Indianapolis Public Library

The Indianapolis Public Library (IndyPL), formerly known as the Indianapolis–Marion County Public Library, is the public library system serving the citizens of Marion County, Indiana, United States and its largest city, Indianapolis. It was founded in 1873 and has grown into a large network of libraries. Today, it includes its flagship Central Library and 24 branch libraries located throughout the county.

In 2021, the library system shared over 7.1 million books, DVDs, and other items with its visitors. It also offered more than 2,500 special events and activities for its 282,000 members, making it an important place for learning and fun in the community.

History

The Indianapolis Public Library began with a suggestion in 1868 by a pastor who wanted a free library in Indianapolis. Soon after, local people formed a group to create one. In 1873, the first public library opened in a school building with 13,000 books and 500 members. Over the years, the library grew, moving to new buildings and adding branches.

More branches opened, and by the early 1900s, famous donor Andrew Carnegie helped fund several new ones. In later years, the library added services like movies and music records. By the 1990s, it had many branches and even bookmobiles. In recent years, the library has worked to improve its buildings and make sure everyone can visit, even if they owe fines.

Services

The Indianapolis Public Library has a website where you can search for books, magazines, and other items. Members can ask for books from any branch to be waiting for them.

The library lets members read many magazines, newspapers, and books online for free, including the Indianapolis Star and the New York Times. Electronic books and audiobooks are very popular. The library also has a big online collection of photos and recordings about Indianapolis history. There is also a free online encyclopedia all about Indianapolis.

Schools and museums can use the library’s services too. Students and members can borrow items from their own library and the public library using their library cards. This includes places like the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields.

Central Library

Main article: Central Library (Indianapolis)

The Central Library is located in downtown Indianapolis. It was designed by architect Paul Philippe Cret and opened in 1917. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Over the years, it has had many updates and expansions, with the biggest one finishing in 2007.

The sixth floor has a special area for rare and important items, including books, photos, and letters from famous local people like Kurt Vonnegut and James Whitcomb Riley. In 2017, a special space for books about Black history and culture was opened, with plans to grow its collection. In 2019, the library added a collection honoring the history and culture of the LGBTQ+ community.

Branches

The Indianapolis Public Library system has 24 smaller libraries called branches. It also offers services with a special moving library called a bookmobile.

Name	Est.	Built	Image
Beech Grove	1951	1953
College Avenue	1924	2000
Decatur	1967	1990
Eagle	1960	2019
East 38th Street	1957	2003
East Washington	1911	1911
Fort Ben	2023	2023
Franklin Road	1969	2000
Garfield Park	1918	1965
Glendale	1949	2024
Haughville	1896	2003
InfoZone	2000	2000
Irvington	1903	2001
Lawrence	1967	1983
Martindale–Brightwood	1901	2020
Michigan Road	2018	2018
Nora	1971	1971
Pike	1967	1986
Southport	1967	1974
Spades Park	1912	1912
Warren	1974	1974
Wayne	1969	1983
West Indianapolis	1897	1986
West Perry	2021	2021