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Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
40 E St Clair StIndianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 275-4100
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 9 am - 9 pm
Fri 9 am - 6 pm
Sat 9 am - 5 pm
Sun 1 pm - 5 pm
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
28 reviews for Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library
28 reviews in English
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Review from Jarrod R.
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Strangely enough, I have been in this city just a little over 30 years now and have been using IMCPL for, yes, 30 years. My relationship with them started with a Bookmobile that drifted through my Castleton Estates neighborhood and then continued with the construction of the Lawrence branch (which was within walking distance of my home).
As for the Central branch, I have been a patron of theirs fairly regularly for the past dozen or so years. I was excited, like many others, to hear about the new addition when they first announced it and was dismayed when things got bogged down later on. However, when it was completed, I was proud to see it come into focus and explore this gem for our city.
And what makes a great city. Yes, it is nice to have the "Big Game" here this year - and have a shiny new stadium. But for a great number of people, just walking in that building will cost you a pretty penny. Want to impress an out-of-town guest? Take them to the top floor of this beautiful structure and face south. You are on top of the world looking upon a spectacular view of this fine city. And at your back are rows upon rows of information of all types - and then you realize there are many floors beneath your feet to explore.
With a cafe, meeting rooms, an autorium, computer labs, programs I would have to say that this should be held up as one of the finest examples of what Indianapolis has to offer. It was designed for all of the citizens of this area and it is a great value in the grand scheme of things. -
Review from Julia C.
1/26/2012
I really, really want to love this library. I mean look at it! It's beautiful and amazing! But I've had such terrible experiences every time I go.
First of all, the staff doesn't seem to know where anything is. I don't know how many times I heard "Uhmm, have you asked the front desk??" It's so frustrating to have to wander through the whole library wasting valuable study time just to find one book. It's your job to help people find things in the library!
Second of all, when did the library become a social single scene? Here are a list of pick up lines..or something of that sort that have been thrown at me:
"Heeey, guurl, whatcha reading...?"
"Well hello there, haven't seen you here before...come here often?"
"DAMN, you fine, where you from?"
"...Hi there, I'm Joe and I'm a Brown Mackie student. I've been watching you for a while now and I would love to get to know you better..."
Three of those happened in one visit and when the next person said "Excuse me..." I just threw up my hand and said "I'm taken!" I probably looked like a crazy lady.
So okay, I realize the sleazy, weirdo guys are not the library's fault, but it definitely has deterred me from ever wanting to come back here. -
Review from Ericka W.
1/8/2012 9 Check-ins Here
I love libraries! I love this one because there is a secret corner (I'm not sharing, find one for yourself) I can go to and always have an outlet for my laptop and the gentle hum of an air vent for a peaceful work space.
I also love this place because it might be one of the only places where anyone from anywhere can come in and learn as much as they want to without ever paying a dime! Free education baby! -
Review from Stella C.
Indianapolis, IN
1/14/2012
I love this library! It's one of the best I've had the privilege of visiting. The vast selection is something to be marveled. I wish we had libraries this regal and architecturally pleasing back home. Indy residents are lucky to have this gem!
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Review from Yvonne M.
Indianapolis, IN
12/21/2011
I love this place! It is modern, spacious, a cafe and awesome view from the study desks! Wish I knew about this place earlier!
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Review from Matt U.
Indianapolis, IN
8/29/2011 29 Check-ins Here
I am so excited to live 2 blocks from central library!!! This is one of the best I've been to and that's no lie.
The staff is super helpful and the options are almost endless. Lots of music and movies to chose from.
The view of downtowns skyline is not to be missed from the top floor. Every Indianapolis resident needs to come by and take advantage of this place! -
Review from Tracy H.
Indianapolis, IN
9/12/2011
This library, overall is a great library. It is clean, organized and large.
The downside is the children's department seems to be lacking in activities for the preschooler crowd. They have an excellent book and dvd collection for this age group. -
Review from Flying F.
Indianapolis, IN
11/24/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I love the convenience of the location. Parking is an issue when downtown but the garage is reasonably priced. I meet clients there all day and pay a minimal price. the cafe has high prices and the quality is not as good as a real Starbucks, but it's OK. The library has everything anyone needs.
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Review from Matt F.
7/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Finally a public facility in Indianapolis that doesn't seem light years behind what one would find in other cities of similar size. Indy likes to use the term "world class" a lot, but this time it's deserving. This really is a world class library.
I saw a complaint about the staff in another post but my experience has been the exact opposite. I have always found the employees to be friendly and knowledgeable and willing to help when needed.
Yes, you have to pay to park. Big deal. It's located in a downtown area and parking is always going to be an issue. Anyway, I've had good luck with the meters out front. If not, there is always the garage.
Take a few hours and check it out. You might learn something! ;) -
Review from Josh S.
San Francisco, CA
4/19/2011
This was my number one study destination while in med schools once it finally opened after a year long delay because of mismanagement.
Nice features:
1. Study rooms. They are first come, first serve.
2. Even when the study rooms aren't open, I've always found tables open where I can get and had a problem with noise maybe once. Each desk is set up with outlets perfect for working on your laptop.
3. Free wi-fi. Pretty fast too.
4. Even if you don't like the architecture (of which I'm not totally sold and think that the transition should have been more gradual as I love the older part of the library), but the views are great. Plenty of natural light. And the
shades automatically adjust so it isn't too bright or too dark.
If only parking was easier and the food was better. Decent snacks are available at some near by cafes. -
Review from Tiffany B.
Indianapolis, IN
1/29/2011
Being a life-long lover of books and libraries, I wish I could even LIKE this library, but I do not. Dealing with this place is an activity I look on with as much excitement as a trip to the gynecologist or the BMV and am only further frustrated by the "Emperor's New Clothes" saga I watch unfold before me in disbelief, as most everyone else on the planet thinks it's better than a free trip to Disneyland.
What has brought on my disdain? First of all, trying to do research here. There is a vast collection of materials both in microfilm and behind bars in the "Indianapolis Room," but getting to use these resources would try the patience of Mother Teresa. There is no reason you should have to go through 16 steps to get 1 (illegible) copy from the microfilm machines.
The materials barricaded in the "Indianapolis Room" are not indexed (I was laughed at when I inquired when that might be done-- "try back in another 10 years," the librarian scoffed). Researchers, such as myself, need to be able to peruse the shelves to see if there may be something that cross-references what we are researching. That isn't really an option here. You can press your nose against the glass, but that's about as close as you are getting to those materials.
On top of that, I find much of the staff unfriendly and/or not all that knowledgeable and am appalled at some of the old books that are sold off while I just saw a season of "Jon & Kate + 8" on the shelves in the dvd section.
The "new" design is impractical and costs taxpayers oodles more money to heat and cool since it's essentially a giant greenhouse. And this after so much of our taxes are already sucked up by this grossly over-budget monolith.
And to top it all off, they now don't even offer free 1/2 hour parking. The very genesis of the creation of libraries is being desecrated here. Way to go, Indianapolis--I didn't think it was possible for me to dislike a library, but I was wrong! -
Review from JR W.
Chicago, IL
7/23/2010
This library is to die for. It's every nerd's dream. I walked in through the main entrance which kept the old facade and you get that old clubhouse library feel. Then it opens into the renovated portion, which is airy and grand.
I'm pretty impressed - they had a ton of computers for ppl to use in the labs, lots of seating (where some ppl took naps), and great wide study tables next to the glass windows on each floor.
Content wise, I was pleased to see that they had international newspapers and well developed sections. I'm definitely taking my parents when they come to visit! -
Review from David I.
9/25/2009
This brand new library is the main one for the county. It is gigantic, well designed, and very user friendly. Parking is on the street and is metered (bring quarters) or you can park in a paid lot nearby.
What they did was basically gut the old library on the inside, kept the building and the historic feel and doubled the size adding all kinds of modern amenities.
The bums out front are harmless and will talk up a storm if you engage them, so don't think you are in danger from any of the panhandling.
Once you check out a book, there is a park across the street that you can go to and read. Lay out a blanket, bring lunch, it's great. Please note, this does not work as well in December. -
Review from Jennifer L.
San Antonio, TX
8/20/2008 4 photos
The downtown library was revamped a little over a year ago. Now it is the coolest library on the planet. Really. From the time you walk into its wide open main floor, encased in sky-reaching blue glass, you know some serious planning went into its reconstruction. Of course, there are stories of famed architects who pulled out early on over logistics ...
Eh, the legend adds to its lure.
On the main level, you'll find a café manned by a chef formerly of the Wolfgang Puck system. Truthfully, I wasn't that impressed with his soups or sandwiches before, but they seem to be getting better. And you can't go wrong with the café's giant, cheap cookies or rice crispy treats. Healthier options like cheese and fruits and creative salads are also available.
Onto the sprawling kids section. Futuristic Ball Chairs, LCD lights, and even a green screen for kids characterize this area. It's only appropriate for the venue's 21st century setup: Higher floors offer plenty of just-quiet enough desks, all equipped with plugs at every station and free Wi-Fi.
Don't forget to visit the top floor's reading room, filled with historic documents on Indianapolis, and a shrine to its patron saint, Kurt Vonnegut.Listed in: I get stuff done
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Review from Sarah A.
Indianapolis, IN
10/1/2008
Yes. The Central Library really is the coolest library on the planet. I'll second that motion. A friend of mine came to visit a few months ago, and I actually tried to bring him here just to see the architecture. Unfortunately, it was closed at the time.
The lobby looks like a cross between a train station and a cathedral. I can't remember if I made that up or if I read it somewhere, so if I'm inadvertently plagiarizing someone, I apologize. Either way, though, that really is what it looks like. And it's gorgeous. The columns soar upward and your spirits go with them.
I haven't yet sampled the little cafe, so I can't speak to that. But there are so many aspects of the library that I love. Those womb-like 70s "egg" chairs. The fourth floor with its treasure troves of sheet music. The foreign films in the basement. And, I'm sure that if I were a kid, or had my own kids, I would also love the state-of-the-art children's section.
Several of the branches are more convenient for me than the Central Library, but I try to make it down here whenever possible anyway, because, well, I love being in here. City money very well spent, for a refreshing change! -
Review from poet d.
San Francisco, CA
12/2/2009
When I first entered the renovated main branch of the Indianapolis Public Library (IPL) in early 2008 there was no new car smell. Happily, instead there was the lack of a stinky odor that some homeless exude and that often pervades the main branches of the San Francisco and Chicago Public Libraries' public areas. However, this holiday season I must report that when utilizing the computer lab or passing by the computer queues, that, yes, the human reek can slap you in the face like a sopping wet towel.
That said, this library is still a big, ol' charmer. It manages to combine the traditional with the innovative, efficiency with friendliness. The original conservative stone building was expanded with generous glass and metal architecture, and the new technology is easy to learn and use. Unlike bigger cities' libraries, IPL allows multiple computer sessions. If you're on for an hour and there are no numerous logon requests, you may be able to stay on in half-hour intervals. Theoretically, on a slow Friday, you can stay on the same computer from opening to close. Convenient if you're inputting the next great American novel. There are so many tables, comfy chairs, couches, nooks and reading rooms in which to situate yourself (and a laptop) that multiple visits during a week shouldn't bore. -
Review from Hintonburg R.
11/16/2010
When I walked into this library, I wished I lived in Indy, but alas, we were only there for a short visit. Six floors of pure information, from the good old fashioned kind of books, to entire interactive sections. This is the kind of place where you could lose yourself, and if I were a schoolteacher I would make a visit to this fine institution a regular event for my students. Way to go Indy - this is one amazing institution.
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Review from Jill M.
Suwanee, GA
6/17/2010
I compliment the architect and the board for this expansion that headlines the old, stately library and adds the new, community, friendly current library and all that goes with it. You must take advantage of the East Reading room - just the smell is worth the price of the meter. Congrats to indy for going forward with this vision.
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Review from Emily U.
Updated - 3/26/2010 4 Check-ins Here
EU + IMCPL = BF 4-eva. I was bummed to find that the library did not have a collection of 2009 short stories that was cited by various lit geeks and included on lists of notable collections published for the year by several major newspapers. But did you know that you can ask the library to add a book that is not in their stacks? I requested they consider purchasing Paul Yoon's "Once the Shore" and several weeks later it was waiting for me on a hold shelf. I love you, Indianapolis Public Library. xoxox
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/15/2009
It's hard to imagine this library could be any more awesome. It gives me the feeling I got when… Read more »
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Review from Erin T.
3/20/2008
The new library building is simply stunning - more like a museum than a library. I'm glad they kept the original building intact, and its historic beauty really shines after renovation.
Holding a master of library science, I'm pretty critical of libraries. I wish this one offering a little more guidance in the form of signage for patrons. In particular, I'd like to see a sort of map or diagram outlining the location of collections and call number ranges within each level. Not everyone wants to have to ask to find something, particularly if there's a line at the reference or information desk.
Out of the five times I've spoken with employees, some librarians (presumably) and some not, three times I was treated with a really friendly, helpful attitude. Once I was given misinformation. Twice I was treated as if I was bothering the person.
Overall, the physical space is amazing but could be more user-friendly with a little tweaking. Some staff/librarians, however, do reveal the negative treatment they've received in the whole central-library-project fiasco in the way they interact with patrons (librarians really did get screwed). Or maybe they were just having a bad day.
Update: this just grinds me to no end. After the fallout with the central library project, IMCPL stopped hiring degreed librarians. They offered or required early retirement for current degreed librarians. Instead they hired paraprofessionals, people they gave 2 weeks on the job training to, and pay them less than $10/hr. Argue all you want about whether this is right or libraries need librarians - IUPUI and IU Bloomington churn out hundred of degreed librarians every semester, who, presumably, want jobs! And didn't get a masters expecting to make $10/hr. But yet, here's IUPUI's School of Library and Information Science with a write up on IMCPL for "prospective careers."
http://www.slis.iupui....
Yes, the article is out of date. IT'S TIME TO TAKE IT DOWN. IMCPL does not support the graduating librarians in the two state university library schools.
IMCPL admits they don't hire degreed librarians: http://www.ala.org/ala...
(There's no bachelor's in library science. It's a masters degree.) -
Review from TOMMY o.
Indianapolis, IN
7/29/2008
i love the new place, it feels like the Jetsons just arrived, i don't care for my requested books being out in the open
love that they have a Starbucks too -
Review from lauren p.
Winston-Salem, NC
10/20/2008
Oh my goodness, what a wonderful library! I was just a visitor, but browsing around this place caused my husband and I to muse about moving to a city that clearly valued reading and learning this much. The front of the library appears to be a Carnegie building, and a large glass building frames it when you are looking straight on. It's as though the building itself is symbolic of the traditional library values and the changing ideas about what libraries are. Lovely space inside and out. You must check it out if you're in town!
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Review from Mark W.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2009
One of the best libraries in the world! Maybe not the best collection of books, but all of the things that make a "public" library great, comfortable, easy to use and a wonderful resource
Listed in: Top 10 Things to Do in Indy…
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Review from Karhma D.
Apparently I've never reviewed the central library. It's absolutely beautiful, & quite a shock if you walk in the front entrance & then encounter the new area, with the soaring glass & curved metal ceiling. Lots of available seats, charm, a really cool kid's area w/ a large storytime room, lots of lights, neon, comfy orb chairs like in Men in Black, & computers in the kids & teens areas, a small cafe with sandwiches, muffins, lattes, & the like, & you can take them anywhere in the library to enjoy. I recommend going to the 6th floor to enjoy the view of downtown. It's always graveyard silent up there & usually pretty empty, so you can eat lunch or a snack & look onto several downtown roofs. The view is beautiful in every season as well. There's a parking garage- first hour's $1, & they have longer-term prices as well. I dig the light box art going in from the garage. You can also get movies & complete seasons of TV shows here for free, but the selection is spotty. If you're looking for the newest releases to save a buck or 2, chances are you're going to be out of luck, but it's worth a perusal, especially if you want to catch an odd foreign flick, an older mystery, or just really feel like watching something like The Addams Family again & don't have any Netflix movies in. Don't forget, if they don't have what you're looking for- just ask. They can do inter-library loan or may outright buy it for the bookshelves. The only thing that makes me unhappy is the fact that they don't let you check out magazines, of which there are so many titles I've never heard of it's scary.
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Review from Katie B.
2/13/2010
I could spend days here! The Central Library does a great job of bringing fun arts and educational programming into the library. The collection is extensive. I love all the windows and you cannot beat the view from the sixth floor. The children's section is so much fun - I only wish they had used some of the "egg" chairs in the adult sections too! I'm not a big fan of the escalators, and the elevators are a little slow which can be a little annoying. It's also a shame that the little park-like area on the east side of the building is only accessible through the building.
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Review from Margo M.
Somerville, MA
5/3/2009
Okay, so maybe after all the times this building went over budget my expectations were set too high. It is glamorous, clean, and a great place to study. Except for the fact that it has many drawbacks.
1. Getting to the library via car is somewhat difficult. The entrance to the parking garage is on a one way street. If you miss it, you have to drive around the block again. Oh yeah, and don't bother coming from the south as you have to navigate a series of one way streets.
2. The fact that it is so difficult to access by car makes walking seem like a prime idea. However, the area of the library is in a sketchy part of town. It makes you feel uneasy when the Walgreen's down the street has more security cameras than some malls.
3. Wikipedia states the following about libraries: "Public and institutional collections and services may be intended for use by people who choose not to -- or cannot afford to -- purchase an extensive collection themselves, who need material no individual can reasonably be expected to have, or who require professional assistance with their research." This statement shows that the library is to have books, newspapers, magazines, etc. for free. The third drawback of this library is that you have to pay for parking. Yes, it is an amazing library full of great resources. But, why would I bother going here when I could just go to the IUPUI library to check out books (free parking on weekends)-- or even one of the other, uglier branches?
4. I really think that it takes away from the library experience to have cafes and coffee places in the library. Maybe a free cup of black coffee would be suitable, but it's way too commercialized-- I feel more like they are trying to make a student center than a library.
5. Having all these extra things in the library really takes away from the ambiance of the library. Every time I've been it seems like kids are just roaming around without parents, being loud. -
Review from Robert M.
San Diego, CA
8/8/2009
Um wow. What a great facility. When I lived in downtown, I waited a long, long damn time for that library to open up and too-long trips to Fountain Square and IUPUI libraries, but the wait was worth it! Ample space for reading, endless shelves of books, fantastic city views, great lighting. Just very impressive -- an asset to Indianapolis and for downtown residents.
One complaint that really does merit the taking of a star.
The reading rooms on either end of the main hall are my favorite part. When I first went, pages I read just drifted away in the absolute silence of these rooms. It was great.
Then they brought in some reference desk to one of the reading rooms. Why would you do that? It's a reading room. Why can't they leave that desk in the main hall; like the extra 50 steps would kill you? It completely ruins the experience of sitting in the library when you have the librarians gossiping among themselves and typing away about whatever they type. -
Review from Maurilio M.
Sacramento, CA
11/11/2009
I wish I could give this place 10 stars. This place is top of top of the line in libraries. It is humungous and located centrally in the city. Coffee shop and easy access to other great places downtown. I highly recommend for any visitor to come here.
