Imagine Your Story! Close your eyes and picture yourself crawling through caves, climbing ocean cliffs, making the game winning basket, winning a singing competition, or outsmarting a fire breathing dragon! Stories can take you places you have never been to do amazing things. Sometimes the places have never really existed, like Hogwarts, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have wonderful adventures there! For an afternoon of fun, try these imagination activities.

Listen to a Story

Dragons are a favorite character in many imaginary stories. They can be fierce, or funny, or loyal companions. Here are five favorite dragon stories you can read or listen to online as well as two more about magical, enchanting places and the adventures that happen there. Click on a book cover to read or listen to the story.

title - My Father's Dragontitle - The Dragon Machinetitle - When A Dragon Moves intitle - There Was An Old Dragon Who Swallowed A Knighttitle - How to Train your Dragon

My Father’s Dragon is the story of a boy who runs away from home to rescue a baby dragon. He can talk to animals, he travels to an exotic island, he battles alligators, and he hopes to take home a baby dragon! You can read My Father’s Dragon as an e-book or follow along below as it is read aloud.

Here are three more award winners about fantastical adventures in imaginary places. The Graveyard Book is about a boy raised in a graveyard by the ghosts who live there! Sylvester and the Magic Pebble is the story of a donkey who makes an unintentional wish, turning himself into a pebble. And Where the Wild Things Are is the story of a boy who takes a magical journey, all while stuck in his room after being sent there for being a wild thing! Click on a book cover to read or listen to the story.

title - The Graveyard Booktitle - Sylvester and the Magic Pebbletitle - Where the Wild Things Are

Imagination Activities

Try one of these online or printable activities at home to learn more about dragons. Imagine having a dragon for a friend. What kind of adventures would you have together? Imagine your own dragon story and then draw pictures to go with it!

Embrace Imagination and Curiosity

Here are some favorite books for imaginative and curious minds. These books invite us to look past our everyday lives, to ask questions about the world around us, and to open our minds to the fanstastical!

Title - The Midnight FairTitle - I WonderTitle - LiftTitle - The Year We Learned to Fly

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.

For kids who love to draw, two illustrators of favorite books for kids offer online classes for hours of creative fun! Start drawing today by tuning in to these drawing shows or by checking out an e-book with your IndyPL library card.

Mo Willems

Mo Willems, creator of Knuffle Bunny, the Pigeon books, and the Elephant and Piggie books, hosts a writing show called Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems. See the Lunch Doodles Playlist.

Jarrett Krosoczka

Jarrett Krosoczka, author of Hey Kiddo as well as the graphic novel series Lunch Lady and Jedi Academy hosts Draw Every Day with JJK. Browse his YouTube page for all kinds of drawing tutorials and prompts.

Drawing Books:

We have a lot of drawing books for kids at the library. You can find one for just about any interest you have. Learn to draw NASCAR, forest animals, sea creatures, cartoon characters, buildings and much more. Some of the books feature simple cartoon style drawings and others, for more experienced artists, go into great detail. Each one includes step-by-step directions though, so even if you are a beginner you can create some pretty amazing pictures!

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

Video Read Alouds about Drawing

Just click on one of the book covers to hear the story.

title - Blank Entrytitle - Blank Entry

How to Draw Favorite Book Character Printables

In hard times and in stressful times, reading does not solve all of our concerns and worries, but it can help. Here are some of the ways we are using books to get through this tough period.

I just can’t focus…how am I supposed to read?

Listen, we hear you. When our attention spans are exactly the length of one tik-tok video, we use these tips to get back into reading.

Picture books aren’t just for kids.

Reading something that is beautifully illustrated and has fewer words per page helps us to get our minds re-engaged. Check out some of our suggestions:

Try a new genre.

We tend to have go-to genres but when we are stressed or tired, we might try a new subject or type of book to engage our brains differently. Here are some picks by genre:

Switch how you are reading.

Perhaps you only read print books? Try to read an e-book or explore an audiobook. Or have you only read on a Kindle for the last couple of years? Try listening to an audiobook through your phone or pick up a print book through our curbside pickup.

Reread a favorite.

Our librarian Carri says, “I like to reread books I’ve loved in the past. Mostly giant fantasy epics or other series where I feel like I know the characters well.”

“Reading has been an escape for me — but I am choosing books that allow me to escape because that’s what I need right now.” – Crystal, Library patron

Stop the Scroll

Numerous studies have proven that the more time that we spend on social media, the more we tend to be anxious. We are too distracted by every notification on our cell phones, every text message vibration, or email alert. How many hours have you spent this week aimlessly surfing social media? We don’t want to incriminate ourselves but we’re pretty sure our weekly screen time report could be included as evidence in a trial on why our brains can’t stay focused on one task. Use these tips to help curtail your scrolling time (except the Library’s social media- you should definitely be following us).

  • Before bed, instead of logging onto social media to doomscroll, open up the Libby App and dive into an e-book instead of going down an anxiety rabbit hole.
  • Waiting in a line or before an appointment? Carry a book on you and instead of grabbing your cell phone, grab the book instead. We especially like to carry an e-reader on us since they give us endless possibilities for reading.
  • Swap out your internet browsing time for an educational app instead. Rebuild those lost foreign language skills with Mango Languages, build new skills with LinkedIn Learning, or watch a craft tutorial on Creativebug and then make it. All free with your library card.

“Reading is a learning adventure and escape. When I discover a new author and I really like them I read more of their books and then I also want to find out more about that author” – Theresa, Librarian

Books Can Help Us Feel and Help Us Start Conversations

Books can help us feel different. We turn to books when we want a good laugh or when we want a good cry. Books can help us to express the feelings that we want to feel but more importantly, they can help us to express the feelings that we need to feel.

Books can help us escape. When the days feel long and the wind chill is Arctic, escape to a sunny paradise or get lost on an island. Travel the world or explore a new galaxy without ever leaving your couch or treadmill.

Reading can help us start conversations with friends, family members, and medical professionals. If how you or a loved one is feeling right now is more than the pandemic-blahs, reading can be a way to start a discussion or go into a doctor’s appointment with more information. Reading helps us gain knowledge but also empathy. Here are just a few of the lists that the IndyPL staff has put together on health and wellness:

Physicists study matter – all of the “stuff” in the universe and how that “stuff” moves. One of the most famous physicists of all time was Sir Isaac Newton. Sir Isaac is most famous for explaining gravity, a concept we are so familiar with now it seems obvious to us. He is also famous for explaining how stuff moves in his Three Laws of Motion. Today we are going to look at Newton’s First Law of Motion called Inertia. This law states that a still object will stay still unless a force pushes or pulls it. A moving object will stay moving unless a force pushes or pulls it.

Gravity and friction are forces that constantly push and pull the “stuff” on earth. So, when we roll a ball, it slowly comes to a stop. On the moon, where there is less gravity and friction, “stuff” floats, and keeps floating. Try one of the experiments below to see Newton’s first law of motion in action.

Experiments:

Websites, Activites & 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.

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.

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.

Title - Force and MotionTitle - Isaac Newton and the Laws of MotionTitle - Physics for Curious KidsTitle - Sir Isaac NewtonTitle - The Gravity TreeTitle - Janice VanCleaveTitle - The Secret Science of SportsTitle - Fairground PhysicsTitle - Gravity ExplainedTitle - Awesome Physics Experiments for KidsTitle - Sir Isaac NewtonTitle - A Crash Course in Forces and Motion With Max Axiom, Super Scientist

We have thousands of audiobooks for kids on various platforms. All can be checked out instantly with a library card. Each audiobook platform is unique. You can learn how to use each platform below.

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.

Audiobooks for Kids from OverDrive/Libby

You can borrow up to 20 titles using your IndyPL Library card from OverDrive Kids. If you have never borrowed from OverDrive before both OverDrive/Libby app directions and OverDrive browser directions are available as well as an OverDrive video tutorial and Overdrive Support.

Here are some quick shortcuts to OverDrive’s audiobook collections for kids.

Skip the Wait!

Hold lines can get very long for new and popular titles. Here are two helpful links for young readers: No Wait, No Problem Audiobooks for Kids and No Wait No Problem e-Books for Teens.

Audiobooks for Kids from Hoopla

You can borrow 10 Items each month using your IndyPL Library card. If you have never borrowed from Hoopla before Hoopla directions are available as well as a Hoopla video tutorial.

Here are some quick short cuts to some of Hoopla’s audiobook read along collections:

Skip the Wait!

Hoopla Bonus Borrows Logo

You don’t have to put Hoopla titles on hold, you are allowed to borrow whatever titles you want, up to 10 per month.

However, if you’ve already read your 10 monthly borrows, Hoopla frequently offers Bonus Borrows. Bonus Borrows don’t count against your monthly borrowing limit – look for them on Hoopla.

Audiobooks for Kids from Kanopy Kids

Kanopy Kids has one collection of read along picture books in their Kanopy Story Time collection. Read them in a computer browser or in the Kanopy app. Videos from the Kanopy Kids section do not require any play credits to view. Feel free to watch as many videos from Kanopy Kids as you’d like without seeing a reduction in your play credits! If you have never borrowed from Kanopy before here are some Kanopy directions and a Kanopy video tutorial.

Audiobooks for Kids from Tumblebooks

You can read Tumblebook read alongs in a computer browser or the Tumblebook Library app. If you have never borrowed from the Tumblebook Library before here is a Tumblebooks video tutorial to help you get started. Here are three examples of the read along stories you can find in the Tumblebook Read Along Library. See the full list of Tumblebook read alongs. The best thing about Tumblebooks – there are no loan limits and no waiting!

title - Biscuittitle - I Love My Pursetitle - Lola at the Library

Audiobooks for Kids from LOTE4Kids

LOTE4Kids is a digital collection of picture books (e-books and e-audiobooks) in over 70 world languages with an English version available for all books. The collection is for ages 3-8.

Audio Enabled Books for Kids

If your kids like e-book read alongs try our audio enabled book collection – print books that have an audio player permanently attached to them. Children simply push a button to listen and read. The next time you visit one of our libraries, ask where the audio enabled books for kids shelf is or browse the list of all of all our audio enabled books for kids.

Free Audiobooks that Don’t Require a Library Card

World Book Day Free Audiobooks
World Book Day’s World of Stories audiobook collection get refreshed frequently. Audiobooks are taken down after 6 months and then are replaced with new ones so check back often for new stories.

Audible’s Free Audiobook Library for Kids
Audible, Amazon’s audiobook library, offers free audiobook streams on a select number of children’s stories. See the Free Audible Library. The books are separated into six categories: “Littlest Listeners,” “Elementary,” “Tween,” “Teen,” “Literary Classics” and “Folk & Fairy Tales for All.” Books are available in English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese and Italian.

Free Video Read Alouds Online
Children also shouldn’t miss these outstanding opportunities to hear old classics like Where the Wild Things Are or a newer favorite like Little Jumbo, often read aloud by the book’s author or a celebrity reader. It isn’t library story time…but you will still hear “I want to hear it again!”

Looking for ideas for a science experiments? Here are several ideas that use materials easily found in your house. A couple of them might require a trip to the grocery store or pharmacy, but mostly you can just raid the garage, kitchen or medicine chest for the ingredients. Many experiments you will want to do OUTSIDE. Each one will give you directions as well as suggest websites and books to help you understand what science is at work during the experiment.

Science Experiment Ideas:

ATOMS & MOLECULES
Density: Buoyancy
Miscible Molecules: Lava Bottle
Polymers: Poke Holes in a Ziploc or Cornstarch & Borax Goo
Saturation: Baking Soda Crystals
Soluability: Sharpie Pen Tie Dye
Supersaturated: Borax Crystals
Surface Tension: Bubbles or Sand Castles

CHEMICAL REACTIONS
Acids: Bouncing Egg
Chemical Bond: Kool Aid Tie Dye
Chemical Reaction: Exploding Ziploc
Mixtures: Black Ink Chromatography

HEAT
Melting Point: DIY Slushie
Heated Gases Expand: Ivory Soap

PHYSICS
Aerodynamics: Paper Airplanes
Centripetal Force: Hex in a Balloon
Newton’s First Law of Motion, Newton’s Second Law of Motion, and Newton’s Third Law of Motion
Potential & Kinetic Energy: Marshmallow Catapult

BIOLOGY (LIFE)
Hydrologic (Water) Cycle: Make a Terrarium

Websites:

Here are some websites that have great step-by-step directions and photographs for planning great science experiments.

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.  

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.

Books for Kids for a Stress-less Science Fair

Here are books to help you pick a science fair experiment that (1) follows the scientific method, (2) uses stuff you can find around the house, and (3) is great fun to do! The books will also help you understand what you are seeing by explaining the science concepts behind the dramatic results.

Title - Stay Curious and Keep Exploring: Next LevelTitle - Home Activity LabTitle - The Simple Science Activity BookTitle - Science Magic Tricks for KidsTitle - Great STEM ProjectsTitle - Get Smelly With Science!Title - Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Creatures Activity LabTitle - Kate the ChemistTitle - Janice VanCleaveTitle - Experiment With Outdoor ScienceTitle - Excellent EngineeringTitle - The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments

Mad Science for Kids

An assortment of science experiments about fossils, dinosaurs, and rocks, oh my!

Title - LetTitle - GeologyTitle - Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Creatures Activity LabTitle - Earth Science

learn coding skills at The Library

CompTIA’s Cyberstates Report shows that tech employment in Indianapolis is growing. Many of those jobs require some coding skills or technical skill training. There are a wealth of resources available to help you learn to code or start to transition into a tech career. So many that it can often feel overwhelming to know where to start! Here are some of our favorite library resources, free online resources, and community organizations that can help you take a first step into developing new coding and tech skills.

What is coding?

Coding or, computer programming, is communicating with computers by creating a set of instructions for the computer to follow. Code can be used in many different ways: making websites and smartphone apps, analyzing information or data for businesses, building software for computers, to control robots, or even automating simple, repetitive tasks on a computer such as filling in forms or sending email reminders. Technology shapes the world around us. Learning to code can help you control that technology and create new uses for it.

Why should you learn to code?

If you are exploring new career options, want a new creative hobby, or just want to understand how the technology around you works – you should consider learning to code! Learning to code will help you be a more informed computer user and provide you with interesting options for solving tech-based problems. If you enjoy creating, then coding opens new digital creativity pathways for art, music, and more. For those seeking a new career, coding and tech skills can lead to high-demand career paths with good income potential – both in the tech industry and in other industries that require workers to operate in a tech-rich workplace.

Programs

Favorite Free, Online Resources

  • 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 here.
  • Jobs in Tech 101 from TechPoint
    Explore the Indy tech workforce with this website designed to help demystify what a “tech job” is and what companies are “tech companies.” See day-in-the-life interviews with local tech professionals who work in sales, customer support, product development, and more.
  • Get Certification from FreeCodeCamp
    FreeCodeCamp offers free lessons and certification on in-demand skills and languages including Web Design, Front and Back End Web Development, Python, Data Analysis, and Machine Learning.
  • Not Certain What Language is RIght for You? Try This Quiz
    Quiz results include information about a language and information about what types of companies and jobs use the language.
  • Mozilla’s Web Developer Tutorial
    Mozilla offers tutorials to help at multiple skills levels from complete beginner to building a basic web project or browser extensions.
  • Learn How to Code with CodeCademy
    Codecademy has several free lesson sets. This is a great resource for complete beginners to coding.
  • SQL Murder Mystery
    Learn the basics of SQL, a database query language, while solving a puzzle. This lesson is a fun mix of a playful murder mystery and a solid introduction to basic SQL knowedge.

Get Involved – Organizations in and around Indy

Connect with the community-based organizations who help support adults who are transitioning into a Tech Career

Learn how to use coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build a basic website with code.

Title - HTML in Easy StepsTitle - HTML & CSSTitle - Create With CodeTitle - Web Design Playground

That’s it… the geeks have finally won! No longer relegated to drug-store paperback spinner racks, the science fiction genre is undergoing a huge cultural surge right now, and we have the books, movies, television shows, and graphic novels to prove it! If you like science fiction, we have the content at the Library to keep you satisfied and Indianapolis has several unique resources and conventions to keep you entertained all year round. You might also like If You Like Fantasy.

Science Fiction Book Group at Central Library

Embark on interstellar journeys of imagination with Ad Astra, Central Library’s science fiction book group. Explore distant galaxies, encounter alien civilizations, and unravel the mysteries of the cosmos. Join us for an out-of-this-world reading experience! See the schedule.

Science Fiction Book Awards

Explore the best of science fiction and fantasy by checking out the Hugo and Nebula Awards. The Hugos are voted on by fans, while the Nebulas are chosen by authors, offering a unique blend of popular and professional recognition. Discover groundbreaking novels, short stories, and novellas that have shaped the landscape of speculative fiction and are celebrated by both readers and creators alike.

Reading Recommendations from IndyPL Staff

Click on a featured booklist to get science reading recommendations or see all our staff science fiction lists.

In addition to books of science fiction and fantasy, the library also has many great works about science fiction and fantasy. This list of general reference science fiction resources will help you find your next series, keep you up to date on the latest short fiction, or help you while away the hours learning about the books and movies you love.

Staff Picks 2024- 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? Looking for speculative horror? Check out our suspense list!

Title - DreadfulTitle - The FamiliarTitle - Lore of the WildsTitle - The Practice, the Horizon, and the ChainTitle - I Cheerfully RefuseTitle - Your UtopiaTitle - Rare FlavoursTitle - The Legacy of Arniston House

Science Fiction Authors

Indianapolis Science Fiction Resources

  • The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library is in the process of renovating their new building, and is currently operating a pop-up shop in the Circle Center Mall downtown.
  • The Center for Ray Bradbury Studies is another extraordinary resource we are lucky to have in our city. The Center contains tons of Bradbury resources, including manuscripts, drafts, notes, correspondence, recordings, personal artifacts such as his personal typewriters, photographs, and more.
  • If you don’t mind a short road trip, head southwest to hit up the Who North America store in Camby, Indiana. Not only do they sell Dr. Who related merchandise, they have a museum of Dr. Who memorabilia, some items dating from when the show began in the UK over 50 years ago. There is a rumor that they even have a Dr. Who pinball machine. A must for any Whovian!

Science Fiction and Fantasy Conventions

Looking to have some fun and meet other fans of science fiction and fantasy? Indianapolis is home to many gatherings of fans from all over the globe.

  • If you are purely interested in fiction you might want to try InConJunction, a local science fiction and fantasy convention put on and run by fans. Past guests include George RR Martin, Timothy Zahn, Tobias Buckell, and Mercedes Lackey.
  • GenCon hosts some amazing authors thanks to their Writer’s Symposium series. Robin Hobb, Cherie Priest, Scott Lynch, Elizabeth Hand, Patrick Rothfuss, John Scalzi, Jo Walton, and Brandon Sanderson have all made appearances there.
  • If you are more interested in science fiction and fantasy television and movies, then save up for Indy Popcon and the Indiana Comic Convention! Both conventions feature panels about varied topics and includes visits from some of your favorite actors and creators.

Online Science Fiction and Fantasy Resources

If you would rather stay at home there are luckily several places on the internet (beyond Goodreads and Twitter) that encourage reasoned discussion on all things fantastical or futuristic.

  • Reactor Magazine (formerly Tor.com) is a go-to hub for science fiction and fantasy fans. It offers insightful commentary on beloved series, essays by prominent authors, and a vast collection of free original short fiction. You can also connect with a community of like-minded readers.
  • Locus magazine is considered the trade magazine for the science fiction, fantasy, and horror field. It has everything from exhaustive lists of new releases, to author interviews, reports on conferences, writing workshops, industry events, and award ceremonies. Pages and pages of book reviews every month ensure you will never miss out on the best new thing.
  • Fantastic Fiction is the perfect site if you are looking for the full bibliography of an author you are reading. With lists organized neatly and easily into series and links from author to their pseudonyms, it is an easy and quick way to find that next book.
  • Lastly, Novelist is the place librarians go to help someone find their next favorite book to read – and you can use it to! You will just need a valid Indianapolis Public Library card number. Type in an author or book you enjoy and the database will generate lists of similar books or authors you may enjoy, based either on expert recommendations or similar appeal factors.

Use your IndyPL Library card to login to Novelist Plus

On Novelist Plus you’ll find science fiction reading recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning science fiction books. Once you login, choose the “Science Fiction” category from the list on the left which includes choices like “Alternate Histories,” “Apocalyptic and Dystopian Fiction,” and more! Click on a book to read a brief description, see a star rating, or click “Check Availability” to see if the book is available to borrow from IndyPL.

Science Fiction Newsletter from NextReads

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

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: Extinctopedia
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, June 04, 2:00pm
  • Location: Online
  • Description: You’re invited to grab your family and friends and join us as Smithsonian scientists highlight information found in the Smithsonian’s book, “Extinctopedia: Discover what we have lost, what is at risk, and how we can preserve the diversity of our fragile planet.”
  • Register Here
  • Event: Adult Book Discussion at Warren
  • Date & Time: Thursday, June 05, 10:30am
  • Location: Warren Branch
  • Description: We will be discussing the book “The House of Eve” by Sadeqa Johnson. Adults of all ages are invited to attend. New members are always welcome! Books are available for checkout at the Warren Circulation Desk.
  • Register Here

Need more help?

These are just some of the many resources available to Nap-town residents. Be sure to check the library’s website periodically for events, author signings, and new titles. And may the nerds continue to reign supreme for a long time to come!

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.

If you like mysteries, browse these tips and tricks for finding your next mysterious read. There is a huge amount of variation within the genre from true crime to the supernatural, thriller, or romance. A mystery fits any reading taste!

1. Read an award winner.

The Agatha Awards celebrate traditional mysteries, a genre defined as mysteries that contain no explicit sex, excessive gore, or gratuitous violence. To place convenient requests in our catalog, browse all of the Agatha Award winners in our collection browse all of the Agatha Award winners in our collection.

The Anthony Awards for mystery writers are announced at the Bouchercon World Mystery Convention. To place convenient requests in our catalog, browse all of the Anthony Award winners in our collection browse all of the Anthony Award winners in our collection.

2. Borrow e-books or downloadable audiobooks.

Use mystery lists from OverDrive to find e-books and downloadable audiobooks. If you have never borrowed from OverDrive before, both OverDrive/Libby app directions and OverDrive browser directions are available as well as an OverDrive 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. 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.

3. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

Click on a featured book list to get mystery reading recommendations. Browse all our staff mystery lists or see our If You Like Cozy Mysteries recommendations.

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).

Title - Incidents Around the HouseTitle - We Used to Live HereTitle - The God of the WoodsTitle - My Favorite Thing Is MonstersTitle - All the Colors of the DarkTitle - Bad Dreams in the NightTitle - ThirstTitle - The Angel of Indian Lake

4. Make a selection from this list of mystery authors.

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

Find mystery reading recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning mystery books on Novelist Plus. First, login, then choose the “Mystery” category from the list on the left. Choose from categories like like “Standalone Mysteries,” “Police Procedurals,” “Historical Mysteries,” and more! Read a brief description, see a star rating, and select “Check Availability” to see if the book is available to borrow from IndyPL.

6. Look online for more reading suggestions.

Our staff suggests these sites for mystery readers.

  • Novelsuspects.com is great for fans of mysteries, thrillers, and true crime. There you’ll find book lists, essays, reviews, and more.
  • On Mysteryfile.com read daily reviews of both books and media.
  • On Stopyourekillingme.com browse reviews or thousands of authors sorted by series or explore by setting or the sleuth’s occupation.
  • Crimereads.com really lets you drill down to your mystery flavor of choice: noir, suspense, legal thriller, etc.

7. Subscribe to the mystery newsletter from NextReads.

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

8. 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: Extinctopedia
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, June 04, 2:00pm
  • Location: Online
  • Description: You’re invited to grab your family and friends and join us as Smithsonian scientists highlight information found in the Smithsonian’s book, “Extinctopedia: Discover what we have lost, what is at risk, and how we can preserve the diversity of our fragile planet.”
  • Register Here
  • Event: Adult Book Discussion at Warren
  • Date & Time: Thursday, June 05, 10:30am
  • Location: Warren Branch
  • Description: We will be discussing the book “The House of Eve” by Sadeqa Johnson. Adults of all ages are invited to attend. New members are always welcome! Books are available for checkout at the Warren Circulation Desk.
  • Register Here

1. Read an award winner.

If you like fantasy here are several awards that are good sources for finding outstanding novels, short stories, or anthologies.

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

Here are some short cut links to easily borrow materials online with your IndyPL library card. If you have never borrowed from OverDrive before or used OverDrive’s Libby app, both Overdrive/Libby app directions and OverDrive browser directions are available as well as an OverDrive video tutorial and Overdrive Support. If you have never borrowed from Kanopy before, you can get Kanopy directions.

3. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

Click on a featured booklist to get reading recommendations or see all our staff fantasy book lists.

Staff Picks 2024- 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 - DreadfulTitle - The FamiliarTitle - Lore of the WildsTitle - The Practice, the Horizon, and the ChainTitle - I Cheerfully RefuseTitle - Your UtopiaTitle - Rare FlavoursTitle - The Legacy of Arniston House

4. Make a Selection from these authors.

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

Find reading recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning books on Novelist Plus. Once you login with your IndyPL library card, choose the “Fantasy” category from the list on the left.

Here is a sample recommendation. When you click on a book you can read a brief description, see a star rating, and click “Check Availability” to see if it is available to borrow from IndyPL.

6. Subscribe to the Fantasy newsletter from NextReads.

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

7. Find a book discussion near you!

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

  • Event: Virtual Author Talk: Extinctopedia
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, June 04, 2:00pm
  • Location: Online
  • Description: You’re invited to grab your family and friends and join us as Smithsonian scientists highlight information found in the Smithsonian’s book, “Extinctopedia: Discover what we have lost, what is at risk, and how we can preserve the diversity of our fragile planet.”
  • Register Here
  • Event: Adult Book Discussion at Warren
  • Date & Time: Thursday, June 05, 10:30am
  • Location: Warren Branch
  • Description: We will be discussing the book “The House of Eve” by Sadeqa Johnson. Adults of all ages are invited to attend. New members are always welcome! Books are available for checkout at the Warren Circulation Desk.
  • Register Here

Need help?

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

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Central Library proudly presents its annual small business series of free, in-person workshops and a dedicated legal clinic tailored specifically for both established business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. This year’s series promises to be more comprehensive than ever. The day includes featured workshops delving into crucial topics such as financial statement analysis, legal considerations for businesses, effective marketing strategies, obtaining necessary certifications, and safeguarding intellectual property.

In addition to our hands-on workshops, we offer a curated selection of business books designed to inform, inspire, and guide you through every stage of your business journey. Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine and expand your existing enterprise, our resources will provide valuable insights and practical advice.

Join us at Central Library to gain expert knowledge, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and access tools that will help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to supporting your success and equipping you with valuable resources to help you thrive in today’s competitive business environment.

Questions?  Call Central Library and ask to speak with a Business Librarian. 

Feel free to walk in, but we encourage you to register.

Made possible by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.

2024 Small Business Series

The Small Business Series has concluded for Fall 2024. Please check back here for announcements about future program series.

More Business Resources

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Children Ages 0 to 5 Vote!

Every child in Indiana, aged 0-5, may vote one time for the Indiana
Early Literacy Firefly Award. Children will need the help of a parent,
a librarian, a teacher, or other caregiver adult to circle one of the
titles. Ask the child to point to their favorite. Once their vote is
circled, turn this ballot in to your local Public Library or voting
location. Libraries will then email their totals to the Indiana Center
for the Book. The last day to report votes is July 31, 2024. Print the ballot.

Add to the fun with activities prepared by Indiana Center for the Book and the Indiana State Library as well as this Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award activity sheet.

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

Reading Ready is an Indianapolis Public Library early learning initiative that encourages the five practices that help children get ready to learn how to read: reading, singing, writing, talking, and playing.

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June and July hold annual reminders of the history of independence and freedom in the United States. See our staff recommendations that will give you a variety of perspectives on pivotal events that have shaped our views.

Important Milestones

July 4, 1776
Independence Day

Independence Day commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The declaration announced the separation of the 13 colonies from Great Britain. The declaration says, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

January 1, 1863
Emancipation Proclamation

But for America’s Black population, these words did not apply. They remained enslaved for nearly 100 more years until US President Abraham Lincoln declared in the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 that “All persons held as slaves within any States, or designated part of the State, the people whereof shall be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.

June 19, 1865
Juneteenth

It took more than two years for this news of independence and freedom to travel throughout the country. On June 19, 1865 Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and declared “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” Juneteenth reminds us that the process of ending slavery, of extending independence and freedom to everyone, was not a single moment in time, but multiple moments.

In his “I have a dream” speech in 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. referenced this ongoing fight for freedom “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.

July 2, 1964
Civil Rights Act

It took another 100 years for President Lyndon B. Johnson to sign the Civil Rights Act in 1964 outlawing racial discrimination in the United States. The process continues to this day.

President Joe Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. “By making Juneteenth a federal holiday, all Americans can feel the power of this day, and learn from our history, and celebrate progress, and grapple with the distance we’ve come but the distance we have to travel.” He continue “After all, the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans didn’t mark the end of America’s work to deliver on the promise of equality; it only marked the beginning. To honor the true meaning of Juneteenth, we have to continue toward that promise because we’ve not gotten there yet.

See more library resources at:

Slave Narratives: The Stories that Abolished Slavery

Today slave narratives are seen as first person stories about one of the darkest times in United States history, but when slave narratives were being published in the 1800s they were a powerful tool used in the fight for their own freedom. Through their stories they were able to contradict the slaveholders’ favorable claims concerning slavery. Through these narratives they could tell the horrors of family separation, the sexual abuse of black women, and the inhuman workload. The narratives helped show the humanity of the most dehumanized people in the country.

Title - Narrative of the Life of Frederick DouglassTitle - The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah EquianoTitle - Twelve Years A SlaveTitle - William Wells Brown

    Picture Book Stars to Celebrate Independence & Freedom

    Learn about the 4th of July, Juneteenth, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Thirteenth Amendment, and more! Read stories about family and neighborhood traditions all over the country from parades to fireworks to noodles to pie. #indyplkids

    Title - The Night Before FreedomTitle - Revolutionary Prudence WrightTitle - Her Name Was Mary KatharineTitle - Let

    Photograph of Frederick Douglass.

    Hoosiers Reading Frederick Douglass Together

    The Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities started the program Reading Frederick Douglass Together to encourage groups to read and discuss Frederick Douglass’s “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” and explore freedom in America.

    Douglass first gave the speech on July 5, 1852 at an event commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Abraham Lincoln delivered this speech well before the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the 13th Amendment in 1865, which freed enslaved people. His words in The Meaning of July 4th for the Negro continue to resonate with Black citizens after more than 150 years, highlighting that not all were free at the time. The speech says in part,

    “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.” And he asked them, “Do you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak to-day?”

    Resources

    If you are unable to attend a reading, you can find the text here. There is a printable tip sheetdiscussion guide, and page of helpful resources. Watch this short video of five descendants of Frederick Douglass reading excerpts from his famous speech, which calls on people to reflect on America’s long history of denying equal rights to Black Americans.

    Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

    Frederick Douglass, born into slavery in 1818, grew up to become a human rights activist, gifted speaker, and author. He also started a newspaper, served as a U.S. Marshal, and became the first African American to receive a vote for President at a major party’s convention during the 1888 Republican National Convention. (Benjamin Harrison, from Indianapolis, went on to win the presidency in 1889.) He lectured on civil rights and abolition and also supported Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth, and Susan B. Anthony in their fight for women’s suffrage. He published his first autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, in 1845. It it the first hand account of his childhood as a slave. You can read it here.

    More Reading:


    Visit the Center for Black Literature & Culture at Central Library to find and check out books that affirm and celebrate the Black experience.

    The CBLC includes a section just for kids. Every book taken off the shelf, both fiction and non-fiction, features Black characters or historical and contemporary people that highlight the Black experience, history, or biography.

    The Center for Black Literature & Culture at Central Library

    The Central Authors Engraving Project – Frederick Douglass

    Frederick Douglass (1817-1895) was an extraordinary leader and abolitionist who escaped slavery to become one of the greatest orators in modern history and was instrumental in the emancipation of slaves in the United States. Check out the items on the following list by or about Dougalss to learn more about this great man.

    Title - Narrative of the Life of Frederick DouglassTitle - My Bondage and My FreedomTitle - Life and Times of Frederick DouglassTitle - The Heroic SlaveTitle - Frederick DouglassTitle - Frederick DouglassTitle - Frederick DouglassTitle - Frederick Douglass

    Major life changes can be difficult to experience alone. Are you experiencing a transition and need guidance? Join us at one of our upcoming Community Resource Fairs at The Indianapolis Public Library! Meet more than 100 local community resource organizations at various branches throughout summer and fall. Learn about services related to homeless resources, employment, medical screenings, mental health, substance abuse, and teen & youth services.

    The Library’s Social Service Action Committee organizes the fairs. Established in 2021, the committee forms partnerships with community organizations and provides quality programming, resources, connections with services, and outreach for people experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis.

    Meet us at a Community Resource Fair near you!

    Join us for our 2024 Community Resource Fairs! This free and open to the public event brings together community members from all backgrounds to receive support with medical screenings, mental health, housing, employment, substance abuse recovery, and teen & youth needs. Stop by to connect with local providers who are committed to helping you. 

    Take home a free emergency kit while supplies last. Drop in and discover the resources available to you in Marion County in one convenient place. 

    Our Library’s Social Work office is available to help you year-round. Learn more about Social Services at The Library.

    Learn about providers committed to helping you with the following needs:

    • Medical Screenings
    • Mental Health
    • Housing
    • Employmnet
    • Substance Abuse Recovery
    • Teen & Youth Needs

    If you can’t make it to a fair, check out these resources compiled by Library staff:

    Explore these additional community resources.

    Thinking of starting a nonprofit organization? First consider that . . .

    “Starting a nonprofit may be the most complicated way to act on your passion to serve your community. It requires much planning, time, effort, and money just to start; however, the biggest challenge is to develop and maintain reliable income streams. Estimates vary; nevertheless, most experts agree that less than half of nonprofit startups survive beyond five years. Of those that survive, perhaps one-third are in financial distress.” (From What are alternatives to starting a nonprofit?, an article in Candid’s “learning community for the social sector.”)

    Tips for Getting Started

    If you decide to explore setting up a nonprofit, have already done so, or work for a nonprofit organization, Candid Learning has much to offer. Moreover, it provides valuable resources and insights to support your efforts. So, be sure to check out the TRAINING, TOPICS, RESOURCES, or Ask Us tabs across the top of the page. Additionally, these sections offer a wealth of information to help you get started. Ask Us is Candid’s way for you to engage their team of experts. As a result, they can answer questions about foundations, philanthropy, fundraising, and nonprofits. Furthermore, they offer insights on various other related topics.

    State of Indiana: Resources for Nonprofits and Faith-Based Organizations

    Business Plans Handbook Creating a business plan can help a nonprofit organization describe how it intends to implement its mission and achieve its set of goals and objectives. (To access this database outside the library, you will need to log in with your IndyPL library card.)

    IndyPL’s 2024 Nonprofit Program Series

    IndyPL’s nonprofit program series offers training on a variety of nonprofit management topics. Past workshops have included starting a nonprofit, fundraising, recruiting volunteers, developing a board of directors, and more.

    Recommended Program Development Tools

    Measuring Program Outcomes: A Practical Approach: by United Way of America’s Task Force on Development.

    Funding for Nonprofit Organizations

    Before you do, read Is Your Organization Grant Ready? to determine if your nonprofit should invest time and money in pursuing such funding at this point. Additionally, this resource will help you assess your readiness for grant applications.

    If you decide the time is right to pursue grants, consider these resources:

    The Indianapolis Public Library is a Funding Information Network partner with Candid, headquartered in New York City. As such we provide access to their subscription databases Foundation Directory Online and Foundation Grants to Individuals Online. (Currently at Central Library only)

    NOTE: We are currently able to provide you with temporary remote access to Foundation Directory Online Essential from home.

    For an introduction to using Foundation Director Online, see this video presentation, How to use the New FDO.

    Considering Government Grants? See General Guide to Government Funding produced by Congressman Andre Carson’s office.

    Volunteers

    The Value of Volunteer Time “helps acknowledge the millions of individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and energy to making a difference. Charitable organizations can use this estimate to quantify the enormous value volunteers provide.”

    Statistics and Data

    Indiana State Data Center Grant writers often need demographic data from the Census and other local sources. Contact the Indiana State Data Center, your safety net for stats.

    IndyVitals measures the long-term impact of the work of Plan 2020 partners at the neighborhood level.

    The Human Needs Index (HNI) is believed to be the first multidimensional measure of poverty in the United States from the nonprofit perspective. The high-quality, monthly data from The Salvation Army goes back to 2004 and illuminates trends in poverty and vulnerability.

    Central Indiana Nonprofit Salary Report “Prior to the 2010 Nonprofit Salary Report, a comprehensive summary of nonprofit 501(C)3 salaries and benefits did not exist, so we were excited to begin a tradition that we feel is very important to the current and future vitality of the
    Central Indiana nonprofit sector.”

    Local Nonprofit Resources

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

    Indiana Nonprofit Database This is a single, comprehensive listing of nonprofit organizations in the state— a joint product of the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy, the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs and the Indiana Business Research Center as part of the Indiana Nonprofits Project: Scope & Community Dimensions.)

    Social Assets and Vulnerabilities Indicators “Whether you’re a grant writer seeking vital funding or an executive director developing a strategic plan, SAVI helps you make informed decisions based on the social, economic and other demographic realities in some 2,000 Central Indiana communities.” Free training on SAVI is available at the Polis Center. The full course options are available here.

    Association of Fundraising Professionals-Indiana “The Association of Fundraising Professionals-Indiana Chapter fosters the growth of development of philanthropy, the fund-raising profession, the Chapter, and its individual members.”

    Indiana Philanthropy Alliance is a nonprofit membership association of and for the state’s philanthropic grantmaking community. Our members include public and private foundations, corporate giving programs, governmental grantmakers, regranting organizations, philanthropic advisors and other qualified individuals. Collectively, our membership holds about $12.5 billion in assets and awards more than $500 million in grants each year. Consequently, this substantial financial capacity enables us to make a significant impact through our funding efforts. IPA itself does not make grants.

    Legal Resources

    Community Development Legal Project – The Community Development Legal Project (CDLP) was started by Indiana Legal Services (ILS). It offers a variety of legal services to eligible nonprofits, community organizations, and low income individuals free of charge. Legal issues can be complex. Since the cost of navigating legal issues can be prohibitive, the CDLP can help alleviate some of these concerns. Furthermore, it offers services statewide to existing eligible nonprofit organizations as well as aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start a for-profit or nonprofit venture. Specifically, CDLP services include assistance with legal issues related to forming a new entity. Additionally, CDLP addresses legal concerns related to ongoing business operations, such as governance, contracts, real estate, tax, and employment issues.

    If your organization is in need of legal assistance, or determining whether an issue your organization is facing may be better addressed with the help of an attorney, your organization should consider contacting the CDLP project attorney to discuss whether assistance is available.

    Investigating Tax-Exempt Organizations

    Internal Revenue Service Nonprofit Tax Information

    Tax Exempt Organization Search (formerly Select Check) Tax Exempt Organization Search helps users find information about a tax-exempt organization’s federal tax status and filings.

    National Directory of Nonprofit Organizations A comprehensive guide to the growing nonprofit world designed for marketers, sales staff, and nonprofit professionals. Provides contact and basic factual information on the largest nonprofit organizations in the United States. Go to IndyPL Research. Select Gale Directory Library. Then, scroll down to find the National Directory of Nonprofit Organizations. Additionally, this directory provides comprehensive information on various nonprofit organizations. (In order to access the databases outside the library, you will need to log in with your IndyPL library card.)

    ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer “Use this database to view summaries of 3 million tax returns from tax-exempt organizations and see financial details such as their executive compensation and revenue and expenses. You can browse IRS data released since 2013 and access over 9.6 million tax filing documents going back as far as 2001.”

    Online Newsletters and Blogs for Nonprofit Organizations

    Candid Learning Blog “highlights the knowledge you need to be a better grantseeker. Join the conversation.”

    Indianapolis Not-for-profit News “For 15 years, Charitable Advisors has worked to provide relevant information and is designed to be your “one-stop” nonprofit-sector resource. The weekly e-newsletter is sent directly to your email and is now mobile friendly. If you want information that is important to your work and keeps you up to speed on what your peers are doing, Not-for-profit News is the information source for you.”

    Periodicals (paper format)

    The Chronicle of Philanthropy PERIODICAL

    Giving USA 361.7 GIV

    Grassroots Fundraising Journal PERIODICAL (Grassroots Fundraising Journal, a beloved publication with a history of over 35 years, has paused publication indefinitely. The last issue was July-August 2018. While there are no current plans to produce new articles, we know that thousands of people continue to find the fundraising information, case studies, and how-to instructions valuable. The full archive of the Journal is now available free to the public. By freeing up access to the archive, we can continue to spread fundraising knowledge and lift up the work of sustaining grassroots organizations.

    Library Computer Catalog Searches and E-Books and Audiobooks from Candid

    Questions about Indypl’s nonprofit resources? Email our Nonprofit Team,  or call Central Library and ask to speak with someone on the Nonprofit Team.

    ABCMouse (Inside Our Locations Only)

    ABCmouse learning platform for kids example shown on a mobile phone.

    ABCmouse is an online learning platform for children ages 2-8 that offers e-books as well as educational activities, games, and videos. ABCmouse has a library with over 450 traditional and original stories. Learn more about the books in the ABCmouse library.

    Access to ABCmouse is available inside our locations only.

    Look for ABCmouse on all our public computers. You can also open ABCmouse on your own device while you are in one of our locations. ABCmouse will also work in the library on iPads, Android tablets, and many smartphones with the ABCmouse app:

    Online Games Recommended by the Learning Curve at Central Library.

    Visit the Learning Curve in person! From games to story times to art programs, and even an area for teens only, the Learning Curve offers a unique blend of digital and traditional library materials and programming for youth ages 0-18. Our interactive activities are aligned with academic standards and incorporate a variety of technologies to ensure a dynamic, hands-on learning experience. Enjoy this list of our favorite online games!

    General

    BrainPOP: Games
    Lessons and games on a variety of subjects.

    BrainPOP Games: Sortify Inventions
    Sort the inventions into categories, or form pairs or sequences for extra points.

    Famobi Games: 123 Puzzle
    What number comes next in the sequence?

    Free Rice
    Practice subjects like multiplication and vocabulary while donating rice through the UN World Food Programme.

    Mr. Nussbaum Learning + Fun
    Lessons and games on a variety of subjects.

    Mr. Nussbaum: Spellerz
    Fend off the invading spaceships with your spelling and typing skills!

    Nonograms
    Nonograms are like paint-by-number logic puzzles – give it a try!

    PBS Kids
    Play games and activities with your favorite PBS characters!

    Starfall
    Math, language arts, and seasonal games for kids pre-K through Grade 3.

    Stop
    A clever platform video game – stop time to solve each level!

    Twine
    Create interactive stories, games, and puzzles.

    Art

    Google Arts & Culture
    Make interactive art and music, visit thousands of museums and landmarks around the world, and play games.

    Google Arts & Culture: Blob Opera
    Machine learning meets classical composition techniques – conduct your own 4-voice choir.

    Met Museum: MetKids
    Explore the Met museum with a “Where’s Waldo”-inspired interactive map.

    Modular Mindset: Car Drawing Game
    Draw and simple vehicle and solve each level.

    History

    Colonial Williamsburg: Explore from Home
    Visit and learn more about Colonial Williamsburg and 17th-18th century American life.

    The Anne Frank House: Web and Digital
    Visit the Anne Frank house online and learn more about this extraordinary girl, her life, and legacy.

    Science & Engineering

    Engineering.com Games: Bridge Designer
    Build a bridge to safely get loads across!

    Engineering.com Games: Dynamic Systems
    Think like an engineer to solve each level.

    Engineering.com Games: Factory Balls Forever
    Changing only one thing at a time, prepare each ball to match and ship out.

    Exploratorium: Science Snacks
    Hands-on STEAM projects using everyday materials.

    Exploratorium Tinker Lab
    Tinker and create with projects from San Francisco’s Exploratorium Museum.

    MIT: Scratch Coding Lab
    Play and create games and animations using block-based coding language (and join the Learning Curve Scratch Studio!)

    Physicsgames.net: Rolling Cheese
    Guide the cheese to the hungry mouse by destroying objects that are in the way.

    Scientific American + Science Buddies
    At-home STEM projects, experiments, and lessons.

    Computers have become so prevalent that typing on a keyboard efficiently and accurately has become an essential life skill. Children use computer keyboards in school to do research, type answers, take tests, and create projects. Adults do the same at work writing reports, inputting data, and creating projects. Good keyboarding skills means having all ten fingers and zero eyes on the keyboard. If you would like to improve your keyboarding skills The Library can help!

    Online Keyboarding Skills Practice

    Library staff recommend these practice tools and games to help improve your skills:

    Use Our Computer Labs to Practice Your Skills

    If you have difficulty finding time on a keyboard at home, finding uninterrupted practice time at home, or are tutoring or working with someone who needs keyboarding time, keep in mind that all of our locations have computer labs you can use to improve your skills. To get a “turn” on a computer you will need your IndyPL Library card. If you do not have a library card you can use one of our computers by picking up a guest pass at the desk. Or, ask a staff member about how to get a card of your own. We love to help people get a Library card!

    Upcoming Library Programs