The Indianapolis Public Library is made up of 24 locations throughout Indianapolis. Each location offers a variety of programming for all age groups year-round, and there’s still time to join in some fun this summer and register for fall events.
In fact, The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation recently approved a new strategic plan for 2021-2023 with programs and initiatives to assist all ages in growing and learning through the library.
IPL’s Reading Literacy Initiative
The Library makes a special effort to reach out to children at risk of losing valuable access to books, reading time and literacy skills needed for success in school. The On the Road to Reading program brings library staff to more than 160 childcare centers in Indianapolis and surrounding areas to deliver bags of age-appropriate books and kindergarten readiness kits for care providers and parents.
Just like the summer reading program, the 1,000 Books by Kindergarten program encourages young readers (and parents) to keep visiting the library and continue to work on reading skills. Rewards are given at 250 books, 500 books and 1,000 books read at home.
Pocket Park Story Walk
At the Ruckle Street Pocket Park, located at 2927 Park Avenue in Indianapolis, families can get outside for exercise, enjoy the weather and read a book while they’re at it. Laminated pages of a children’s book are placed along at various points on the path, giving kids something to look forward to just up ahead.
Music at its Finest
Nearly a dozen times per year, Central Library welcomes groups from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra to perform in the Clowes Memorial Hall. If you can’t imagine the little ones sitting for some classical music, try the Hot Jazz for Cool Kids program, performed by professional jazz musicians, who encourage some dancing throughout the event.
Arts and Crafts
The East 38 Street Branch offers workshops for young artists to work with professional artist Tony Radford. The group creates a variety of pieces over the course of 12 weeks and then hold an art sale and exhibition. For the younger crowd, join in a Drawing 2 Conclusions Art Class for kids six and up. The class uses art, scribbling, imagination and context to draw conclusion to real world problems.
Explore Animals
Other library programs include Animal Meet and Greets with Silly Safaris. All ages are welcome to learn more about a variety of animals, ask questions and take a photo with their favorite furry (or not so furry) friend.
Another class offered is “Bee the Change,” presented by Purdue Extension educators. Many have a fear of bees or struggle to see their usefulness. However, this class will explore the bees’ use, why we welcome pollination and how we can all get along in the backyard.
For a full list of all events and upcoming activities at all branches, visit https://attend.indypl.org.
