Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program. The title for October is “The Hound of The Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle.
  • No Registration Required.

Cozy mysteries, often referred to as “cozies,” are a gentle subgenre of crime fiction or more hardened mysteries. The stories are often set in small communities and feature unlikely amateur detectives like letter carriers, inn keepers, teachers or librarians. Explicit sexuality and graphic violence take place offstage and any profanity is mild. If you like cozy mysteries you can browse a wide variety of titles in our catalog, or take a look at these four tips and tricks to make your next selection!

1. Borrow e-books or downloadable audiobooks.

Use a mystery list from OverDrive to find e-books and downloadable audiobooks. If you have never borrowed from OverDrive before, both app directions and browser directions are available as well as a video tutorial and Overdrive Support.

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.

2. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

Title - Peach Pies and AlibisTitle - Meet your BakerTitle - Glazed MurderTitle - Death by Darjeeling

Click on a featured booklist to get cozy mystery reading recommendations. See also our If You Like Mysteries recommendations. You might also try Cozymyster.com for a one stop shop for all matters cozy. It provides recommendations, booklists, and announcements of upcoming entries in all your favorite series.

3. Use your IndyPL Library card to login to Novelist Plus to find more cozy mysteries.

On Novelist Plus you’ll find cozy mystery reading recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, and reviews. Once you login, choose the “Mystery” category from the list on the left and then choose “Getting Cozy.” Click on a book to read a brief description, see a star rating, or click “Check Availability” to see if the book is available to borrow from IndyPL.

4. Subscribe to the cozy mystery newsletter from NextReads.

Subscribe to NextReads to receive cozy mystery reading recommendation in your inbox monthly. Book suggestions are linked to our catalog for easy requesting. It’s FREE! See a sample issue. Subscribe to NextReads here!

5. Make a Selection from these cozy mystery authors.

Ellery Adams
Esme Addison
Susan Wittig Albert
Ellie Alexander
Donna Andrews
Nancy Atherton
Stephanie Barron
M.C. Beaton
Jessica Beck
Laurien Berenson
Laura Bradford
Lilian Jackson Braun
Emily Brightwell
Rita Mae Brown
Julia Buckley
V.M. (Valerie) Burns
Lynn Cahoon
Dorothy Cannell
Kate Carlisle
Laurie Cass
Bailey Cates
Vivien Chien

Laura Childs
Jennifer J. Chow
Kate Collins
Sheila Connolly
Cleo Coyle
Isis Crawford
Mary Daheim
Diane Mott Davidson
Hannah Dennison
Carole Nelson Douglas
Monica Ferris
Joanne Fluke
Kellye Garrett
Dorothy Gilman
Alexia Gordon
Victoria Hamilton
Carolyn G. Hart
A.L. Herbert
Miranda James
Sofie Kelly
Victoria Laurie

Joyce and Jim Lavene
Amanda Lee
Laura Levine
G.M. Malliet
G.A. McKevett
Jenn McKinlay
Leslie Meier
Hunter Murphy
Shirley Rousseau Murphy
Katherine Hall Page
Elizabeth Peters
Ann Purser
Ann B. Ross
Maggie Sefton
Paige Shelton
Denise Swanson
Diane Vallere
Elaine Viets
Lea Wait
Livia Washburn

Find a book discussion near you!

You are invited to join in one of our many in-person or online book discussions that take place several times each month. In our book discussion groups we read and talk about both fiction and non-fiction books. We express our opinions (both likes and dislikes!) with other avid readers in the city.

  • Event: Adult Book Discussion at Wayne
  • Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
  • Location: Wayne Branch
  • Description: The book to be discussed is “Circe” by Madeline Miller. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program, which is free and open to everyone!
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Adult Book Discussion at Franklin Road
  • Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
  • Location: Franklin Road Branch
  • Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program. The title for October is “The Hound of The Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle.
  • No Registration Required.