It's very loud and not good for studying here. This place is…read morenot run as a library. It's a kids play gym. They let kids run around and scream and crawl and play in the aisles; I even heard one who looked to be about eight years old yelling expletives multiple times. There don't seem to be many parents around. When I was a kid, we would get in trouble if we were loud in the library. These kids have no consideration for the people around them and their parents don't seem to care to teach it to them. I've spent hours here, but I think this is my last time coming to this location. The Greenwood libraries or other Indianapolis libraries are much nicer and quieter.

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.

This is a small library, but it did its job. I was in the area and needed (yes, needed) to pick up…read morea DVD copy of Poltergeist, and the Decatur Branch Public Library had it. In fact, it had two Poltergeist movies! But the other one was a remake and wasn't any good -- we needed the original. I do believe this library branch is the southernmost branch of the Indianapolis Public Library system. It's on the border of Marion County and Morgan County. The library has a small children's area, and a small area with computers. The computers are in the adult section, which is where the DVDs are. The librarians are very friendly. They also have kiosks to check out items yourself in case you don't want to interact with anyone.

I was in the area for work and needed a place to stay between appointments and saw this library…read more The location was well organized but not as updated as some of the other libraries. It was pretty quiet when I went in and they had a lot of information inside about community events and library events.

This branch has a long history and was actually the second branch within the Indy Public Library…read moresystem. The branch started in 1967 as the Westlane branch in the Westlane Shopping Center area at 71st and Michigan Road. In 1974, the system purchased three acres of land from Pike Township in this location adjacent to Pike High School. The original 13,000sf Pike Branch was officially opened in 1986 and expanded to 20,000sf in 1999. Meetings are actually currently being held for another renovation in the near future (which it definitely needs). I had the opportunity to visit the Pike Branch last evening for a meeting. You can definitely tell it's an older branch as it looks just a little more worn and lacks some of the amenities of newer branches. Aisles are a little more narrow and even some of the ADA adaptations are a little antiquated - for example, while they do have accessible parking the actual ramps are located in unusual locations. I got out of my car and had to go around a sidewalk to access the ramp. I'm definitely a fan of Indy's public library system. Having attended Pike (though I graduated prior to this branch opening), I'm a fan of this branch. Geocachers should note there's a geocache located in the parking lot. This branch offers public computers with Microsoft Office, early learning stations, and free wifi. There are meeting rooms available for reservation and I saw at least four study rooms that could be reserved (it looked like the limit was four people in the study rooms). I did use one of the simply decorated study rooms for my meeting with one other person. Pike has a bike rack outside and automatic doors for entry. The branch has an accessible stall in the bathroom and I believe I saw two family bathrooms (though you have to get the key from a librarian. I'd imagine since it's next to a high school they're a bit more careful about that sort of thing, ya know?). They offer self-service check-out, scanning, copying, a color printer, and mobile printing services. They also offer exam proctoring, a walk-up book return, and a seed library from March-October. At this point, Pike Branch pales somewhat in comparison to some of the other branches with no really strong fun areas for kids. They do have an aquarium and at least one mural. I checked out the events and it appears that story events for smaller children dominate the schedule. Librarians were friendly, though perhaps a tad less outgoing than some other branches I've experienced. One was very helpful in terms of getting us into a study room where we could have a conversation. There's a strong multicultural flavor here. This makes sense since Pike is a very diverse township and the library reflects that diversity. Overall, I wouldn't call this one of Indy PL's better branches but it has a lot of history within the system and it'll be fun to see what happens with the new renovations. I look forward to returning in the future.

Why do we continuously choose to forget what a great resource the library is? I started coming to…read morethe PBL for prints and copies and fell in love all over again with libraries. Sure they "house books", but there are so many amenities to enjoy that you don't need to be a bookworm to visit. Although this library is a little older (in comparison to new ones in the area) it is still marvelously upkept. It is quiet and tranquil, lots of available computers, and quiet working spaces. Their hours are great, there's ample parking, job board and tools, and lots of community events. I've seen Cookies with a Cop, Crochet/Knitting classes, and so many more fantastic and *free* collaborations with talented people who devote their time to giving back to the community. The kiddo's section is my favorite as I was so amused to see all they provide for children now; there's two computer stations for kids to do countless interactive activities on, stuffed toys, learning board games, a great big sitting area, and a glorious fish tank. I hope to continue to see this library being a strong pillar for its community and I hope more people venture back into libraries to rediscover how resourceful they are. I'll be getting my own library card, after many years, to officiate the relationship and I have plans to "discover" more libraries in the area but the Pike branch will always be a favorite.

This is a gorgeous little library! The children's section is right near the front door and there is…read morea great selection of kids books, magazines, dvds and cd's. There is an abundance of natural light and it is very clean.

This is a small location of the library but one of their firsts! The building is well maintained…read moreand beautiful inside. They are redoing the front steps so you enter through the side and go up an elevator. I came to do some quick work between appointments while in the area. I found a desk quickly. They have quite a few computers available for patrons. The staff were greeting people as they walked in and the library was quiet.

I have had multiple times to be at this library to kill a little time while visiting my folks in…read moreIndiana. I find this library quite nice. Esthetically, the floor is spacious and open and has comfortable lounge chairs to sit in that are set up in a round of four, in addition to table seating. There are wall/floor plugs for charging at the table areas with the comfortable lounge chairs as well. There are bathrooms that are right there off the library floor, so there is easy convenient access when you have to go. This library is not modern or cutting edge and I am not even certain of the quality of their book inventory, but the staff is nice and the place is welcoming. With art displayed on the second floor for viewing and ample parking, if studying, reading or exploring all the benefits a library has to offer a community, the Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library is nice and a solid location for my dad and I to kill some time....from time to time.

I had the opportunity to visit the Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library today as part of a…read moretraining for work. Every time I make my way to Plainfield, a Westside town just inside Hendricks County, I become kind of awed at just how much it has grown since my childhood when I spent countless weekends there with family. This library has existed in one way or another since 1901. It began with a reading room and 414 books and coal oil lamps lighting the reading room at night. By 1904, the collection had grown to 1,278 books and the library opened in a new $1,500 structure. Plainfield's first public library facility opened June 4, 1901, in rented rooms at 120 East Main Street in Plainfield. A group of private citizens, incorporated as the Plainfield Library Association, gathered 414 gift books for public use and started the Plainfield Public Library. Coal oil lamps lit the Reading Room at night. By January 27, 1904, the book collection numbered 1,278 and the library reopened in a new frame building at 130 North Vine Street. The $1,500 structure was financed by personal subscriptions from Association members, gifts of local business people and the profits from minstrel shows. A year later, Plainfield incorporated as a town and the library became part of the town. In 1913, Andrew Carnegie funding allowed the building of a new and much larger library. In 1916, the library started the very first bookmobile in Indiana. After 55 years in the Carnegie Library, the library moved to its current location (in 1968) at the corner of Simmons Street and Stafford Road. In 1987, an expansion was completed. The library is currently undergoing some major HVAC upgrades. The library is on two levels. The upstairs holds meeting rooms, room for fine arts, and offices. I was largely on the second level and, yes, there's an elevator for those who need it and a cool spiral staircase for those who don't. The library houses genealogy databases, an Indiana room, a Plainfield photograph database, a COVID oral history, meeting rooms, study rooms, a cool children's area on the first floor, a book bike, little free libraries, a variety of collections, and the usual technology we expect. The library also has its own podcast. The library has the following apps - Libby, Overdrive, Kanopy, Beanstack, Hoopla, Freading, and others. They also offer home delivery (in Plainfield). I really loved this space. My meeting space was fairly large (though could have used a little more table space) and I loved that a microphone was available. We also had room to offer ASL in our training. There are soft drink and candy vending machines on the first floor, though I did note that the candy machine was almost empty and not working. As a public library, accessibility is predictably strong here with appropriate parking spaces, curb cuts, and other resources. I will note that I don't see accessibility mentioned on the website (which would be helpful). Everyone I talked to was super friendly and I loved the art gallery space. This is a really lovely library and I kind of hope I have to return for another meeting in the future.

Love this branch of the library, always clean and organized, and they have a solid selection of…read morebooks, as well as a very cute kids section! The Indy library offers a lot, besides books and movies! I also lucked out and got a tote bag and a cookie with my lib card! Support your local library!

This branch of IPL stays busy with parents bringing in their kids to study and read. Though…read moresomewhat dated facility, the library offers about a dozen internet connected computers which remain in use by young folks doing homework, etc. I stop by about once a month. This branch has a decent selection of cds, dvds, but a limited selection of books. Book shelves are only half filled but they can order books from other libraries. They have a children's section decorated for kids with little places to read. The staff is helpful. There is a nice community room that stays busy with local club meetings. Located off Hague Road, there is plenty of parking. The city should put some money into this location and support the next generation of readers.

This library is really nice. Very clean and the children's area is nice. We will be back!read more

The atmosphere is very bright, open and airy. Very colorful and many windows to allow you to enjoy…read morethe lovely landscaping and nature that surrounds the place. True to the Ft. Ben area! There are several study rooms that are enclosed in glass for small meetings or necessary quiet as there are often small children enjoying their play and discovery areas. Helpful and friendly staff too!

When Danville Public Library, also known as Danville-Center Township Public Library, was first…read morecreated in 1902, Danville was home to Central Normal College. Local businessmen felt that the community should also finally have its own public library. Danville received a grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie (the first of four Carnegie libraries in Hendricks County), and the library was birthed in 1903 with 1,000 books. Over the years, the library has grown with additions in 1979, 1999, and in 2016. Now, the library offers books, audiobooks, e-books, DVDs, magazines, newspapers, streaming digital services, and computer access/free wi-fi. While the library wasn't accessible in its early days, with each subsequent addition that has improved. While you still get the historic facade (and lots of steps), it's pretty easy to get into this two-story building now. As Katherine A. noted in her review, adult books (get your mind out of the gutter) are on the second floor, kids are on the first floor, and there are study areas and a classroom. There's a small parking lot and the area around the library is pretty good with access. I'm also a big fan of the Indiana Room, a source for genealogy (especially Hendricks county related) with cemetery records, court records, land records, church records, newspapers, and more. As an out-of-towner, sometimes you feel awkward when you go into a different town/city's library. I do it often when I'm on one of my Tenderness Tour events because they tend to be a safe place to rest, use internet, and use a restroom. Yet, I found folks here to be friendly and welcoming. I definitely would return when I'm in the area. Yes, this is a smaller library. If you're expecting to compare it to Indy's libraries, you'll likely be disappointed (except some of Indy's smaller branches like Spades). However, it's a lovely library with friendly people and even the patrons I met here were quite hospitable.

Danville Public Library began its roots as an Andrew Carnegie funded building which first opened in…read more1903. The original limestone neoclassical building stands as an entrance to the modern facility today. The facility has undergone three expansions and renovations over the years to modernize and accommodate the growing collection of books, audio and video collections and more. The most recent renovation was completed on 2017. Most of the historical features of the Carnegie interior were removed or relocated during the modernization . One of the original marble fireplaces was moved to the Genealogy Room on the second floor with some of the early paintings. A second fireplace mantle was relocated to the Children's play/work room. A new main entrance was added to increase accessibility to the facility. Adult books are stored on the 2nd floor, while children's books and a play area are located on the lower floor. A classroom and study area are also located on the first floor. Library administration has offices on the second floor as well. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful and willing to describe the history of the facility. The library sponsors summer reading and other programs throughout the year. There is a small dedicated parking lot behind the building and street parking around the building.