Indianapolis Central Public Library

Yelp's annual Totally Bazaar at the library every December is an event worth noting on your calendar, but I'd probably avoid the library that night if you're looking for a quiet, uncrowded evening! On the other hand, how often can you buy a good craft beer, local wine or spirit and take it into the stacks with you to sip while reading a good book?!

Come really early to avoid the line to get in and move more easily among the vendors OR come later in the evening when entry is easier and the crowd begins to thin out. Either way, grab a beverage or a bite as you come in to avoid backtracking then sip your wine or beer while enjoying the wide variety of vendors and offerings along with (mostly recorded) music and mini-attractions.

Some of my favorites? I love Raechel Amey's business, www.farizuladesigns.com, where she upcycles mugs and teacups from thrift stores with catchy phrases which are perfect Christmas gifts. Last year I bought a mug for my daughter labeled "Tea-Rex" with a T-Rex head drawn on it, of course. This year I bought "World's Okayest Brother" and "Cats. Because People Suck". Then there's Meghan McGovern and her awesome felted Christmas ornaments. Check her out at www.facebook.com/bumbleandbird. I only bought one this year of a pig ballerina, but she has delightful Dickens-eque carolers, Grinch, and other lovely, soft ornaments. And I can't forget the rhubarb liqueur I bought from Twelve O Five Distillery. Sounds awful, tasted wonderful!

Whether you're buying for tough-to-buy family members or yourself, there are lots of locally made gifts to help you cross names off your list while enjoying the beautiful Central Library. Lastly, go up to the third floor and look out the window down the mall for a beautiful nighttime view of the city and circle in its holiday finest.

The Central library is a gem of Indianapolis. The atrium is so impressive and I love how the original historic architecture has been preserved in the front of the building. Exploring the front rooms is always an adventure and I love sitting on the top floor to read in front of the sunny windows for a fantastic view of the city. I also love the idea of using the facility as a wedding venue, I saw it being set up once and was in awe of how beautiful everything looked. This library is always #1 on our list to show off to friends and family that visit the area!

Indianapolis Central Public Library is what dreams are made of! Everything from the architecture when we step in to the royal historic reading room to the expansive 6 floors full of books, CDs, DVDs and play area - you name it and ICPL has it!

My first visit and I fell in love with the design, structure and glass design. You are transported to a different era, an era that speaks knowledge, growth, thoughts and sheer joy for bibliophiles!

The 1st floor has many events happening including naturalization ceremonies and many other significant activities. The place is abuzz with people but step into another floor or reading room and you are quietly transported to another era!

Highly recommend checking out ICPL! Must go!

I was in the area and decided to stop by. We parked on the street right across the street. This library is huge it's 6 stories high. Very high ceilings and very open. There's everything you would ever want in here. Huge kids section and teen section highly recommend stopping by. Very quiet and open. Great for homework or work.

This has got to be one of the more impressive edifices devoted to public services I'd ever seen. I went up the escalators and ended up on the sixth floor, a number which I had to check because I'd lost count. The facility has both an older stone front and a fancy modern glass structure behind it. Like most public libraries, it does serve as a place for people who don't have anywhere else to be, but unlike some, it actually has room for everyone.

As with most such spaces, the term "library" is kind of obsolete, because only a minority of people come for actual books, but the snappy free wifi, work space, and other services provide a tremendous amount of value. For anyone who hasn't been, this is what major public libraries in Australia look like, and perhaps other parts of the world, but it is very unusual to find a public one that looks like this in the U.S.

When was the last time you visited the Indianapolis Public Library? It's filled with an event calendar that truly has something for everyone from children to seniors!

The best public library I have been to yet! It is clean, quiet, and modern. They even have an art exhibit when you enter. From finding a quiet study/work spot to attending events throughout the year (knitting, book clubs, carving workshop) - they have something for everyone! My favorite is their Adult Summer Reading Program. You can win hotel stays and other prizes just for reading!

Had a really nice time at the Teddy Bear Kids Symphony at the Central library Indianapolis IN.
Great kids activity and free.

I'm a little surprised that I've never reviewed Indy's Central Library. Located in downtown Indy, Central Library is considered the hub of Indy's public library system. The original building was built in 1917 and designed by Paul Cret. It was constructed of Indiana Limestone in the Greek Doric style and was considered an icon of its time.

In 2007, a six-story glass and steel framed addition was designed by Evans Woollen and added quite a few amenities and services to this library location.

Features of Central Library include:

The Learning Curve - a high-tech area for kids, teens, and their families.

The Center for Black Literature and Culture - The CBLC's collection includes specially selected literature, music, movies, and artwork highlighting the contributions of black icons, specifically those with Indiana roots.

Indianapolis Special Collections Room - Funded by Nina Mason Pulliam, this collection houses archival materials.

Assistive Technology Room - This room seeks to enhance the library experience for those who benefit from assistive technology. This includes CCTV and features for those with mobility, visual, and learning disabilities. Additionally, this room has handheld magnifiers and magnicams.

Computer Training Lab - Offers a variety of training and educational opportunities.

3D Printing Equipment - An S5 Ultimaker Printer, a 3D Systems Cube Printer, and a Maker Navigator Printer. They also have monthly Makerspace workshops, though you can also schedule 1:1 time with a librarian to learn more.

Book-a-Librarian for Business Resources

The Chris Gonzalez Collection - For over 25 years, this collection publicly served the LGBTQ community in Indy. In 2017, Indy Pride entered into an agreement for the collection to be housed at Central Library.

Newspaper and Microfilm (Non-circulating)

A Patent and Trademark Office

Foundation Collection - Especially important for non-profits and grantmakers.

Central Library also includes free Wifi, early learning computer stations, public computers with Microsoft Office, Meeting Rooms and Event Spaces (for reservation), Study Rooms, scanners, color copy machines, color printers, mobile printing, exam proctoring, outgoing fax, bike-up and walk-up book returns, typewriters, a cafe, bike racks, below library parking (paid after 30 minutes), and a Federal Depository Library Program.

Whew. That's a lot for one library.

This library is spacious, clean, well cared for, and you can even host weddings here (I've gone to one and am going to another one in just a couple days!). I've also gone to a film festival here that was hosted in a public auditorium. Of course, Yelp has also hosted events here.

This was one of Indy's gems even before the 2007 addition. The 2007 addition made it possible to expand library services and also kept the original building faithful to its historic roots.

If you've never been to Central Library, definitely take some time to check it out.

I LOVE libraries and this one has a WHOLE wing dedicated to Black History and the greats. I spent a whole day exploring the historic areas of this building and felt so rejuvenated leaving. The details are a favorite. I love feeling "lost" in the aisle and books. Do yourself a favor, venture into a different place and come check out your local library.

My wife and I stopped in to the Indianapolis public library couple years ago when we were in town for a concert. We were walking around since the cool sites the outside of the place caught my eye so we decided to go in and just walk around browse just see what the head it was a nice library for sure I have thousands of books and the people were nice it's definitely a nice library