This library is an excellent place to host an event and a true community resource. I have attended…read moreseveral events here, from CreativeMornings to a minority career fair, and every experience has been well organized and welcoming. The space is gorgeous, flexible, and works beautifully for both professional and creative gatherings. We also host our neighborhood meetings here, which has been a great experience. The library consistently offers free classes, helpful staff, and access to a wide range of resources that make it more than just a place to study or work. It genuinely serves the community. When I am there working or attending events, I always try to sit by the windows overlooking the courtyard. The view of the skyline is a bonus and makes long days feel lighter. Highly recommend this library for events, meetings, or simply spending a productive day.

The central library is an amazing resource for families and individuals. They offer great classes…read moreand programming. I participated in a linocut workshop and enjoyed learning a new skills - for free! I have also attended some great speaker series and conferences here. The kids zone is a great place to spend an hour or two with a toddler. The parking garage only costs a few dollars and there is a ton to keep my daughter busy. She loves the magnet wall, toys, and visual displays. I also check out digital books through the Libby app. The team there is always helpful. Thanks for all you do!

Working remotely at the Southport branch was a great experience. Free wi-fi at Indianapolis Public…read moreLibrary branches is always a plus. It was easy to find and connect to the network. I always enjoy browsing and checking out books when I stop by. The seed library was the highlight. There were many varieties and other gardening resources that make home gardening accessible. I also enjoyed the layout. There were cubicle type spaces for semi-private working and easy device charging. There were also group private spaces and collaborative spaces. Working next to the collaborative spaces was a little distracting because I could hear others' conversations, but other than that it was a great experience.

We are slowly but surely working our way through all of the libraries within the IPL system. This…read morepast weekend, we popped into the Southport location because we have never visited and found ourselves on the southside. It was a great time to check it out with all of the summer reading program activations under way. We quickly made our way to the kids section to pick up a few audiobooks and baby books, and then grabbed a few recipe books as well. The staff was very friendly when we went to check in our summer reading chart and retrieve a prize. Overall a positive and smooth experience. I would say this isn't one of the more refreshed or stunning locations. I wish it had more natural light and kids activity stations similar to some of the other spots. They all are getting so sexy-it's hard to keep up!

An excellent little branch library on the south east side of Indianapolis. It's a very comfortable…read moreplace pretty building very open. They have periodicals, audiobooks, movies, tons of books, music, and even a seed loan. As in most libraries, it's very quiet with books on the racks and a number of computers around to look at the catalog. There are also a number of individual computer stations with online access for those who do not have their own available or want to use it for research. They have a big welcome desk in the middle that can help with customer service issues, as well as the checkout area with a few librarians there helping through the completely electronic process. I didn't even need to talk to anyone to check my books out. I scanned my card, scanned my books and printed out my own receipt. They have a couple of training rooms or public rooms that are able to be utilized by the public and run a summer book reading program for children, which was always very popular with my kids. I usually can find what I'm looking for. Sometimes things are checked out, but you can go online and check other local libraries in the system and reserve the books, have them sent to this library for pick up later, or just go pick them up myself at the other branch. Lots of kids in here today and activities going on all the time but they kept the kids quiet and did it in a way where the kids could have fun and learn all at the same time.

This library branch has a small but mighty feel. It's not the biggest branch of a library I've ever…read moreseen, but it's also not the smallest AND it has plenty of books, movies and music available on site. The children's section is the majority, it seems, which makes sense as most events here seem to be for kiddos, too. The teen section is limited to one of the shelves, which I find really sad. YA books are important, and having resources and "fun" reading material for teenagers matters. Plus, I myself enjoy a good YA read, so teens aren't the only ones missing out. The "adults" have plenty of shelves and they seem to divide out the content pretty well between categories. There are two small private rooms available for studying or working that would likely fit 5-8 people from what I've seen. Maybe a little more, even. The main library is pretty quiet every time I've gone, though, so it may not even be necessary for you if you need to settle in to study, read or work awhile. The hold pickup system and checking out is great! I can waltz right in, head over to the pick up shelves and find my items. Then the self checkout is so convenient. I've been in and out in five minutes before, which is so nice! Overall, it's a decent library branch! Things could be a little better, but I'll take it as is for now. :)

The Indiana State Library is an amazing structure filled with art, history and information. The…read moreLibrary was built to house the collections of the State Library and the Historical Bureau. The original building was completed in 1934 and an addition was opened in 1976. Both sections have different styles with the older section more ornate and the newer section more functional. The building is currently undergoing renovation of the massive limestone exterior. But you can still visit the inside through the entrance on the Northside of the building. A librarian welcomed us as we walked in. We told her we wanted to visit and she described the layout of the library. There is a brochure to help guide your walk through the building. In addition to books, the library carries microfilm with decades of newspapers from across the State. There is a large room filled with computers and microfilm equipment available for public use. The older part of the library was constructed mainly of materials and labor from Indiana. The building is filed with incredible art (murals, carvings and more), marble foyers and magnificent chandeliers. There is a room filled with publications by Indiana authors. A large center for children has fun interactive displays with information about the Statehouse, genealogy and local children's authors. Librarians throughout the library are engaging and eager to assist with research. There is a small gift shop near the entrance called the Nook. Metered street parking is available adjacent to the building or within walking distance.

Despite working about a block away from the Indiana State Library for the last few years, I'd never…read moremade my way over until an event today required my attendance and I finally got the chance to check out this wonderful resource in downtown Indy. The Indiana State Library was first established in 1825. In 1841, a law established the library as a separate institution. In 1867, an act established that the law section of the library would be placed under the control of the Indiana Supreme Court - this arrangement remains true to this day. In 1895, the State Library was placed under the Board of Education. The Public Library Commission was established in 1899 and by 1925 what was officially known as the Indiana State Library was birthed out of a combining of the State Library and the Public Library Commission. In 1929, the General Assembly authorized a special levy with the expectation of raising one million dollars for a site and building that would be located at Senate and Ohio Streets - it remains at this location, though expanded, to this day. The State Library was originally conceived as primarily for use by state legislators and officials. It has obviously expanded greatly over the years. Any Indiana resident is eligible for a borrower's card (free). The library offers Ask-A-Librarian, exhibits, events/public workshops, a genealogy collection, county collections, federal documents, preservation/conservation services, rare books/manuscripts, reference and government support, the state data center, state documents, talking books, braille, Indiana Historical Bureau, Indiana Center for the Book, Indiana Authors Center, and the most recent creation is the Indiana Young Readers Center. You can take a virtual tour of the Indiana State Library. In fact, the online resources available are quite remarkable. Because it's downtown and more government connected it seems like it's much less utilized than the Indianapolis Public Library system, though in talking to the children's librarian I learned that they do tours (though this has been impacted by the pandemic) and the amount of kids who visit can vary greatly. The building itself is beautiful, though also surprisingly accessible in both street-level entrances and other entrances. State employees (badge required) can access the library via tunnels (I did this today - very confusing but convenient). I even contacted them via Ask-a-Librarian before my visit and messaged with "Jamie," who was able to explain how I could get to the library without going outside and how to get to the room where I would be (the Indiana History Reference Room). There are four floors, though for the most part only staff persons are allowed on the third and fourth floors. They also have a little store called the "Nook" near the main entrance that offers a variety of Indiana-themed items including books by Indiana authors. At one point, I know they carried my book (I had someone tell me they bought it there). I really fell in love with this place, though it's certainly more beneficial for the serious library user than the casual book-reader. It's a dream come true for genealogy research and for any research actually related to Indiana. However, if you've never been I definitely suggest a visit. It's within walking distance of the canal, Indiana History Center, and only 1-2 blocks from White River State Park. Make it a day. You'll enjoy it.

Wow! I was on the hunt for a new-to-us library on Yelp and stumbled upon this stunning newer…read morelibrary in the West Perry (south Indy) area. The sleek Scandinavian design of the exterior had me at "hello". Spoiler alert: the inside is just as beautiful. The space features large wrap around windows, a fireplaces, sleek lines and a dedicated children's and teens section that are clearly spaced off from the adult section of the library. I also appreciated their clean bathrooms and outdoor covered patio overlooking a treeline. The children's section was laid out really well with books displayed in a way that's easier for short kiddos to read the titles and explore what's available. We ended up leaving with a variety of recipe, travel and kid books. I can't believe there weren't more people here. It was a 20 min. drive from downtown but worth every bit of the drive. Can't wait to return!

One of my favorite things about living in Marion County is having access to ALL of Indianapolis'…read morelibraries, and there are many! This location is our current favorite, almost solely for their kids section. You'll find a stack of grocery baskets when you first enter, and we love that. We like to get enough kids books to have at least 2 bedtime stories a night, plus extra for our calming nook. Each kid can grab a basket and so do I. I believe they have plastic bags available to take your collection of books home, but I use reusable totes for the 20-30 books that we end up with. They do a great job of putting a nice selection right up front of books that compliment the season and current events, and that includes children's books. That's the first place I look before we head to the children's section. Not only is the children's section large, it is sectioned off quite nicely, so I don't feel the anxiety of trying to keep their voices low. I feel completely secure in allowing the 3 of us to wander around, independently, collecting books. My girls enjoy the games available to them on the computers and also the interactive area that holds Legos and fun seating. Books are also separated by topics and themes for the younger/learning to read crowd and placed into bins with photos as labels. I absolutely love this and it's helped my 5 and 6 year olds pick out some really great, age appropriate books. There is also a really pretty outdoor patio that you enter thru the children's section, where you could sit and read or study. I would love to check it out when the weather is nicer. This location also has a step stool up at check out, so younger kids can check out their own books. The girls have their own cards and check out the books they've chosen themselves, and they really enjoy the process of checking out and loading up their books on their own. This location is definitely a gem for local youth and their parents.

You can find nicer library branches in Indianapolis than the Irvington branch…read more You can find newer library branches in Indianapolis than the Irvington branch. You can certainly find bigger library branches in Indianapolis than the Irvington branch. Yet, there's something about the Irvington Branch of Indianapolis Public Library that is simply dazzling. It's warm, inviting, comfortable, and just fits really well with the unique community that is Irvington. This branch has served the Irvington area since 1903 when the Bona Thompson Library was donated to what was then Butler College (and was originally located in Irvington). It soon became a public library branch. The branch relocated in 1914 and 1921. In 1956, a new facility was opened on East Washington Street and named for Hilton U. Brown (Hoosiers should recognize the name). He was also an Irvington resident. The Brown Branch closed in 2001 and made way for the late 2001 opening of this 16,000-square foot branch. The Irvington Branch is directly on East Washington Street, though parking is actually behind it. Accessible parking is easily available. While nearly all branches offer push-button automatic doors, Irvington has actual automatic doors. I was super impressed (and grateful - I was tired.). While I wouldn't call the Irvington Branch small, it's definitely smaller than most newer branches and definitely feels smaller. That said, it offers the usual amenities: The meeting room here is actually still named for Hilton U. Brown. The branch also offers internet access, public computers with Microsoft Office, early learning computer stations, free wifi, meeting space, study area rooms, accessible work stations, self-checkout, color printer, color copy machine, document scanner, mobile printing, outgoing fax, exam proctoring, walk-up book return, and bike racks. The bathrooms do offer accessibility. I did not see a family bathroom - which most new branches are offering. The layout was very wheelchair friendly. I was easily able to get everywhere I wanted to get. The librarians were super friendly - I actually found a copy of my own book here and asked a librarian if she would take my photo with it. She did. In fact, she took three just to make sure. So kind. The lighting here was rather dim and the atmosphere subdued. They offer a variety of community events. I will note that they are closed on Sundays. I also noted they had a memorial bench in their yard and a neat little plaza garden area that I really appreciated. I'd been in this branch before, though it had been a while since I'm closer to Glendale and Fort Ben. However, I'll easily return to this location when I'm in the area.

Visited this location for the first time yesterday to get a library card. The folks working there…read morewere very friendly and helpful. It's a great old nostalgic smelling library with lots of seating available and plenty of space to look around.

We spent our morning bopping around Garfield Park neighborhood and I was excited to knock out…read moreanother library with my toddler. This location is congenitally nestled into the actual park neighboring the conservatory, a bus stop and several restaurants and bakeries. In the summer months, it neighbors the fabulous Garfield Park farmers market. Parking can easily be found on site and it's less tab. A fifteen minute drive from downtown. As for the library itself, it's a bit on the older side with not nearly as much natural light as you'll find out the other newer libraries. I also found that the staff wasn't as engaging as I've seen elsewhere. Nonetheless, we enjoyed finding some new books and kid books to take for the road. I also thought the kids book section was organized in a somewhat odd way making it hard to see very many covers, they had a few displays, but otherwise you had to pull them in and out, which can be a little chaotic with little hands. Overall, a lovely neighborhood library, and part of our rotation.

This branch of the library is small but mighty. Located on Shelby right off of the park- the branch…read morehas a computer lab, amble kids & adult section and tables for studying. When I worked closer to this branch- I would stop by to pick up holds. I did a program a few weekends ago out of this branch and the library staff member was friendly and helpful.

Best volunteer experience I've had! Not only are they organized, they are efficient, and focused on…read moretheir mission to help as many people as possible. I had heard of Fletcher Place food pantry, but I didn't realize how much this location offers. Check it out: 1. Thrift store. People can come and shop around the store to score clothes, shoes, and household items for free. All clothes have been donated from the community and are sorted in the basement by volunteers. Clothing in the store is nice and any stained clothing is given to Salvation Army. Anything the Salvation Army can't use is given to a company in Canada that turns them into rags. Nothing is wasted and the thrift store staff says that their goal is for people to leave feeling better about themselves. That's why the store is so clean, organized, and friendly. 2. Preschool. There are two preschool classrooms for kids. Not only do they receive education, but teachers will pick out clothing from the thrift store for the children if they are not adequately dressed. Children then get to keep the clothes. There is also a large library that allows students to choose books from (to keep) each week. 3. Kitchen. The top floor has a large multi-purpose room that is often used for meals. Churches come in every day and donate food and cooking ability. No one is ever turned down from receiving food. An average of 120 people are fed every meal. The facility is super nice and always clean- but only with the help of volunteers. The building is also very secure and they always have plenty for volunteers to do. They also have an e-mail newsletter they send out about volunteer opportunities. *There is a big Christmas event in which you take families "shopping" throughout the building to get all necessities and Christmas presents. Very cool. They're looking for help* Check this place out if you've never been. They're doing great things!

This is where you bring donations. Don't take them to the chain donation drop off center where…read moreyour stuff is sold. Bring your clothes, blankets, shoes here, where they will be given away to people that really really need them. They also operate a free food pantry so you can bring food items for needy families. After donating a cart load of stuff, they gave me a receipt for tax purposes. On the way out I also noticed a community garden and produce stand that probably operates in the summer. My wife is a Girl Scout troop leader and they often come here to volunteer, sorting food items and helping to sort and display other donations.

I am a senior now at IUPUI and use the library on a regular basis. It has recently been renovated…read moreto have even more rooms and places to study. The new rooms have a large screen and table to work with. You have to get there early or be sure to book a room because it can be very busy. It does also become very loud during the shut times but they have a quiet floor for those who need to do work. Of course you still have those people who talk loud on the 3rd floor. The library also offers many databases to use, including a Bloomberg terminal available to people. The librarians are very helpful and available by appointment to help with understanding reader how and where to search for the right information.

The IUPUI library is conveniently located in the middle of campus. The library has four floors…read moreincluding the basement floor. The library has great areas for studying and group work. If you need assistance the staff are located on the first floor. They do have somewhat restrictive hours in my opinion for a campus library. I wish they would extend the hours for students l, faculty and staff. Also it looks like they are about to start construction which will be great renovations.

I absolutely love our library system. They have so much in terms of music, film, books, sheet…read moremusic, and references. My personal fav is searching for what you want online, reserving it at your local branch and picking it up when it's ready! It's that easy people! And the people who work at the Fountain Square branch are amazing and dedicated people who truly love what they're doing! So get yourself a library card and get busy!! Should I mention you can get one if you have an Indiana driver license??! That's all it takes folks.

This is a cute little library on one of the hottest corners in Indianapolis. Much bigger on the…read moreinside than it looks. Super friendly staff, great kids selection, not bad DVD & CD collection. A dozen computers, plus some restrooms for public use make this a valuable part of the Fountain Square community. Enter thru the door facing Virginia Avenue.