Drawing, coloring, and writing can help your child practice early learning skills with their favorite book characters. You can even use them to plan a fun book character birthday party on the cheap! All you need is a computer, printer, some time…and your Library card! We also have the books, movies, and music to make your party a memorable hit! Look for online video read alouds to go with the book character printables at Free Video Read Alouds and MORE Free Video Read Alouds.

Characters A-F

Arnie the Doughnut

Arthur

Babymouse

Bad Kitty

Biscuit

Clark the Shark

Clifford the Big Red Dog

Corduroy

Curious George

Daniel Tiger

Danny and the Dinosaur

The Day the Crayons Quit

Doreen Cronin (Click Clack Moo Cows That Type)

Eric Carle (The Very Hungry Caterpillar)

Fancy Nancy

Frog and Toad

I Want My Hat Back

Kevin Henkes (Chrysanthemum, Owen, Lilly)

Characters G-Z

Ladybug Girl

Library Lion

Little Bear

Little Critter

The Little Engine That Could, The

Llama Llama

Madeline

Maisy

Make Way for Ducklings

Mo Willems (Knuffle Bunny, Elephant & Piggie)

Paddington Bear

Peppa Pig

Pete the Cat

Pinkalicious

The Snowy Day

Splat the Cat

Star Wars

Where the Wild Things Are

Publisher Index Pages for Book Character Printables:

There are lots of stories kids can rattle off without even thinking very much. The Three Little Pigs, The Three Bears, and Cinderella are examples of some commonly told stories children all over the world often know. Told in different places, the stories take on interesting differences that reflect a country’s environment or culture. Fairy tale variants like these can be great introductions to new places and new people!

Sometimes storytellers like to have fun with a traditional story too. Cinderella plays in a hockey game instead of going to a ball. The Big Bad Wolf tells HIS side of the story. The story happens in a new or unique place. Try one of these for a unique twist on classic tales!

title - The Twelve Dancing Princessestitle - Jacqueline and the Beanstalktitle - The Ninjabread Mantitle - The Egyptian Cinderella

Have fun with fairy tale variants – unique spins on these classics!

Hispanic Retellings of Classic Tales

Here are some favorite classic tales and traditional stories told with details and cultural traditions of the American Southwest, Mexico, Central or South America.

Title - AdelitaTitle - Paco and the giant chile plantTitle - The Runaway TortillaTitle - La Princesa and the PeaTitle - The Pot That Juan BuiltTitle - The Three CabritosTitle - Rubia and the Three OsosTitle - The Three Little JavelinasTitle - Señorita GorditaTitle - The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden StirredTitle - Chachalaca ChiquitaTitle - The Party for Papá Luis

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.

Phone and tablet devices connect to the Internet almost anywhere through cellular data or nearby Wi-Fi. What’s the difference between cellular data and Wi-Fi? Mobile phone services provide cellular data through their data plans. You can access the internet anywhere there is a phone signal using cellular data. Wi-Fi connects wirelessly to the internet based on a device’s location. A device can connect to Wi-Fi at home or in public places like libraries, stores, or restaurants.

Why is knowing the differences between Wi-Fi and mobile cellular data important?

Tasks like downloading new apps, sending/receiving email, or making video calls require access to the internet.

Many cellular data plans only give a certain amount of cellular data per month. Additionally, plans may charge extra for exceeding the plan’s cellular data limit.

In contrast, while connected to Wi-Fi you can use the Internet as much as you want without using any of the mobile data included in your plan.

Knowing when to use both kinds of connections and how to switch between them can save money. It is also good to know that options in “Settings” show how much monthly cellular data has been used.

Wi-Fi

Generally, an icon at the top of the screen indicates whether your device’s Wi-Fi is turned on or off. The image on the right is a commonly used Wi-Fi symbol.

Open Settings to adjust your device’s Wi-Fi connections. From the list of potential options, choose which Wi-Fi network to connect to. You will need to enter a password to connect to a locked Wi-Fi network. You do not need to enter a password to enter an unlocked Wi-Fi network.

Manually connect to Wi-Fi networks the first time you use them. Later, if you are near a Wi-Fi network you have used in the past, your device may automatically connect to it.

Use Wi-Fi rather than mobile cellular data for tasks like downloading apps and streaming video/audio. Doing this will help you use less of your mobile cellular data each month.

Mobile Cellular Data

Access mobile cellular data controls from “Settings.” Turn cellular data on and off by flipping a switch button between these two choices.

Your device will be unable to connect to the internet if you are not connected to Wi-Fi and your cellular data is off. Turn mobile cellular data back on to use the internet when you are out of range of Wi-Fi.

Mobile cellular data can be used to create a “hotspot” that other devices, such as laptops, can use to connect to the internet. Access this option from “Settings.” Some mobile cellular data providers charge more for this option. Remember that using your mobile cellular data as a hotspot access point for other devices counts toward your monthly cellular data usage!

Android

On an Android device, adjust Wi-Fi and mobile cellular data controls from “Settings.” Different brands of Android devices organize these controls in different ways. You may see options for Wi-Fi or cellular data right away once you open “Settings,” but if not, look under a category like “Network and Internet” or “Connections.”

To quickly adjust Wi-Fi controls, swipe down from the top of the screen.

For more help and tips, check out these support topics from Google.

Apple

Adjust Wi-Fi and mobile cellular data controls from “Settings.” Tap Wi-Fi or Cellular to make changes to either option.

To quickly adjust Wi-Fi controls on an iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

Adjust your Wi-Fi controls on an iPad by swiping down from the top-right edge of the screen.

For more help with Wi-Fi, check out these instructions from Apple.

For more help with mobile cellular data, check out these instructions from Apple.

Want to learn more? See our listing of online classes to level up your tech and mobile skills.

As a virtual volunteer you can identify new solar systems, watch and report on owl nesting activity, translate for refugees, put the world’s vulnerable people on the map, or transcribe oral history of the Grand Canyon! Each of these and hundreds more volunteer opportunities are ways you can support a cause virtually. In short, you can volunteer virtually, using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, for as little or as much time as you would like. Becoming a virtual volunteer is easy! Here’s how!

Looking for Local Opportunities to Volunteer Virtually?

Volunteer Opportunities from All Over:

  • Be a Citizen Scientist! Visit Zooniverse to discover projects organized by interest area: arts, biology, climate, history, language, literature, medicine, nature, physics and social science. Activities range from quick counting tasks, like counting how many sea lions you see in a picture, identifying kelp forests, or more in-depth activities like transcribing documents such as anti-slavery manuscripts from the 19th century or translating Hebrew or Arabic documents from the middle ages. Projects change as they are completed and added. Learn how to satisfy academic community service with Zooniverse here.
  • Share Career Advice! CareerVillage is a community where students can get free personalized career advice from real-life professionals. Answer questions about education and career choices from students from around the world. Signup is quick and easy. Pop on when you have time to quickly answer questions posted through the Career Village webpage.
  • Help Map Underserved Areas on Missingmaps.org. Help map areas where humanitarian organizations are trying to meet the needs of vulnerable people. In three easy steps, you can provide information for disaster relief organizations.

Didn’t find what interests you? Check out these resources for more ideas:

  • VolunteerMatch.org Search over thousands of virtual volunteer opportunities. Find the one that sparks your interest.
  • Catchafire.org Use your professional skills to make an impact on a mission driven organization – one hour call or full-length projects.
  • Project Gutenberg Proofread public domain books page-by-page to have them converted to digital format.
  • Grandcanyonhitory.org Transcribe oral history of people living and working in and around the Grand Canyon.
  • Oldweather.org Document old weather patterns from the 1880’s ship logs to predict future climate.
  • Tarjim.ly Provide on-demand language translation for refugees in need of humanitarian assistance.
  • Learningally.org Create audiobooks for students with learning differences and college students who are blind or visually impaired.

A note about community service hours:

If you need proof of service for school, court, or service organization, virtual volunteering may not be the best option. Check with the opportunity organizer to verify that they can confirm your hours.

Whatever you choose, know that you are supporting the efforts of an organization to move their mission forward. For that, thank you!

Would you like to learn about more volunteering opportunities?

If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities for you or a group, please contact us or call the Library’s Volunteer Resources Office at 317-275-4046. Learn more about volunteering opportunities at The Library.

If you are a serious researcher, curious traveler, or proud resident, these links will help you explore Indiana and Indianapolis from collections of digitized photos and artifacts to letters, old newspapers articles, and more. Browse them from home or take an afternoon to visit the Indianapolis Special Collections Room at Central Library where you will find all things Indiana and Indianapolis complete with a beautiful sixth floor view of downtown Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Public Library Resources

Digital Indy Archives: Yearbooks, arts organizations, civic organizations, public safety, neighborhoods, newsmagazines all accessible online.

Hoosier State Chronicles
250+ scanned and searchable newspapers from every county in Indiana, with the earliest starting in 1804.

Indianapolis Star (1903-2004)
A full-text version of the Indianapolis Star from 1903-1922 including photographs, ads, obituaries, and marriage announcements.

Indianapolis Star (1991-Present)
Full-text coverage from the Indianapolis Star back to 1991, including obituaries, but excluding paid advertisements and freelance writers.

Recommendations about Indiana and Reading Recommendations about Indianapolis
IndyPL Staff Reading Recommendations cover history, sports, art, nature, hoosier authors, and more.

Indiana Geology & Geography

Indiana’s geology and geography is as fascinating as its people. From secluded waterfalls, to limestone caves, to fossil evidence of ancient seas, Indiana has plenty of wonders to explore.

Title - The Complete Guide to Indiana State ParksTitle - Wild & Scenic IndianaTitle - Indiana Rocks!Title - A Guide to Caves and Karst of Indiana

Local Newspapers

  • Central Library has Indianapolis newspapers on microfilm from about 1822 to the present. You may access the microfilm collection in person during library hours.
  • Indianapolis Star (1903-2004) A full-text version of the Indianapolis Star from 1903-1922 including photographs, ads, obituaries, and marriage announcements.
  • Indianapolis Star (1991-Present) Full-text coverage from the Indianapolis Star back to 1991, including obituaries, but excluding paid advertisements and freelance writers.
  • Indianapolis Star ProQuest Online Database: Access 1903-present via indypl.org with a library card.
  • The Weekly View Published be Eastside Voice Community News Media for 24 zip codes in from Downtown Indy East to Greenfield, North to Lawrence, Geist, and Broad Ripple, and South to Beech Grove, New Pal & Southport.
  • La Voz de Indiana La Voz de Indiana Bilingual Newspaper serves all communities by concentrating on the Hispanic and American markets. As the “only” bilingual publication in the state of Indiana , La Voz is published in both Spanish and English. Their goals are to Embrace Diversity by promoting understanding and improve communication between people.
  • The Free Soil Banner The Free Soil Banner was published in Indianapolis from 1848 to 1854. Other cities had newspapers by the same name, but the Indiana version was edited by Lew Wallace and William B. Greer, and reportedly funded by Ovid Butler, the founder of North Western Christian University, later renamed Butler University.

Indiana on the Page

Books set in Indiana showcasing architecture, history, people, and stories.

Title - Tell Me the Dream AgainTitle - The Supremes at EarlTitle - Serena Auñón-ChancellorTitle - Native Americans of East-Central Indiana

Museums

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Archive
Physical Collection: Photos and historic documents pertaining to Indianapolis history.
Digital Collection: 1,000 artifacts from the museum. Selected objects range from Social Studies to Science to Geography with a particular emphasis on Indiana.

Indiana Medical History Museum
Physical Collection: The foremost institution in the region for medical history interpretation and preservation.

Indianapolis Firefighters’ Museum
Physical Collection: Indianapolis fire service history through exhibits, photographs, artifacts, log books, and more.
Digital Collection: Materials include photographs, logbooks, yearbooks, scrapbooks and other items the Museum has collected over the years.

Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newsfields
Stout Reference Library and Archives
Physical Collection: Indiana Artist Files, history of Oldfields estate, Art Association of Indianapolis to Newfields history, various arts-related manuscript collections.
discovernewfields.org/research/libraries | discovernewfields.org/archives
Digital Collection: Selections from online manuscript collections.

Indianapolis Resources

Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Physical Collection: Physical collection detailing the life of the 23rd President of the United States.
Digital Collection

Historic Indianapolis
Online Blog: A blog about historic events in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Long Ago
Facebook Group: Photos and history from fans of Indianapolis history.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
Digital Collection: All things Indianapolis police history in photographs, video, and artifacts including arrest logs from the early 1900s, information about some of the very first policewomen, mug shots from the turn of the century, IPD personnel records, and video footage of Indianapolis policing from the 1980s and 1990s.

Indy Nostalgia
Facebook Group: Photos and history from fans of Indianapolis history.

Invisible Indianapolis
Online Blog: Research blog detailing race, heritage, and community memory in Indianapolis.

Irvington Historical Society
Physical Collection: Property, school and family records related to Greater Irvington.

State Resources

Indiana Album
Digital Collection: Images from private collections across the state; based in Indianapolis.

Hoosier State Chronicles
Digital Collection: Newspaper from across Indiana. Indianapolis papers include: Recorder, Sentinel, News, Daily Herald, Journal, Leader.

Indiana Historical Society
Physical Collection: Physical collections of print materials, photographs, Digital Collection: Bass Photograph Collection, Civil War, correspondence, clubs.

Indiana Landmarks
Physical Collection: Preserving the built environment of Indiana.

Indiana Memory Digital Collection: Aggregator of statewide digital collections.

Indiana State Archives
Physical Collection: City records, land records, neighborhood records, meeting minutes, etc.

Indiana State Library
Physical Collection: Genealogy and Rare Books and Manuscripts Finding Aids | Manuscript Catalog.
Digital Collection: Photographs, maps, manuscripts, broadsides, pamphlets, periodicals, government documents, genealogy materials.
Digital Collection: Indiana State Library Historical Bureau; Indiana State Historical Markers on a variety of Marion County topics.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Online Database: Database of historic properties and cemeteries within Indianapolis.

Colleges & Universities

Butler University
Digital Collection: Materials from Butler University Special Collections and Archives.

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Digital Collections: Speedway, Benjamin Harrison presidential site, LGBTQ+, City Directories, Sanborn Maps, Crispus Attucks Museum.

Other Community Resources

National Historic Geographic Information System (NHGIS)
Digital Collection: Historic census tract-level census data available in GIS formats.

The Polis Center
Online Databases: Data visualization, aggregation, statistics and informational databases.

UIndy Mayoral Archives
Digital Collection: Includes archives for L. Keith Bulen, Richard G. Lugar, William H. Hudnutt, Stephen Goldsmith.

We think outside the box and outside Library walls. The Library promotes the joy and power of sharing books by providing access to books and resources outside our buildings and electronically, 24/7.

“Monument” Art Installation and Book Share Station at Central Library

Brian McCutcheon created “Monument” for The Public Collection, a public art and literacy project developed by Rachel M. Simon with support from the Herbert Simon Family Foundation. Installations took place on Monument Circle from August 2015 to September 2019.

The art exhibit doubles as a book share station. The books are free and available to everyone. Borrow and return books supplied and stocked by The Library at your leisure. You don’t need a library card!

Quote at the top: “A public library is the most enduring of memorials, the trustiest monument for the preservation of an event or a name or an affection; for it, and it only, is respected by wars and revolutions, and survives them.” ~Mark Twain, 1894
                                                                                                                 
The reinstallation was made possible by the Herbert Simon Family Foundation, Buckingham Foundation, and Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.

Ruckle Street Pocket Park Storywalk®

In partnership with the Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation, the InfoZone branch placed a StoryWalk® in the Ruckle Street Pocket Park as a unique way to encourage families to read and exercise together. Laminated story pages are available at various points along the path, following the natural progression of the story. Learn more about how to take a walk, and read a story as you go!

Download & Stream

Take us with you anytime, anywhere with millions of e-books, movies, music, and more to choose from! Download & stream instantly for free with your Library card!

Learn on Demand

Did you know the Library offers free on-demand video streaming classes and learning modules? Add a new skill, polish a skill that needs an update, or just try something for fun! Learn at your own pace. All you need is a Library card! If you haven’t explored these fantastic learning opportunities yet, start right here! Don’t have a Library card yet? Find out how to get one here.

Research Databases

Do homework, research your project or hobbies, take an online class, or learn a language with our Research databases anytime, anywhere with your Library card!

January marks Data Privacy Month, an international initiative designed to empower individuals and encourage businesses to prioritize privacy, safeguard data, and build trust. Throughout the month, we invite you to participate in various library events that focus on teaching you how to protect your personal information and enhance your digital security. Explore our range of activities and learn valuable strategies to keep your data safe.

Explore our comprehensive listing of computer and technology classes to find sessions tailored to enhancing your data security knowledge. If you want to broaden your tech skills, start with our keyboarding improvement classes. These classes offer a solid foundation for advancing your technological proficiency.

Explore these insightful books from our collection to deepen your understanding of personal data security. Each title offers valuable information on protecting your personal information and navigating the complexities of digital security. By reading these books, you can gain practical knowledge and strategies to safeguard your data in today’s connected world. Dive into our curated selection to start enhancing your data privacy awareness and skills today.

Keep It Private – Data Privacy

Everything you do online generates data. Discover how your data is used and steps you can take to control how it is shared and used. Gain an understanding of the privacy/convenience tradeoff around online data, how to manage your privacy online, and steps you can take to protect your online data.

Title - Beyond DataTitle - Algorithmic Rights and Protections for ChildrenTitle - The Fight for PrivacyTitle - 200+ Ways to Protect your PrivacyTitle - "I Have Nothing to Hide"Title - PrivacyTitle - Privacy, Data Harvesting, and YouTitle - Privacy Is Power

Programs

Online safety is very important to keep your personal information secure. Using strong and unique passwords, and turning on two-factor authentication, helps protect your accounts from being hacked. Be careful about sharing personal details or clicking on links that look suspicious, as these can lead to scams and malware. Keeping your software and apps updated is also crucial to prevent security problems. Staying up-to-date on the latest online threats and safety tips can help you stay secure while using the internet. The Library regularly offers classes to help you learn about online safety with practical tips and hands-on practice.

  • Event: Senior Tech Academy
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, June 17, 10:30am
  • Location: Pike Branch
  • Description: Older adults seeking to become confident using the internet to effectively accomplish their goals are invited to attend a 4-week academy. Explore topics including managing privacy and spotting online scams/phishing, while building skills necessary to use the internet and manage emails.
  • Register Here
  • Event: Senior Tech Academy
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, June 24, 10:30am
  • Location: Pike Branch
  • Description: Older adults seeking to become confident using the internet to effectively accomplish their goals are invited to attend a 4-week academy. Explore topics including managing privacy and spotting online scams/phishing, while building skills necessary to use the internet and manage emails.
  • Register Here
  • Event: Senior Tech Academy
  • Date & Time: Monday, August 04, 10:30am
  • Location: Eagle Branch
  • Description: Older adults seeking to become confident using the internet to effectively accomplish their goals are invited to attend a 4-week academy. Explore topics including managing privacy and spotting online scams/phishing, while building skills necessary to use the internet and manage emails.
  • Register Here

Recent events have sparked a troubling resurgence of fear and unrest, driven by a series of racist attacks targeting Black individuals across the nation. We firmly denounce the senseless violence that led to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Dreasjon Reed, and countless other Black lives lost to racial injustice. Our commitment to addressing these issues reflects our dedication to advocating for justice, equality, and an end to systemic racism.

As a public service institution, we owe it to our community to be introspective and address inequities that exist within our organization. Additionally, we are committed to using our position to help those seeking knowledge on these subjects to find understanding.

The Indianapolis Public Library has joined 163 (as of 6/2/2020) other public libraries across North America and signed on to the Urban Libraries Council Statement on Race and Social Equity.

Urban Libraries Council Statement on Race and Social Equity

As leaders of North America’s public libraries, we are committed to achieving racial and social equity by contributing to a more just society in which all community members can realize their full potential. Our libraries can help achieve true and sustained equity through an intentional, systemic, and transformative library-community partnership. Our library systems are working to achieve equity in the communities we serve by:

  • Eliminating racial and social equity barriers in library programs, services, policies, and practices
  • Creating and maintaining an environment of diversity, inclusion, and respect both in our library systems and in all aspects of our community role
  • Ensuring that we are reaching and engaging disenfranchised people in the community and helping them express their voice
  • Serving as a convener and facilitator of conversations and partnerships to address community challenges
  • Being forthright on tough issues that are important to our communities

Libraries are trusted, venerable, and enduring institutions, central to their communities and an essential participant in the movement for racial and social equity.

– Urban Libraries Council (ULC) Statement on Race and Social Equity

Our Commitment to Racial Equity

As part of our commitment to the spirit and intent of this statement, we want to share some additional actions we have recently taken and are committed to undertake in the near future:

  • Evaluating through an equity lens partnerships and community engagement, staff development, hiring practices, programs, collections, services, messaging, and organizational policies and procedures.
  • Working to execute the full recommendations of findings from the City of Indianapolis Disparity Study and implementing policies with our Board of Trustees as a result.
  • Offering racial equity and implicit bias training opportunities to staff.
  • Suspending the accrual of all fines and fees until further notice.

We recognize that we are in the beginning stages of addressing racial equity both within our organization and within our community. We acknowledge the work we must undertake to do more and to do better. We will work alongside our community to foster understanding and communication about systemic racism and white privilege and the deep impact they have had on all of us.

The Library’s mission is to enrich lives and build communities through lifelong learning. We achieve this through sharing, curating, and fostering environments for our community to absorb and utilize information.

We are compiling a list of books, websites, and resources to help the community process recent events, talk to children, and begin conversations whose goals are the actions that result in change and healing. We will continue to add resources in the coming days and weeks.

Booklists and Resources

To Learn More:

For Sharing with Children and Teens:

  • Resource: We Need Diverse Books “Imagine a world in which all children can see themselves in the pages of a book.” We Need Diverse Books is an organization that promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people.
  • Resource: We Stories We Stories engages White families to change the conversation about and build momentum towards racial equity in St. Louis.
  • Resource: EmbraceRace Resources to help raise a generation of children who are thoughtful, informed, and brave about race.
La Princesa and the Pea

Fairy tale classics like The Princess and the Pea change when set in new locations or told from unique perspectives. La Princesa and the Pea retells this classic tale in Peru. Here, a princess proves her authenticity by sensing a single pea hidden beneath a pile of mattresses.

There are lots of stories like The Princess and the Pea that kids can rattle off without even thinking very much. The Three Little Pigs, The Three Bears, and Cinderella are so widely known that children everywhere recognize them. When told in different locations, these stories take on unique variations that reflect the local land and culture.

Juana Martinez-Neal, the illustrator of La Princesa and the Pea, won the 2018 Pura Belpré Award for her exceptional portrayal of cultural identity through illustration. This award recognizes the best work depicting Latino cultural experiences. In La Princesa and the Pea, Martinez-Neal’s illustrations feature authentic Peruvian weaving, similar to the artifacts at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

As you read the story, examine the illustrations to discover the weaving process. Meanwhile, the tale of the princess unfolds alongside the depiction of a Peruvian setting and the experiences of a young lady there. In addition, classic tales told in this manner offer a chance to see your own culture reflected or explore a different culture. Check out more from the list below!

Use your indyPL Library Card to check out fairy tale classics at any of our locations, or check out e-books and e-audiobooks from home right to your device. Need help? Call or ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or text a librarian at 317 333-6877.

Here are some favorite classic tales and traditional stories told with details and cultural traditions of the American Southwest, Mexico, Central or South America.

Title - AdelitaTitle - Paco and the giant chile plantTitle - The Runaway TortillaTitle - La Princesa and the PeaTitle - The Pot That Juan BuiltTitle - The Three CabritosTitle - Rubia and the Three OsosTitle - The Three Little JavelinasTitle - Señorita GorditaTitle - The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden StirredTitle - Chachalaca ChiquitaTitle - The Party for Papá Luis