Category: Reading Recommendations

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: Asian American Romance Novels

This list features Asian American and Asian Canadian writers and main characters – find a new favorite in this selection of swoony storylines!

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!

Browse more of our staff created lists:

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

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.

1. 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 OverDrive app directions and OverDrive browser directions are available as well as an OverDrive video tutorial and access to Overdrive Support.

Browse Urban Fiction from OverDrive

2. Make a selection from this list of urban fiction authors.

3. Get reading recommendations from our staff.

This Town is Strange…Urban Fantasy Fiction

It’s hard out there for a working stiff. Especially considering all the zombies, wizards, witches, vamps, weres, Fae, and gods taking up room in the shadows.

Urban Cinema We Love

“Urban Cinema describes a wave of city-based, feature-length films by African-American directors that began in the mid-1980s and that were dominated by action movies and youth dramas. In urban cinema, social and economic injustices, along with the conditions and relationships they produce, function as essential elements that directly motivate a film’s characters, plot, dialogue, action, and aesthetics.” – Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History.

Native American Urban Fiction

There’s a lot of great work that falls into the broad category of “urban Native American literature.” Depictions of Native Americans and the urban experience are crucial for understanding Indigenous peoples in the U.S. today. Some of these books deal with the transitions and dissonance that Native people experience between their lives at home and urban settings. There are also books that reflect the great number of Native peoples in the U.S. who do not live on reservations.

4. 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: WitLITS Book Discussion Group
Date & Time: Friday, December 27, 10:00am
Location: Spades Park Branch
Description: A read aloud group exploring classic literature in a group reading.
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Martindale-Brightwood
Date & Time: Monday, January 06, 5:30pm
Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch
Description: The book we will be reading and discussing is “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt. Pick up a copy at Martindale-Brightwood today! Never attended? We would love to have you!
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Wayne
Date & Time: Monday, January 06, 6:30pm
Location: Wayne Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame” by Olivia Ford. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program, which is free and open to everyone!
No Registration Required.

Need help?

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.

Tags If You Like, Urban Fiction

We’d love for you and your family to come join us for holiday fun at the Library! Browse our shelves, enjoy a holiday concert, fine-tune your holiday cooking skills, and more. You can even meet an actual reindeer!

Looking for the Perfect Book Gift?

IndyPL Staff have selected their favorite reads of 2023. Select a category to browse lists of gift suggestions, each with an annotation to let you know what is special about the book. Gift giving made easy!

Adults

Kids & Teens

Need some holiday entertainment at home?

For screentime holiday fun browse our collection of holiday movies! You can check out DVDs or stream movies straight to your device with your IndyPL library card. Here are some staff recommendations to get you started looking for your next winter movie night feature. If you have never used one of our streaming services before, learn how to stream movies with your IndyPL library card.

Do you need to keep a house full of kids entertained for an afternoon? We’ve got streaming movies for kids too. Choose some to share with guests and some to watch during your child’s own downtime. Get started exploring our streaming movies for kids.

Shore up your “to read book stack” with one of these recommendations

For Adults:

For Kids:

Join us for a Holiday Concert, Meet a Reindeer, and More!

Event: Winter Open Activities
Date & Time: Monday, December 23, 1:00pm
Location: Central Library
Description: Looking for a fun way to keep warm while on break? Come join the Learning Specialists this week for winter-time fun! Children, families, and groups are welcome to check out some of our technology, games, and activities or do a cool winter craft!
No Registration Required.

Event: Crafternoon at West Indianapolis
Date & Time: Monday, December 23, 2:30pm
Location: West Indianapolis Branch
Description: Join us for a special edition of Crafternoon at West Indy. Library volunteer and artist Terri Clauss of Light Girl Design will be leading a class on making handmade winter decorations: stars, snowflakes, and more!
No Registration Required.

Event: Teen Movie Night
Date & Time: Monday, December 23, 6:00pm
Location: Glendale Branch
Description: Bring your blanket, come in your PJs and enjoy some hot chocolate with friends while watching a holiday movie! Ages 12 – 18 only.
No Registration Required.

Event: Winter Open Activities
Date & Time: Thursday, December 26, 1:00pm
Location: Central Library
Description: Looking for a fun way to keep warm while on break? Come join the Learning Specialists this week for winter-time fun! Children, families, and groups are welcome to check out some of our technology, games, and activities or do a cool winter craft!
No Registration Required.

Change up your holiday cooking.

Would you like to to mix up your usual rotation of tried-and true holiday recipes? Join us for an upcoming cooking class or explore our collection of recipe books, e-books, and e-magazines. We can get you started exploring our recipe book collection. Get holiday cooking tips and culinary reading recommendations!

Get help with new technology gifts.

Do you need help learning how to use new technology gifts or apps? Bring your tablet or smartphone for assistance downloading and streaming using our services, including OverDrive, Hoopla, and Libby. See the schedule.

Holiday Fun for Kids Online – You Choose the Time Holiday Storytime!

Use the 5 skills of early learning – reading, writing, talking, singing, and playing to learn about Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah. Enjoy several online video read alouds, songs, activities & more!

Explore our 2023 staff picks and top checkouts for adults, teens, and kids! Furthermore, discover your next great read from our curated selections. In addition, find the perfect audiobook to accompany your morning walk, or choose a movie to enjoy on a cozy winter afternoon. Additionally, browse through our recommendations for holiday gift ideas that will delight your favorite readers. Whether you’re searching for engaging books, entertaining media, or thoughtful gifts, our picks offer something for everyone to enjoy.

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

2023 Top Checkouts

Click on any book cover to access our catalog, where you can easily place a request for the title. Our catalog provides detailed information about each book and allows you to check availability, place holds, and manage your requests seamlessly. This streamlined process allows you to quickly and efficiently secure the books you’re interested in.

Top Checkouts for Adults

title - The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck

Top Checkouts for Teens

title - The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Top Checkouts for Kids

title - Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea

title - I Survived the Galveston Hurricane, 1900

2023 Staff Best of Recommendations

Best of Fiction for Adults

Here are a few of our staff members favorite literary and contemporary fiction selections of 2023– featuring complicated family dynamics, love affairs, theft, and more. If you’re looking for genre fiction (like romance, horror, and fantasy) please be sure to check out our other lists!

Title - What You Are Looking for Is in the Library

Title - The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

Best of Nonfiction for Adults

IndyPL Staff members have compiled their favorite nonfiction books of 2023 for those who are eager to learn more about our strange world. These books feature real life sea voyages, the rise of the KKK in Indianapolis, tales of the first women astronauts, a biscuit-specific cookbook and more. Find a new book you’ll love.

Best of Biographies and Memoirs for Adults

Immerse yourself in someone else’s world with one of these Biographies or Memoirs, selected by IndyPL Staff Members. Dive deep into the lives of an astrophysicist, Teddy Roosevelt’s daughter, a queer hijabi woman, an intersex Texan, elite runners, and more.

Best of Romance

Looking to add a touch more romance to your 2023? Check out these swoony recommendations from IndyPL Staff Members, featuring a queer farm commune, drunken emails, and sweet kindergarten teachers.

Title - That Time I Got Drunk and Saved A Human

Best of DVDs for Adults

IndyPL Staff Members have shared their favorite films and TV shows of 2023. While 2023 has jokingly been referred to as “The Year of the Barbie Movie,” our staff members have found dozens of other fabulous watches.

Title - Spider-Man, Across the Spider-Verse

Best of Sci-Fi and Fantasy for Adults

Enjoy our staff members favorite scifi and fantasy reads of 2023. In between dragons and pirates and faeries, you’ll also find tales of grilled cheese and talking cats. We hope you find a new favorite magical read.

Title - The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi

Best of Suspense, Mystery, and Horror for Adults

IndyPL Staff members have compiled their favorite suspense, mystery, and horror novels of 2023 for those who prefer a book that will unsettle them. These books feature cults, funeral home models, creepy puppets, true crime podcasts, mermaids, phone scam revenge, and more. Find new books from your favorite authors or add a new favorite author to your shelf.

Best of Picture Books for Kids

Some of our favorite picture books that we read in 2023!

Best of Fiction and Graphic Novels for Kids & Tweens

We hope you will find something to share with the young readers in your life on this list. You will find early chapter books, fiction novels, and graphic novels that we liked that were published in 2023.

Title - Eerie Tales From the School of Screams

Best Non-Fiction for Kids

Staff across The Library sent in some of their favorite non-fiction titles for kids. The list contains a few folk tales as well.

Best of for Teens

Our IndyPL Staff has selected their favorite teen reads of 2023. From queer love triangles to homecoming murders to a real life social media tale, these novels are sure to entertain!

We hope you discover some excellent reading recommendations in our 2023 staff picks and top checkouts. Our carefully curated selections offer a diverse range of books and media, designed to cater to all tastes and interests. As we move into 2024, we eagerly anticipate sharing even more reading recommendations and literary discoveries with you. Stay tuned for fresh picks, exciting new releases, and our continued commitment to helping you find your next great read. Here’s to another year of fantastic reading and exploration!

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 some 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

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 booklist to get romance reading recommendations, or see all our staff romance lists. 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.

Staff Picks 2024- Best of Romance

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

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

4. Make a selection from these contemporary romance authors.

5. 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.

6. 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!

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: WitLITS Book Discussion Group
Date & Time: Friday, December 27, 10:00am
Location: Spades Park Branch
Description: A read aloud group exploring classic literature in a group reading.
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Martindale-Brightwood
Date & Time: Monday, January 06, 5:30pm
Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch
Description: The book we will be reading and discussing is “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt. Pick up a copy at Martindale-Brightwood today! Never attended? We would love to have you!
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Wayne
Date & Time: Monday, January 06, 6:30pm
Location: Wayne Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame” by Olivia Ford. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program, which is free and open to everyone!
No Registration Required.

Tags If You Like, Romance

Here some 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. You might also find reading suggestions at If You Like Historical Fiction and If You Like Contemporary Romance.

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.

Click on a featured booklist to get historical romance reading recommendations. See also If You Like Contemporary Romance.

4. Make a selection from these historical romance authors.

5. 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.

6. 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!

7. Find a book discussion near you!

Event: WitLITS Book Discussion Group
Date & Time: Friday, December 27, 10:00am
Location: Spades Park Branch
Description: A read aloud group exploring classic literature in a group reading.
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Martindale-Brightwood
Date & Time: Monday, January 06, 5:30pm
Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch
Description: The book we will be reading and discussing is “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt. Pick up a copy at Martindale-Brightwood today! Never attended? We would love to have you!
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Wayne
Date & Time: Monday, January 06, 6:30pm
Location: Wayne Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame” by Olivia Ford. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program, which is free and open to everyone!
No Registration Required.

Need more help?

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

Tags 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 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 Cozymystery.com for a one stop shop for all matters cozy. It provides recommendations, booklists, and announcements of upcoming entries in all your favorite series.

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: WitLITS Book Discussion Group
Date & Time: Friday, December 27, 10:00am
Location: Spades Park Branch
Description: A read aloud group exploring classic literature in a group reading.
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Martindale-Brightwood
Date & Time: Monday, January 06, 5:30pm
Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch
Description: The book we will be reading and discussing is “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt. Pick up a copy at Martindale-Brightwood today! Never attended? We would love to have you!
No Registration Required.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Wayne
Date & Time: Monday, January 06, 6:30pm
Location: Wayne Branch
Description: The book to be discussed is “Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame” by Olivia Ford. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program, which is free and open to everyone!
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.

Screenshot of four book covers that display from a search in the Libby app.

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.

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