Programs & Events

Programs By Theme

• Arts & Crafts Programs
  You are invited online or in-person to meet-up with fellow creatives to learn a new creative skill or improve one you have always enjoyed! Keep your creative muse flowing all year long!

• Computer Classes
  We offer a variety of computer, technology, and mobile skill classes from Microsoft Excel, to setting up email, to online privacy, and more!

• Financial Literacy
  Join us in-person or online to learn how to make informed financial decisions, effectively manage household finances, and strive toward financial independence!
  

• Health & Wellness
  Take charge of your health! Find online and in-person exercise, mindfulness or cooking classes, find reliable, trusted resources to manage good health, get access to medical research tools, and more!
  

• Music Performances
  Join us for a variety of performers from classical to jazz to opera to mariachi. We have music experiences for all ages and interests!
  

• Programs for Kids
  We have programs for kids from babies to teens. Join us for storytime, cooking classes, lego clubs, cooking classes, puppet shows, coding workshops, and more!

Book Discussions & Reading Challenges

• Book Discussions
  We offer a variety of in-person and online book discussions for adults, teens & kids.

• 1000 Books Before Kindergarten
  Substantial research indicates that the more children are read to during their early years, the more prepared they will be to read when entering kindergarten. 1,000 Books By Kindergarten is a program designed to help you reach that goal!

• 100 Books Before Graduation
  Your goal, should you choose to accept it, is to read 100 books before you graduate from high school. If you do, you will receive prizes as you participate. Prizes will be awarded after reading 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 books!

• Reading Challenges
  Challenge yourself to read every day to expand your knowledge, ease stress, and create mindful reading habits. What you read is up to you, but we have prompts to inspire reading beyond your usual picks. Whether you’re an avid reader or want to read more, join one (or more!) of these challenges to make reading an enriching part of your life.

Summer Reading Program

Join us each summer to explore great stories and earn prizes for reading! Track the time you spend reading, reading aloud, or having someone read to you, including audiobooks. Go to your library, show your progress, and choose your prize! Learn more about the Kids Summer Reading Program

Día del Niño Be My Neighbor Day

Families with young children join us every year at Central Library for a celebration of language and literacy! Activities included concerts, animal shows, storytimes in English and Spanish, and more! They even get to met Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat and take home free books! Learn more about Día del Niño Be My Neighbor Day.

CBLC Book Fest & Juneteenth Celebration

All ages are invited to this annual event for activities that celebrate the African American experience through arts and crafts, ethnic food, and clothes while bringing together different components of the literary world. Learn more about the CBLC Book Fest & Juenteenth Celebration.

Fall Fest

Enjoy an afternoon of inspiration and cultural entertainment at IndyPL's annual Fall Fest and Slammin' Rhymes Challenge. The event includes a featured guest speaker, local performances, and readings by winners of the Slammin' Rhymes Challenge. Check our site in September and October to get an entry form for the Slammin' Rhymes XVI contest! Learn more about Fall Fest and the Slammin' Rhymes Challenge.

Adult Summer Reading Program

Join us each summer to discover reading recommendations and enjoy our book discussions, art classes, fitness classes, performances, and more! Learn more about the Adult Summer Reading Program.

Meet an Author, Be an Author

Join fellow writers annually for an afternoon devoted expressly to Indiana's talented authors. Meet and network with up-and-coming Indiana authors. Add to your writing toolbox with workshops led by experts. Learn more about Meet an Author, Be an Author.

Meet the Artists

This event, including both a months long exhibit and gala reception, has taken place annually at Central Library for more than thirty years. Learn more about Meet the Artists.

Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture

The Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture Series was established after the Library Foundation received a gift from the estate of Marian McFadden, Director of Public Libraries in Indianapolis from 1945-1956. This annual author lecture series, which typically takes place in the Spring, was named in her honor and has taken place since 1978. Learn more about the Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture.