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!

Personalized Reading Recommendations
Whether you are in a reading frenzy or a reading slump, you might just need a short list of title suggestions to support your reading habit or to get inspired. Hoosier Next Read is a personalized book recommendation service from The Indianapolis Public Library. Share your reading preferences, and our Library staff will send you a custom list of 2–5 titles within 7 business days so you’ll always have your next great read ready

Sunday Nights on Facebook
Join us on Sunday nights at 8:30 p.m. 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.

Indy Now Book Club
Catch book recommendations and Library program highlights from your own local librarians once a month on the Indy Now Morning Show with Ryan and Jillian on Fox59. The show airs at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays. Browse our past appearances.

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.

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.

Native American Heritage Month

Choose one of these outstanding books to explore the rich diversity of books by Indigenous authors, offering unique perspectives for both adults and children. Read one, listen to one, suggest one for your book club, or read one to your child or class! Or make a selection from one of the book lists created by our staff:

Highlighting the Voices of Black American Veterans

Non-fiction stories focusing on the lives of Black Americans that have served in the U.S. military.

Title - Carrying the ColorsTitle - ITitle - A Gentleman of ColorTitle - Bloods

Author in Focus: Stephen Graham Jones

Stephen Graham Jones, a Blackfeet Nation author, brings an Indigenous perspective to modern horror. An award-winning and bestselling writer, his stories blend sharp humor with reflections on identity, history, and the lingering effects of trauma. This list features some his works, where horror becomes a space for truth-telling and transformation.

Title - The Buffalo Hunter HunterTitle - Killer on the RoadTitle - I Was A Teenage SlasherTitle - The Angel of Indian Lake

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

Residential Schools, Reconciliation, and Indigenous Resurgence

Reconciliation. Resurgence. Decolonization. What path can lead Canada forward as it attempts to address the shattering legacy of the Residential Schools, the Indian Act, broken treaties, and other aspects of the genocidal and cultural destruction brought on by colonialism?

Title - Indigenous RelationsTitle - NamwayutTitle - Truth TellingTitle - A Knock on the Door

Jeopardy!

Jeopardy! has hit streaming platforms, introducing it to a new base of fans. Think you have what it takes to win the game (or you just want to get better at bar trivia) ? Here are some resources to study up.

Title - BrainhackerTitle - BrainTitle - The World Book EncyclopediaTitle - Got your Number

Trans Voices in Speculative Fiction

Speculative fiction, a genre that explores other worlds, alternate realities, and non-traditional concepts, has long been a refuge for authors from marginalized groups. This list honors authors who fall under the umbrella of transgender, which includes people who identify as trans, nonbinary, genderfluid, gender-nonconforming, and more.

Title - Light From Uncommon StarsTitle - An Unkindness of GhostsTitle - Wrath Goddess SingTitle - Magic for Liars

Romance Titles I Need Someone to Read for Me

Here’s the thing: I don’t read romance. I’ve never really read romance. Problem is, when you spend a lot of time at the library, you find a lot of books that draw your attention even if they’re not your typical genre. I can’t read fast enough, so I am recommending them to you! I’ll list each title along with my reason for including them. All of this to say: I need someone to read these titles in my honor. Please and thank you.


Title - Hit Me With your Best CharmTitle - Coffeeshop in An Alternate UniverseTitle - Nobody in ParticularTitle - Emiko

Vegan Cookbooks from Around the World

Travel the world through an assortment of tastes and flavors with these vegan cookbooks. Plant based and whole foods prepared in foreign dishes and those close to home. From East Asia, to South American and Latin cuisine, there is much to explore. Let’s celebrate World Vegan Day with a bang! Register for Plant Based Cooking: Breast Cancer Basics on October 18 at Central Library.

Title - PlantasTitle - Island VeganTitle - Vegan AfricaTitle - The Vegan Middle Eastern Cookbook

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.

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!

Indigenous Voices in Graphic Novels

Explore these graphic novels by Indigenous authors.

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

You’ve Come to the Write Place

Writing is a wonderful tool of expression for anyone to enjoy. Though writing a novel may not be for everyone, there are many other types of writing to explore. The materials featured on this list can help you discover new writing styles, and maybe even help you find your niche.

Title - Been There, Done ThatTitle - So You Want to Write A ScreenplayTitle - What Is Poetry?Title - How to Keep A Sketchbook Journal

If You Liked K-Pop Demon Hunters

The film K-Pop Demon Hunters (KPDH), streaming on Netflix, has become an international sensation. The film appeals to all audiences with an action-packed, pop-culture fantasy based in Korean folklore and a great soundtrack. Themes of the film include hidden identity, loss of identity, self-sacrifice, self-acceptance, redemption, and found family. If you cannot get enough of the story and do not want to wait for the inevitable sequel, check out these teen fiction titles that feature similar themes and appeal factors.

Title - The God and the GumihoTitle - A Crane Among WolvesTitle - Gorgeous Gruesome FacesTitle - THE SECRET WAR

Manga About Idols

Explore the various sides of the entertainment industry with these idol-focused manga titles. With a variety of genres to choose from – comedy, romance, drama, or mystery – these stories shine a spotlight on the world of idols, fans, and celebrity culture. This list features a mix of titles from our teen and adult collections, each title on the list is labeled with the intended audience.

Title - TamonTitle - Not your IdolTitle - Oshi No KoTitle - Phantom of the Idol

Korean Manhwa for Teens

Manhwa (만화) is the general term for Korean comics and print cartoons. These manhwa titles are a part of our teen collection and feature a variety of genres. While manhwa can seem similar to Japanese manga, there are several differences. Manga typically features black and white illustrations and manhwa is usually illustrated in color. Another difference is how it’s read; manga is typically read from right to left and manhwa is read from left to right. If you’re a reader of webcomics, some of these titles may seem familiar as many were originally published online.

Title - Your LetterTitle - The HorizonTitle - Dark MoonTitle - Omniscient Reader

Staff Picks 2024- Best of Teen

Enjoy this list of our favorite YA reads of 2024, which spans genres. Enjoy dark academia, fake dating, poetry, comic adventures, subverted fantasy tropes, heists, D&D, and more! Don’t forget that this year, we’ve included our favorite selections from the back catalog, in the hopes you can get your hands on a book you’ll love right now.

Title - Where Sleeping Girls LieTitle - Hockey Girl Loves Drama BoyTitle - Dear WendyTitle - The Unboxing of A Black Girl

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.

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.

Are you looking for MORE reading recommendations for kids? Your child’s new favorite book, handpicked for you! Hoosier Next Read is a personalized book recommendation service from The Indianapolis Public Library. Share your child’s reading preferences, and our Library staff will send you a custom list of 2–5 titles within 7 business days so you’ll always have their next great read ready. You can also 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!

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.

Autumntime Storytime

Cuddle up with some warm apple cider, near the campfire, and enjoy these autumn-time stories.

Title - Gather RoundTitle - AmaraTitle - SophieTitle - Dinosaur, Dinosaur, Fall Is Here and Other Rhymes

Stories of Modern Indigenous Life

Some people think that native 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

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 Hair

Whooo Loves Owls!?!

Do you enjoy owls? Here are some great stories featuring owls!

Title - OwlsTitle - OwlsTitle - This Is OwlTitle - Time for Bed, Little Owls!

Los Libros Favoritos de Señora Flo

Señora Flo hace hora de cuentos, y estos son sus libros favoritos para leer a los niños.

Title - ¡Ladra, George!Title - El peor teddy del mundoTitle - Cómo dicen te quiero los dinosaurios?Title - Cinco enormes dinosaurios

Indigenous Picture Books

Indigenous picture books offer a wonderful way to introduce children to the diverse cultures, stories, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples. Many picture books feature Indigenous characters and themes, often highlighting traditions, family connections, and the importance of the natural world. Many of the books highlighted below are award-winners.

Title - Chooch HelpedTitle - Fry BreadTitle - We All PlayTitle - May We Have Enough to Share

Kids Explore Vehicles

Humans LOVE to create new ways to move around on Planet Earth and beyond. The books in this list can help kids expand their knowledge about the wide range of vehicles people have designed and built across time and in cultures around the world.

Title - The Spectacular Science of VehiclesTitle - Transportation!Title - Unconventional VehiclesTitle - Transported

"My Kid Wants to Read Wicked, What Do I Give Them?"

“Wicked: For Good” is coming to theaters on November 21st, the second part of the movie adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. While the movie/musical is appropriate for the tastes of many families, the book is a lot darker and contains content and themes that some readers may not be comfortable with (give “Wicked Book Trigger Warnings” a google). But never fear! No matter what it about the Wicked musical that you love, we have a book to scratch that itch.

Title - The Wizard of OzTitle - Defying GravityTitle - Who Is Cynthia Erivo?Title - Who Is Ariana Grande?

Staff Picks 2024 – Best of Picture Books

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Our staff share some of their favorite picture books from 2024 that they have seen – from beautiful to funny, we hope there is something for you and your littlest readers to enjoy.

Title - The Yellow BusTitle - Treehouse TownTitle - It Bears RepeatingTitle - The Bakery Dragon

Staff Picks 2024 – Best of Fiction for Kids

Some of our favorite new fiction titles published for kids. At the very bottom of the list, enjoy older bonus material: staff were also asked if they read an older title/not published in 2024 that they might also recommend.

Title - FerrisTitle - The Bletchley RiddleTitle - Amari And The Despicable WondersTitle - The Color of Sound

Staff Picks 2024 – Best of Beginning and Early Readers for Kids

Staff sent in some of their favorite 2024 books that fall into our JZ and JE category. JZ are the books for young readers that are beginning to read on their own and typically these books have very controlled vocabulary and still a lot of pictures. (Think Piggie and Elephant; Bob books; Yasmin). JEs are books that introduce a longer narrative and sometimes chapters or vignettes; contain more content; characters that have depth and experiences. (Think Magic Treehouse or Bad Guy series)

Title - Bunny and ClydeTitle - Fox Plays BallTitle - The Adventure and Other StoriesTitle - The Cozy Home

Join Us for Storytime!

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  • Event: Reading Ready Time – Feelings Storytime
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, November 05, 12:00am
  • Location: Online
  • Description: Children 3-6 are invited to a virtual Library visit! Join us from home to sing along, listen to a story, see new places, and meet amazing people. This week we share books that explore feelings and practice some ways to recenter. 
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Family Storytime at Nora
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, November 05, 10:30am
  • Location: Nora Branch
  • Description: Families with children ages 0-6 are invited to join us for stories, songs, and so much more fun every Wednesday morning.
  • No Registration Required.

Catch book recommendations and IndyPL program highlights from your own local librarians once a month on the Indy Now Morning Show with Ryan and Jillian on Fox59. The show airs at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays. Enjoy the most recent segment or browse the listing of past shows that highlight a variety of reading suggestions.

Current Segment

February 12
Meet the Artists
(Jacquelyn Green)


2025

January 15
East 38th Street Branch Zine Collection
(Joanna Conrad  and Bambi Pea)

Indy Now Book Club Archive

2024

December 18
2024 Staff Picks
(Taylor VanTryon and Emily Cain)

December 4
Holiday Workshops & Activities
(Jill Edwards)

November 20
Fostering Literacy with the World Languages Collection
(Olanike Olaniyi and Keshia McEntire)

November 6
Fall Fest
(Bryanna Barnes)

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)

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: Adult Book Discussion at Warren
  • Date & Time: Thursday, November 06, 10:30am
  • Location: Warren Branch
  • Description: The book to be discussed is “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program. Book lists with titles selected by group members are available at the Library. New members are always welcome.
  • Register Here
  • Event: Adult Book Discussion at West Indianapolis
  • Date & Time: Monday, November 10, 5:00pm
  • Location: West Indianapolis Branch
  • Description: We will be discussing “Supercommunicators” by Charles Duhigg. Copies of this month’s book can be picked up from the West Indianapolis Branch. Adults are invited to this free monthly book discussion program. We meet on the second Monday of the month.
  • No Registration Required.

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: Community…
Virtual Author Talk: The Searc…
Virtual Author Talk: Unlock th…
  • Event: Virtual Author Talk: Unlock the Secret Language of Connection
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, November 18, 2:00pm
  • Location: Online
  • Description: Prepare for the holiday season and join us for an online conversation you won’t want to miss! Charles Duhigg presents the ultimate guide on how to communicate and connect with anyone at work, home, and in life in his latest work, “Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection”.
  • Register Here
Virtual Author Talk: Scheming …
Virtual Author Talk: The Legac…
  • Event: Virtual Author Talk: The Legacy of Julia Child’s Kitchen
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, December 09, 2:00pm
  • Location: Online
  • Description: Join us for a conversation that’s sure to warm your heart and make your stomach rumble as we delve into the legacy of cooking icon Julia Child with Smithsonian curator and public historian Paula J. Johnson, author of Julia Child’s Kitchen: The Design, Tools, Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space.
  • 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

Catch book recommendations and IndyPL program highlights from your own local librarians once a month on the Indy Now Morning Show with Ryan and Jillian on Fox59. The show airs at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays. Browse our past appearances.

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.