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.

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. You can also follow 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.

Indigenous Heritage Month

Many American families gather for Thanksgiving, a day to share food, family memories, and gratitude for both. The arrival of early settlers and the colonization of North America is part of our shared history as Americans. It is important to learn and remember the full history of colonization and the reality that it included centuries of genocide, the theft of land, and oppression. As a result, Indigenous Peoples recognize Thanksgiving as a day of mourning. It is a time to remember ancestral history as well as a day to acknowledge and protest the racism and oppression which they continue to experience today. Learn more about Indigenous Peoples and Thanksgiving.

Or make a selection from one of our staff book lists:

What to Read Next Based on Your Favorite Taylor Swift Song

Don’t see your favorite song? Head over to your local branch and ask which librarian is a Swifty and they’ll help you figure it out.

Title - To All the Boys ITitle - The Cheat SheetTitle - These Violent DelightsTitle - If the Shoe Fits

Light Reads to Combat Early Sunsets

The nights are getting longer so here are some books to lighten up your mood.

Title - How to Age DisgracefullyTitle - The Prophet and the IdiotTitle - Single Dads ClubTitle - Assistant to the Villain

Books for The Autumn Court

One of the seven courts of Prythian, the Autumn Court is the perfect place for all fall lovers. If the Autumn fae had library cards, this is what I imagine they’d be checking out. (From Sarah J. Maas’ bestselling series ‘A Court of Thornes and Roses’)

Title - From Harvest to HomeTitle - Pumpkin Spice PuppyTitle - Edgar Allen PoeTitle - October, or Autumnal Tints

Graphic Novels to Fall For // Non-fiction Edition

Graphic novels are a wonderful print medium to share personal stories. Listed below are some personal favorites, some critically acclaimed, some obscure. Maybe you’ll find something that speaks to you.

Title - Maus ITitle - Gender QueerTitle - DucksTitle - Uncomfortably Happily


Culinary Book Club – Cookbooks about the Holidays

There are several holidays that are celebrated in November and December. Take a look at a few of the cookbooks that will help you bring some delicious ways of celebrating with friends and family. Join us for our Culinary Book Club – Cookbooks About Holiday Cooking or Baking on November 9.

Title - The Friendsgiving CookbookTitle - Vegan Holiday CookbookTitle - Delicious GatheringsTitle - A SWEET YEAR

Prepare a Thanksgiving Feast

Cooking for a crowd or even making a special dish for family and friends is often filled with anxiety and stress for the host. This holiday season reduce the stress with these cookbooks and videos.

Title - Fine Cooking Thanksgiving CookbookTitle - GobbleTitle - ThanksgivingTitle - All Time Best Holiday Entertaining

Fall back into romance…

View these fun, romantic films that are timeless. Fall is the perfect time the of year to get your groove back… Grab a blanket and some snacks, and cuddle up with someone you love.

Title - Maid in ManhattanTitle - The Wedding PlannerTitle - How to Lose A Guy in 10 DaysTitle - The Notebook

National Parks in the Fall: Midwest Region

Books featuring Indiana Dunes National Park, Cuyahoga Valley, Voyageurs, and Isle Royale.

Title - Title - THE 10 BEST OF EVERYTHING NATIONAL PARKSTitle - Title -

National Gratitude Month

Anne Lamott, one of my favorite authors, says this about gratitude: “Gratitude begins in our hearts and then dovetails into behavior. It almost always makes you willing to be of service, which is where the joy resides. It means that you are willing to stop being such a jerk. When you are aware of all that has been given to you, in your lifetime and the past few days, it is hard not to be humbled, and pleased to give back.”

Title - Help, Thanks, WowTitle - Take Less. Do MoreTitle - Get Me Through the Next Five MinutesTitle - I Will Give Thanks

Averting Autocracy

There’s a growing chorus of voices urging people to focus on the rise of autocracy around the world and here in the US. The books in this list provide a range of perspectives that can help people understand how autocracy operates in contemporary times and take action to defend democracy and avert autocracy. #IndyPLAdults #autocracy #democracy

Title - Autocracy, IncTitle - On TyrannyTitle - Surviving AutocracyTitle - On Freedom

Are you looking for reading recommendations for kids? We can help! Visit us in person or online to get ideas for great reads for kids. For one-on-one help call or ask a Library staff member at any of our locations. You can also call, text, or email ask-a- librarian!

This collection of book lists created by our staff can assist students with homework, help them find more books by their favorite authors, and aid parents in finding books for the youngest readers, among other things! We add new lists each month so returning readers can continue to find their next read! Find more reading recommendations for kids in our blog or enjoy storytime online.

You can also get reading recommendations online from NoveList K-8 Plus or Book Connections. Read book reviews, see “read alike” lists, browse starred reviews, and more.

Talking to Kids About Thanksgiving

Are you looking for ways to share with children the importance of family, community, and gratitude? In our blog post Talking to Kids About Thanksgiving, learn about Keepunumuk Weeãachumun’s Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer (Mashpee Wampanoag) and Tony Perry (Chickasaw), story of Weeãachumun, who asked local Native Americans to show the newcomers how to grow food. The post includes more ways to help give kids an age appropriate introduction to Thanksgiving history. We can also help you find more books to share about generosity and giving.

Stories of Modern Indigenous Life

Some people think that Indigenous culture is a thing of the past, but that could not be further from the truth! These books, some fiction and some nonfiction, explore the vibrancy and diversity of present-day culture across many different Indigenous tribes and nations. Learn about things like family, food, and tradition and experience all the joy these Indigenous authors and artists have put on the page!

Title - GrandmaTitle - Jingle DancerTitle - Powwow DayTitle - We All Play

The Wild Robot

The Wild Robot has been adapted into an animated feature film that is premiering in theatres this fall. Shipwrecked on a deserted island, a robot named Roz must learn to adapt to its new surroundings. Building relationships with the native animals, Roz soon develops a parental bond with an orphaned gosling. If you have read or watched The Wild Robot…try one of these!

Title - The Iron GiantTitle - The One and Only IvanTitle - A RoverTitle - A Wolf Called Wander

Elections and Voting – It’s a Big Deal!

Choose a book or two from this list to learn about the United States election process, who can vote, and the history of how each has developed over the last 200+ years. Find out the answers to some puzzling FAQs: What’s a ballot? What is a poll? What does suffrage mean? Why couldn’t Black people vote? Why couldn’t women vote? You can read a general history or focus on one issue, event, or person who made a difference. #IndyPLKids Updated September 2024

Title - Presidential Elections and Other Cool FactsTitle - Your Voice, your VoteTitle - The WalkTitle - Black Voter Suppression

Thanksgiving Storytime Online

Here are some of our favorite books to share with kids in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. You and your child can learn about the history of Thanksgiving and learn about Thanksgiving from an American Indian perspective. Additionally, you can read prayers and songs of gratitude from different religious and cultural traditions, learn to draw iconic Thanksgiving symbols, or laugh out loud at what Thanksgiving dinner might be like for monsters. Garlic is OK for a recipe ingredient, but not eyeballs! Laugh again when you find out what happens when someone (everyone!) forgets to bring their dish to Thanksgiving dinner! Enjoy Thanksgiving storytime online!

Even Vampires Celebrate Fangsgiving!

Enjoy these favorite and new Thanksgiving picture books that cover the early history to turkey dinner to the gratitude of what it is to celebrate “plenty.” Also laugh out loud at some silly stories starring picture book friends – even vampires celebrate Fangsgiving!

Title - GrandmaTitle - Around the Table That Grandad BuiltTitle - KeepunumukTitle - Bad Kitty Does Not Like Thanksgiving

Join Us for Storytime!

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  • Event: Reading Ready Time – Nutcracker Fun
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, November 20, 12:00am
  • Location: Online
  • Description: Children 3-6 are invited to a virtual Library visit! The Indianapolis Ballet shares the story of The Nutcracker followed by a dance lesson.  On your toes, everyone!  Visit https://bit.ly/readingreadytime for this program.
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Storytime at Fort Ben – Preschool
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, November 20, 10:30am
  • Location: Fort Ben Branch
  • Description: Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited for stories, songs, and fingerplays followed by an art and craft time.
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Family Storytime at College Avenue
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, November 20, 10:30am
  • Location: College Avenue Branch
  • Description: Families with children of all ages are invited to listen to stories, sing songs, and participate in movement activities. Stay after stories are finished for some literacy activities and play time.
  • No Registration Required.

Are you looking for reading recommendations for teens? We can help! Visit us in person or online to get great ideas for your next great read. For one-on-one help call or ask a Library staff member at any of our locations. You can also call, text, or email ask-a- librarian! Here are some more ideas to help you find what to read next.

  • Follow our staff’s most recently published book 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.
  • Join us Sunday nights at 8:30 p.m. on Facebook for Currently Reading where book enthusiasts offer their suggestions.
  • Tune in every other Wednesday at 10 a.m. to the Indy Now Book Club with Ryan and Jillian on Fox59 for reading recommendations and IndyPL program highlights from your own local librarians.
  • You can also get reading recommendations online from NovelList or Book Connections. Read book reviews, see “read alike” lists, browse starred reviews, and more.

Make a selection from one of the book lists below created by our staff of avid readers whose reading experiences and tastes cover about any interest you can think of!

What to Read Next Based on Your Favorite Taylor Swift Song

Don’t see your favorite song? Head over to your local branch and ask which librarian is a Swifty and they’ll help you figure it out!

Title - To All the Boys ITitle - The Cheat SheetTitle - These Violent DelightsTitle - If the Shoe Fits

Indigenous Speculative Fiction for Teens

Enjoy this list of Indigenous Speculative Fiction for teens featuring Alex Award winners! The Alex Awards (awarded yearly through the Young Adult Library Services Association of the American Library Association) are given to ten books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18.

Title - The Marrow ThievesTitle - Funeral Songs for Dying GirlsTitle - Race to the SunTitle - The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf

Indigenous Voices in Graphic Novels

Explore these graphic novels raising indigenous voices.

Title - Rabbit ChaseTitle - Surviving the CityTitle - PhotographicTitle - Borders

Teen Books Featuring Podcasts

Podcasts keep getting more popular! According to statistics by Infinite Dial, almost half of Americans 12 and older have listened to a podcast in the last month. From True Crime to Politics to Entertainment to History, almost any topic is fair game for podcasting. It’s only natural that this popularity would affect the world of books too! These teen books feature podcasts. The main character is the podcaster or a podcast is produced by someone else and affects the main character in some crucial way.

Title - A Long Stretch of Bad DaysTitle - How to Find A Missing GirlTitle - We Can Be HeroesTitle - I Hope You

Short Story Horror for Teens

Low on time but still looking for summer scares? Check out an anthology of horror short stories for teens.

Title - All These Sunken SoulsTitle - We Mostly Come Out at NightTitle - The Black Girl Survives in This OneTitle - Too Scared to Sleep

Manga About Pursuing Your Passion

Are you a go-getter in pursuit of your goals? Perhaps you are looking for motivation to explore a secret passion or hobby? If you’re in need of a little inspiration, check out this selection of manga titles featuring tenacious characters pursuing their dreams. Each title is labeled with the intended audience.

Title - Kageki Shojo!Title - Show-ha Shoten!Title - Blue PeriodTitle - Keep your Hands Off Eizouken!

Teen Fiction without Romance

Sometimes I find myself just wanting to read some dramatic, adventurous teen fiction… without the characters trying to get all in each other’s business all the time. Here are some titles for if you can relate to that sentiment.

Title - Cold the Night, Fast the WolvesTitle - A Thousand Steps Into NightTitle - This Savage SongTitle - Vespertine

100 Books Before Graduation

Read 100 books before graduating from high school and receive prizes as you work toward your goal. Prizes will be awarded after reading 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 books! Most importantly, students will expand their mind, vocabulary, critical thinking, and test scores! This program is for students in grades 7-12. Learn more about 100 Books Before Graduation and register.

Dungeon and Dragons Stories

This list is a look at some stories of dungeon divers, dungeon clubs, dungeon trainers and dungeons in general. Enjoy! See our full listing of Dugneon and Dragon upcoming programs.

Title - No Humans Allowed!Title - Warriors & WeaponsTitle - Lost in the Mushroom MazeTitle - The Dungeoneers

In-Person & Online Book Discussions for Teens

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 a.m. every other Wednesday to catch book recommendations and IndyPL program highlights from your 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

November 6
Fall Fest

(Brianna Barnes)


2024

October 23
Crafting at the Library
(Kelsey Abernathy)

October 9
Meet an Author, Be an Author
(Jill Edwards)

September 11
Fall Programs for Teens
(Kirsten Weaver)

August 27
Small Business Series
(Rachel Wood, Ryan Donnelly)

August 13
Homeschool Resources
(Devery North)

July 31
Legal Resources
(Ryan Donnelly)

July 3
Quick Reads Collection
(Deb Lambert)

June 5
Juneteenth Bookfest
(Bryanna Barnes)

May 8
Meet Your Neighbor Programming Series and Travel-themed Books
(Keshia McEntire)

April 24
Dia del Niño Be My Neighbor Day
(Jessica Neeb-Smith)

March 27
Patent and Trademark Resources
(Ryan Donnelly)

March 13
Books About Self-love and the Center for Black Literature & Culture Programs (Bryanna Barnes)

February 28
Joyful Books by Black Authors
(Keshia McEntire and Alton Parks)

February 14
Meet The Artists
(Jaquelyn Green)

January 17
Book Clubs
(Kris Gould, Keshia McEntire)

January 3
Books to Support New Years Resolutions
(Rachel Wood)

Indy Now Book Club Archive

2023

December 20
Graphic Novels and Arts Programs (Kelsey Abernathy)

December 7
Encyclopedia of Indianapolis
(Natasha Hollenbach and Jyoti Verderame)

November 8
Fall Fest
(Jacquelyn Green)

October 25
Books for Chess Players
(Jordan Hunt, Charlie Cain)

September 27
Indy Cinema Series
(Jason Davis)

August 30
Small Business Series
(Alexandra Loewen)

August 16
Digital Creativity Work Stations
(Dawn Hawkins and Stephanie Flood)

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 10
Books About Building Community and the New Glendale Branch
(Amy Buell)

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 BooksBooks for Hoosiers Hoping to Make a Difference

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

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

February 1
Meet the Artists
(Kimberly Brown)

January 18
Biographies and Memoirs
(Liz Schoettle)
Featured BooksBiographies & Memoirs

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

2022

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

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

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

October 20

Book Recommendations (Rachel Wood)

September 28
Introduction to Kadir Nelson (Shael Weidenbach)
Featured BooksKadir Nelson

August 31
Let’s Get Down to Business (Alexandra Loewen)
Featured BooksBooks 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 BooksGood Reads About Money

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

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

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

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

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

May 1
Adult Summer Reading Program (Leah Kim)
Featured BooksBooks 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 BooksLocal Black Authors

March 16
Music Related (Rachel Wood)
Featured BooksMusic-Related Reads

March 2
True Crime (Shelby Graam)
Featured BooksTrue Crime and Thrillers

February 16
Love Stories for February (Kirsten Weaver)
Featured BooksYA Love Stories

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

Find a book discussion near you!

  • Event: Virtual Author Talk: Native Rights and Culture in Fiction
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, November 20, 7:00pm
  • Location: Online
  • Description: You’re invited to join us as Mona Susan Power chats about her newest novel A Council of Dolls. This conversation highlights how her work explores Native Rights and Native American culture, in particular using an important symbol that anchors comfort and companionship in Native life: dolls.
  • Register Here

Join our virtual author talks to enjoy conversation with the authors behind your favorite books from the comfort of home. What questions have you always wanted to ask? Submit your questions online. We will also take questions during the event and will cover as many questions as time allows! Browse our archive of past virtual author talks for even more insightful discussions

Virtual Author Talk: Native Ri…
  • Event: Virtual Author Talk: Native Rights and Culture in Fiction
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, November 20, 7:00pm
  • Location: Online
  • Description: You’re invited to join us as Mona Susan Power chats about her newest novel A Council of Dolls. This conversation highlights how her work explores Native Rights and Native American culture, in particular using an important symbol that anchors comfort and companionship in Native life: dolls.
  • Register Here
Virtual Author Talk: Exploring…
Virtual Author Talk: On Pulse-…
Virtual Author Talk: The Magic…
  • Event: Virtual Author Talk: The Magic of Found Family
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, January 15, 7:00pm
  • Location: Online
  • Description: Come have a magical moment with New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune as he chats about his Cerulean Chronicles, with special emphasis on his newest in the series, “Somewhere Beyond the Sea.”
  • Register Here
Virtual Author Talk: Notes on …
Virtual Author Talk: An Inside…
  • Event: Virtual Author Talk: An Inside Look at Working with a Literary Agent
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, January 28, 1:00pm
  • Location: Online
  • Description: You’re writing a book (or thinking about it), but what happens next? Join us for an inside look into working with an agent and the beginning stages of the publishing process with Seth Fishman, Vice President and Literary Agent at The Gernert Company.
  • Register Here

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 talkin

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.

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.