Category: Reading Recommendations

Are you looking for your next great read? We can help! Visit us in person, explore reading recommendations online, join an in-person or online book discussion, get recommendations on Facebook, tune in to our televised book club segments, and more. Get started here!

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

Wednesday Mornings – Indy Now Book Club
The Library helps host a ‘book club’ on the Indy Now Morning Show with Ryan and Jillian on Fox59. Tune in at 10 a.m. every other Wednesday. Catch book recommendations and IndyPL program highlights from your own local librarians. Re-watch segments you have missed and see book lists of the books mentioned in each segment.

In-Person & Online Book Discussions
Do you love talking about books? Join one of our book discussions or book clubs available both in-person and online.

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

Recommendations from Our Staff – October 2023

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

Make a selection from one of the book lists below created by our staff of avid readers. After that follow featured lists here or check our staff’s most recently published lists on the library catalog home page. Don’t miss our If You Like… suggestions that cover all the favorite genres like science fiction, graphic novels, romance, and more. Finally, don’t miss What We’re Reading Teens and What We’re Reading Kids.

Meet An Author, Be an Author 2023 – the Book Sellers

This isn’t an exhaustive list of all 42 authors who will be at the Meet an Author, Be an Author on October 21. But here’s a preview of the authors we already have in the IndyPL Collection. Learn more about Meet an Author, Be and Author.

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. If you’ve been thinking about a new pet, check out your local shelter for a new furever friend.

Culinary Book Club – Basic Cookbooks and limited ingredient Cookbooks

Here are some basic, simple and limited ingredient cookbooks to get you started or restarted on the way to cooking. Also included on this list are a few websites to peruse and find more recipe ideas and cooking techniques.

Learn more about the Culinary Book Club at our Lawrence branch. Get together with us to discuss cookbooks!

Up Your Coffee Game

Observed annually on October 1st, International Coffee Day is exactly what it sounds like – a day to commemorate the greatest beverage known to humankind! This year, celebrate by trying out some new home brewing techniques, cooking up some coffee-inspired dishes, or by reading up on the history of coffee consumption around the world.

History of the Indianapolis Public Library

Since 1873, The Indianapolis Public Library has proudly served the city of Indianapolis. Learn more about the long history of our favorite library system using this list of resources found in Digital Indy, the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Special Collections, and the Indianapolis Public Library Catalog. Join us for some unique history program featuring our branches during the months of September and October.

Title - Indianapolis Public Library Collection

Grocery Shopping & Eating on a Budget

When you go to the grocery store, do you get overwhelmed by WHAT those labels mean? And how do you eat well when you’re tight on funds? Join MCPHD Nutrition Services to learn about these things – and pick up a read or stream something awesome to stretch your dollars! Join us for one of our Grocery Detective classes to learn more.

Title - 100 Days of Real Food on A Budget

While You Wait for the Next Season of Bridgerton…

If you’re tired of waiting for Season 3 of Bridgerton, check out these books and music to tide you over.

Title - THE OFFICIAL BRIDGERTON GUIDE TO ENTERTAINING

Title - The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton

Title - The Unofficial Bridgerton Book of Afternoon Tea

Celebrate Native Voices and Indigenous History

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is October 10th, and November is National Native American Heritage Month. Pick up a book about the history of the Native experience. Or check out a novel written by an Indigenous author. Learn more and explore with the Indianapolis Public Library.

Plantable Paper & Other Fun Seedy-ness

What if you combine love (or curiosity) for growing things with crafty desires? However you enjoy getting your hands messy, we can add to it! Whether you’re a kiddo or a grownie, these resources will help! Join us for a hands-on project to make your own easy seed paper to take home and plant some native plants.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of an Hour!

Sure, many of us will sleep through the extra hour we gain when we “fall back” at the end of Daylight Savings Time, but these resources might give you a better idea!

Title - And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer

Title - One Hour of Nature Music: for Massage, Yoga and Relaxation

Time-crossed lovers

What if your one true love lived in another decade?

Latin American Cookbooks

This Hispanic Heritage Month, learn a new recipe or two from countries all over Latin America! Each country has their own unique cuisine to offer, and these tasty recipes will be sure to please any crowd.

October is Financial Planning Month

Get your finances in order in tumultuous times with help from these new books.

Title - Managing your Money All-in-one for Dummies

National Dessert Month

Did you know that October is National Dessert Month? I didn’t know either! But now that I do, I will definitely be celebrating by making some new desserts. Check out some of these new titles for dessert inspiration.

Filipino Books and Media

Check out a fun Pacific Island media collection complete with detailed travel books of the Philippines, unique movies with Filipino actors and melodic music made by Filipino composers. Learn to make amazing Filipino food dishes at home with Philippine cookbooks, and finally, don’t forget to read the fascinating history that makes up these beautiful, tropical Pacific islands.

Tags What We're Reading

6 Ways to Find Your Next Terrifying Read

1. Read an award winner.

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

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

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

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

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

3. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

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

Horror Comics on Hoopla

Check out this scream-worthy selection of horror e-comics and digital graphic novels. These spine-shivering tales are eerily entertaining and sometimes just a little bit weird. It’s always a good time to read something spooky, find these chilling titles on Hoopla for a thrill.

Titles to Get in the Spooky Mood

I just love fall and all that comes with it so here is a list of spooky/Halloweeny-feeling books that I have read recently.

Chilling African American Horror Novels and Films

Connecting horror story tropes to African American narratives, these books and films explore the African American experience through the lens of the horror genre.

Middle Grade Horror

The nights are getting the longer, the wind is getting louder, and the trees are starting to look barren. Halloween is coming! Lovers of this spookiest of seasons know that sometimes being a little scared is the most fun of all! As the weather turns colder, curl up with one of these novels just for middle-graders who love all things creepy! From classics to new releases, this list has stories from the mildly spooky to the bone-chilling!

Sci Fi Horror

Frightening creatures, spaceship massacres, natural disasters — these are a few of the scary events that you’ll find in this list.

Title - The Murders of Molly Southbourne

Teen Horror Books

As if raging hormones, annoying parents, and having to navigate the high school and college experience wasn’t enough, these books and movies will give teens and young adults something to truly worry about. Adults might even find them scary too.

Camp Upside-Down: If you like Stranger Things

If you love this nostalgic horror phenomenon from Netflix, you know it makes 80s pop culture references galore! Here are some of the gems that The Duffer Brothers reference, as well as Hawkins, IN adjacent goodies for all seasons.

Horror Romances

Some book recommendations for those who love both sappy and spooky!

Queer vampires

Between the exchange of fluids and the forbidden desire, vampirism and queerness have been linked in literature for decades. Sexy or scary, you can really sink your teeth into these novels.

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

On Novelist Plus you’ll find reading recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning books. Once you login, choose the a category from the list on the left which includes choices like “Blood-drenched,” “Creature Feature,” “Creepy Clowns & Bad Seeds,” and more! Click on a book to read a brief description, see a star rating, and “Check Availability” to see if it the book is available to borrow from IndyPL.

5. Subscribe to the horror newsletter from NextReads

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

6. Make a selection from this list of horror authors

Find a book discussion near you!

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

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Martindale-Brightwood
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 4:30pm
Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Transcendent Kingdom” by Yaa Gyasi. Pick up a copy of the book at the library.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Wayne
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Wayne Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Circe” by Madeline Miller. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program, which is free and open to everyone!
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Franklin Road
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Franklin Road Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program. The title for October is “The Hound of The Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle.
No Registration Required.

Tags Horror, If You Like

There are a wide variety of books published by Indigenous authors that share Indigenous perspective for both adults and children. We can help you find them!

Read an award winner by an Indigenou author.

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

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

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

Browse our e-Book & Streaming Indigenous author collections.

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

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

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

Get reading recommendations.

Finding Indigenous authors for adults & teens.

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

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

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

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

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finding Indigenous authors for children.

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

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

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

Use your IndyPL Library card to login to Novelist Plus

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

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

Indigenous Authors

Tags Authors, Indigenous

National Banned Books Week, taking place October 1 — 7, 2023, is an annual celebration of the freedom to read. It was launched in 1982 as a response to a growing number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores, and libraries.

“Our 2023 Banned Books Week theme – ‘Let Freedom Read’ – captures what’s at stake for our democracy: that the safety of our right to speak and think freely is directly in proportion to our right to read.” Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada, President of the American Library Association

Celebrates the Freedom to Read with John Green and Senator Andrea Hunley

The Indianapolis Public Library is kicking off Banned Books Week with a discussion featuring #1 New York Times bestselling author and Indianapolis resident, John Green, and former Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) educator and Indiana State Senator Andrea Hunley (District 46).

Join us October 2 at 6 p.m. at Central Library. Kid’s Ink will be at the event to sell books by Green. Bookplates signed by Green will also be available, one per person, while supplies last.

Thank you for your interest in the event! At this time, we are sold out of tickets, but you can join the waitlist.

“I believe very strongly in the freedom of expression and in teenagers’ rights to read, and I feel very strongly that other parents shouldn’t have any say in what my kids get to read,” he said. “As long as that fight goes on, I feel obligated to lend my voice to it.” John Green, New York Times, August 31, 2023

Book Bans are Rising

Book bans are rising at a rapid pace in school districts around the United States, according to a report from PEN America. Data compiled by the American Library Association also indicates an unparalleled number of reported book challenges in 2022.

Green’s community discussion underscores the importance of unrestricted access to information and the power of literature to challenge conventional norms.

Green’s young adult (YA) novel Looking for Alaska is listed among the American Library Association’s most banned books in 2022, and it has been referenced in nationwide discussions on book banning and reshelving in schools and public libraries. His YA novel, The Fault In Our Stars, has also been challenged and pulled from the shelves of school library collections and public libraries.

At The Indianapolis Public Library, Green’s titles are on the shelf in the Teen collection, circulating and in demand. Listen to The Indianapolis Public Library’s CEO, Gregory A. Hill, Sr., share The Library’s role in protecting a community’s freedom to read.

“When we ban books, we’re closing readers off to people, places, and perspectives. But when we stand up for stories, we unleash the power that lies inside every book. We liberate the array of voices that need to be heard and the scenes that need to be seen.” The American Library Association

Join Our Banned Books Week 2023 Reading Challenge

Stand up for the right to read! Join the community October 1-31 to learn about new perspectives and celebrate the freedom to read with books that have been challenged or banned throughout the years. Log your time spent reading and complete activities to earn badges.

How to Register

On the Beanstack app:
Search for “Beanstack” in the App Store or Google Play Store and follow the instructions to create an account. If you already have an account, you need only enroll in “Banned Books Week 2023” with IndyPL.

On the web:
In your browser, visit our Beanstack page to create an account for yourself. You can log back in to track your progress. If you already have an account, you need only enroll in “Banned Books Week 2023” with IndyPL.

Top Ten Banned Books 2022

#1 Gender Queer
by Maia Kobabe
print | e-book | e-comic

#2 All Boys Aren’t Blue
by George Johnson
print | e-book | e-audiobook

#3 The Bluest Eye
by Toni Morrison
print | e-book | e-audiobook

#4 Flamer
by Mike Curato
print | e-book

#5 (tie) Looking for Alaska
by John Green
print | e-book | audiobook CD

#5 (tie) The Perks of Being a Wallflower
by Stephen Chbosky
print | e-book | e-audiobook

#7 Lawn Boy
By Jonathon Evison
print | e-audiobook

#8 The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
print | e-audiobook

#9 Out of Darkness
by Ashley Hope Pérez
print | e-book | e-audiobook

#10 (tie) The Court of Mist and Fury
by Sarah J. Maas
print | audiobook CD | Spanish

#10 (tie) Crank
by Ellen Hopkins
print | audiobook CD | Spanish

#10 (tie) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
print | Spanish | DVD

# 10 (tie) This Book is Gay
by Juno Dawson
print | e-book

Banned Books Week 2023

Books have a long history of attracting challenges to their presence on library shelves. The theme of Banned Books Week 2023 is “Let Freedom Read.” The following list contains challenged and/or banned books in two categories (note this is NOT a comprehensive list): 1) the first 13 titles are the American Library Association’s Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022 (13 titles instead of 10 due to ties at #5 and #10 positions); 2) titles 14 through 19 are challenged and banned books written by Indiana authors including Kurt Vonnegut, John Green, and Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.

Freedom to Read — Local Challenges

In support of the freedom to read, the Indianapolis Public Library seeks to share information about challenged books during banned books week. The books on this list have been challenged locally at the Indianapolis Public Library. We’ve included the reason for the challenges, and a brief description of the library’s response to the challenges. It includes a mix of books for children, teens and adults. Content warning: The descriptions in the list contain mature content.

Title - Can We Please Give the Police Department to the Grandmothers?

Dig Deeper

If you want to dig deeper about our mission as a library you can read the Library Bill of Rights stating the rights of library users to intellectual freedom and the role public libraries play to support those rights. For more information about banned and challenged books, visit ala.org/bbooks. You might also find interesting The Freedom to Read Statement, which explains why the freedom to read is essential to our democracy. To learn more, browse our book list How Censorship Impacts the First Amendment. IndyPL’s own Materials Selection Policy is also available.

“The freedom to choose or reject ideas, to read books of our choice…is the very bedrock of our free society.” Kurt Vonnegut

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

Latine Historical Fiction

For Hispanic Heritage Month, check out some novels that begin to address the depth and diversity of Latine history in the Americas.

Latin American Cookbooks

Mexican Cooking / Cocina Mexicana

Books Featuring Hispanic Characters

Celebrate the diversity and vibrance of Hispanic and Latino culture with these great books! #IndyPLKids

Spanish Bilingual Preschool Books

Enjoy these colorful stories, rhymes, and poems in English and Spanish. Disfrute de estas coloridas historias, rimas y poemas en inglés y español.

Title - The hummingbird sings and dances

Latin American Comics: lighter reading

A list of comics made by people from or have some connection to South America. Some are educational, some are entertaining. A couple of them are both. When it came to more light hearted comics I was surprised at how few countries were represented. With the exception of one creator, almost all the other artists and writers are from Argentina.

4. Read an award winner.

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

2023 Author Winner Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega
2023 Illustratory Winner Where Wonder Grows by Xelena Gonzalez
2022 Author Winner The Last Storyteller by Donna Barba Higuera
2022 Illustrator Winner Come On! Let’s Cross the Bridge by Raúl the Third
2021 Author Winner Efren Divided by Ernesto Cisneros
2021 Illustrator Winner Come On! Let’s Go Eat by Raúl the Third

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

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

6. Subscribe to a Spanish newsletter from NextReads.

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

Tags Authors, Hispanic/Latino

The Library is thrilled to help host a book club on the Indy Now Morning Show with Ryan and Jillian on Fox59. Tune in at 10:00 am every other Wednesday to catch book recommendations and IndyPL program highlights from you local librarians. Enjoy the most recent segment or browse the listing of past shows that highlight a variety of reading suggestions. You can also use the featured books links for easy borrowing.

Current Segment

September 27
Indy Cinema Series (Jason Davis)

Indy Now Book Club Archive

2023

August 30
Small Business Series (Alexandra Loewen)

August 2
Disability Representation (Keshia McEntire)

July 5
Foraging Outside (Anika Williams)

June 21
More Than a Place Podcast (Sakura Fuqua)

June 7
Summer Reading Program (Emily Thomas)

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

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

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

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

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

February 1
Meet the Artists (Kimberly Brown-Harden)

January 18
Biographies and Memoirs (Liz Schoettle)
Featured Books: Biographies & Memoirs

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

2022

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

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

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

October 20
Book Recommendations (Rachel Wood)

September 28
Introduction to Kadir Nelson (Shael Weidenbach)
Featured Books: Kadir Nelson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 31
Local Black Authors (Keshia McEntire)
Featured Books: Local Black Authors

March 16
Music Related (Rachel Wood)
Featured Books: Music-Related Reads

March 2
True Crime (Shelby Graam)
Featured Books: True Crime and Thrillers

February 16
Love Stories for February (Kirsten Weaver)
Featured Books: YA Love Stories

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

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Martindale-Brightwood
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 4:30pm
Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Transcendent Kingdom” by Yaa Gyasi. Pick up a copy of the book at the library.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Wayne
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Wayne Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Circe” by Madeline Miller. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program, which is free and open to everyone!
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Franklin Road
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Franklin Road Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program. The title for October is “The Hound of The Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle.
No Registration Required.

Tags What We're Reading

Six Ways to Find Your Next Romantic Read

Romances are books that feature a relationship between two main characters that have a “happily ever after” ending. They can be a great optimistic escape! There are many sub-genres too, if there is a particular setting or mood you like, such as historical, contemporary, paranormal, or inspirational. Here are six tips to help you find your next read as well as a convenient clickable list of contemporary romance authors linked directly to our catalog for placing requests or checking out e-books or audiobooks. For more romantic reads browse our If You Like Historical Romance reading recommendations.

1. Read an award winner.

The Romance Writers of America (RWA) Vivian Award and the Romantic Novelists Association (RNA) Rona Award both recognize excellence in romance writing.
The Swoon Awards, or “Swoonies” is a reader-based award celebrating the romance community’s favorite romance novels.
The Emma Awards are the premier award for diversity in romantic literature.
The Lambda Literary Awards, or “Lammys,” celebrate LGBTQ storytelling with category awards for Romance, Gay Romance and Lesbian Romance.
For audiobook listeners try out the Audie Award winners in the Romance category.

2. Borrow e-books or downloadable audiobooks.

Use romance lists from OverDrive to find e-books and downloadable audiobooks. If you have never borrowed from OverDrive before, both OverDrive app directions and OverDrive browser directions are available as well as an OverDrive video tutorial and Overdrive Support.

Romance Fiction from OverDrive

3. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

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

Romances Like Loving V. Virginia – IndyPL_RobinY
Read a Romance – The Fake Relationship – IndyPL_KateL
Red, White & Royal Blue – IndyPL_AllyM
Sci-Fi Romance – IndyPL_AllyM
Sapphic Romance Novels – IndyPL_BriP
17 Paperback Romances to Toss Into Your Beach Bag This Summer – IndyPL_RachelNW
Body Positive Plus-Size YA Romances – IndyPL_JessicaL
Celebrate Black Love with These Romance Novels – IndyPL_RachelNW
Contemporary Romances with Disabled Protagonists – IndyPL_RachelNW
For the Love of the Game: Sports-Related Romances – IndyPL_RachelNW
Kiss and Bake Up: Contemporary Romances Filled with Sweets – IndyPL_RachelNW
Reality TV Romance – IndyPL_RachelNW
Romance Novels Featuring Trans or GNC Main Characters – IndyPL_MasadaS
Romantic Suspense – IndyPL_MicheleP
Tropes We Love: Home Renovation and Romance – IndyPL_RachelNW

If You Liked Colleen Hoover…

Colleen Hoover writes mostly romance and psychological thrillers. Here are just a few titles for your consideration if you admire her writing style and want to find similar authors!

For even more ideas tailored to your particular romance taste, one of our staff romance readers suggests trying this book finder. Results are also linked to graded reviews, making it easier to find a book that suits your needs.

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

Get read-alikes and other “what to read next” suggestions from ovelist Plus. If you like contemporary romance, you’ll find romance reading recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning romance books. Once you login with your IndyPL library card, choose the “Romance” category from the list on the left. When you click on a book you can read a brief description, see a star rating, and click “Check Availability” to see if your selection is available to borrow from IndyPL.

5. Subscribe to the romance newsletter from NextReads.

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

6. Make a selection from these contemporary romance authors.

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Martindale-Brightwood
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 4:30pm
Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Transcendent Kingdom” by Yaa Gyasi. Pick up a copy of the book at the library.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Wayne
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Wayne Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Circe” by Madeline Miller. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program, which is free and open to everyone!
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Franklin Road
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Franklin Road Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program. The title for October is “The Hound of The Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle.
No Registration Required.

Tags If You Like, Romance

Here are tips to help you find your next read as well as a convenient clickable list of authors linked directly to our catalog for placing requests or checking out e-books or audiobooks. See also If You Like Amish and Mennonite Fiction.

Find award winning Christian fiction.

The Christy awards are presented annually to recognize novels of excellence written from a Christian worldview. See Christy Award winners in our collection here.

Borrow e-books or downloadable audiobooks.

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

Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

Use your IndyPL Library card to login to Novelist Plus.

On Novelist Plus you’ll find reading recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning historical romance books. Once you login with your IndyPL library card, choose the “Fiction A-Z” category from the list on the left and then choose “Christian fiction.” Click on a book to read a brief description, see a star rating, and then click “Check Availability” to see if the book is available to borrow from IndyPL.

Subscribe to a Christian fiction email newsletter.

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

Make a selection from one of these Christian fiction authors.

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Martindale-Brightwood
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 4:30pm
Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Transcendent Kingdom” by Yaa Gyasi. Pick up a copy of the book at the library.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Wayne
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Wayne Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Circe” by Madeline Miller. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program, which is free and open to everyone!
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Franklin Road
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Franklin Road Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program. The title for October is “The Hound of The Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle.
No Registration Required.

Tags If You Like, Religion

Here are six tips to help you find your next historical romantic read as well as a convenient clickable list of historical romance authors linked directly to our catalog for placing requests or checking out e-books or audiobooks. Also, browse our If You Like Contemporary Romance reading recommendations.

1. Read an award winner.

There are a variety of awards given each year for the best in romance writing. Browse the winners from peoples’ choice to the best romance audiobook.

The Romance Writers of America (RWA) Vivian Award and the Romantic Novelists Association (RNA) Rona Award both recognize excellence in romance writing.
The Swoon Awards, or “Swoonies” is a reader-based award celebrating the romance community’s favorite romance novels of the year.
The Emma Awards are the premier award for diversity in romantic literature recognizing excellence in works featuring diverse and multicultural protagonists.
The Lambda Literary Awards, or “Lammys,” celebrate LGBTQ storytelling with category awards for Romance, Gay Romance and Lesbian Romance.
For audiobook listeners try out the Audie Award winners in the Romance category.

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

Use romance lists from OverDrive and Kanopy to find e-books, audiobooks & streaming movies. Here are some short cut links to easily borrow online with your IndyPL library card. If you have never borrowed from OverDrive before, both OverDrive 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, try these Kanopy directions.

3. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

The Gilded Age

In United States history, the Gilded Age was an era extending roughly from 1877 to 1900. It was a time of rapid economic growth, especially in the Northern and Western United States. As American wages grew much higher than those in Europe, especially for skilled workers, and industrialization demanded an ever-increasing unskilled labor force, the period saw an influx of millions of European immigrants. The fiction and mystery books listed here are all set in that time period.

Bi Historical Romances – IndyPL_SarahS
Enemies-to-Lovers Historical Romance to Read in Honor of Bridgerton’s Second Season – IndyPL_RachelNW
Historical Romance Featuring Characters of Color – IndyPL_RachelNW

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

Use your IndyPL Library card to login to Novelist Plus. On Novelist Plus you’ll find historical romance reading recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning historical romance books. Once you login with your IndyPL library card, choose the “Romance” category from the list on the left which includes choices like “Regency Rogues,” “Victorian Days,” “Men in Kilts,” and more. Click on a book to read a brief description, see a star rating, or choose “Check Availability” to see if the book is available to borrow from IndyPL.

5. Subscribe to the romance newsletter from NextReads.

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

6. Make a selection from these historical romance authors.

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Martindale-Brightwood
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 4:30pm
Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Transcendent Kingdom” by Yaa Gyasi. Pick up a copy of the book at the library.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Wayne
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Wayne Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Circe” by Madeline Miller. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program, which is free and open to everyone!
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Franklin Road
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Franklin Road Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program. The title for October is “The Hound of The Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle.
No Registration Required.

Tags If You Like, Romance

Cozy mysteries, often referred to as “cozies,” are a gentle subgenre of crime fiction or more hardened mysteries. The stories are often set in small communities and feature unlikely amateur detectives like letter carriers, inn keepers, teachers or librarians. Explicit sexuality and graphic violence take place offstage and any profanity is mild. If you like cozy mysteries you can browse a wide variety of titles in our catalog, or take a look at these four tips and tricks to make your next selection!

1. Borrow e-books or downloadable audiobooks.

Use a mystery list from OverDrive to find e-books and downloadable audiobooks. If you have never borrowed from OverDrive before, both app directions and browser directions are available as well as a video tutorial and Overdrive Support.

Cozy Mystery Fiction from OverDrive

2. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

Click on a featured booklist to get cozy mystery reading recommendations. See also our If You Like Mysteries recommendations. You might also try Cozymyster.com for a one stop shop for all matters cozy. It provides recommendations, booklists, and announcements of upcoming entries in all your favorite series.

Hallmark Mystery Channel shows and the books that inspired them. – IndyPL_MicheleP
Mysteries and Bookstores – IndyPL_MicheleP
Mysteries Featuring Members of the Clergy – IndyPL_MicheleP
Mysteries for Antique Lovers – IndyPL_MicheleP
Quilt a Mystery – IndyPL_MicheleP
That Cozy Mystery Tastes Good – IndyPL_MicheleP

3. Use your IndyPL Library card to login to Novelist Plus to find more cozy mysteries.

On Novelist Plus you’ll find cozy mystery reading recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, and reviews. Once you login, choose the “Mystery” category from the list on the left and then choose “Getting Cozy.” Click on a book to read a brief description, see a star rating, or click “Check Availability” to see if the book is available to borrow from IndyPL.

4. Subscribe to the cozy mystery newsletter from NextReads.

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

5. Make a Selection from these cozy mystery authors.

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Martindale-Brightwood
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 4:30pm
Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Transcendent Kingdom” by Yaa Gyasi. Pick up a copy of the book at the library.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Wayne
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Wayne Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Circe” by Madeline Miller. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program, which is free and open to everyone!
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Franklin Road
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Franklin Road Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program. The title for October is “The Hound of The Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle.
No Registration Required.

Tags If You Like, Mysteries

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

1. Read an award winner.

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

The Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature has been awarded by the Asian/Pacific American Library Association since 2005. They currently give awards for Adult Fiction, Adult Nonfiction, Young Adult Literature, Children’s Literature, and Picture Books.
Awarded from 1998 to 2012, the Asian American Literary Award was hosted by the Asian American Writer’s Workshop.

2. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

Click on a book list to get started!

Featured List: Mysteries and Thrillers from AAPI Authors

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

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

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

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

4. Use your IndyPL library card to log into Novelist Plus.

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

5. Asian & Pacific Islander Authors

Ali, Monica
British Bangladeshi

Cho, Zen
Malaysian

Chu, Wesley
Taiwanese

Davenport, Kiana
Hawai’ian

De la Cruz, Melissa
Filipina American

Han, Kang
South Korean

Hoang, Helen
Vietnamese American

Hosseini, Khaled
Afghan American

Kaur, Rupi
Indian Canadian

Khaw, Cassandra
Malaysian

Kuang, R.F.
Chinese American

Lee, Chang-Rae
Korean American

Lee, Min Jin
Korean American

Manansala, Mia
Filipina American

Mikhail, Dunya
Iraqi American

Milan, Courtney
Chinese American

Murakami, Haruki Japanese

Murata, Sakaya
Japanese

Nafisi, Azar
Irani

Nhat Han, Thich
Vietnamese

Ondaatje, Michael
Sri Lankan Canadian

Rushdie, Salman
American British Indian

Satrapi, Marjane
French Iranian

Sattouf, Riad
French Syrian

Shamsie, Kamila
Pakistani British

Sutanto, Jesse Q
Chinese Indonesian

Taleb, Nassim Nicholas
Lebanese American

Tan, Amy
Chinese American

Thomas, Sherry
Chinese American

Upadhyay, Samrat
Nepalese American

Vaite, Celestine
French Polynesian

Vuong, Ocean
Vietnamese American

Tags Asian & Pacific Islander, Authors

Although chronologically, we are aware that the last two years have consisted of 24 months, physically and emotionally, we’re pretty sure that they have actually lasted 24 years. The fatigue seems longer-lasting, the winter weather feels darker and colder, and the stress of the pandemic has permeated every aspect of many of our lives. 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:

Tags Mental Health

That’s it… the geeks have finally won! No longer relegated to drug-store paperback spinner racks, the science fiction and fantasy genres are 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 in a fantasy world all year round.

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.

Tor.com is the place to go if you are looking for places on the web to learn more about science fiction and fantasy books, join a community of readers, or read original short fiction by well-known authors for free. Browse commentary of beloved series, essays by fiction luminaries, tons of original short fiction, and a free monthly e-book if you sign up for their e-book club.
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.

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.

Reading Recommendations from IndyPL Staff

Sci-Fi Romance

Romance doesn’t just happen on Earth, it happens in outer space! Celebrate Read a Romance Month with some sci-fi romances.

Title - The Long Way to A Small, Angry Planet

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.

Aliens in Science Fiction – IndyPL_RyanL
"Eureka" (2006-2012) – Science Fiction – IndyPL_MontoyaB
Grimdark Science Fiction and Fantasy – IndyPL_CarriG
Horror and Sci-Fi Books by Black Authors – IndyPL_Recommends
Space Westerns – IndyPL_RyanL
Try A New Genre: Space Opera Comics – IndyPL_RyanL

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 issue. Subscribe to NextReads!

Science Fiction Authors

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Martindale-Brightwood
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 4:30pm
Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Transcendent Kingdom” by Yaa Gyasi. Pick up a copy of the book at the library.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Wayne
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Wayne Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Circe” by Madeline Miller. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program, which is free and open to everyone!
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Franklin Road
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Franklin Road Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program. The title for October is “The Hound of The Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle.
No Registration Required.

Tags If You Like, Science Fiction

Urban Fiction, or Street Lit, share the socio-economic realities and culture of its characters in a city landscape. Profanity, sex, and violence are usually explicit and it is common that authors of this genre draw upon their own past experiences to inform their stories. Here are several ways to easily find and check out urban fiction reading recommendations with your IndyPL library card.

Borrow e-books or downloadable audiobooks.

Browse urban fiction lists from OverDrive to find e-books and downloadable audiobooks. If you have never borrowed from OverDrive before, both app directions and browser directions are available as well as a video tutorial and Overdrive Support.

Urban Fiction from OverDrive

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.

Urban Fiction Authors

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Martindale-Brightwood
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 4:30pm
Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Transcendent Kingdom” by Yaa Gyasi. Pick up a copy of the book at the library.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Wayne
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Wayne Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Circe” by Madeline Miller. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program, which is free and open to everyone!
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Franklin Road
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Franklin Road Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program. The title for October is “The Hound of The Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle.
No Registration Required.

Tags If You Like, Urban Fiction

If you like mysteries, browse these seven 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 app directions and OverDrive browser directions are available as well as an OverDrive video tutorial and Overdrive Support.

3. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

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

Mysteries and Thrillers from AAPI Authors

Mysteries and Thrillers by Indigenous Authors

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People is celebrated each August. Indigenous people from every continent have long and storied histories, traditions, and cultures as well as varying relationships with their neighboring communities. Here are mysteries and thrillers from Indigenous authors from around the world, including North America, Europe, and Oceania.

Standalone Mysteries for Adults and Teens

From Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes to Alex Cross and Jack Reacher, the detectives in popular mystery novels are often as famous as the titles themselves. Serial releases are arguably most at home in the mystery genre, where familiar investigators tackle new, exhilarating cases in every entry. Yet many readers may not want to get into a series without starting from the beginning, and there are few feelings more disappointing for such a reader than picking up a new bestseller only to find it’s the latest in a long-running series. If you find you can empathize with this feeling, consider a read from the following list, which is composed entirely of standalone mysteries or first entries in a series.

Black Mystery Writers

Looking for mysteries by Black writers? This list includes recent releases by current authors as well as classics from historically influential names.

Romantic Suspense

Finding your true love while also solving a mystery combines two of my favorite reading genres, ROMANCE and MYSTERY. Here are a few titles you might enjoy.

Mysteries set in the Interwar Years

People called WWI the great war and the war to end all wars and hoped to never see another war, but one did come. The time between the World Wars included the Jazz Age, the Roaring Twenties, Art Deco design, and the Great Depression. This is a list of mystery books and series set in the period between the end of WWI- November 11, 1918 and the beginning of WWII-September 1, 1939.

Title - Classic American Crime Fiction of the 1920s

Lady Darby Mysteries

This mystery series begins in 1830 Scotland, and follows the crime-solving experiences of Lady Kiera Darby as she is first compelled to prove her own innocence in a murder. Through her bravery, wits and unique artistic perspective, Lady Darby’s career as a female “inquiry agent” or investigator is born. If you love mystery and history combined, then this is the series for you!

Title - The Case of the Missing Marquess

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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!

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

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Martindale-Brightwood
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 4:30pm
Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Transcendent Kingdom” by Yaa Gyasi. Pick up a copy of the book at the library.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Wayne
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Wayne Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Circe” by Madeline Miller. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program, which is free and open to everyone!
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Franklin Road
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Franklin Road Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program. The title for October is “The Hound of The Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle.
No Registration Required.

Tags If You Like, Mysteries

Here are six tips for finding books by Black authors, including a convenient list of authors linked directly to our catalog for placing requests or checking out e-books or audiobooks. Find compelling fiction and nonfiction by both contemporary and classic Black authors, including books in every genre from literary fiction to romance, to science fiction to personal memoirs, whether you are looking for a thrilling page turner are recognized prize-winner!

1. Visit the Center for Black Literature & Culture at Central Library.

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

2. Read an award winner.

Make a selection from some of the most distinguished honors in literature. The Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) Literary Award, the NAACP Image Awards for Literature, and the Earnest J. Gaines Literary Award all recognize excellence in writing by Black authors. To place convenient requests browse the winners in our catalog:

3. Borrow e-books or downloadable audiobooks

Browse OverDrive’s African American Fiction and African American Nonfiction collections of e-books and downloadable audiobooks. If you have never borrowed from OverDrive or used the OverDrive Libby app before, both OverDrive browser directions and Libby app directions are available as well as an OverDrive video tutorial and Overdrive/Libby Support.

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

4. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff

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

Black Poets You Need to Read!

This list inlcudes classic, contemporary, and modern authors to provide a balanced start to a reader’s journey. Expect to feel a flurry of emotion when reading any of these titles and learning the lessons therein.

Black Historical Fiction

Explore historical fiction by black authors and co-authors with stories from the transatlantic slave trade, the antebellum south, WWII, and the late 1960s.

Celebrate Black Love with These Romance Novels

Celebrate Black Love this Valentine’s Day by checking out one of these lovely romance novels. Each of these 16 books is written by a Black author and features two Black main characters. Watch Black bakers, musicians, athletes, and cowboys find love and joy with one another. After all, as poet Joi Terricotte once said, joy is an act of resistance!

Black Chefs and Cooking – Classics – IndyPL_CarriG
Black Mystery Writers – IndyPL_JoannaC
Horror Books by Black Authors – IndyPL_MichelleS
Black Literature- Past, Present and Beyond – IndyPL_SylviaR
Horror and Sci-Fi Books by Black Authors – IndyPL_Recommends

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

Find recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning books by Black authors on Novelist Plus. Finding books by Black authors is as easy as selecting a category and then browsing through the choices.

Here is a sample listing from the Novelist category Black Creators in Comics to show a star rating and the option to “Check Availability” to see if it is available to borrow from IndyPL.

Sample listing from Black Creators in Comics from Novelist Plus.

6. Subscribe to the Black Literature Newsletter from NextReads

Receive reading recommendation in your inbox monthly for recent novels featuring stories by Black authors. Book suggestions are linked to our catalog for easy requesting. It’s FREE! See a sample issue and Subscribe to Next Reads today!

Black Authors

Tags Authors, Black History

e-Books & Audiobooks

Browse OverDrive’s Amish and Mennonite fiction collection of e-books and downloadable audiobooks you can borrow with your IndyPL library card.

Amish & Mennonite Fiction Authors

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Martindale-Brightwood
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 4:30pm
Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Transcendent Kingdom” by Yaa Gyasi. Pick up a copy of the book at the library.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Wayne
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Wayne Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Circe” by Madeline Miller. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program, which is free and open to everyone!
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Franklin Road
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Franklin Road Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program. The title for October is “The Hound of The Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle.
No Registration Required.

Tags If You Like, Religion

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.

The Nebula Awards are presented each year for the best science fiction or fantasy published in the United States during the previous year. Browse Nebula Award winners in our collection.
The Hugo Awards are presented each year by the World Science Fiction Society. Browse Hugo Award winners in our collection.
The World Fantasy Awards are presented annually by the World Fantasy Convention to writers of fantasy fiction. Browse World Fantasy Award winners in our collection.
The Ignyte Awards are presented by FIYAH Literary Magazine and are intended to celebrate excellent Speculative Fiction written by people of color.

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 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 fantasy reading recommendations or see all our staff fantasy book lists.

Discover Epic Fantasy – IndyPL_CarriG
Diverse Adult Fantasy Novels with Magic – IndyPL_DonnaS
Epic Fantasy’s Hidden Gems – IndyPL_MasadaS
Fantastically Well Written – IndyPL_CarrieS
Fiction Titles Perfect for Tabletop Fans – IndyPL_JosephL
A Taste of Magic: Fantasy Books with Magical Food – IndyPL_RachelNW

4. 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.

5. 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!

6. Make a Selection from these fantasy authors.

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Martindale-Brightwood
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 4:30pm
Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Transcendent Kingdom” by Yaa Gyasi. Pick up a copy of the book at the library.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Wayne
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Wayne Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Circe” by Madeline Miller. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program, which is free and open to everyone!
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Franklin Road
Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
Location: Franklin Road Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program. The title for October is “The Hound of The Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle.
No Registration Required.

Tags Fantasy, If You Like