IndyPL Blog

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

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.

Visit The New York Times: Cooking
Enter your library card barcode number and click “Get Code.”
Click “Redeem” to submit your randomly generated access code.
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.
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 staff cookbook recommendations.

Tags Adult Skills

This photo from the Library of Congress shows the delivery of two turkeys to President Herbert Hoover in 1929. According to White House History, the tradition of sending a Thanksgiving turkey to US Presidents goes back many years. John F. Kennedy was the first President to pardon a turkey. A pardon means showing leniency, in other words, he didn’t eat it! Pardoning the turkey eventually became an annual event for United States Presidents. You might wonder what happened to all those pardoned turkeys? I found out they have gone to several different places including George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Disney World!

There have been many United States Presidents, more than 40, so there are a lot of oddball traditions and just plain funny stories about their quirky habits. There are even more stories about their pet projects and special accomplishments. Check out some of these books to find out behind-the-scenes stories that probably won’t make it on your social studies test!

Would you like to learn about how presidents get elected? Take a look at Elections for Kids to see books, databases, websites, and artifacts that will help learn more or do research to answer homework questions about elections.

You can start by looking at this voting machine that is an Artifact from The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. It was used by voters in Indianapolis from the 1930s through the 1980 election. Look at more elections artifacts from the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis’ Collection.

Websites, Activities & Printables:

PBS: The Race is On! – includes an FAQ to answer questions like, what do donkeys and elephants have to do with it?
The Library of Congress: Elections…the American Way
PBS Kids: The Democracy Project
Zoom: Elections 101
National Archives: US Electoral College
IndyPL Kids’ Blog: Unique Stories of the U.S. Presidents

NoveList K-8: Stories about Elections is a database you can use in any IndyPL Library Branch or at home to learn about elections for kids. Login using your library card number. Novelist will show you fiction chapter books and picture books you can read about elections. Click on “Check the Library Catalog” to see if IndyPL has the book.

Unique Stories About U.S. Presidents

Unique often equals funny! All the astonishing accomplishments and silly details fit to print about which President sang with his pet parrot, which one took dancing lessons, which one got a speeding ticket on a horse, and which one ran down Pennsylvania Avenue (the street in front of the White House) chasing after a goat! Hint: the goat one is the President from Indiana!

Tags History, Homework Help

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!

Click on a book cover to hear a story!

title - Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

title - The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake

title - Don't Let Auntie Mabel Bless the Table

title - Hildie Bitterpickles Needs Her Sleep

title - I'm Going to Give You A Bear Hug!

title - Max and the Won't Go to Bed Show

title - My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother

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.

Tags Storytime Online

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 - Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses

title - Princess Penelope and the Runaway Kitten

title - There Was An Old Dragon Who Swallowed A Knight

title - There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly

title - There's An Alligator Under My Bed

title - The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf

title - The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs

title - Velma Gratch & the Way Cool Butterfly

title - Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge

title - With Any Luck, I'll Drive A Truck

Tags Storytime Online

Reading the words Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. left behind, thinking about them and talking to others about them, is one way to honor him on January 20, 2025, the day commemorating his birth and legacy.

Dr. King’s writings include not only books, but masterful speeches and many letters. Below is a selection of his books, speeches, and one letter, which many consider one of the most important documents of the Civil Rights Movement. These featured writing selections are available to you for reading or listening online, or for check out with your Indianapolis Public Library card. You can take just ten minutes to read a letter, 20 minutes to listen to one of his speeches, or several days to do a deep dive into one of his books to learn about, re-connect with, remember, or re-commit to his messages about community, equality, and social justice.

“Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop…and I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.”

~ Martin Luther King Jr. delivered this speech in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 3, 1968, less than 24 hours before his assassination on April 4, 1968.

Five Speeches

I Have a Dream
Delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., August 28, 1963. Read and listen to audio of his “I Have a Dream” speech. (17 minutes)

Our God is Marching On
Delivered in Selma, Alabama after the march to Montgomery, March 25, 1965. Read or listen to audio of his “Our God is Marching On” speech. (4 minutes)

Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break the Silence
Delivered at Riverside Church, New York City, April 4, 1967. Read or listen to audio of his “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break the Silence” speech. (1 hour)

The Other America
Delivered at Grosse Pointe High School, March 14, 1968. Read his “The Other America” speech.

I’ve Been to the Mountaintop
Delivered in Memphis, Tennessee, April 3, 1968, one day before he was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Read his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech.

(More Fascinating featured documents can be found at the Stanford Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute.)

One Letter

Letter From a Birmingham Jail
Written April 16, 1963 from the Birmingham jail where Dr. King was held for participating in a nonviolent demonstration against segregation. The letter was written in response to a letter called “A Call for Unity” published on April 12, 1963 by eight white religious leaders of the South who took issue with the demonstration.

Read “A Call for Unity” from the eight religious leaders.
Read Dr. King’s response “Letter From a Birmingham Jail.”
Listen to an audio recording of Dr. King’s response “Letter From a Birmingham Jail.” (32 minutes, read by the Director of the Civil Rights Memorial Center, Lecia Brooks, as part of a wordwide celebration of the of the 50th anniversary of it’s writing.)

Six Books

Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story (1958) Dr. King’s first book, it tells the story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott from the early strategic planning to pushback from the white community to the eventual success of establishing a desegregated city bus service. print | print | e-book | downloadable audiobook

The Measure of a Man (1959)
A collection of meditations and prayers written 10 years before the civil rights leader was assassinated. print

Strength to Love (1963)
This is a collection of Dr. King’s iconic sermons. print | print | print | e-book

Why We Can’t Wait (1963)
His argument for equality and an end to racial discrimination that explains why the civil rights struggle is vital to the United States. print | print | e-book | downloadable audiobook | audiobook CD

Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? (1967)
The book in which he outlines the trends in the African American struggle during the sixties, and calls for peaceful coexistence between the African American and white communities. print | e-book | downloadable audiobook | audiobook CD

The Trumpet of Conscience (1968)
A collection of five lectures from 1967 that address racial equality, conscience and war, the mobilization of young people, and nonviolence. print | e-book

Visit the Center for Black Literature & Culture at Central Library

You can check out Dr. King’s books and many more at the Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC), a space at Central Library dedicated to celebrating the vibrant and resilient heritage and triumphs of those born of African roots. The CBLC’s collection includes specially selected literature, music, movies, and artwork highlighting the contributions of black icons, specifically those with Indiana roots.

Black Biopics

Biopics are films about historical figures and events. While directors and producers often take dramatic license in these films, at their core these films help audiences learn, become inspired, and share in the emotional journey of the characters. Below are biopics depicting Black stories and people.

Books for Kids to Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, here are 25 books for children that highlight Dr. King’s life and legacy fighting for justice.

Title - The Words of Martin Luther King Jr

The Racial Equity Collection

The Racial Equity Collection makes it easier than ever for Library patrons to access antiracism and social justice resources. The Library purchased thousands of new materials including books, e-books, audiobooks, DVDs, and Blu-rays. The materials span a wide range of genres, with titles suited for children, teens, and adults. See the collection online.

Tags Black History, History, Homework Help

The featured story from our diverse collection of video read-alouds is a delightful performance by the book’s author, Hannah Lee. Her book, My Hair, celebrates the creativity, style, and affection involved in the care and appreciation of hair. As Hannah’s debut book, My Hair marks a joyful exploration of these themes. For more insights, check out a video interview where Hannah discusses her experience writing My Hair and the inspiration behind it.

Explore our collection of stories that celebrate creativity, style, and love across a wide range of topics—from purses and food to friendships and hula hoops! Whether you choose one story or several, you’re in for an enjoyable afternoon. Our listening library is accessible 24/7, allowing you to return to your old favorites anytime. With “Read it again!” being easier than ever, you can dive back into these beloved tales whenever you wish!

Simply click on any book cover to start listening to the story! If you enjoyed these selections, you can discover even more engaging tales at our Free Video Read Alouds collection. Additionally, for more themed reading and activity fun, visit IndyPL’s DIY Online Storytimes at Home. Here, you’ll find a wide range of resources designed to make storytime both enjoyable and educational from the comfort of your home.

Diverse Video Read Alouds:

Join Us for In-Person Storytime!

Event: Storytime at Lawrence – All Ages Summer Series
Date & Time: Thursday, June 26, 10:30am
Location: Lawrence Branch
Description: Just for the summer, we are having an all-ages storytime every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
No Registration Required.

Event: Storytime at Spades Park
Date & Time: Thursday, June 26, 10:30am
Location: Spades Park Branch
Description: Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and an adult are invited to join us for stories and more every Thursday in the Community Room followed by socialization time for children and caregivers.
No Registration Required.

Event: Storytime at Warren – Preschool
Date & Time: Thursday, June 26, 10:30am
Location: Warren Branch
Description: Preschoolers and their families are invited for weekly stories, crafts and more. Families and homeschoolers are welcome to attend.
No Registration Required.

Tags Storytime Online

The National Day of Racial Healing is on the Tuesday after Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It is hosted by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in collaboration with the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation community partners. It is an opportunity to recognize and acknowledge racialized wrongs that have detrimental consequences. Racial healing is about repairing that damage and creating a more just and equitable world. Learn more about the Foundation and its work.

“The National Day of Racial Healing is a time to contemplate our shared values and create the blueprint together for #HowWeHeal from the effects of racism. Launched on Jan. 17, 2017, it is an opportunity to bring ALL people together in their common humanity and inspire collective action to create a more just and equitable world.”

Conversations about race and racism can be difficult and uncomfortable. Do you know someone you would like to talk to about racism but haven’t known how? Books have always been great conversation starters. You can help start a conversation on racial healing in your own family, neighborhood, workplace, church, or community by using these resources developed by the Foundation and their community partners.

Conversation Guide

Download the Conversation Guide

Reading Lists & Book Discussion Guides

Three themes are available from the American Library Association (ALA) for book clubs or group readings in a church, school, neighborhood, or family. Each theme includes reading lists and discussion questions. Here are the recommended titles linked directly to our catalog as well as a link to each theme to locate the corresponding discussion questions.

Deeper Than Our Skins: The Present is a Conversation with the Past

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano by Sonia Manzano
Dreaming in Indian: Contemporary Native American Voices, edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale
The Shadow Hero by Gene Luen Yang, illustrated by Sonny Liew
Mother of the Sea by Zetta Elliott
Always Running: La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A. by Luis J. Rodriguez

Finding Your Voice: Speaking Truth to Power

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
I Am Alfonso Jones by Tony Medina
Gabi, A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero
Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson
American Street by Ibi Zoboi
Anger is a Gift by Mark Oshiro

Growing Up Brave on the Margins: Courage and Coming of Age

Ms. Marvel Volume 1: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
March: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell
Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older
X: A Novel by Ilyashah Shabazz and Kekla Magoon
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Recommendations from IndyPL Staff

Just a few books for all members of your family with themes that can spark conversation with your community about racial healing. Together, we can bridge divides to transform our communities for our children and future generations.

Title - The Rose That Grew From Concrete

More Resources for Talking About Race:

Talking About Race is an online portal from the National Museum of African American History & Culture designed to help individuals, families, and communities talk about racism, racial identity and the way these forces shape every aspect of society, from the economy and politics to the broader American culture. The online portal provides digital tools, online exercises, video instructions, scholarly articles and more than 100 multi-media resources tailored for educators, parents and caregivers—and individuals committed to racial equality.

Social Justice Books: A Teaching for Change Project offers more than 100 lists of multicultural and social justice books for children, young adults, and educators.

EmbraceRace supports parents to raise children who are brave, informed and thoughtful about race. Their site has a variety of articles for parents and caregivers.

WeNeedDiverseBooks has compiled resources from members of their community on race, equity, anti-racism, and inclusion. They offer an extensive list of resources for children, teens and adults including book recommendations, links to online articles, and a list of black owned book stores by state.

Tags Black History, Holidays & Seasons

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 – explore them all!

1. 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.

Visit The New York Times: Crossword & Games..
Enter your library card barcode number and click “Get Code.”
Click “Redeem” to submit your randomly generated access code.
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.
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!

2. Gaming Programs

Event: Block Party
Date & Time: Saturday, June 28, 10:00am
Location: Central Library
Description: Kids are invited to flex their creative muscles and building skills at our Block Party! Stop by the 2nd floor to create with LEGOs, blocks, and other kid-friendly building materials.
No Registration Required.

Event: Block Party at Warren
Date & Time: Saturday, June 28, 10:30am
Location: Warren Branch
Description: Families and children of all ages are invited to play with LEGO blocks and sets stimulating STEM-related practices, critical thinking skills, and language development.
No Registration Required.

Event: Chess Club at College Avenue
Date & Time: Saturday, June 28, 2:00pm
Location: College Avenue Branch
Description: Join us on Saturday afternoons and match wits and skill with this Chess Club, meeting for 43 years at College Avenue Branch Library! All ages and skill levels are welcome. This group meets in the Fish Room.
No Registration Required.

3. 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.

4. Reading Recommendations from IndyPL Staff

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

5. 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.

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.

Tags Gaming

If you have a business and are looking to improve your bottom line, or have been thinking about getting a business started, now is a great opportunity to sharpen your business skills. There are a wealth of courses, classes, workshops, and webinars online which are absolutely free (or very low cost). Here is a list of some of the largest, most comprehensive collections of learning materials you can access to learn new software, get better at ones you already use, learn the latest marketing techniques, and much more.

LinkedIn Learning
Learn relevant, professional skills on LinkedIn Learning. Your library card gives you free unlimited access to more than 16,000 courses in 7 different languages: English, French, German Japanese, Spanish, Mandarin, and Portuguese. Learn how so sharpen your business skills on LinkedIn Learning here.

Class Central
Class Central lists over 40,000 online courses. Selected from many providers, the course listing makes it easy to find the best programs on almost any subject, wherever they exist. The majority of courses are free, or free to audit. Whatever you are interested in learning, it is more than likely that this course catalog includes information that will meet your needs.

Book-A-Librarian

Additional resources can be accessed based on individual need. For more information on the library’s business resources, contact the library at 317-275-4100, text 317-333-6877, or through Ask-a-Librarian.

More Online Classes:

Khan Academy
Created by experts, Khan Academy’s library of trusted, standards-aligned practice and lessons cover math K-12 through early college, grammar, science, history, AP, SAT, and more. It’s all free for both learners and teachers.

Open Culture
Find over 150 courses, many from leading universities that will deepen your professional education. Topics include finance, technology, entrepreneurship and much more.

Alison
Alison offers over 1000 free online courses across nine distinct categories including Certificate Courses, Diploma Courses and Learning Paths.

AcademicEarth.org
Find free online courses, lectures, and videos from the best colleges in the country. Take online classes from schools like Yale, MIT, Stanford, Berkeley and Purdue.

Digitaldefynd
Another site similar to AcademicEarth, it has access to 45,000 free courses from more than 8,000 universities and there are even 1,200 free certification courses.

Open Yale Courses
Provides free and open access to a selection of introductory courses taught by distinguished teachers and scholars at Yale University.

MIT Open Courseware
A web-based publication of virtually all MIT course content. All coursework is free and there is no registration required.

Coursera
Thousands of university classes and courses. Not all, but many are free. The majority of programs are STEM based (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

edX
Similar to Coursera, a high level education at little or no cost. The site includes over 3,000 courses from 160 member universities including MIT, Harvard, U of Texas, Boston U., and many others.

Skillshare.com
Skillshare offers hundreds of courses in Animation, Design, Illustration, Photo & Film, Business, and Writing. Get full premium access for two months for free.

Excel-Easy.com
Whether you are looking for an introduction to the program or need to brush up on pivot tables, Excel-Easy is a great website to learn Excel at any level of expertise.

Tags Business Skills

There are several organizations and publishers that regularly share stories on free video read aloud channels. Readers range from celebrities to astronauts to the authors themselves. These channels are a great way to enjoy online storytime if you are unable to join us at the Library. These are tories for families on the go! Listen along to old classics like Where the Wild Things Are or newer favorites like Jabari Jumps. If you have a few minutes you have time for a story! Browse IndyPl’s collection of online storytime.

Barbershop Books

To ensure young children have academically enriching, culturally responsive, and fun reading experiences, Barbershop Books leads weekly online storytime on Facebook and YoutTube.

Brightly Storytime

Listen along as Ms. Linda reads some of your favorite illustrated children’s stories, including The Snowy Day, The Princess and the Pea, and Uni the Unicorn on Brightly Storytime. Bite-sized listening anytime you and your little one have a few minutes to spare for a great story. In addition to the Youtube channel you can watch Brightly stories on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, and Anchor

Storytime from Space

Two libraries of free, family-friendly science videos are Storytime from Space and Science Time from Space. Watch astronauts on the Space Station read books and perform science demonstrations!

KidLit TV

Great Books Read Aloud on Kid Lit TV! Enjoy story time with authors at KLTV HQ! KidLit TV is a winner of the Parents’ Choice Gold Award, the Norton Juster Award for Devotion to Literacy, and one of the American Library Association’s Great Websites For Kids. Also available on Youtube.

Storytime Online

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s award-winning children’s literacy website, Storyline Online, streams videos featuring actors reading children’s books. Readers include Viola Davis, Chris Pine, Lily Tomlin, Kevin Costner, Annette Bening, James Earl Jones, Betty White and dozens more. Each story comes with a printable activity guide.

American Sign Language (ASL) Storytelling

American Sign Language (ASL) Storytelling 20+ signed video read alouds from the Educational Resource Center on Deafness. Stories include the classic favorites: The Snowy Day, Heckedy Peg, Is Your Mama a Llama, The Little Red Hen and more.

Brightly Storytime Flip-Alongs

Watch the pages turn as the story is read aloud on Brightly Storytime Flip-Alongs. Stories include I’m a Truck, My First Counting Book, The Color Kittens, Colors Are Nice, and Madeline. A new story is released every week!

Unite for Literacy

Unite for Literacy is a collection of e-books that celebrate the languages and cultures and cultivate a life-long love of reading. These picture books include audio narration options in more than languages. The books are available on any device – computer, tablet or smartphone.

Indy’s Business Organizations

Indianapolis Small Business Administration (SBA)

Since 1953, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has provided access to a wide variety of resources, funding, and job creation for small businesses. Programs include training, counseling, financial assistance, government contracting and procurement. Here are links to some of the many resources they have available:

Indy SCORE

Indy SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) offers a wealth of information and assistance to small business owners. Their volunteer staff of retired executives share their time, experience, and knowledge. They serve as mentors to entrepreneurs seeking business help. Indy SCORE has approximately 80 volunteers from many business sectors. When a new client signs up for services, they are matched with a SCORE representative familiar with their business model. The representative can offer both information and advice on various aspects of the client’s venture.

Indiana Small Business Development Center

Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) is a great resource for the formation, growth, and sustainability of Indiana’s small businesses. ISBDC provides entrepreneurs expert guidance and a comprehensive network of resources. They can help find financing for your business, help with market research, and much more. ISBDC offers numerous seminars and workshops throughout the year which can be accessed through Eventbrite.

ASCENT

Ascent is a recent addition to the services offered by the SBA. It is an online educational resource specifically for women entrepreneurs. It is designed to help them become more knowledgeable and effective in starting and operating their businesses. There are videos, exercises, infographics, discussion guides, and other tools, broken down into five major topics called JOURNEYS. All resources are free and can be worked on at your own pace.

Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce

Of the many business services available through non-profit agencies in Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce offers some of the most vital and impactful resources for entrepreneurs. Providing both education and financial services, the Indy Chamber has three separate business teams to help entrepreneurs in a variety of ways. These three teams include the Business Ownership Initiative, the Central Indiana Women’s Business Center, and the Hispanic Business Council. Depending on your specific business needs, the Chamber can supply you with a coach to help strategize the progress and development of your business; there are a number of loan programs and grants available, as well as classes, workshops and seminars on many of the topics you need to understand to get your business growing.

Business Ownership Initiative (BOI)

Business Ownership Initiative (BOI) is the umbrella organization for the Entrepreneurship Division. BOI aims to help Central Indiana residents start and grow businesses. To do so, BOI offers free one-on-one business coaching, access to financing, business workshops, and online business courses.

BOI Micro-loans Program

BOI Micro-loans Program Hosted by the Indy Chamber, the Business Ownership Initiative allows entrepreneurs to apply for microloans ranging from $1,000 to $50,000. To minimize barriers to successful entrepreneurship, these loans are available for start-ups or existing businesses, with no minimum credit score required and ITIN accepted in place of SSN (making this available to immigrant entrepreneurs as well).

Central Indiana Women’s Business Center

Central Indiana Women’s Business Center (CIWBC) connects women business owners to resources and each other. As a result, it provides a support process to nurture and advocate for the development of women owned businesses. They sponsor a “Women in Business” event series, held four times per year on a variety of topics led by women professionals both locally and nationally recognized. Attendees learn about contemporary issues while creating valuable networking connections.

(BOI) ED2Go Online Instruction Center

(BOI) ED2Go Online Instruction Center ED2Go is a platform that BOI uses to easily provide access to business education. The site offers a wide range of highly interactive courses that you can take entirely over the Internet. All of the courses are led by expert instructors, many of whom are nationally known authors. The online courses are affordable, convenient, and packed with valuable information.

Hispanic Business Council

Hispanic Business Council (HBC) works to better assist the Hispanic business community. HBC offers networking events, bi-lingual business coaching, and educational programs such as the “Mentor-Protégé Program” and “Accelerate Latinx”. Experienced mentors help guide the novice business owner through the often complex and confusing requirements of developing a business. Numerous local and regional events also give entrepreneurs the opportunity to network, learn from, and support one another’s efforts. To learn more browse their calendar of events.

Indy Black Chamber of Commerce

Indy Black Chamber of Commerce was established in January 2015 with the goal of serving as an information resource for developing black-owned businesses. The Indy Black Chamber of Commerce provides mentoring, seminars, and network functions with opportunities for business development, growth, and success. On the last Friday of each month they also host “The Friday Group.” This gathering includes guest speakers discussing topics such as business startup requirements, branding your business, and how to find government contract opportunities.

Office of Minority & Women’s Business Development (OMWBD)

The Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD) is dedicated to supporting businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with ADA disabilities. OMWBD assists certified businesses in accessing contract opportunities from various projects in Central Indiana funded by the city, county, municipality, and private sector. In need of educational resources or networking opportunities? OMWBD offers them. Businesses can currently be certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Woman Business Enterprise (WBE), Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE), and/or Disabled-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE).

More Small Business Organizations

INBIZ (Secretary of State & Dept. of Revenue) is Indiana’s one-stop resource for registering and managing your business and ensuring it complies with state laws and regulations. In partnering with the Secretary of State, Department of Workforce Development and the Department of Revenue, INBiz has created a comprehensive portal that provides a streamlined and expedited process for your business needs. From registering your business’s name to filing the necessary paperwork for incorporation, registering your trademark, or accessing Secretary of State forms, you need go no further than INBiz. The web portal is easy to use. Explore videos, tutorials and even an online “chatbot” who will answer any questions you may not be able to find the answers to on your own.

Organizations for Veterans

Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) provides procurement technical assistance to help existing small businesses sell products or services to the appropriate government agency. By offering confidential counseling services and workshops at no cost. At the core of the procurement assistance program is counseling and education. Your local PTAC office can provide you with a range of services and resources to successfully compete and receive government contracts. Indiana PTAC can connect you with events and workshops to help your business succeed in the government marketplace.

Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) assists Veterans, Active Duty, Guard and Reserve Members in the formation and expansion of their businesses. VBOC offers a wide variety of services and opportunities including workshops, classes and information on financing your business, writing an effective business plan, marketing, accounting and other related topics. They offer business mentors who can help with securing financing, fixing your credit score, networking with other businesses and agencies. VBOC also provides assistance and training in such areas as international trade, franchising, internet marketing, accounting, and more.

More Business Resources from IndyPL

Have you thought about one day starting your own business? Whether your questions involve marketing, setting up a website, trademarks, or simply where to begin, this set will help you navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship and do so successfully.

Title - Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive

Tags Business Skills

Whether you need data on steel pricing trends, annual revenues for Fortune 1000 companies, or sales data for your competitors within Marion County, you have a wealth of digital resources available for free at the Indianapolis Public Library. We offer our patrons access to business databases that focus on everything from business to genealogy, and languages to science. Most databases can be accessed from outside the Library, if you have a current IndyPL library card.

How to Access Online Business Databases

To use an online database provided by The Indianapolis Public Library, go to the Library’s Research & Learn page. Then scroll down to the section labeled “Filter Resources by Category” and click on either “Business & Nonprofit” or “Magazines & Newspapers” as shown in the screenshot below underlined in red.

Business resources filter example from the database page.

After looking through one of the categories, select the database of your choice. Note you will be prompted to enter your IndyPL library card number to access a database.

For entrepreneurs and business owners, or anyone interested in business topics, here are some of the business databases available. If you would like assistance working with any of the databases, our business librarians are available to help. Please contact us at 317-275-4100.

Featured Business Databases

Small Business Reference Center
This database offers exclusive full-text results for hundreds of business periodicals, full-text reference books, and business videos. This resource also offers access to complete business plans, state-specific resources, and much more.

Morningstar Investment Research Center
Morningstar has been and continues to be one of the premiere names in investment research. More than just a massive financial data set, this resource also offers a wide variety of tools and options to learn more about all aspects of investing. It is appropriate for everyone from novice investors to experienced investors. There are tutorial videos, analyst reports, market outlook reports, and financial data for researching specific companies. Virtual education courses cover topics such as funds, bonds, ETFs, and building a portfolio.

Data Axle Reference Solutions (formerly Reference USA)
This is one of the most popular databases used by business patrons. It contains directories of both businesses and adult consumers in the US and Canada. The business database includes extensive information on over 60 million current US businesses and over 300 million historical businesses. Consumer data covers over 300 million US individuals. Data Axle also has sections on new businesses, healthcare providers, and even job postings. Data Axle is highly useful for researching potential business customers and competitors, and creating custom lists of sales prospects.

Plunkett Research Online
If you are researching a specific industry or company, Plunkett provides detailed data including industry analytics and company financials. Plunkett also provides industry-specific glossaries, overview videos for individual industries, video tutorials on how to research using Plunkett, and a tool for generating custom data reports.

Patents & Trademarks

Patent & Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) at IndyPL
Is your business really starting to take off and you want to trademark your business name before somebody else takes it? Do you have an idea for a product, but you need to find out if anybody has already come up with that same idea? Then you need to use our patent and trademark resources.We receive materials from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. These resources include help guides, videos, search software, and the full text of United States patents. We also have special, dedicated computers available to the public to help you do your patent searches.

e-Books & Newspapers

Gale Reference e-Books
This database offers 30 business-specific, full-text eBooks, including Business Plans Handbook, and Small Business Sourcebook.

Wall Street Journal Online (1889-2004) and (1984-Present)
Access articles from the Wall Street Journal from 1889 through today.

Legal Resources

Legal Forms Database
This database provides an extensive collection of authentic, professional legal documents. The forms are available in multiple formats, such as Word documents and PDFs, and can be downloaded or printed for immediate use. The legal forms can be searched by general terms or specific keywords, and Indiana-specific forms are available. This database also includes templates for many different kinds of business letters and worksheets, including competitor analysis, startup costs, target market analysis, and more.

Legal Information Reference Center
This database offers access to ebooks for small businesses, including Legal Guide for Starting and Running a Small Business, Incorporate Your Business, Profit from Your Idea, and more.

More Business Resources from IndyPL

Our business librarians are available to assist with your questions. Please contact us at 317-275-4100.

Tags Business Skills

When it comes to researching business topics or events, the Indianapolis Public Library has plenty of resources to help you find the information you need. Whether you are researching industry price fluctuations for an academic paper or learning how to use SWOT analysis for your business plan, you can access thousands of magazines, journals, reports and studies. The Library offers patrons three ways to electronically access business periodicals:

the OverDrive Libby app which allow you to read e-magazines on your device(s)
the OverDrive website where you can read business and financial e-magazines on your computer’s browser, and
online databases which are accessible through the Library’s website

Each option is described below.

Downloadable Business Periodicals:

The Indianapolis Public Library subscribes to many magazines in digital, downloadable e-book format. Borrow and download as many digital issues as you like! Business titles include:

Kiplinger’s
The Economist
Entrepreneur
Home Business magazine
MIT Sloan Management Review
Money Magazine
Inc.
Fast Company
Adweek

Read business and financial e-magazines on your computer’s desktop, click here. Use the Libby app and read e-magazines on your device(s), download the OverDrive Libby app here.

See the full list of digital magazines available to borrow, click here.

Use an online database provided by the Indianapolis Public Library, go to the Library’s Research page. Scroll down to the section labeled “Filter Resources by Category” and click on either “Business & Nonprofit” or “Magazines & Newspapers” as shown in the screenshot below underlined in red.

Click on the database of your choice. Note you will be prompted to enter your IndyPL library card number to access a database.

Business Journal Databases:

Academic Search Premier
This multidisciplinary database provides academic subject coverage in social sciences, humanities, general science, and education.

Business Source Complete
Scholarly journals and business magazines covering management, finance, economics, accounting, and international business.

Entrepreneurial Studies Source
Business journals, reference books, case studies, and company profiles for researchers in entrepreneurship and small business.

Newspaper Source Plus
Full text selections from over 180 regional U.S. newspapers, international newspapers, newswires, newspaper columns, and other sources. Updated daily.

Regional Business News
Business news stories updated daily from all regions of the world. This database includes the Indianapolis Business Journal. To see the list of all available publications within this database, click on “Publications” in the top left corner of the landing page for “Regional Business News,” as shown in the screenshot below.

Small Business Reference Center
Contains consumer and small business reference books, business videos, and information on how to create business plans.

Print Periodicals:

The Indianapolis Public Library has a great number of business periodicals in multiple formats. Print-based periodicals are available with up to three previous years’ issues available in sturdy magazine file boxes directly behind the display shelves. For the more popular magazines, many years of previous issues are also available as hardbound volumes.

At Central Library, all current print magazines can be found on the 3^rd floor in the DVD/CD/Periodicals room. Print magazines must be used on-site and cannot be borrowed from the Library.

Business magazines currently available in print include:

Ad Age
Barron’s
Bloomberg BusinessWeek
Entrepreneur
The Economist
Fast Company
Harvard Business Review
Inc.
Wired

Our business librarians are available to assist with your questions. Please contact us at 317-275-4100.

More Business Resources from IndyPL:

Tags Business Skills

I’m sure you’ve heard people say that dogs are man’s best friend. When you read some of these books, you’ll discover that there are a lot of animals that have been man’s best friend as well as best friends to each other! Who would have thought that a deer and a dog or a dog and a duck could be friends? Some of these animals just have the best life stories. Some are famous, like Koko the gorilla who learned American Sign Language. Or the 21 elephants that walked across the Brooklyn Bridge when it was built, just to prove it was safe! Or Eclipse, the dog that learned how to catch the bus to the dog park all by himself! Theses are true animal stores and they are amazing!

Can We Be Friends: Unexpected Animal Friendships from Around the World tells the stories of five unlikely animal friendships:

a hippo and a tortoise
an elephant and a sheep
a gorilla and kittens
a cheetah and a dog
a dog and dolphin

Check out even more books that tell the true animal stories of some special members of the animal kingdom!

Amazing and True Animals Stories for Kids

Read about the 21 elephants that walked across the Brooklyn Bridge when it was built, just to prove it was safe, or about Eclipse, the dog that learned how to catch the bus to the dog park all by himself! Check out some of these books for amazing stories about some special members of the animal kingdom.

Title - Twenty-one Elephants and Still Standing

Man’s Best Friends – Dogs, Horses, Cows, Bears, Pigeons and More – IndyPL_CarrieW
Unlikely BFFs – True Stories of Amazing Animal Friendships – IndyPL_CarrieW

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.

Tags Animals

Explore our 2024 Staff Picks for adults, teens, and kids to discover your next great read from our curated selections. Find the perfect audiobook to accompany your morning walk, or choose a movie to enjoy on a cozy winter afternoon. Additionally, browse through our recommendations for holiday gift ideas that will delight your favorite readers. Whether you’re searching for engaging books, entertaining media, or thoughtful gifts, our 2024 Staff Picks offer something for everyone to enjoy.

You can keep up with our staff’s reading recommendations throughout the year by visiting What We’re Reading, What We’re Reading for Teens, and What We’re Reading Kids. Additionally, you can find our suggestions prominently displayed on the library catalog home page. These resources provide a continually updated list of book recommendations for all ages, ensuring you always have fresh ideas for your next read. Whether you’re seeking captivating books for yourself, your teens, or your kids, our curated selections will inspire and guide your literary journey.

Staff Picks for Adults

Staff Picks for Kids & Teens

Staff Picks for Adults

Best of Nonfiction

As library workers, we’re always learning and this list of our favorite nonfiction books from 2024 reflects that. Check out books on basketball, friendship, life in the middle ages, homelessness, cars, birds, and more. Looking for cookbooks, craft books, or other lifestyle books? Check out our lifestyle list!

Best of Biographies and Memoirs

Memoirs and biographies often manage to reach beyond the life of an individual and to dive deep into the particularities of our messy culture. Our favorite memoirs of 2024 touch on gender fluidity, grief, disability, motherhood, science, immigration, and democracy. Are we missing your favorite? Don’t forget to check our Best of Nonfiction list, you may find it there!

Best of Fiction

Here are a few of our staff members favorite fiction books from 2024. There’s a little something for everyone. Looking for a book that captures the violence of girlhood? Check out Headshot or Brutes. Fascinated by the ways that economic precarity can both forge and complicate relationships? Checkout Come and Get It or Margo’s Got Money Troubles. Want a warm feel good tale that will help your forget about the chaos of the world? Try We’ll Prescribe You a Cat, Sipsworth, or Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame. Plus aliens trying to make sense of the world, sweeping family epics, and nuclear power plants on the verge of melt down.

Think we’re missing something? Don’t forget to check out our genre lists.

New this year: we’ve included some recommendations at the bottom of the list that were our favorite reads from previous years. Hopefully, these will have a shorter hold list for you!

Best of Historical Fiction

Here are a few of our staff members favorite historical fiction selections of 2024– covering a span of hundreds of years. Read a trippy reimagining of Montezuma and Cortez’s meeting, see how an 18th century midwife handles being on trial for murder, or experience Huckleberry Finn from the point of view of James, the enslaved man at the center of the narrative. Looking for epic narratives that deal with the present as well as history? Take a peek at our Best of Fiction list.

New this year: we’ve included some recommendations at the bottom of the list that were our favorite reads from previous years. Hopefully, these will have a shorter hold list for you!

Best of Lifestyle

Okay, so when we say lifestyle we mean mostly cookbooks. We clearly have a penchant for the quick and the easy, considering our cookbooks range from canned tomatoes, Japanese convenience store foods, and truly anything that implies “this won’t take long.” But we’ve also got books on watercolor, travel, and vegan desserts. Hopefully, you’ll find something to your ~taste~!

Title - 111 Places in Black Culture in Washington, DC That You Must Not Miss

Best of Romance

In the mood for a light, fun romance? Check out all the books our staff fell in love with in 2024.

For the literary lovers, we have romances involving a children’s librarian and a bookstore. For the fantasy lovers, there are werewolves and fae and dragons (oh my!). Come for the 60’s baseball and shotgun weddings, stay for the swoony romance.

Best of Sci-Fi/Fantasy

2024 is the year of subverted tropes and plot lines. Fantasy villains wake up with amnesia to grapple with their crimes (Dreadful), magical girls must grapple with purchasing decisions (A Magical Girl Retires), a scholarship student destroys the academy (The Practice, the Horizon, and the Chain), and adults must return to their fantasy worlds (The Lost Story).

Of course, if you’re looking for something entirely original, there’s plenty of that too! A cannibalistic demon makes an Indian food documentary (Rare Flavours), a woman is trapped in the body of a wooly mammoth (Tusks of Extinction), and futuristic reality show sees couples raising virtual babies for the chance to have a real child (The Family Experiment).

Looking for speculative horror? Check out our suspense list!

Title - The Practice, the Horizon, and the Chain

Best of Suspense

In the mood to freak yourself out? Check out our staff’s favorite horror, mystery, and thriller novels from 2024.

We’ve got stories of missing children that span decades (The God of the Woods and The Middle of the Night, All the Colors of the Dark), lots of haunted houses (Incidents Around the House, We Use to Live Here, and Model Home), and indigenous suspense (The Angel of Indian Lake and Where They Last Saw Her).

Best of DVDs

Did you miss the chance to see a movie in theatres? You don’t need to wait for movies to hit a streaming platform– instead, snag one of our favorite DVDs of 2024, pop a bag of popcorn and enjoy.

Ranging from family friendly to … not that, these DVDs will make you laugh, cry, and cringe.

Staff Picks for Kids & Teens

Best of Picture Books

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

Best of Graphic Novels for Kids

Graphic novels for kids are formatted like a comic book but are typically longer and more developed than traditional comic books. These novels use illustrations, speech bubbles, and panel layouts. They’re a great way to encourage young readers to enjoy reading. The illustrations provide visual cues that help with comprehension. Here are some of our staff’s favorite graphic novels from 2024 to read and enjoy!

Title - Falling in Love With A Traveling Cat

Best of Beginning and Early Readers for Kids

Staff favorites that fall into our beginning and early readers category can be found at the library in the jZ (Beginner) and jE (Early Reader) sections. Books for children beginning to read on their own typically have very controlled vocabulary and a lot of pictures. (Think Piggie and Elephant, Bob Books, or Yasmin.) Books for Early Readers introduce children to a longer stories, often with chapters or vignettes. These books contain more content and the characters have more depth and experiences. (Think Magic Treehouse or Bad Guy series.)

Best of Fiction for Kids

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

Title - Amari And The Despicable Wonders

Best of Teen

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

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

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. Also, join us for in-person storytimes with ASL interpretation!

In-Person Programs for Kids with ASL Interpretation

Event: Geology Rocks!
Date & Time: Friday, June 27, 4:00pm
Location: Southport Branch
Description: Go back in time and explore prehistoric creatures through fossils! Create your very own fossil impression and discover the wonders of geology. This program is for ages 6-12. *This program includes ASL interpretation.
Register Here

Event: Drag Story Time
Date & Time: Saturday, June 28, 11:00am
Location: Irvington Branch
Description: Join us for a story time that celebrates diversity! Each program will contain educational and entertaining stories, songs, and dance that show we all belong. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are provided. All are welcome!
No Registration Required.

Event: Animal Shows
Date & Time: Saturday, July 12, 11:00am
Location: Glendale Branch
Description: Go on a wild adventure with Silly Safaris in this sit-down 45-minute live animal show! You’ll have the chance to see animals up close and ask questions. Seating is first come, first served. Arrive early to grab a spot! *This program includes ASL interpretation.
No Registration Required.

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

title - Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

title - Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

Online Stories Signed (ASL) Only:

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

American Society for Deaf Children: ASL Stories Directory
California School for the Deaf Video Sign Alouds for Children
Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind: Video Storytelling for Families
Rocky Mountain Deaf School: ASL Video Storytelling
Rochester School for the Deaf: Video Storytimes
Washington School for the Deaf: ASL Storytime
Washington Reading Corps: Books in ASL
Rocky Mountain Deaf School: ASL Video Storytelling for Toddlers
Foundations for Literacy: ASL Stories
ASL Stories Directory Hundreds of free videos of ASL retellings of favorite children’s books.
#OperationASLStorytime on Youtube, Instagram and Twitter is a collection of children’s stories translated into American Sign Language (ASL).

Online and @Home Activities:

Printable: ASL Activities Packet for Younger Children
Printable: ASL Activities Packet for Older Children
Art Lessons in ASL: How to Draw a Bear
Art Lessons in ASL: How to Draw a Bat
Art Lessons in ASL: How to Draw a Giraffe
Art Lessons in ASL: How to Draw a Bacon

Learn American Sign Language on ASLdeafined

Learn American Sign Language with video lessons from ASLdeafined. The content is for anyone who wishes to learn ASL, regardless of age. Login with your Library card number and create an account. A mobile app is available for Apple and Android. The login you use for the main site will be the same login for the mobile app.

Sign with Me! Learn Basic Sign Language Together

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.

Tags Storytime Online

collage of historical fiction book covers including "Sacrificio," "Lavender House," "Siren Queen," "The Rib King," and more.

If you enjoy reading about characters living in a different time or navigating real historical events, here are some tips to help you find your next historical fiction read! Browse award winners, get recommendations from our staff, or make a selection from our list of historical fiction authors linked directly to our catalog, so you can conveniently place holds and check item availability. You might also find reading suggestions at If You Like Historical Romance.

Find award winners.

The Walter Scott Prize recognizes historical fiction novels published in the last year. Browse the Walter Scott Prize award winners.
The Society of American Historians awards a Prize for historical fiction every other year. View the Society of American Historians award and past winners.
The Crime Writers’ Association awards the Historical Dagger for a historical crime novel published in the last year in the UK in English.
Make a selection from the Goodreads Readers’ Favorite Historical Fiction of 2024.

Awards for Young Adult and Children’s Historical Fiction:

Get reading recommendations from our staff.

Staff Picks 2024 – Best of Historical Fiction

Here are a few of our staff members’ favorite historical fiction selections of 2024– covering a span of hundreds of years. Read a trippy reimagining of Montezuma and Cortez’s meeting, see how an 18th century midwife handles being on trial for murder, or experience Huckleberry Finn from the point of view of James, the enslaved man at the center of the narrative. Looking for epic narratives that deal with the present as well as history? Take a peek at our Best of Fiction list.

New this year: we’ve included some recommendations at the bottom of the list that were our favorite reads from previous years. Hopefully, these will have a shorter hold list for you!

Adults:

Kids:

Use your library card to access NoveList Plus.

Find reading recommendations, read-alikes, reviews, and lists of award-winning books on the book database NoveList Plus, which is free to access with your library card!

On the left side of the NoveList homepage, select “Historical Fiction” to view lists of recommended reads. Or, select “Browse By” at the top of the site and choose “Genre,” then select “historical fiction” from the drop-down menu to browse new and popular picks.

When viewing a title in NoveList Plus, you can read a brief description of the book and see reviews. Click “Check availability” to see if the book is available to borrow.

Subscribe to the historical fiction newsletter from NextReads.

Receive a monthly list of historical fiction books in your email. Listed books are linked to the Indianapolis Public Library catalog, so it’s easy to place a hold on anything that catches your eye. See a sample issue of the historical fiction list or sign up for NextReads newsletters.

Make a selection from one of these historical fiction authors.

Upcoming Author Talks & Book Discussions

Event: WitLITS Book Discussion Group
Date & Time: Friday, June 27, 10:30am
Location: Spades Park Branch
Description: A read aloud group exploring classic literature in a group reading.
No Registration Required.

Event: Anaphora Poetry and Publishing Conference
Date & Time: Saturday, June 28, 11:00am
Location: East 38th Street Branch
Description: We are back for another Anaphora! This event showcases local zine makers with a focus on poetry.
No Registration Required.

Event: Natural History Book Club
Date & Time: Saturday, June 28, 2:00pm
Location: Online
Description: Join us online to discuss the book Why Dinosaurs Matter by Kenneth Lacovera!
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Glendale – Tuesday Night Readers
Date & Time: Tuesday, July 01, 6:30pm
Location: Glendale Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot.
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Martindale-Brightwood
Date & Time: Monday, July 07, 5:30pm
Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “The Berry Pickers” by Amanda Peters. Pick up a copy of the book at Martindale-Brightwood. Never attended? We would love to have you!
No Registration Required.

Need more help?

Tags If You Like

Explore the rich diversity of books by Indigenous authors, offering unique perspectives for both adults and children. Let us help you discover these remarkable stories!

Read an award winner by an Indigenous author.

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

The Indigenous Voices Awards were established in 2017 to support and nurture the work of Indigenous writers in lands claimed by Canada. “The awards honour the sovereignty of Indigenous creative voices and reject cultural appropriation; to be eligible for the Indigenous Voices Awards, authors must be Indigenous and must make a declaration of Indigenous identity.”

The American Indian Youth Literature Award “identifies and honors the very best writing and illustrations by Native Americans and Indigenous peoples of North America. Books selected to receive the award present Indigenous North American peoples in the fullness of their humanity.” Categories include Best Picture Book, Best Middle Grade Book, and Best Young Adult Book.

Browse our e-Book & Streaming Indigenous author collections.

We have thousands of books, audiobooks, movies, and tv shows for kids, teens, and adults to download or stream instantly with an IndyPL Library card.

Browse the Indigenous Collection from Kanopy. If you have never borrowed from Kanopy before here are some directions and a video tutorial.
Browse the Native American Heritage Month Selection from Hoopla. If you have never borrowed from Hoopla before directions are available as well as a video tutorial.

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.

Get reading recommendations.

Finding Indigenous authors for adults & teens.

Browse suggested viewing and reading from The Eiteljorg Museum. Their author selections range from history to science fiction, to autobiography, horror and poetry. See some of their recommendations linked to our catalog for easy check out. In addition, the museum has a Spotify playlist of the diverse sounds of Indigenous Peoples. You can get a preview of what you might see visiting the Eiteljorg Museum. Look at some of items in their collection of Native American Art in their online collection.

In addition, First Nations publishes a list of essential reading for anyone interested in learning about the Native American experience.

“Many of us here – as Native Americans, avid readers, activists for improving Native American economies and communities, and as direct participants in the Native American experience – believe that we are uniquely positioned to suggest this reading list. We attempted to include many facets of the Native American experience, as well as books and research reports that would be of interest to a broad variety of readers.” ~ First Nations President & CEO Michael Roberts.

First Nations indicates on the list which titles are especially good ones to start with. Here are a few of their selections or browse the full First Nations list.

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown

“Eloquent, heartbreaking, and meticulously documented, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee follows the systematic destruction of the American Indian during the second half of the 19th century. Using council records, autobiographies, and firsthand descriptions, Brown’s work highlights the voices of those American Indians who actually experienced the battles, massacres, and broken treaties.”
print | e-book (OverDrive) | audiobook (OverDrive)

An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz

“Historian and activist Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz offers a history of the United States told from the perspective of Indigenous peoples and reveals how Native Americans, for centuries, actively resisted expansion of the US empire. Dunbar-Ortiz challenges the founding myth of the United States and shows how policy against the Indigenous peoples was colonialist and designed to seize the territories of the original inhabitants, displacing or eliminating them.”
print | e-book (OverDrive) | audiobook (OverDrive)

Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask by Anton Treuer

“Treuer, an Ojibwe scholar and cultural preservationist, answers the most commonly asked questions about American Indians, both historical and modern. He gives a frank, funny, and personal tour of what’s up with Indians, anyway.”
print

“All the Real Indians Died Off” and 20 Other Myths About Native Americans by Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz

“Dunbar-Ortiz shows how myths about Native Americans are rooted in the fears and prejudice of European settlers and in the larger political agendas of a settler state aimed at acquiring Indigenous land and are tied to narratives of erasure and disappearance. All the Real Indians Died Off challenges readers to rethink what they have been taught about Native Americans and history.”
print | e-book (OverDrive) | audiobook (OverDrive)

Finding Indigenous authors for children.

Finding Indigenous books for children has been made easier since 2006 when Dr. Debbie Reese (Nambé Pueblo) began her website, American Indians in Children’s Literature (AICL). Dr. Reese provides American Indian Children’s Literature Best Books Lists each year to help parents and teachers find great books for kids! Browse many of these titles in our catalog.

Additional lists of best Indigenous books for children can be found at:

First Nations Native American Children’s Books Recommended Reading List
National Indian Education Association Recommended K-12 Reading List
American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Award
How to Choose Excellent Children’s Books By and About American Indians by Dr. Debbie Reese, American Indians in Children’s Literature (AICL)

Use your IndyPL Library card to login to Novelist Plus

On Novelist Plus you’ll find recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning books by Indigenous authors. Browse the Indigenous Lives category.

Here is a sample listing from Indigenous Lives to show a star rating and the option to “Check Availability” to see if it is available to borrow from IndyPL.

Indigenous Authors

Tags Authors, Indigenous

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