IndyPL Blog

Kwanzaa is a celebration that honors African heritage. Observed from December 26th to January 1st, it includes a feast on December 31st called Karamu. Kwanzaa celebrations include singing, dancing, storytelling and African drums. To learn more about the holiday’s roots in ancient African customs and how it is celebrated, watch the PBS Learning Media video All About the Holidays: Kwanzaa and this Sesame Street video during which a family shares how they celebrate together.

Listen together as author Ibi Zoboi reads aloud, The People Remember, with illustrations by Loveis Wise. It uses the seven principles of Kwanzaa called Nguzo Saba, to share the history of African descendants in America from the time their ancestors arrived in America to the present day. The seven principles are:

1. Umoja (Unity)
2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
3. Ujima (Responsibility)
4. Ujamaa (Cooperative economics)
5. Nia (Purpose)
6. Kuumba (Creativity)
7. Imani (Faith)

You can also listen to author Donna L Washington read Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa, a story that introduces the holiday and celebrates its true meaning – coming together to help others.

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.

Books for Kids About Kwanzaa and Nguzo Saba

Use your library card to check out e-books, audiobooks, and other streaming content about Kwanzaa from home, right to your device. See our digital Kwanzaa collection from OverDrive Kids, or come visit us! Below is a selection of books for kids to help you get started!

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 Black History, History

During the 1800s water jars or containers featured abstract designs of rain, vegetation and animals associated with water. This particular abstract design features parallel lines that represent rain and slightly coiled circles that represent a ceremonial drumstick. This Zuni storage jar is an artifact in the collection of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

When is Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is the second Monday in October. It recognizes the resilience and diversity of Indigenous peoples in the United States. The day provides an opportunity to intentionally remember and learn about Indigenous histories and cultures. Not currently a national holiday, many American states and cities observe it.

Isn’t that Columbus Day?

Columbus Day, a natioanlly recognized federal holiday observing the life of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, also occurs the second Monday in October. In the last 40+ years controversy about the celebration of Columbus’ legacy, without including information about the harm caused to the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, has steadily built. Recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the cultures, events, and stories that have been left out of our national narrative. Learn more about the movement to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the Smithsonian article, Unlearning Columbus Day Myths.

In this video, meet Artist in Residence at the Eiteljorg Museum, DG House (Cherokee of NE Alabama). Listen to a discussion about Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

A number of books written by Indigenous authors share Indigenous perspective for both adults and children. We can help you find them!

For Adults & Teens

First Nations publishes a list of essential reading for anyone interested in learning about the Native American experience. They also publish a list for children.

“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,” said 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. See the full list. Explore our collection more at Finding Books by Indigenous Authors.

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 | e-audiobook | audiobook CD

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 | e-audiobook

Do All Indians Live in Tipis?

“Debunking common myths and providing information about everything from katsina dolls to casinos and Pocahontas to powwows, Native staff members at the National Museum of the American Indian have handled a wide array of questions over the years. This book presents nearly 100 of their answers. This book counters deeply embedded stereotypes while providing an introduction to diverse Native histories and contemporary cultures.”
print

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 | e-book | e-audiobook | audiobook CD

“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.”
print | e-book | audiobook

The Eiteljorg Museum put together a list of suggested reading, listening, and watching. Browse and place holds on some of their recommendations. You can also explore how the fight for climate justice and environmental preservation is tied to tribal sovereignty. From the removal of Indigenous people in order to create national parks to resistance against the Dakota Access Pipeline, each of the books in this book list, Indigenous Thought & the Environment, explores a different facet of a complex relationship.

For Children

Dr. Debbie Reese (Nambé Pueblo) began her website, American Indians in Children’s Literature (AICL) in 2006 to make finding Indigenous books for children easier. Dr. Reese provides American Indian Children’s Literature Best Books Lists each year to help parents and teachers find great books for kids.

Additional lists of best Indigenous books for children:

Enjoy the video read aloud We Are Water Protectors read by the author, Carole Lindstrom (Anishinabe/Métis and member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe). The book earned a 2021 Jane Addams Children’s Book Award and appears on the 2020 American Indians in Children’s Literature (AICL) Best Books List. The book’s author, Michaela Goade, won the 2021 Caldecott Medal for illustration.

Best Picture Books for Kids by and about American Indians

A guide to some of the best picture books by and about American Indians recommended by The American Indian Library Association, American Indians in Children’s Literature (AICL), or firstnations.org.

Learn More

Learn more about the Indigenous experience by exploring American Indiana Experience. This database, available free with your Library card, includes historical accounts and contemporary cultural information about the Indigenous peoples of North America. It features primary and secondary sources, and Indigenous voices and perspectives.

Tags History, Holidays & Seasons, Indigenous

6 Ways to Find Your Next Terrifying Read

1. Read an award winner.

Given out yearly since 1988, The Bram Stoker Awards® are the premiere awards for outstanding writing presented by the Horror Writers Association. To place convenient requests in our catalog, see all of the Bram Stoker Award winners in our collection.

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

Here are some quick links to fiction & films you can borrow with your IndyPL library card.

If you have never borrowed from OverDrive before both OverDrive app directions and OverDrive browser directions are available. Additionally, you can watch an OverDrive video tutorial or consult with Overdrive Support. If you have never borrowed from Kanopy before here are some Kanopy directions and a Kanopy video tutorial.

Need more help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian. The Tinker Station helpline at (317) 275-4500 is also available. It is staffed by device experts who can answer questions about how to read, watch and listen on a PC, tablet or phone.

3. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

Click on our featured lists or browse through all of our horror staff lists.

Staff Picks 2024- 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).

4. Make a selection from this list of horror authors

5. Subscribe to the horror newsletter from NextReads

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

6. 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 books. Once you login, choose the a category from the list on the left which includes choices like “Blood-drenched,” “Creature Feature,” “Creepy Clowns & Bad Seeds,” and more! Click on a book to read a brief description, see a star rating, and “Check Availability” to see if it the book is available to borrow from IndyPL.

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: Virtual Author Talk: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos
Date & Time: Thursday, August 28, 2:00pm
Location: Online
Description: Learn how to master the daily grind and become shatterproof in a tumultuous world with key insights by Dr. Tasha Eurich as she talks about her newest book, Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos (And why resilience alone isn’t enough).
Register Here

Event: BYO Book: A Different Kind of Book Club
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 02, 6:00pm
Location: Central Library
Description: Join a community of readers for an evening of reading and talking about books. There is no assigned book – just bring your current read and let’s chat!
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Glendale – Tuesday Night Readers
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 02, 6:30pm
Location: Glendale Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley.
No Registration Required.

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.

Tags Horror, If You Like

Here are fun stories to help calm some typical Halloween fears….with laughing! You can listen to them right now. In Zombies Don’t Eat Veggies, Mo is a zombie who loves to garden, growing his own vegetables. He also likes to cook and eat them. Mo’s parents insist that he needs to eat better for his zombie health. He needs to eat things like “finger” foods…and they don’t mean snacks! They tell Mo, “zombies don’t eat veggies!” but Mo IS a zombie and HE eats veggies. Listen along as Mo tries to convince his parents to give veggies a try. Enjoy Halloween storytime online!

Talk!

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

What was Mo’s deepest, darkest secret?
What are some of the things Mo did NOT want to eat?
When Mo’s mom and dad tried his soup, what did they think of it?
What is the name of the dance Mo did?
What kinds of vegetables do you like?
Have you every tried something new that you thought you wouldn’t like…but discovered it was delicious?

Read!

Use your indyPL Library Card to check out books about the Halloween at any of our locations, or check out Halloween 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 Halloween video read aloud stories right now! Keep the laughs coming by listening to Goodnight Goon, a parody of the childhood classic Goodnight Moon in which a child says goodnight to all of the things in his bedroom. In this Halloween version, a young monster says goodnight to all the things in his tomb…hairy claws and jaws and a pot full of goo and a werewolf hollering, “boo!” It’s Halloween 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 Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree

title - How to Make Friends With A Ghost

Join Ms. Linda from Brightly Storytime and six different authors for video storytime to celebrate spooky season! Download a printable activities pack.

Books to Check Out with your IndyPL Library Card to Turn Halloween Fear into Halloween Fun!

List Cover Images - Many small children don’t find Halloween fun at all! The masks, the jumping out surprises and all the ghosts, vampires & scary looking pumpkins can be too many surprises for little trick-or-treaters. Here are several stories that can help kids manage their Halloween fears. If Arthur & Scaredy Squirrel can do it, so can your child!

Sing!

Enjoy this sing along from Laurie Berkner. Use her pattern to make a monster mask to sing and play along! “I’m the biggest monster that you’ve every seen! My eyes are yellow and my teeth are green!”

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. Or Skip. Or gallop!

Try these outdoor games to play on Halloween from the National Wildlife Federation or these active Halloween games to play from Playworks. For fun in the kitchen try Babymouse’s Monstrous Monster Mash printable cupcakes recipe or these Magic Treehouse printable Halloween recipes.

Join Us for In-Person Storytime!

Event: Reading Ready Time – ABCs at the State Fair
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 27, 12:00am
Location: Online
Description: Children 3-6 are invited to a virtual Library visit! Join us from home to sing along, listen to a story, see new places, and meet amazing people. This week we go on an alphabet hunt at the State Fair.
No Registration Required.

Event: Storytime at Garfield Park
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 27, 10:30am
Location: Garfield Park Branch
Description: Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents/caregivers are invited for stories, songs, and movement activities.
No Registration Required.

Need Help?

Tags Holidays & Seasons, Storytime Online

In Binny’s Diwali by Thrity Umrigar, Binny’s class is learning about different holidays. It is Binny’s turn to share, and she is planning to talk about Diwali, a festival of lights Binny’s Hindu family celebrates. When it is Binny’s time to speak…she can’t! She is so nervous she can’t remember what she wanted to say! Everyone laughs and stares, but Binny manages to find her words anyway! She talks about diyas and jalebis and pedas. Do you know what those are? Watch this video to listen to the story and learn about Diwali, just like the kids in Binny’s class. After watching the video you can learn more from Binny’s printable learning sheet, The Diwali Story. Enjoy Diwali storytime online!

Talk!

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

What did Binny have for breakfast instead of cereal on her special day?
What advice did Mr. Boomer give Binny to help her relax?
How many days do people celebrate Diwali?
Can you think of another holiday when kids are allowed to carry sparklers?

Read!

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

Help kids celebrate/learn about Diwali – The Festival of Lights.

Diwali is the five-day Festival of Lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. Diwali, which for some also coincides with harvest and new year celebrations, is a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. It is the most important holiday of the year for the millions who celebrate it. The dates change every year, but it usually falls between mid-October to mid-November. If you are interested in learning more about it, here are just a few of many books that you can share.

Sing!

Sing along with The Let’s Go Club to find out all about Diwali.

Write!

Find some crayons or makers to color a Diwali picture or find Diwali words.

Play!

Spend an enjoyable afternoon learning how to Make Your Own Diwali Candle or Make Diya Streamers.

Watch this video to see children crafting paper lanterns to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights called Diwali and then Make Your Own Diwali Lantern.

Join Us for In-Person Storytime!

Event: Reading Ready Time – ABCs at the State Fair
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 27, 12:00am
Location: Online
Description: Children 3-6 are invited to a virtual Library visit! Join us from home to sing along, listen to a story, see new places, and meet amazing people. This week we go on an alphabet hunt at the State Fair.
No Registration Required.

Event: Storytime at Garfield Park
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 27, 10:30am
Location: Garfield Park Branch
Description: Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents/caregivers are invited for stories, songs, and movement activities.
No Registration Required.

Need Help?

Tags Holidays & Seasons, Religion, Storytime Online

Join our virtual author talks to enjoy conversation with the authors behind your favorite books from the comfort of home. What questions have you always wanted to ask? Submit your questions online. We will also take questions during the event and will cover as many questions as time allows! Browse our archive of past virtual author talks for even more insightful discussions.

Event: Virtual Author Talk: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos
Date & Time: Thursday, August 28, 2:00pm
Location: Online
Description: Learn how to master the daily grind and become shatterproof in a tumultuous world with key insights by Dr. Tasha Eurich as she talks about her newest book, Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos (And why resilience alone isn’t enough).
Register Here

Event: Virtual Author Talk: On Writing Darkly Charming Villainous Love
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 03, 7:00pm
Location: Online
Description: Embrace your dark side (and your best evil laugh) and join us in conversation with Hannah Nicole Maehrer, creator of the New York Times bestselling Assistant to the Villain series.
Register Here

Event: Virtual Author Talk: Argue Less and Talk More
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 10, 2:00pm
Location: Online
Description: Join us (and be ready to take notes) for an afternoon virtual conversation with communication expert Jefferson Fisher, as we chat about his book, The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More.
Register Here

Event: Virtual Author Talk: Our Failed Attempts to Make English Eezier to Spell
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 17, 2:00pm
Location: Online
Description: Have you ever wondered why the English spelling of words is sometimes… well… just weird? Come on a surprisingly hilarious journey with us and author Gabe Henry through the history of the English language, while we discuss troublemakers like Mark Twain who broke all the rules.
Register Here

Event: Virtual Author Talk: Nuestra América
Date & Time: Thursday, October 02, 2:00pm
Location: Online
Description: Join us in conversation with Smithsonian professionals Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key as they discuss Nuestra América and highlight inspiring stories of Latinos throughout history, as well as their incredible contributions to the cultural, social, and political character of the United States.
Register Here

Event: Virtual Author Talk: 10 Years of Daring Heists and Lovable Outcasts in YA Fantasy
Date & Time: Thursday, October 09, 7:00pm
Location: Online
Description: Since publishing in 2015, Leigh Bardugo’s highly popular Six of Crows has taken the world of YA literature by storm–and it’s not hard to see why. The complex fantasy setting, thoughtfully-structured magic system, and deliciously morally gray characters all collide in a world you won’t want to leave!
Register Here

Event: Virtual Author Talk: Courtly Intrigue and Whispers as Weapons
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 29, 2:00pm
Location: Online
Description: Coined as the “queen of British historical fiction,” Philippa Gregory returns to the infamous Tudor Court with a tale that is both timely and timeless. We invite you to sit down with us for an intriguing conversation with Gregory about her newest novel Boleyn Traitor (forthcoming October 14, 2025).
Register Here

Are you looking for your next great read?

We can help! Visit us in-person, explore reading recommendations online, join an in-person or online book discussion, get recommendations on Facebook, tune in to our televised book club segments, and more. Get started here!

Sunday Nights on Facebook

Join us on Sunday nights at 8:30pm on Facebook for Currently Reading. Enjoy this hour during which book enthusiasts share favorite books and offer suggestion about what to read next. Find out about the books that have everyone talkin

Wednesday Mornings – Indy Now Book Club

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. Browse our past appearances.

In-Person & Online Book Discussions

Do you love talking about books? Join one of our book discussions or book clubs available both in-person and online

Online Reading Recommendations

NovelList and NovelList K-8 are online services that offer reading recommendations. Browse both fiction and nonfiction, read-alike suggestions, series information, reviews, and lists of recommended and award-winning books for adults, teens and kids. Learn how to start on this video tutorial. Also try Book Connections which includes a “find the right book for you” feature.

Would you prefer one-on-one help? Call or ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text, or email ask-a- librarian.

Tags If You Like, What We're Reading

Build your digital life skills with IndyPL this Digital Inclusion Week. The digital divide is the gap between those who have affordable access, skills, and support to effectively engage online, and those who do not. This divide impacts households in Indianapolis. The Library helps bridge the gap with free public computers and wifi, free computer skill training, and helpful staff to support those still developing their digital life skills.

Every year Digital Inclusion Week is a time for raising awareness, advocating for digital equity, and promoting the many resources available to help people take advantage of digital technology. Digital Inclusion Week for 2024 is October 7 – 11. We hope you’ll join us this year as we celebrate by building our digital life skills.

Read on for suggested activities you can complete to develop your own digital skills or help you take action to support digital equity in Indianapolis. Learn more about all the services The Library offers to help get you connected to the Internet. Use our computers and other technologies, both in our locations and at home. Our services are available every week, all year long.

1. Develop Your Digital Skills at The Library

You can take computer and technology classes to build your digital life skills at The Library throughout the year. Build your digital skills with a learning plan custom designed for you.

Take an assessment in English or Spanish on The Library’s Northstar Digital Literacy platform and get feedback with a learning plan tailored to the skills you need most. Assessments offered include: Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows 10, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Docs, Information Literacy, Career Search Skills, and Your Digital Footprint. Register for an at-home assessment to complete online or attend an in-person class. See the Tech Learning Lab’s complete program schedule. Once you have a learning plan, you can work at your own pace to tackle online lessons to develop the digital life sklll you need most. Browse our complete listing of computer and technology classes:

Event: Career Center at Haughville
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 27, 10:30am
Location: Haughville Branch
Description: Adults needing help with creating a resume, searching for a job or career online, or filling out an online job application are invited to receive free one-on-one assistance.
No Registration Required.

Event: Microsoft Word: Part 2
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 27, 11:00am
Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch
Description: Seniors and adult learners with some Microsoft Word experience will learn about the more advanced functions of the software.
Register Here

Event: Career Center at Lawrence
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 27, 12:00pm
Location: Lawrence Branch
Description: Career Center is a program for adults to get assistance with creating resumes and cover letters, searching for jobs, and job applications. Laptops are provided but patrons are encouraged to bring their own if they have them.
No Registration Required.

2. Find affordable device access in your neighborhood.

You can also use your Library card to check out a device called a hotspot to connect to the Internet for free. A WiFi hotspot provides a link to the Internet from anyplace you plug it in! Borrow a hotspot from one of our 16 locations that currently lend them. Availability for these devices is during regular branch hours. The hotspots are not-requestable, or renewable, but are available for check out first come, first serve.

3. Have internet but suspect it isn’t reliable? Can’t get broadband to your home? Share your experience.

Indiana’s State Broadband Office is helping Hoosiers use their voice when it comes to their unreliable or absent broadband connectivity. Visit this website that allows users to test internet speed and answer questions regarding their connectivity.

4. Help map the solutions to the digital devide in your neighborhood.

Explore Indiana’s Digital Equity Map to find resources in your community. Have a resource you want to share? Submit your community digital inclusion resource to help support the states first Digital Equity Plan.

Need help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian.

Tags Adult Skills, Computers & Technology

Choose one of these outstanding books by authors whose writing is made unique and compelling by the ancestry they trace to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South American or other Spanish-speaking country in the Caribbean. Read one, listen to one, suggest one for your book club, or read one to your child or class!

Explore more ways you can visit the Library or use your library card to join in the celebration of Hispanic history and culture during Hispanic Heritage Month.

1. Download and stream books by Hispanic and Latino authors.

Choose e-books, audiobooks, music, movies, or e-comics on Hoopla from their Hispanic Heritage Month Collection. Hoopla is one of our digital borrowing platforms. It includes materials for all ages. You can borrow 10 Items each month from Hoopla using your IndyPL Library card. If you have never borrowed from Hoopla before, Hoopla directions are available as well as a Hoopla video tutorial.

You can also stream movies from Kanopy’s Hispanic American Collection. Kanopy is one of our streaming movie platforms. It has movies and TV shows for all ages. You can borrow 20 Items each month from Kanopy using your IndyPL Library card. If you have never borrowed from Kanopy before review these Kanopy directions or watch a Kanopy video tutorial.

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.

2. Check out a book by a Hispanic or Latino author.

3. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

For Adults:

For Kids:

For Teens:

4. Read an award winner.

Find many books to share with children in our collection of Pura Belpre Medal winners. This medal is awarded each year for both writing and illustration to recognize literature that best celebrates the Latino cultural experience. Try one of the winners:

2024 Author and Illustrator Winner Mexikid a Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martin
2024 Young Adult Author Award Winner Saints of the Household by Ari Tison.
2023 Author Winner Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega
2023 Illustrator Winner Where Wonder Grows by Xelena Gonzalez
2022 Author Winner The Last Storyteller by Donna Barba Higuera
2022 Illustrator Winner Come On! Let’s Cross the Bridge by Raúl the Third
2021 Author Winner Efren Divided by Ernesto Cisneros
2021 Illustrator Winner Come On! Let’s Go Eat by Raúl the Third

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

Novelist Plus makes finding books by Latine authors easier. Browse recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning books all by latine authors on Novelist. Select the option to “Check Availability” to see if a book is available to borrow from IndyPL. Click on a book cover to read a brief description. See star ratings,and get ideas for read alikes.

6. Subscribe to a Spanish newsletter from NextReads.

Subscribe to NextReads to receive reading recommendation in your inbox monthly for help finding books in Spanish by Hispanic and Latino authors. Book suggestions are linked to our catalog for easy requesting. It’s FREE! See a sample issue and Subscribe to NextReads!

Tags Authors, Hispanic/Latino

Here are several ways you can visit the Library or use your library card to explore the achievements, contributions, and influence of Hispanic people and culture.

Read books by Hispanic and Latino authors.

See our to guide Finding books by Hispanic and Latino Authors. Enjoy this convenient clickable list of authors linked directly to our catalog. Easily place requests or check out e-books or audiobooks. Find award books, check out an e-book or downloadable audiobook, and find reading recommendations from our staff.

Choose a book written by an author whose writing is made unique and compelling by the ancestry they trace to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South American or other Spanish-speaking countries in the Caribbean. Read one, listen to one, suggest one for your book club, or read one to your child or class!

Explore Hispanic history and culture.

Use your Library card to explore the history and culture of Latinos. Explore hundreds of primary source documents like maps, images, audio clips, interviews, music, and more at The Latino American Experience.

Receive an email newsletter featuring popular Spanish titles.

Receive reading recommendations of recently added Spanish materials. Subscribe to our monthly Spanish email newsletter or view the most recent issue.

Stream a movie with your Library card.

You can also stream movies from Kanopy’s Hispanic American Collection. Kanopy is a streaming movie platform. It has movies and TV shows for all ages. You can borrow 20 Items each month from Kanopy using your IndyPL Library card. If you have never borrowed from Kanopy before here are some directions and a video tutorial.

Begin learning or practice Spanish on your phone, tablet, or computer.

You can take a self-paced lesson in Mango anytime, anywhere. Each lesson combines real scenarios and audio from native speakers with simple, clear instructions. Fun, interactive courses help you practice vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. Additional segments share an appreciation for cultural nuance and real-world application. Watch this video tutorial or learn more about Mango.

Hispanic Heritage Month begins annually on September 15th and continues through October 15. The time is set aside to recognize the achievements, contributions, and influence of Hispanic people and culture.
Originally signed into legislation as National Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the celebration was expanded to a month by legislation in 1988 and signed into law by President Ronald.

Tags Hispanic/Latino

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

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

Talk!

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

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

Read!

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

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

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

Kindergarten Jitters – More Books to Check Out

Starting school for the first time can be scary or overwhelming! Covering topics from leaving parents and siblings at home, to riding the school bus, to meeting new classmates and eating lunch in the cafeteria, these picture books help new students understand what to expect on their first day, and teach them to cope with nervousness or anxiety.

Sing!

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

Write!

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

Play!

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

Join Us for In-Person Storytime!

Event: Reading Ready Time – ABCs at the State Fair
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 27, 12:00am
Location: Online
Description: Children 3-6 are invited to a virtual Library visit! Join us from home to sing along, listen to a story, see new places, and meet amazing people. This week we go on an alphabet hunt at the State Fair.
No Registration Required.

Event: Storytime at Garfield Park
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 27, 10:30am
Location: Garfield Park Branch
Description: Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents/caregivers are invited for stories, songs, and movement activities.
No Registration Required.

Need Help?

Tags Storytime Online

Beginning or reluctant readers ages 6 – 11 are often invited to read aloud to a registered therapy dog in our libraries – a dog who loves to listen to stories! Children register to read for a 15 minute paws to read session. Reading to a dog is a great way to improve a child’s reading skills and self-confidence. Children may read from any book they choose.

Event: Paws to Read at College Avenue
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 02, 6:00pm
Location: College Avenue Branch
Description: School-aged children who are beginning or reluctant readers are invited to read to a non-judgmental registered therapy dog who loves to listen to stories. It’s a great way to improve a child’s reading skills and self-confidence!
Register Here

Event: Paws to Read at Beech Grove
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 02, 6:30pm
Location: Beech Grove Branch
Description: School-aged children who are beginning or reluctant readers are invited to read to a non-judgmental registered therapy dog who loves to listen to stories. Spaces are limited. Please call or visit the Beech Grove Branch to register your young reader in person.
No Registration Required.

Event: Paws to Read at Decatur
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 03, 4:30pm
Location: Decatur Branch
Description: Children who are reluctant readers are invited to read to a registered therapy dog. This activity can help young ones improve their reading skills and self-confidence. Participants may sign-up for a 15-minute reading session by visiting the Decatur branch or by calling 317-275-4332.
No Registration Required.

If your child has never tried reading to a dog before and wants to learn a little about what that might be like to attend a paws to read session, listen below to the story, Madeline Finn and the Library Dog. Meet Madeline, who does not like to read. She doesn’t like to read books, magazines, or even the menu on the ice cream truck! Mrs. Dimple, the librarian, suggests Madeline read to a dog, and so Madeline meets Bonnie, who is beautiful, like a big snowy polar bear, and a very good listener! When Madeline can’t get the words right, Bonnie doesn’t mind. Madeline realizes it’s ok to go slow and keep trying.

Here are some more dog stories you can listen to, just click on a book jacket to hear the story!

Websites, Printables & Activities:

e-Books & Audiobooks:

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

Looking for even more books to read about dogs? Try these recommendations from IndyPL staff:

Need help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text, or email Ask-a-Librarian.

Tags Animals

Kids love dogs. Our librarians do too! When asked which book dogs are their favorite for storytime, Harry the Dirty Dog and Bark, George won by a landslide! Harry is the story of a pooch who doesn’t want to take a bath. George is about a puppy whose mother can’t seem to teach him how to bark. “Meow,” says George! Watch the video of Betty White reading Harry the Dirty Dog right now! It’s Dog storytime online!

Talk!

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

What does Harry look like?
What does Harry do to avoid taking a bath?
Why does Harry decide to leave home?
What did Harry do to show his family who he was?

Read!

Use your indyPL Library Card to check out books about dogs at any of our locations, or check out Dog 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 e-books and alearn how to use it for audiobooks.

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

Picture Books for Kids in Puppy Love to Check Out with your IndyPL Library Card

List Cover Images - Kids love dogs. Our librarians do too! When asked which book dogs are their favorite for story time, Harry the Dirty Dog and Bark, George won by a landslide! Here are some suggestions from them for little readers who can’t get enough puppy love. E-books and downloadable audiobooks are available.

Sing!

Are you ready for a PAW Patrol sing along? PAW patrol is on a roll with this compilation of PAW Patrol nursery rhymes!

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!

Set up an outdoor hunt, but instead of Easter eggs, hunt for dog bones! Or, instead of “Simon Says” play “The Dog Trainer Says” so kids can sit, bark, stay, and fetch – just like their favorite dog storybook characters!

Join Us for In-Person Storytime!

Event: Reading Ready Time – ABCs at the State Fair
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 27, 12:00am
Location: Online
Description: Children 3-6 are invited to a virtual Library visit! Join us from home to sing along, listen to a story, see new places, and meet amazing people. This week we go on an alphabet hunt at the State Fair.
No Registration Required.

Event: Storytime at Garfield Park
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 27, 10:30am
Location: Garfield Park Branch
Description: Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents/caregivers are invited for stories, songs, and movement activities.
No Registration Required.

Need Help?

Tags Animals, Storytime Online

“Running! If there’s any activity happier, more exhilarating, more nourishing to the imagination, I can’t think of what it might be.”
—Joyce Carol Oates

Check out these ideas for inspirational books, music, movies and local opportunities to jump start your training season running in Indianapolis.

Local Races and Great Places to Run

If you’re interested in training for a 5K or half marathon, there are lots of local resources to help you get ready. The Indy YMCAs offer training programs – check their website for more information. The National Institute for Fitness and Sport, right here in Indianapolis, also offers half marathon training.

There are a number of groups in the city devoted to fitness and running that are free and welcoming! Check out Black Girls Run, November Project, Black Men Run, and Indy Runners.

Many local running stores also offer training as well as free group runs. Ask them about what they might offer.

Once you’re ready to race, look for events on these online calendars:

Running Paths Near Libraries

Pair a good run with a Library visit! Many of our locations are within a short distance of excellent places to run, making running in Indianapolis even more fun!

Central Library – Cultural Trail and the Canal Towpath
College Avenue – Monon Trail
Garfield Park – Garfield Park Trail and Pleasant Run Trail
Glendale – Monon Trail
Irvington – Pennsy Trail and Pleasant Run Trail
Nora – Monon Trail
Pike – Northwestway Park
Spades Park – Pogue’s Run Trail

There are races practically every weekend too, from 5Ks to full marathons and triathlons. So what are you waiting for? Lace up your shoes and start running! Browse the running books below to inspire you or queue up an audiobook or some new music – free with your IndyPL library card!

New Titles for Runners

I like to read about running as much as I like to run! Here are some new titles in our collection for fans and students of the sport.

Tags Sports & Fitness

Improve your knitting skills with free online tutorials.

Learning to knit or improving your knitting skills has never been easier. All you need is your IndyPL library card! You can use your IndyPL Library card to take a Craftsy class and watch step-by-step instructions on a variety of creative crafts, such as baking, cake decorating, quilting, knitting, and more. Learn more about how to use the Craftsy craft tutorials.

Need help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian.

Get inspiration for improving your knitting skills.

If you need more evidence for the power of making, or something to read or listen to while you work, check out the following books on how creation can help bring meaning and purpose to our lives:

A Craftsman’s Legacy: Why Working With Our Hands Gives Us Meaning by Eric Gorges
Making A Life: Working by Hand and Discovering the Life You Are Meant to Live by Melanie Falick
Embrace your Weird: A Guided Journal for Facing your Fears and Unleashing Creativity By Felicia Day

Join us at an upcoming Library program.

Join one of our monthly knitting groups! We also offer arts and crafts classes and workshps throughout the year for kids, teens, and adults. See our full schedule of Arts and Crafts programs.

Event: The Village
Date & Time: Friday, August 29, 3:30pm
Location: Southport Branch
Description: Join others to create yarn pompoms that become part of a large-scale fiber art piece called The Village. This artwork will eventually be 24 feet wide and 8 feet high, and represents the best of Indianapolis Arts. It can’t be made without assistance from each other.
No Registration Required.

Event: The Village
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 02, 1:00pm
Location: East 38th Street Branch
Description: Join others to create yarn pompoms that become part of a large-scale fiber art piece called The Village. This artwork will eventually be 24 feet wide and 8 feet high, and represents the best of Indianapolis Arts. It can’t be made without assistance from each other.
No Registration Required.

Event: Crochet-A-Long
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 02, 6:00pm
Location: Pike Branch
Description: Those who enjoy crocheting, knitting or other fiber arts are invited to learn a new craft and make something for the unhoused. Basic supplies will be provided. Bring along your works in progress to work on or with the group. Stop by the Info Desk to get yarn to make something for the cause.
No Registration Required.

Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

Knitting Pop Culture

It’s hot outside! If you’re staying indoors, binge-watching movies and tv shows, try knitting while you watch. This winter you could be wearing mittens inspired by Little Women, a hat inspired by The Great Gatsby, a knitted Princess Leia’s snow vest, a homemade knitted sweater of your favorite Disney character, or a Hogwarts house cardigan.

Crafty Characters – Fiction About Knitting

Lacking the motivation to pick up the needles these days? Or are you an aspiring knitter looking for literary inspiration? These novels on knitting will keep you busy either way.

Knitting My Way to Peace

I’ll be honest, I love to knit. I find it very soothing and relaxing. I enjoy tv more when my hands are busy. Knitting is easy to learn and The Library has lots of resources to help the neophyte and challenge the veteran knitter.

Needlework and Mysteries

Needlework of all kinds….sewing, knitting, crocheting, weaving and embroidery are featured in these first books of various mystery series.

Knitting!

Whether you are a beginning knitter or the nerdiest of needlers, the collection at the Indianapolis Public Library has materials for you. Check out our array of books, online resources, and DVDs that are sure to get your needles clicking and your yarn flying!

Tags Adult Skills, Arts & Crafts

If you love airplanes, try out some of these paper creations in Building Vehicles That Fly. These paper engineering projects will help you learn the science behind how planes are designed and built. If you understand how the forces of aerodynamics work, you can make a paper airplane that flies really far! In several of the books listed below the directions are really clear with color photographs to help you make the folds correctly. Start out with a couple easy ones and then try something more challenging.

What You Need

Paper
Pencil
Ruler
Paper Clips

Do an experiment with three paper airplanes folding the exact same way with the exact same size of paper. Fly all three planes and measure how far they go. What happens if you add one paperclip to each? What happens of you add 2? Or 3? Record your results.

Websites, Printables & Activities

You can also ask a math and science expert for homework help by calling the Ask Rose Homework Hotline. They provide FREE math and science homework help to Indiana students in grades 6-12.

e-Books & Audiobooks

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

Need more help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian. Additionally, the Tinker Station helpline at (317) 275-4500 is also available. It is staffed by device experts who can answer questions about how to read, watch and listen on a PC, tablet or phone.

Paper Airplanes – Draw or Fold These Aerodynamic Marvels

If you love airplanes, try out some of these paper creations and engineering projects to learn the science behind how planes are designed and built.

Tags Homework Help, Science Experiments

Sometimes when atoms come together to form a molecule, one end of the molecule has a positive charge and one end of the molecule has a negative charge. When this happens the molecule is called a polar molecule. Molecules that do not have two different electrical poles are called non-polar molecules. For today’s demonstration you will make a lava bottle to observe polar and non-polar molecules.

This experiment will show you how polar molecules and non-polar molecules behave when added together. If two kinds of molecules are added together that are both polar molecules, they will mix. They are miscible. Miscible means that the two things can mix together. If two non-polar molecules are added together they will also mix and are miscible. However, if a non-polar molecule and a polar molecule are added together, they will NOT mix together. This is called imiscible. Imiscible means that the two kinds of molecules CANNOT mix together.

What You Need

Plastic Bottle
Water
Vegetable Oil
Food coloring
Measuring Cups
Alka Seltzer

Instructions to Make a Lava Bottle

Fill the bottle about 3/4 of the way up with vegetable oil. Fill the bottle the rest of the way up with water. Now add some drops of food coloring. Close the cap on the bottle and shake it up. What happens?

Break the alka seltzer tablet in half. Open the bottle and drop in one half. What happens? Once the bubbles settle down drop in the other half. What happens again?

Water is a polar molecule. Vegetable oil is a non-polar molecule. These two substances do not mix together, they are imiscible (they will not mix together). That’s why you see the blobs of water bobbing around in the oil. Food coloring is a polar molecule so it WILL mix with the water. The water and the food coloring are both polar molecules and will mix together. That’s why the water blobs turn the color of the food coloring and the oil does not.

The alka seltzer just makes the lava bottle more fun because it makes the colorful water blobs move without shaking the bottle. The alka seltzer tablets dissolve in the the water and make carbon dioxide gas (like we saw vinegar and baking soda do in the Exploding Ziploc Experiment. The carbon dioxide gas bubbles attach to the colorful water blobs and make them float to the top of the bottle. When the gas bubbles pop there is no gas bubble to hold up the water blob, so it slowly floats back down to the bottom of the bottle.

Websites, Activities & Printables

You can also ask a math and science expert for homework help by calling the Ask Rose Homework Hotline. They provide FREE math and science homework help to Indiana students in grades 6-12.

e-Books and Audiobooks

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

Atoms, Molecules and the Elements in the Periodic Table for Kids

The photographs, diagrams and creative storytelling in these books make the building blocks of the universe understandable…and fun! Find out about the scientists and discoveries which helped us find out what makes up all the stuff of the universe.

Tags Homework Help, Science Experiments

Sir Isaac Newton, an English scientist born in 1642, discovered three important principles of physics that describe how things move. Consequently, the principles bear his name, Newton’s First, Second, and Third Laws of Motion. Today’s experiment demonstrates Newton’s Third Law of Motion. It says that for every action there is an equal and opposite re-action. Basically, if an object is pushed, that object will push back in the opposite direction, equally hard.

Websites, Activities & Printables

You can ask a math and science expert for homework help by calling the Ask Rose Homework Hotline. They provide FREE math and science homework help to Indiana students in grades 6-12.

e-Books and Audiobooks

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

Newton’s Laws of Motion: The Science Behind How Things Move

Newton’s Laws of Motion explain force and motion, or why things move the way they do. They are great concepts to explore by doing a science experiment. These are especially good science project ideas for kids who like to move! The concepts can often be explained using sports equipment or by understanding how amusement park rides work. These books offer ideas for physics experiments that demonstrate force and motion and the laws that govern them. Some of them provide the background information needed for the report that is often required to go with projects for the science fair.

Tags Homework Help, Science Experiments

Crystals are made when a substance has atoms or molecules that form in a very organized, repeating, 3D pattern. When we think of crystals we often think of some well-known gemstones like diamonds or rubies. But there are some very common crystals too like sugar, ice, snowflakes, and salt.

Learn more about the naturally occurring crystal formation of snow and ice by reading Curious About Snow. Find out the science behind how snow crystals form, the stories of record setting snowstorms, and an introduction to the life and work of photographer Wilson Bentley. Bentley made it his life’s work to study and photograph snowflakes. It is because of Wilson Bentley that we know no two snowflakes are alike!

Enjoy Bentley’s fascinating biography, Snowflake Bentley. You know what is really amazing about him? He made his discoveries in the 1890s! He invented and used a special device that combined a microscope with a camera to capture his microscopic pictures. The book includes some of Bentley’s actual snow crystal photographs.

You can make a scientific observation yourself or do a crystal experiment at home by growing borax crystals. Borax is a laundry detergent booster. You can find borax in the laundry room at home or in the laundry detergent section at the grocery store.

What You Need to Grow Borax Crystals at Home

Try this experiment at home! You will need:

Glass Jar
Pencil or Pen
String
Pipe Cleaner
Borax
Pitcher
Measuring Cup
Tablespoon
Hot Tap Water
Piece of Yarn or Cotton String, about 6 inches long

Instructions for Growing Borax Crystals

Fill a pitcher with 3 cups hot tap water. (Not so hot that you can’t touch it!) Add 3 tablespoons of Borax for each cup of water. We used 3 cups of hot tap water and 9 tablespoons of Borax. A mason jar was a great container for this. Stir the mixture.

If all of the Borax dissolves, add a little more Borax and stir. Add Borax until the water can’t dissolve it anymore – the mixture is saturated. That means the water is holding as much of the Borax as it can. In fact, this solution is supersaturated, that means the water is holding even more Borax than it normally would because the water has been heated. Now pour this supersaturated solution in the glass jar.

Make a shape out of the pipe cleaners and tie one end of the string to it. We made a snowflake shape out of pipe cleaners to see if we could make a snowflake crystal. Tie the other end of the string to the middle of the pen. Hang the pipe cleaner shape down in the jar with the pen across the top of the jar to keep it from touching the bottom of the jar. Watch what happens in the jar over the next few weeks.

Here is what our crystals looked like after growing on the pipe cleaner snowflake for about 2 weeks. The secret to growing borax crystals is having a supersaturated solution.

Science Experiment Idea

Grow three different borax crystal snowflakes. You need three glass jars that are exactly alike. Fill one with cold tap water and one with hot tap water. Get an adult to help you fill the last jar with boiling water. Now add Borax a little a time to each jar until the Borax will not dissolve anymore. The warmer the water, the more Borax will dissolve in the water. That’s because heating the water helps it become supersaturated. Now add a pipe cleaner snowflake to each jar and compare the crystals that grow over the next couple of weeks. Which jar has the most crystals? Which jar has the largest crystals?

Websites, Activities & Printables

You can also ask a math and science expert for homework help by calling the Ask Rose Homework Hotline. They provide FREE math and science homework help to Indiana students in grades 6-12.

e-Books and Audiobooks

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

Explore the Science of Crystals from Minerals to Gems to Snowflakes

Learn about the qualities and identifying characteristics of crystals, the amazing naturally occurring patterns that happen in both minerals and snowflakes. No two are exactly alike, and yet each one has a uniform and repeating pattern. You can study how crystals form by growing some of your own!

Tags Homework Help, Science Experiments