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

When is Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

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

Isn’t that Columbus Day?

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

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

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

For Adults & Teens

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

Many of us here – as Native Americans, avid readers, activists for improving Native American economies and communities, and as direct participants in the Native American experience – believe that we are uniquely positioned to suggest this reading list,” said First Nations President & CEO Michael Roberts.

First Nations indicates on the list which titles are especially good ones to start with. Here are a few of their selections. See the full list. Explore our collection more at Finding Books by Indigenous Authors.

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown

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

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

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

Do All Indians Live in Tipis?

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

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

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

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

“Dunbar-Ortiz shows how myths about Native Americans are rooted in the fears and prejudice of European settlers and in the larger political agendas of a settler state aimed at acquiring Indigenous land and are tied to narratives of erasure and disappearance.”
print | e-bookaudiobook 

Indigenous Thought and the Environment

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

For Children

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

Additional lists of best Indigenous books for children:

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

Best Picture Books for Kids by and about American Indians

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

Title - Powwow DayTitle - Just Like GrandmaTitle - If You Lived During the Plimoth ThanksgivingTitle - My Powerful HairTitle - Autumn Peltier, Water WarriorTitle - The Secret PocketTitle - KeepunumukTitle - Heart Berry BlingTitle - Biindigen!Title - What your Ribbon Skirt Means to MeTitle - Mashkiki RoadTitle - Forever Cousins

Learn More

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

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

Talk!

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

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

Read!

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

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

title - It's Diwali!title - Lilu's Bright Diwali

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

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

Title - ItTitle - Diwali Lights Read-alongTitle - BinnyTitle - Shubh Diwali!Title - Celebrate DiwaliTitle - Archie Celebrates DiwaliTitle - Diwali in My New HomeTitle - Amma, Tell Me About Diwali!

Sing!

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

Write!

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

Play!

Take a walk and read a story as you go! We invite you to visit StoryWalk® in Ruckle Street Park at 3025 Ruckle Street. Stroll through the park and read a book displayed in mounted frames. Or Skip. Or gallop!

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

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

Join Us for In-Person Storytime!

  • Event: Storytime at Nora – Move and Groove
  • Date & Time: Saturday, September 13, 10:30am
  • Location: Nora Branch
  • Description: A story time that incorporates songs and dance, and will help start a great day. Encourages language development and physical activity. For toddlers and preschoolers, and their caregivers
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Paws To Read at Lawrence
  • Date & Time: Saturday, September 13, 11:00am
  • Location: Lawrence Branch
  • Description: School age children who are beginning or reluctant readers are invited to read to a registered therapy dog who loves to listen to stories – on the second Saturday of each month! Spaces are limited, so please visit the Lawrence Branch to register or call us at 317-275-4460. Space is Limited.
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Paws to Read at Michigan Road
  • Date & Time: Saturday, September 13, 2:00pm
  • Rescheduled Date & Time: Saturday, September 06, 2:00pm
  • Location: Michigan Road Branch
  • Description: Beginning or reluctant readers are invited to read to a registered therapy dog who loves to listen to stories. Its a great way to improve a child’s reading skills and self-confidence. Participants may sign up for a 15 minute reading session by registering online or calling 317-275-4370 ext. 4.
  • Register Here

Need Help?

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

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

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

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

Keep It Private – Data Privacy

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

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

Programs

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

  • Event: Senior Tech Academy Series
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, September 17, 10:30am
  • Location: Central Library
  • Description: Older adults seeking to become confident using the internet to effectively accomplish their goals are invited to attend a 4-week academy. Explore topics including managing privacy and spotting online scams/phishing, while building skills necessary to use the internet and manage emails.
  • Register Here
  • Event: Consumer Protection and Scam Prevention
  • Date & Time: Monday, September 22, 6:00pm
  • Location: Warren Branch
  • Description: Join us for a presentation about Consumer Protection and Scam Prevention with the Attorney General’s Office. This session covers common scams, data privacy, and other important topics in consumer protection.
  • Register Here
  • Event: Senior Tech Academy Series
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, September 24, 10:30am
  • Location: Central Library
  • Description: Older adults seeking to become confident using the internet to effectively accomplish their goals are invited to attend a 4-week academy. Explore topics including managing privacy and spotting online scams/phishing, while building skills necessary to use the internet and manage emails.
  • Register Here