In the month of May in Indianapolis attention is focused at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, or less formally, “The Brickyard,” or as we simply call it here at home, “the track.” It is time for the Indy 500!

If you sit outside in Indianapolis on a spring day in May and the wind is just right in relation to where you are, you can hear the distant high-pitched hum of cars practicing, careening around the track. On race day you can see other signs that something big is happening. If you look up you can see the Goodyear blimp floating above the city giving the world a birds-eye view, or at start time, watch the fighter jets fly in formation over the city, both traditions leading up to “Drivers, start your engines!”

While you wait for this year’s race, have fun learning about the history, physics and amazing records of the greatest spectacle in racing – the Indianapolis 500! The Spectacle is a complete history of the Indianapolis 500. It includes a hundred year’s worth of memories from legendary drivers and details about memorable races. It’s like you were in the pits yourself watching the drama unfold. Listed below are online activities and books about the Indy 500 you can check out with your IndyPL library card. You can even learn how to draw or build a race car of your own!

Websites, Printables & Activities

e-Books & Audiobooks

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

In Mommy’s Khimar, a young girl’s mother has a closet full of beautiful flowing scarves called khimars. A khimar is a veil or scarf worn in public by some Muslim women. The little girl in the story likes to play dress-up with her mom’s beautiful khimars. While dressed in them she uses her imagination to be a queen, a superhero, and her mom! She feels her mother’s love in each scarf as it covers her. You can listen to this story below read aloud by the author, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow. Enjoy Mother’s Day storytime online!

Talk!

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

  • If you look at the page that shows mommy’s closet full of khimars, which one is your favorite?
  • Which khimar is the little girl’s favorite?
  • Do you like to play pretend? What kinds of things do you like to pretend to be?

Read!

Below are several more stories about amazing mothers. Each is a video read aloud, just click on a book cover to hear more Mother’s Day storytime online!

Use your indyPL Library Card to check out books about Mother’s Day at any of our locations, or check out e-books and audiobooks about Mother’s Day 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 Mother’s Day right now! It’s Mother’s Day storytime online! Did you like these? You can find more stories at Free Video Read Alouds and enjoy even more themed reading and activity fun at IndyPL’s DIY Online Storytimes at Home.

title - Are You My Mother?title - Heather Has Two Mommiestitle - I've Loved You Since Forevertitle - Just Me and My Momtitle - Llama Llama Misses Mamatitle - Make Way for Ducklingstitle - Mama's Bellytitle - Mommy's Khimartitle - Owl Babiestitle - Soccer With Momtitle - Stelalunatitle - Welcome to the Partytitle - You're All My Favoritestitle - Blank Entrytitle - Blank Entry

Books for Kids that Celebrate Amazing Mamas to Check Out with your IndyPL Library Card

List Cover Images - From poignant to laugh-out-loud these picture book tributes to all kind of moms leave no doubt as to the true definition of unconditional love – mamas themselves. Perfect stories for Mother’s Day and every day.

Sing!

Enjoy this sing along from The Laurie Berkner Band. “Everyone knows there’s nothing quite like a hug from their mom. In this sweet and cheery tune, Laurie Berkner lets kids in on the secret that for all the mothers, mamas, mommies, and moms out there, there’s nothing quite like a hug from their children, either!”

Write!

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

Play!

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

Try the Are You My Mother? online memory match game. Try it set to easy, medium, or hard. Find more fun activities and home made gift ideas on the IndyPL Pinterest Board full of Mother’s Day Ideas.

Join Us for In-Person Storytime!

  • Event: Storytime at Lawrence – Pajama Storytime!
  • Date & Time: Monday, July 14, 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 Michigan Road
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15, 10:30am
  • Location: Michigan Road Branch
  • Description: Preschoolers, toddlers, and their caregivers are invited for stories, fingerplays, crafts and activities.
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Storytime with Professor Watermelon
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15, 6:00pm
  • Location: West Perry Branch
  • Description: Chomp, stomp, and roar through stories, songs, and activities with Professor Watermelon! This dinosaur storytime is perfect for children ages 3-6 and their caregivers.
  • 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.

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 Heroshare 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.

National Bike Month

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

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. According to the Pew Research Center, “Asian Americans trace their roots to more than 20 countries in East and Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, each with unique histories, cultures, languages and other characteristics.”

Heritage months like this one are annual reminders to acknowledge the experiences of various marginalized people and to elevate their contributions that are too often ignored. These months are also celebrations of their culture. This year, you can use this time to immerse yourself in the diverse histories, cultures, and traditions of people of Asian-Pacific ancestry.

Graphic Novel Memoirs Featuring Asian American and Pacific Islander Authors

A memoir is a narrative book, written from the perspective of the author, that tells about a particular portion of their life. Memoirs give individual perspective and share what a person felt during a particular experience. A memoir may or may not begin in childhood as an autobiography often does, whose purpose spans the author’s life time. Memoirs instead focus on a particular moment or influential experience that has shaped the author. Memoirs create empathy and understanding at a deeper level beyond the facts. The story is told as the author remembers it. The author is the only one who can tell the story. Our staff have selected several graphic novel memoirs to recommend during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month.

For even more reading ideas see our guide to Finding Books by Asian and Pacific Islander Authors.

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang is made up of three seemingly unrelated stories blending modern day issues with a beautiful old Chinese myth to tell a story about racism, identity, and acceptance. It won the 2007 Best Book Award from The Chinese American Librarians Association, the 2007 Michael L. Printz Award, and the 2007 Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album. In addition, it was a finalist for the 2006 National Book Award. IndyPL_KristenF

The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui

In the graphic novel memoir The Best We Could Do, Thi Bui tells the story of her family, starting with the birth of her son and then working back in time. She chronicles the lives of her parents through the ever shifting turmoil in Vietnam and their escape to the United States. Through it all, she questions whether or not she will be as strong as her parents and if she is worthy to even be a parent. Bui’s book was an American Book Award winner, a National Book Critics Circle finalist in autobiography, and an Eisner Award finalist in reality-based comics. IndyPL_MarianneK

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

Finally, you may know George Takei from his performance as Sulu on the TV show Star Trek and from his wonderful social media presence. What you might not now is that when he was a child during World War II Takei spent time in an internment camp for people of Japanese descent. Takei sheds light on this dark part of American history in his emotional memoir They Called Us Enemy. It’s a story of legalized racism, the love of family, and perseverance. Takei’s book won the 2020 Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association Literature Award, the 2020 American Book Award, and the 2020 Eisner Award. IndyPL_KristenF

Browse More Asian American Memoirs

This is a list of memoirs celebrates the unique and varied voices of Asian American authors. It provides representation for the different countries and cultures that make up the Asian American experience.

Movies

Set aside an evening or two to enjoy a movie feature from one of our streaming movie services. Kanopy features collections of Chinese CinemaIndian CinemaJapanese CinemaKorean Cinema, and Thai Cinema. In addition, Hoopla feature an Asian Cinema collection.

Poetry

Enjoy the online National Poetry Foundation portal Asian American Voices in Poetry. This collection is intended to introduce readers to Asian American poets. Simply click on a poet’s name to learn about them and read selections of their work.

Online Sources

Yamato hasedera digital file from original print

To take a deep dive online, visit the PBS site, Ancestors in the Americas, which provides a comprehensive list of resources related to Asian American heritage or explore this comprehensive web portal that is a collaborative project of the Library of Congress, the National Archives and Records Administration, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Gallery of Art, the National Park Service, the Smithsonian Institution, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

For a look at local history, explore the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis articles featuring ChineseFilipinoJapanese and Asian Indian histories in Indianapolis. You can also browse the Indianapolis Sister Cities International Digital Collection which features the Sister Cities Taipei, Taiwan, and Hangzhou, China and Hyderabad, India.

Especially for Kids

Enjoy these online read alouds featuring stories by Grace LinDemiJi-li JiangVirginia Loh-HaganMinh , and more. You can also listen to stories read aloud in Mandarin brought to you be Scholastic Treasures.

To find even more great titles for kids, children’s book author Linda Sue Park has created and manages a site called KiBooka that highlights kids’ books by Korean Americans.

title - Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragontitle - Amy Wu and the Perfect Baotitle - Cora Cooks Pancittitle - Danbi Leads the School Paradetitle - Drawn Togethertitle - The Empty Pottitle - Eyes That Kiss in the Cornerstitle - Ling & Tingtitle - Ling & Tingtitle - Lotus & Feathertitle - 'Ohana Means Familytitle - PoPo's Lucky Chinese New Yeartitle - The Sound of Silence

Here are five tips to help you find books written by Asian and Pacific Islander authors, including a convenient list of authors linked directly to our catalog for placing requests or checking out e-books or audiobooks.

1. Read an award winner.

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

2. Get reading recommendations from Library staff.

Click on a book list to get started! 

Asian American Memoirs

May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This is a list of memoirs celebrating the unique and varied voices of Asian American authors. I tried to provide representation for the different countries and cultures that make up the Asian American experience. All of the titles on this list are ones I have listened to in eAudiobook format however this list is by no means exhaustive and there are many other great Asian American memoirs out there.

AAPI Horror Novels

This list includes horror novels written by AAPI authors, including a couple of teen books with crossover appeal to adult readers.

Featured List: Asian American Romance Novels

This list features Asian American and Asian Canadian writers and main characters – find a new favorite in this selection of swoony storylines!

Featured List: Mysteries and Thrillers from AAPI Authors

Do you like murder-mysteries? What about psychological thrillers? Find your next page-turner in this list of mysteries and thrillers from Asian American and Pacific Islander authors. I’ve made note of any titles that are a part of a series if you want to keep the thrills coming!

Children’s Fantasy Novels by Asian-American authors

In May, we shine the spotlight on authors with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage. These fantasy novels draw on their unique cultural backgrounds and add a twist! #IndyPLkids #AAPIHeritageMonth

Browse more of our staff created lists:

3. Discover a new author by browsing through a literary magazine. 

Literary magazines are an excellent way to acquaint yourself with new literary communities. Check out the literary magazines below and if you find an author you like, see if they have additional work in our catalog.  

  • Lantern Review is a literary journal dedicated to Asian American poetry. While the journal stopped publishing in 2022, their past issues are still available for folks to read online.  
  • Bamboo Ridge Press is a literary journal that publishes fiction and poetry related to the people of Hawai’i. While current issues are available for purchase, the archives can be browsed on the University of Hawai’i’s website for free. 
  • Jaggery, named after an unrefined dark brown sugar used throughout the South Asian diaspora, publishes poetry, fiction, and essays by South Asian authors.   
  • The Margins is a literary magazine published by the Asian American Writer’s Workshop. They feature “poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, critical essays, reportage, translations, interviews, and experimental and hybrid-genre work.” 

4. Use your Library card to log into Novelist Plus

On Novelist Plus you’ll find recommendations, read-a-likes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning books. You can search books by the author’s cultural identity, including Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Hmong or dig a little deeper and search by nationality, like Indian or Vietnamese. Be sure to use the “Check Availability” feature to see if a specific book is available to borrow from IndyPL!  

5. Asian & Pacific Islander Authors

Ali, Monica
British Bangladeshi

Cho, Zen
Malaysian

Chu, Wesley
Taiwanese 

Davenport, Kiana
Hawai’ian

De la Cruz, Melissa
Filipina American

Han, Kang
South Korean

Hoang, Helen
Vietnamese American

Hosseini, Khaled
Afghan American

Kaur, Rupi
Indian Canadian

Khaw, Cassandra
Malaysian

Kuang, R.F.
Chinese American

Lee, Chang-Rae
Korean American

Lee, Min Jin
Korean American

Manansala, Mia
Filipina American

Mikhail, Dunya
Iraqi American

Milan, Courtney
Chinese American 

Murakami, Haruki Japanese

Murata, Sakaya
Japanese

Nafisi, Azar
Irani

Nhat Han, Thich
Vietnamese

Ondaatje, Michael
Sri Lankan Canadian

Rushdie, Salman
American British Indian 

Satrapi, Marjane
French Iranian 

Sattouf, Riad
French Syrian 

Shamsie, Kamila
Pakistani British

Sutanto, Jesse Q
Chinese Indonesian

Taleb, Nassim Nicholas
Lebanese American 

Tan, Amy
Chinese American

Thomas, Sherry
Chinese American

Upadhyay, Samrat
Nepalese American

Vaite, Celestine
French Polynesian

Vuong, Ocean
Vietnamese American

Have you seen one of the Library’s Bookmobiles driving around Indianapolis? We have two that visit neighborhoods and schools all over the city delivering books to people who don’t have a Library branch nearby. Kids love trucks, books, and cozy little spaces – our Bookmobiles are all three! Watch this video to meet one of our book cruising teams, ride on the bookmobile with Emilie and Bruce! Our Bookmobiles are filled with both great books and great people!

Bookmobile History

A librarian in Maryland in the early 1900s is credited with coming up with the idea of the first bookmobile. That first one was a horse-drawn wagon. No one had ever seen one of those before! Soon book wagons were appearing in other parts of the country, and by 1922, the book wagon idea was very popular. The bookmobile was born!

  • Bookmobiles: Then and Now – A Fascinating timeline of the evolution of bookmobiles, including the features, technology, and vehicles responsible for bringing library services to the public. Note: green entries on the timeline are bookmobile history in general. Purple entries in the timeline are Indianapolis Bookmobile history.
  • 50 Vintage Photos of Libraries on Wheels
  • Indianapolis Public Library Digital Collections: Bookmobiles

We’ve picked our favorite photos from our Digital Collection for this bookmobile photo gallery. It’s fun to see how our bookmobiles have changed over the years!

To learn even more about bookmobiles check out one of the books below. Each one tells the story of a bookmobile. Ride on the bookmobile with Emily and Bruce, or see some places where it makes sense to deliver books by boat, burro, or camel!

Bookmobiles: On the Road for Reading All Over the World

Book lovers and librarians have loaded up books and taken them on the road for decades. What people use to transport the books depends on where the books need delivered. Bookmobiles can be trucks, boats, bikes, or pack animals! Which animal is chosen depends on where in the world the books are being delivered. Horses, burros and camels are all excellent at book transportation. Here are some of our favorite stories about how mobile libraries get books to people who don’t have a library building nearby.

The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax. ~ Albert Einstein. It’s time to file your taxes! Many Library patrons rely on the Library for tax forms and filing instruction booklets.

In order to encourage more tax payers to file electronically, both the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Indiana State Department of Revenue (DOR) are limiting distribution of paper forms and instructions. Here is what to expect if you come into a Library for tax documents.

  • We have a free preprinted 2024 Tax Form Packet (.pdf) of the most common tax forms and schedule forms available for pickup at our locations. First come, first served. Only one packet per person.
  • You may use a Library computer to view tax instructions and booklets online, or you can print them on our printers. The first four black-and-white pages printed are free. Each page printed after that will be $0.15 per black-and-white page.
  • We offer a limited number of Federal 1040 and Indiana IT-40 booklets at some branch locations.
  • Library staff cannot help you select or fill out your tax forms.
  • See our Frequently Asked Questions below for more information.

Links to printable tax forms online or by phone:

Tax preparation help:

Library programs:

FAQ

How do I print documents at the Library?

You can print from indypl.org/printing using the URL of a file, or by uploading a file from your device. You can also easily print from Library computers, or ask a staff member for help.

Can I get free help filing my taxes?

Library staff cannot help fill out forms, but here are some links to local organizations that can help:

See our booklist for suggestions for learning more about filing income taxes.

Where can I find IRA Information?

Do you have a Roth or a Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA)? Use these links to find the latest information on contribution limits and withdrawals.

Tax Season 2025

Find resources here to help you better understand and file your 2024 taxes, from books to online learning courses, to trusted web sources of information.

tomatoes

The Seed Library

Pick up free seeds to start your vegetable, herb, or flower garden free! The Indianapolis Public Library Seed Library is available at all our locations during regular branch hours from late March through September.  One packet of each type of seed per household. In addition to free seeds, check out resources and attend workshops about growing and using plants from your seeds. We provide materials and programs to make gardening in Indianapolis a doable goal for beginners.

Tune in online for a a Gardening Storytime – a great way to read up on beginning gardening projects for kids. For kids, gardening offers a way to get messy and watch the payoff for their hard work, in the form of growing veggies and beautiful flowers. You can say, “Hey! I grew the thing! Look at the thing that I grew! Isn’t it pretty?” Imagine the Instagram fun!

Programs

Gloved hands planting a garden.
  • Event: West Perry Gardening Group
  • Date & Time: Friday, July 18, 10:15am
  • Location: West Perry Branch
  • Description: Gardens are essentially a place of sharing and gardeners know that we learn a lot from each other–whether you’re just starting or experienced. Sessions will feature seasonal discussions, resources–like our Seed Library–and connections with other gardeners.
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Native Pollinator Plants
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 22, 10:30am
  • Location: Haughville Branch
  • Description: Pollinator gardening supports beauty, natives, and the food system! Think about how you can turn a corner or your entire space into a haven for pollinators like bees, butterflies, moths, and MORE!
  • Register Here
  • Event: Vermicomposting
  • Date & Time: Saturday, July 26, 11:00am
  • Location: Eagle Branch
  • Description: Join Brooke Alford to learn about composting with worms! This is a great way to take your table scraps and turn them into food for your plants quickly!
  • Register Here
  • Event: Basics of Hydroponics
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 29, 6:00pm
  • Location: Fort Ben Branch
  • Description: Join Master Gardener Jo Ann Klooz to learn how you might grow your own gardeny-goodness, whatever the outside temperatures might be.
  • Register Here

View on Demand

Learn on Demand Video: Seed Saving
Join Anika Williams from the Pike Branch of The Indianapolis Public Library as she harvests milkweed seeds on site and discusses the Seed Library available there.

Reading Recommendations from our Staff

Browse these featured staff book lists to help improve your gardening in Indianapolis skills. See all our gardening book lists.

Gardening in Indianapolis Resources

Follow Purdue Extension, one of the best ways to learn about gardening in Indiana. Browse their recommended online resources:

Gardening for Kids

Subscribe to NextReads to receive Home, Garden & DIY 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!

Gardening is a great opportunity to practice some planning and organization. Tune in online for a a Gardening Storytime – a great way to read up on beginning gardening projects for kids. When the weather is right, you will be glad you did! For kids, gardening offers a way to get messy and watch the payoff for their hard work, in the form of growing veggies and beautiful flowers. You can say, “Hey! I grew the thing! Look at the thing that I grew! Isn’t it pretty?” Imagine the Instagram fun! And maybe enjoy a little reading too!

Making a connection between gardening and food is an important skill for small children. Where does food come from BEFORE it is in the grocery store? We can help you get started learning about where food comes from. Gardening can supplement any family learning from home opportunities. Get started with Plant the Tiny Seed, by Christie Matheson.

Talk!

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

  • Have you ever planted any seeds? Did the seed you planted grow? If they did, what did the seeds grow into?
  • Can you name any seeds that we eat?
  • Can you name the main parts of a plant?
  • How do bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds help plants?

Read!

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

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

title - Blank Entrytitle - Miss Maple's Seedstitle - Miss Rumphiustitle - Blank Entrytitle - La señorita Runfio

Community Garden Picture Books

The library is flourishing with wonderful picture books about community gardens for kids. You don’t have to have a “green thumb” to thumb through these books!

How Does Your Garden Grow

This list contains stories and information books all about growing your own garden.

Sing!

Watch how cooperation makes garden grow and sing along, “Together we can make a pretty garden grow!”

Write!

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

Play!

Take a walk and read a story, it’s gardening storytime on the go! We invite you to visit StoryWalk® in Ruckle Street Park at 3025 Ruckle Street. Stroll through the park and read a book displayed in mounted frames. Or Skip. Or gallop!

Join Us for In-Person Storytime!

  • Event: Storytime at Lawrence – Pajama Storytime!
  • Date & Time: Monday, July 14, 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 Michigan Road
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15, 10:30am
  • Location: Michigan Road Branch
  • Description: Preschoolers, toddlers, and their caregivers are invited for stories, fingerplays, crafts and activities.
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Storytime with Professor Watermelon
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15, 6:00pm
  • Location: West Perry Branch
  • Description: Chomp, stomp, and roar through stories, songs, and activities with Professor Watermelon! This dinosaur storytime is perfect for children ages 3-6 and their caregivers.
  • 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.

In, The Easter Egg, Hoppi’s friends and neighbors are all working on creating eggs for an Easter contest. Each friend he visits is making a different kind of egg. It is fun to see the different ways Hoppi’s friends are making eggs. Some are predictable like the egg made of chocolate, but others are surprising, like an egg made of wood and a mechanical egg that has moving parts. Hoppi wants to make an egg to enter in the contest, but he gets sidetracked by kindness and becomes an Easter hero instead…at least mama Robin thinks so! You can listen to Hoppi’s story right now! It’s Easter storytime online!

Talk!

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

  • What color was the egg Hoppi found?
  • Where do you think the egg was before Hoppi found it?
  • What was your favorite part of Hoppi’s story? Why?
  • Would you want to help hide Easter eggs?

Read!

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

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

title - Blank Entrytitle - The Easter Eggtitle - Eggtitle - The Fuzzy Ducklingtitle - The Golden Egg Booktitle - Hatch!title - Home for A Bunnytitle - It's Easter, Little Critter!title - Rechenka's Eggstitle - The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Easter Favorites for Kids to Check Out with your IndyPL Library Card

List Cover Images - Enjoy these e-book and audiobook favorites for kids that highlight Easter traditions from family dinners, reading a child’s version of the Easter story in the Bible, or attending Easter services to dyeing and hiding Easter eggs.

Sing!

In this version of the traditional lullaby “Hush Little Baby” a father rabbit comforts his little baby bunny and keeps it safe. Listen to the music and sing along as the words appear on the screen. A tiny bunny hops along the words to help you with the rhythm. Based on the book Hush Little Bunny by David Ezra Stein.

Now singalong as Raffi sings “Five Little Ducks.” Would you like to make the sound of the mother duck? Raffi will sing “Mother duck says….” and you make the sound for him!

Write!

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

Play!

Here are six play ideas about rabbits from Kevin Henkes, the author of Little White Rabbit and Egg. Scroll to the section Moving, Making, and Playing for several ideas to get your little bunny jumping.

Join Us for In-Person Storytime!

  • Event: Storytime at Lawrence – Pajama Storytime!
  • Date & Time: Monday, July 14, 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 Michigan Road
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15, 10:30am
  • Location: Michigan Road Branch
  • Description: Preschoolers, toddlers, and their caregivers are invited for stories, fingerplays, crafts and activities.
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Storytime with Professor Watermelon
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15, 6:00pm
  • Location: West Perry Branch
  • Description: Chomp, stomp, and roar through stories, songs, and activities with Professor Watermelon! This dinosaur storytime is perfect for children ages 3-6 and their caregivers.
  • 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.

Passover is an eight day festival that commemorates the freeing of Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. During Passover, families retell the Passover story and eat symbolic food from a Passover Seder plate. To learn more about the Seder plate, watch this video prepared especially for kids by the PJ Library, an organization that helps children learn about the Jewish experience through storytelling and other educational materials. Then read on for more Passover storytime online!

Our featured video read aloud story about Passover is called Welcoming Elijah a Passover Tale With a Tail by Lesléa Newman, winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award in 2021 for excellence in Jewish children’s literature. When the story opens a family has begun their Passover Seder and have gathered around their dinner table. While they prepare to welcome Elijah indoors, a hungry stray kitten waits outside in the cold.

The story is read aloud by the author. In the opening minutes she explains all the special foods that are eaten during Passover from the Seder plate. She begins reading the story at the five minute mark.

Talk!

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

  • Can you name one of the foods that is put on the seder plate?
  • What did the family dip in salt water?
  • Whose cup is on the table?
  • Why does the boy open the door? What is waiting when the door is opened?

Read!

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

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

title - The Passover Guesttitle - Welcoming Elijah

Passover Books for Children to Check Out with your Library Card

List Cover Images - The Jewish holiday Passover centers around the Seder, a ritual meal at which the family gathers to retell the biblical story of how, in ancient times, the Jewish people escaped slavery in Egypt. This list includes fiction and non-fiction books and online information for children to learn about the meaning of the holiday and the symbolic, but fun Seder meal.

Sing!

Learn the words to this silly classic Passover song featuring Jason Mesches. Listen to more Passover songs like it here.

Write!

Find some crayons or markers to draw the foods you might find on a Seder plate, or draw a scene from the Passover story.

Play!

Here are some ideas for making Passover crafts and projects for kids. From the Jewish Children’s Museum of New York try making your own Afikoman bag, craft a beautiful Elijah cup, or try the printable card game: Who Knows About Passover?

Join Us for In-Person Storytime!

  • Event: Storytime at Lawrence – Pajama Storytime!
  • Date & Time: Monday, July 14, 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 Michigan Road
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15, 10:30am
  • Location: Michigan Road Branch
  • Description: Preschoolers, toddlers, and their caregivers are invited for stories, fingerplays, crafts and activities.
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Storytime with Professor Watermelon
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15, 6:00pm
  • Location: West Perry Branch
  • Description: Chomp, stomp, and roar through stories, songs, and activities with Professor Watermelon! This dinosaur storytime is perfect for children ages 3-6 and their caregivers.
  • 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.

In 1987, Congress declared March National Women’s History Month. These resources shine a light on contributions and accomplishments, uncover untold stories, and help us learn how perseverance, strength, and persistence prevailed in the face of discrimination. In spite of centuries of obstacles women have made a profound impact on history and continue to shape contemporary society.

These books, videos, and online resources provide an engaging look back at the women who have come before, women today, and a hopeful look forward to the possibilities of the female changemakers and leaders to come.

Women’s History Month Reading Recommendations from Library Staff

The staff at IndyPL create book lists all year to help readers find just the right book. From female entrepreneurs to politicians to information about women’s heart health, here are several booklists that highlight women. You can browse all of our book lists featuring women for adultsbook lists featuring women for teens and book lists featuring women for kids.

Literary Fiction featuring Strong Women

I love a great book with a strong female character! These are the best of the best from my read pile to celebrate Women’s History Month.

Love and Women in Basketball

If you’re feeling a March Madness vibe, you might find something to enjoy among this mix of narrative books and films featuring female characters who know how to play the game!

Women’s Hoops: The Essential Reading List

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

Women and Girls Make Amazing Music!

These compelling documentaries shed light on the lives and careers of women and girls working in a range of genres and musical settings.

Women in Art

March is Women’s History Month. Learn more about these amazing female artists.

Women in Higher Education – United States

It took 200 years after the establishment of Harvard College before women had access to college education in the United States. Now many preside over institutes of higher learning. This list highlights history, important figures, areas of study, and current issues related to women in higher education, both nationally and locally.

Womanism Past and Present

Womanism, first coined by Alice Walker in her book “In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens Womanist Prose,” takes the concept of feminism a step further to include Black women and other women of color. Alice’s Womanism theory can be defined in part as “A woman who loves other women, sexually and/or nonsexually. Appreciates and prefers women’s culture, women’s emotional flexibility … and women’s strength. … Committed to survival and wholeness of entire people, male and female. Not a separatist, except periodically, for health … Loves music. Loves dance. Loves the moon. Loves the Spirit … Loves struggle. Loves the folk. Loves herself. Regardless. Womanist is to feminist as purple is to lavender.”

Women in Comedy

These diverse women are making history as comedians and as authors. Read their stories to get know the women that make us laugh.

Josei or Women’s Manga

Check these titles out if you are looking for mature stories that center an older female audience. Josei covers genres from mysteries to slice of life romances to psychological horror – so you’re bound to find something for everyone! Please note that these titles will be found in both our adult and teen sections due to age-rating standards varying between Japan and the United States. I have indicated on each title whether it is found in the teen or adult section of the library.

e-Books & Streaming

Several of our e-book and streaming platforms have collections specifically highlighting women.

You can download e-books or audiobooks, stream films, documentaries, and television shows free with your IndyPL library card. Detailed information about each of our services is available on our download and stream page. If you have never used our streaming services before, directions are available:

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.

Websites & Online Portals

If you only have a minute or if you have the whole month, you can read, watch, or listen to fascinating stories about American women online.

Female Healers
This year’s Women’s History Month celebrates “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis is featuring Early Indianapolis women healers. Learn more about the women who have made history in the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis!

#KnowHerStory
These quick looks at history are perfect for learning about some exceptional women in a small amount of time. #KnowHerStory is hosted by The National Women’s History Museum.

Because Of Her Story
This is an online collection from the Smithsonian that includes stories and objects from women who have shaped America. Explore the online collection of artifacts and then read the stories about why the objects are significant.

Girlhood (It’s complicated)
This website is a unique look at women’s history from the perspective of young girls from The National Museum of American History. It explores the concept of girlhood and how girls have changed history.

National Poetry Foundation
The National Poetry Foundation provides this opportunity to read poems that explore women’s history and women’s rights by several female writing icons.

Kids of all ages can learn about more than a dozen trailblazing women in science, art, law, politics, and sports by listening to these video storytimes. Our featured story is called Equality’s Call, by Deborah Diesen, illustrated by Magdalena Mora. It is the story of the history of voting rights in the United States from our nation’s founding until today. The story is read by National Women’s History Museum Ambassador, actress Logan Browning.

To hear even more stories about amazing women, just click on a book cover to listen to another one!

title - Althea Gibsontitle - Drum Dream Girltitle - The House That Jane Builttitle - Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitostitle - Game Changerstitle - Hidden Figurestitle - Joan Procter, Dragon Doctortitle - Kamala and Maya's Big Ideatitle - Separate Is Never Equaltitle - Shaking Things uptitle - Turning Pagestitle - When Harriet Met Sojournertitle - The Youngest Marcher

e-Books & Audiobooks

Use your indyPL Library Card to check out books about trailblazing women at any of our locations, or check out books about trailblazing women e-books and audiobooks from OverDrive Kids right to your device! If you have never used OverDrive before, learn how to use OverDrive for e-books and learn how to use OverDrive for audiobooks.

Find more FREE online reading at Free Video Read Alouds or try storytime at home!

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.

Websites, Activities & Printables

Women’s History for Kids

Fun books to help kids learn about women’s history and get inspired to make a difference!

Women and Girls Make Amazing Music!

These compelling documentaries shed light on the lives and careers of women and girls working in a range of genres and musical settings.

Game Changers: 25 Books About Female Athletes Who Took the Lead

Listed here are more stories about trailblazing female athletes. “Stories, both real and imagined, show what girls can do. The stories of women’s lives, and the choices they made, encourage girls to think larger and bolder, and give boys and men a fuller understanding of the female experience.” ~National Women’s History Project

Women Make Amazing Art!

Invite the budding young artists in your life to explore art by women from around the planet!

Sheroes and Girl Power: Books for Kids

Newer biographies that celebrate the efforts and genius of women. Success in different fields and talents and the long reach and effort to continually push towards “justice” for all are just the tip of the list here.

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.

1. 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.

2. Borrow e-books or downloadable audiobooks.

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

3. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

4. Make a selection from one of these Christian fiction authors.

5. 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, Once you login with your IndyPL library card, choose the “Christian fiction” category from the genre list on the left. Click on a book to read a brief description or see a star rating. Click “Check Availability” to see if the book is available to borrow from IndyPL.

6. 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!

7. 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 Fort Ben
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15, 6:30pm
  • Location: Fort Ben Branch
  • Description: We will be discussing your book choice. Bring a copy of what you are reading, share your thoughts with the group and get new book-read ideas. July’s theme: books that “move you.”
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Adult Book Discussion at West Indianapolis
  • Date & Time: Thursday, July 17, 4:30pm
  • Location: West Indianapolis Branch
  • Description: We will be discussing “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio. Copies of this month’s book can be picked up from the West Indianapolis Branch. Adults are invited to this free monthly book discussion program. We (usually) meet on the second Monday of the month.
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Natural History Book Club
  • Date & Time: Thursday, July 17, 6:30pm
  • Location: Online
  • Description: Join us online to discuss the book “Why Dinosaurs Matter” by Kenneth Lacovera!
  • Register Here

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.

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 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.

Click on a featured booklist to get cozy mystery reading recommendations. See also our If You Like Mysteries recommendations. You might also try Cozymystery.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 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.

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.

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 Fort Ben
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15, 6:30pm
  • Location: Fort Ben Branch
  • Description: We will be discussing your book choice. Bring a copy of what you are reading, share your thoughts with the group and get new book-read ideas. July’s theme: books that “move you.”
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Adult Book Discussion at West Indianapolis
  • Date & Time: Thursday, July 17, 4:30pm
  • Location: West Indianapolis Branch
  • Description: We will be discussing “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio. Copies of this month’s book can be picked up from the West Indianapolis Branch. Adults are invited to this free monthly book discussion program. We (usually) meet on the second Monday of the month.
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Natural History Book Club
  • Date & Time: Thursday, July 17, 6:30pm
  • Location: Online
  • Description: Join us online to discuss the book “Why Dinosaurs Matter” by Kenneth Lacovera!
  • Register Here

Catch book recommendations and IndyPL program highlights from your own local librarians once a month on the Indy Now Morning Show with Ryan and Jillian on Fox59. The show airs at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays. Enjoy the most recent segment or browse the listing of past shows that highlight a variety of reading suggestions.

Current Segment

February 12
Meet the Artists
(Jacquelyn Green)


2025

January 15
East 38th Street Branch Zine Collection
(Joanna Conrad  and Bambi Pea)

Indy Now Book Club Archive

2024

December 18
2024 Staff Picks
(Taylor VanTryon and Emily Cain)

December 4
Holiday Workshops & Activities
(Jill Edwards)

November 20
Fostering Literacy with the World Languages Collection
(Olanike Olaniyi and Keshia McEntire)

November 6
Fall Fest
(Bryanna Barnes)

October 23
Crafting at the Library
(Kelsey Abernathy)

October 9
Meet an Author, Be an Author
(Jill Edwards)

September 11
Fall Programs for Teens
(Kirsten Weaver)

August 27
Small Business Series
(Rachel Wood, Ryan Donnelly)

August 13
Homeschool Resources
(Devery North)

July 31
Legal Resources
(Ryan Donnelly)

July 3
Quick Reads Collection
(Deb Lambert)

June 5
Juneteenth Bookfest
(Bryanna Barnes)

May 8
Meet Your Neighbor Programming Series and Travel-themed Books
(Keshia McEntire)

April 24
Dia del Niño Be My Neighbor Day
(Jessica Neeb-Smith)

March 27
Patent and Trademark Resources
(Ryan Donnelly)

March 13
Books About Self-love and the Center for Black Literature & Culture Programs (Bryanna Barnes)

February 28
Joyful Books by Black Authors
(Keshia McEntire and Alton Parks)

February 14
Meet The Artists
(Jaquelyn Green)

January 17
Book Clubs
(Kris Gould, Keshia McEntire)

January 3
Books to Support New Years Resolutions
(Rachel Wood)

2023

December 20
Graphic Novels and Arts Programs (Kelsey Abernathy)

December 7
Encyclopedia of Indianapolis
(Natasha Hollenbach and Jyoti Verderame)

November 8
Fall Fest
(Jacquelyn Green)

October 25
Books for Chess Players
(Jordan Hunt, Charlie Cain)

September 27
Indy Cinema Series
(Jason Davis)

August 30
Small Business Series
(Alexandra Loewen)

August 16
Digital Creativity Work Stations
(Dawn Hawkins and Stephanie Flood)

August 2
Disability Representation
(Keshia McEntire)

July 5
Foraging Outside
(Anika Williams)

June 21
More Than a Place Podcast
(Sakura Fuqua)

June 7
Summer Reading Program
(Emily Thomas)

April 10
Books About Building Community and the New Glendale Branch
(Amy Buell)

April 12
Sci-Fi Books
(Kirsten Weaver)
Featured Books: Sci-Fi Books

March 29
Dia del Nino
(Emily Thomas)
Featured Books: Dia del Nino

March 15
Making a Positive Difference in the Community
(Leah Kim)
Featured BooksBooks for Hoosiers Hoping to Make a Difference

February 15
Romance Novels for Valentines Day
(Kirsten Weaver)
Featured BooksRomance Novels for Valentines Day

February 15
Romance Novels for Valentines Day
(Kirsten Weaver)
Featured BooksRomance Novels for Valentines Day

February 1
Meet the Artists
(Kimberly Brown)

January 18
Biographies and Memoirs
(Liz Schoettle)
Featured BooksBiographies & Memoirs

January 4
Computer and Technology Classes and Resources
(Marianne Mackenzie & Charlie Cain)
Featured BooksDigital Skills for the New Year

2022

December 21
Holiday Book Recommendations for Families (Devery North)
Devery’s segment starts at 22:20.
Featured BooksCelebrate the Holidays Through Books

December 7
Fall Fest & Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge XVI (Kim Ewers)
Featured BooksFall Fest & Slammin’ Rhymes

October 27
Center for Black Literature & Culture 5th Anniversary (Amira Malcom)
Featured BooksCBLC’s Fifth Anniversary

October 20

Book Recommendations (Rachel Wood)

September 28
Introduction to Kadir Nelson (Shael Weidenbach)
Featured BooksKadir Nelson

August 31
Let’s Get Down to Business (Alexandra Loewen)
Featured BooksBooks About Business

August 17
Book Clubs Available at the Indianapolis Public Library (Sakura Fuqua) We offer a variety of in-person and online book discussions for adults, teens & kids.
Learn more!

August 3
Good Reads About Money (Rachel Nevada Wood)
Featured BooksGood Reads About Money

July 20 Books with Indiana Ties (Shelby Graam-Pavan)
Featured BooksBooks with Indiana Ties

July 6 Pick Up a New Hobby (Chris Hogsett)
Featured BooksPick Up a New Hobby

June 22 Summer Love Reading Recommendations (Keshia McEntire)
Featured BooksSummer Romance

June 8 Summer Reads: Pride Month (Liz Schoettle)
Featured BooksPride Reads

May 25
Adult Summer Reading Sports Reads (Rachel Wood)
Featured BooksSports Reads

May 1
Adult Summer Reading Program (Leah Kim)
Featured BooksBooks for Busy People

April 27
Graphic Novels (Chris Hogsett)
Featured Books
Graphic Novels for Kids

April 13
Spring Reads: Dystopian Fiction (Kirsten Weaver)
Featured Books
Dystopian Reads

March 31
Local Black Authors (Keshia McEntire)
Featured BooksLocal Black Authors

March 16
Music Related (Rachel Wood)
Featured BooksMusic-Related Reads

March 2
True Crime (Shelby Graam)
Featured BooksTrue Crime and Thrillers

February 16
Love Stories for February (Kirsten Weaver)
Featured BooksYA Love Stories

February 2
Book Club Kick Off (Rachel Wood)
Featured Books: Books by Black Authors

Find a book discussion near you!

  • Event: Adult Book Discussion at Fort Ben
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15, 6:30pm
  • Location: Fort Ben Branch
  • Description: We will be discussing your book choice. Bring a copy of what you are reading, share your thoughts with the group and get new book-read ideas. July’s theme: books that “move you.”
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Adult Book Discussion at West Indianapolis
  • Date & Time: Thursday, July 17, 4:30pm
  • Location: West Indianapolis Branch
  • Description: We will be discussing “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio. Copies of this month’s book can be picked up from the West Indianapolis Branch. Adults are invited to this free monthly book discussion program. We (usually) meet on the second Monday of the month.
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Natural History Book Club
  • Date & Time: Thursday, July 17, 6:30pm
  • Location: Online
  • Description: Join us online to discuss the book “Why Dinosaurs Matter” by Kenneth Lacovera!
  • Register Here

If you love learning, the Library can provide many opportunities. You can read books and e-books, listen to audiobooks, and watch movies on practically every topic imaginable. You may not know that you can also learn from some of the world’s leading experts via The Great Courses offered through Hoopla and Kanopy. Hoopla and Kanopy are on-demand video streaming services available to Indianapolis Public Library card holders. Have you explored this fantastic learning opportunity?

The Great Courses are college level classes you can enjoy on your own schedule. The classes are designed for people who want to learn without working toward a degree. There are no deadlines or tests to worry about. Some of the classes include supplemental materials, so be sure to download the PDFs, where available. The classes are completely free, so dive in to Great Courses and start learning!

A great example of what The Great Courses offer is The National Geographic Guide to Birding in North America class. This class can help someone become a skillful birdwatcher.

There are episodes about bird anatomy, habitat, behavior migration, and more. The program even goes on a virtual journey to some of the best birding sites in North America. If you don’t have time right now to do the entire 24 episode class, you can take as long as you’d like or skip ahead to something that interests you. That’s not something you couldn’t do if you were enrolled in a class that met in person each week!

The Great Courses cover Finance, Health, Hobbies, Food and Wine, History, Literature and Language, Math and Science, Music and Fine Arts, Philosophy, Professional and Personal Growth, Travel, Programs for Young Learners and more.

How to Get Started on The Great Courses in Hoopla

Hoopla has other materials for all ages. You can borrow 10 Items each month using your Library card.


How to Get Started on The Great Courses in Kanopy

Kanopy includes other videos for both adults and children.

Keep in mind that you can watch streaming movies on Kanopy, but you cannot download them, so you’ll need an internet connection to watch them. Streaming videos can consume a lot of data, so we recommend streaming Kanopy over a Wi-Fi connection.


TIP: Many of The Great Courses are also available on DVD, Audio Book CD, or as a downloadable audiobooks through Libby. Search “The Great Courses” in our online catalog.

The Great Courses on Hoopla: Staff Favorites

There are so many Great Courses to choose from! Here are a few Library staff favorites we hope will get you started learning on a wide range of topics. Each of these courses is currently available to stream free on Hoopla.

Have questions? Call the Tinker Tech/Device Helpline at 317-275-4500 or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian.

Barbara Ann O’Leary, a Computer Lab Assistant at Central Library. Barbara has a voracious appetite for exploring a wide range of topics and enjoys helping people use digital technology to expand their horizons.

alt="The Walker Theatre and the Indiana Avenue historical marker which begins with 'African Americans, by the 1890s had established a vibrant social, commercial, and economic community along Indiana Avenue. Black entertainers, entrepreneurs, politicians, and working people developed the Avenue into a thiving, widely-known...'"

Seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.

– President Gerald R. Ford, officially recognizing Black History Month, 1976

There was a time in our nation’s history when learning about the achievements and good deeds of Americans included pertinent facts about almost every group of people living in the United States. The notable exception was people of color, and more specifically, African Americans. Present-day, during the month of February, we celebrate Black history and African American accomplishments, including contributions by our teachers, historians, lawyers, doctors, political activists, writers, engineers, dancers, athletes, musicians, artists, and so much more.

Black History Month

Portrait Carter G. Woodson
Carter G. Woodson

Did you know that observance of Black History Month began in 1976 back when President Gerald Ford was at the helm? Prior to this, African American history was actually observed during the second week in February as “Negro History Week,” which began in 1926. Negro History Week was the brainchild of Carter G. Woodson-PhD and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), founded in 1915 as the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Woodson reportedly settled on the second week in February because it coincided with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln (U.S. National Archives: Emancipation Proclamation) and Frederick Douglass (African American Civil Rights Activist). Learn more about Carter G. Woodson as well as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Several books on Woodson’s life and legacy for adults and kids can be found in IndyPL’s catalog.

It’s about the lived, shared experience of all African Americans, high and low, famous and obscure, and how those experiences have shaped and challenged and ultimately strengthened America. It’s about taking an unvarnished look at the past so we can create a better future. It’s a reminder of where we as a country have been so that we know where we need to go.

President Barack Obama, 2016

The Library has books, music, movies, and digital collections related to African American history. If you are in need of suggestions for what to check out next, here are some great ways to get started – re-read a classic or favorite, find out about an author you have never read, reflect on what you remember, or discover a piece of history you didn’t know.

Attend a Black history program at the Library.

Visit the Center for Black Literature & Culture at Central Library to explore our collection.

The Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC) is home to our largest collection of materials by Black authors. Take as long as you’d like to browse this collection that features authors whose work impacts local, national and global culture in literature, sports, business, politics, science and music. Also don’t miss the CBLC’s website, The Power of Black Voices. This online collection includes artifacts, photographs, and articles across many categories.

Our knowledgeable staff and the resources available to you at the Library and online can help you get started from primary sources and portals to biographies, artifacts, photographs, and more.

Center for Black Literature & Culture

Share Black history with kids.

If you are looking for Black history resources for kids, read through history by browsing our Racial Justice Timeline, 1954-1968. Listed here are important events of the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for racial justice. For each event books for children are listed, both fiction and non-fiction, that bring the events and people to life.

Books written for children are also great introductions to history for adults. These selections designed for kids often include excerpts of primary sources, charts, graphs, and high quality photographs from digital archives. These selections make thoughtful reads for adults as well.

Read Black authors.

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Here are six tips to help you find books written by Black authors, including a convenient clickable list of authors linked directly to our catalog for placing requests or checking out e-books or e-audiobooks. Find compelling history and historical fiction, biographies, and memoirs by both contemporary and classic authors.

Get Black history reading recommendations from our staff.