Are you looking for your next great read? We can help! Visit us in person, explore reading recommendations online, join an in-person or online book discussion, get recommendations on Facebook, tune in to our televised book club segments, and more. Get started here!

Sunday Nights on Facebook
Join us on Sunday nights at 8:30pm on Facebook for Currently Reading. Enjoy this hour during which book enthusiasts share favorite books and offer suggestion about what to read next. Find out about the books that have everyone talking.

Wednesday Mornings – Indy Now Book Club
The Library helps host a ‘book club’ on the Indy Now Morning Show with Ryan and Jillian on Fox59. Tune in at 10 a.m. every other Wednesday. Catch book recommendations and IndyPL program highlights from your own local librarians. Re-watch segments you have missed and see book lists of the books mentioned in each segment.

In-Person & Online Book Discussions
Do you love talking about books? Join one of our book discussions or book clubs available both in-person and online.

Online Reading Recommendations
NovelList and NovelList K-8 are online services that offer reading recommendations. Browse both fiction and nonfiction, read-alike suggestions, series information, reviews, and lists of recommended and award-winning books for adults, teens and kids. Learn how to start on this video tutorial. Also try Book Connections which includes a “find the right book for you” feature.

Would you prefer one-on-one help? Call or ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text, or email ask-a- librarian.

Make a selection from one of the book lists below created by our staff of avid readers. You can also follow our staff’s most recently published lists on the library catalog home page. Don’t miss our If You Like… suggestions that cover all the favorite genres like science fiction, graphic novels, romance, and more. Finally, don’t miss What We’re Reading Teens and What We’re Reading Kids.

An Evening with Tiffany D. Jackson

Teens and adults are invited to a talk and Q&A featuring New York Times bestselling and award winning author Tiffany D. Jackson on Tuesday, April 30 at 6 p.m. at Central Library. Jackson is a Coretta Scott King and John Steptoe New Talent Award winner as well as an NAACP Image Award nominee. She is the author of young adult books such as Monday’s Not ComingAllegedlyLet Me Hear A RhymeGrownWhite SmokeSanta in The CityThe Weight of Blood, and co-author of Blackout

Tiffany D. Jackson and similar authors

Jackson is a master of writing page turning, suspenseful books! She has tackled mystery, horror and romance – all with an eye on the community setting of the stories and social issues. Check out her fiction and other writers like her. Written for teens, but adults love them, too.

Title - MondayTitle - The Weight of BloodTitle - AllegedlyTitle - White Smoke

Virtual Author Talk: From Murder to Atonement

Virtual Author Talk: From Murd…

Join us online Tuesday, April 9 at 2 p.m. for a one-of-a-kind conversation with National Book Award winner Colum McCann as he is joined by Diane Foley, the inspiration behind the heartrending book American Mother. Register for the Colum McCann virtual author talk.

Asian American Romance Novels

Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month with some serious study … of swoony storylines! This list features Asian American and Asian Canadian writers and main characters – find a new favorite!

Title - Fancy Meeting You HereTitle - Role PlayingTitle - Tastes Like ShakkarTitle - To Have and to Heist

Library Lover’s Edition

Can’t get enough of the library? Think we should stay open 24/7? Get lost in these fictional, fantastical libraries, and you’ll feel like you never left!

Title - The PlottersTitle - The Mystery of Henri PickTitle - The Book of Form and EmptinessTitle - The Invisible Library

National Financial Literacy Month

April is National Financial Literacy Month. Finetune your money skills with the latest advice from financial experts.

Title - Tightwads and SpendthriftsTitle - Simple Secrets to Becoming A Saving WhizTitle - Money for MillennialsTitle - Invest Like A Girl

Fiction Originally Written in Korean

The month of May marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Celebrate with these English translations of works that were originally published in Korean. Books on this list are in no particular order.

Title - Welcome to the Hyunam-dong BookshopTitle - The Good SonTitle - Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982Title - A Greater Music

Fiction Originally Written in an Asian Language

Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May with these titles that were originally written in an Asian language. Books on this list are in no particular order.

Title - Man TigerTitle - Convenience Store WomanTitle - The VegetarianTitle - The Memory Police

Diverse Poetry Collections From the Last Decade That Uses Poetic Form and Technique in a New or Interesting Way

For many, the word poetry does not produce a feeling of excitement for two main reasons. One, the outdated language makes some poems difficult to understand. Two, and perhaps the deeper reason behind negative perceptions of poetry, the majority of the poets (and authors) studied in middle and high school English classes belong to the literary canon. The Canon, as it is often referred to, includes authors and poets such as Mark Twain and William Shakespeare, and has, in the last few decades, come under scrutiny for almost exclusively being made up of older, white, able-bodied, straight, cisgender men. As such, their experiences are not relatable and their ideas on race, gender and gender roles, sexuality, mental health, etc., are outdated to much of the population today.

Title - Ink EarlTitle - Odes to LithiumTitle - Black RosesTitle - Black Oak

Virtual Author Talk – Power, Love, and Art

Virtual Author Talk: Power, Lo…

Join us Wednesday, April 17, at 8 p.m. as we chat with award-winning and bestselling author Xochitl Gonzalez about her newest novel Anita de Monte Laughs Last. Register for the Xochitl Gonzalez virtual author talk.

Listen with Liz – April 2024

I love nonfiction audiobooks. This is a totally random list of titles I listened to in March 2024. Titles are listed in alphabetical order.

Title - BrutalitiesTitle - Chinese ProdigalTitle - Grief Is for PeopleTitle - I Heard Her Call My Name

Fiction by Malaysian Authors

If you’re looking to explore titles by Asian authors this Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, check out these fiction books by Malaysian and Malaysian American authors.

Title - Tale of the DreamerTitle - The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in WaterTitle - The House of DoorsTitle - The Fox Wife

Was it plagiarism?

There is nothing new under the sun. However, where is the line between homage and ripoff? When is something inspired by and when is something copied? Here are stories that have been alleged to be plagiarized as well as the original stories. Some saw their day in court, some got away with it, some are still argued over to this day.

Title - The Outer LimitsTitle - The TerminatorTitle - I Have No Mouth, and I Must ScreamTitle - In Time

Shakespeare Today: 21st Century Perspectives

This collection of new books focuses on Shakespeare’s influence on not just literature, but impact on our human understanding, culture, and thought. Whether you find yourself intrigued by the mysteries surrounding his identity, drawn to the intricacies of his works, or curious about his impact across the ages, this list is your gateway to exploring Shakespeare. And if you are here for some Shakespearean slang and insults, we’ve got those too!

Title - The Hollow CrownTitle - Stalking ShakespeareTitle - Shakespeare at WarTitle - The Making of Shakespeare

Are you looking for reading recommendations for kids? We can help! Use these book lists created by our staff to find new and favorite books for kids of all ages covering a variety of topics and interests. Would you like to see more? Browse all of our staff recommendations for kids. Would you prefer one-on-one help? Call or ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text, or email ask-a- librarian. For next step reading suggestions you can also browse What We’re Reading Teens.

Total Eclipse and Sky Gazing For Kids

The skies have so much mystery, science, and beauty. Enjoy the list inspired by the total eclipse and the power of our universe. Since the dawn of time, humans have looked up and tried to figure out their place in the world. Let’s all “engage” and journey into space and beyond.

Title - A Few Beautiful MinutesTitle - EclipseTitle - Sky GazingTitle - Totality!

Would You Still Love Me If I Were a Worm?

Worms are fascinating and important creatures! Help little ones learn more about the wriggly, squiggly world of worms with these nematode-ally awesome books for kids. While the world of worms is diverse and expansive, most of these titles center on a general understanding of worms, and earthworms in particular.

Title - How to Say Hello to A WormTitle - DarwinTitle - Curious About WormsTitle - We Dig Worms!

Kids Explore Geology

What an amazing planet we live on! The books in this list will provide young scientists with vital information about how the Earth formed and help them explore geology through experiments, rock collecting, and more.

Title - GeologyTitle - Rock Collecting for KidsTitle - Geology Lab for KidsTitle - Rocks and Minerals

Take Me Out To The Ball Game!

The 2024 MLB season begins on March 20 with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres facing off in Seoul – but Opening Day proper is March 28 with all 30 teams in action. These children’s books will get you ready for Opening Day!

Title - The House That Ruth BuiltTitle - The Hero Two Doors DownTitle - We Are the ShipTitle - The Funniest Man in Baseball

Bugs! Insects! Spiders! Creepy Crawlies!

Kids are fascinated by bugs and other creepy crawlies. At Central Library’s Learning Curve we will be helping kids learn about insects, arachnids, and more during our Spring Break Open Activities: weekday afternoons from March 25 – April 5, 2024. Check our online calendar for details. Meanwhile, here is a list of just a few of the MANY books we have about the fascinating world of insects, spiders, and other creepy crawlies.

Title - WhatTitle - Insects by the NumbersTitle - Bug AtlasTitle - The Book of Brilliant Bugs

Hey Kids, Let’s Dance!

Try out some new dance moves with books about all different kinds of dance, from cha-cha to hip-hop and everything in between!

Title - The All-American Jump and Jive JigTitle - FirebirdTitle - Cha-cha-cha en la selvaTitle - Dance Is for Everyone

Historical Reads for Kids – Revolutionary War

Take a trip back to where it all started and learn about the Revolutionary War with these great books.

Title - An Inconvenient AlphabetTitle - A Parade for George WashingtonTitle - Rescuing the Declaration of IndependenceTitle - Gingerbread for Liberty!

Are you looking for reading recommendations for teens? We can help! Visit us in person or online to get great ideas for your next great read. For one-on-one help call or ask a Library staff member at any of our locations. You can also call, text, or email ask-a- librarian! Here are some more ideas to help you find what to read next.

  • Follow our staff’s most recently published book lists on the library catalog home page.
  • Don’t miss our If You Like… suggestions that cover all the favorite genres like science fiction, graphic novels, romance, and more.
  • Join us Sunday nights at 8:30 p.m. on Facebook for Currently Reading where book enthusiasts offer their suggestions.
  • Tune in every other Wednesday at 10 a.m. to the Indy Now Book Club with Ryan and Jillian on Fox59 for reading recommendations and IndyPL program highlights from your own local librarians.
  • You can also get reading recommendations online from NovelList or Book Connections. Read book reviews, see “read alike” lists, browse starred reviews, and more.

Make a selection from one of the book lists below created by our staff of avid readers whose reading experiences and tastes cover about any interest you can think of!

An Evening with Tiffany D. Jackson

Teens and adults are invited to a talk and Q&A featuring New York Times bestselling and award winning author Tiffany D. Jackson on Tuesday, April 30 at 6 p.m. at Central Library. Jackson is a Coretta Scott King and John Steptoe New Talent Award winner as well as an NAACP Image Award nominee. She is the author of young adult books such as Monday’s Not ComingAllegedlyLet Me Hear A RhymeGrownWhite SmokeSanta in The CityThe Weight of Blood, and co-author of Blackout

Tiffany D. Jackson and similar authors

Jackson is a master of writing page turning, suspenseful books! She has tackled mystery, horror and romance – all with an eye on the community setting of the stories and social issues. Check out her fiction and other writers like her. Written for teens, but adults love them, too.

Title - MondayTitle - The Weight of BloodTitle - AllegedlyTitle - White Smoke

Amigurumi

Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures. I am fascinated by these little creations and wish I was crafty enough to make them. If you would like to learn how to crochet these adorable little creatures, check out one of the titles below.

Title - Flower Gnomigurumi: 12 Cute Amigurumi Gnomes To CrochetTitle - More Crochet Iconic WomenTitle - Creepy Cutie AmigurumiTitle - BABY BEASTS TO CROCHET

Graphic Novels with Few Words

This list features graphic novels that have sparse or no text for adults and teens. These titles prove that sometimes we only need to rely on a few words (or none at all) to tell a story. Each entry labeled with its intended audience.

Title - The SpectatorsTitle - 20 Km/hTitle - One Beautiful Spring DayTitle - Here

Time Travel Graphic Novels for Teens

Check out this selection of graphic novels and manga from our teen collection that feature elements of time travel. These graphic novels are filled with chances to change the past/future, bearing witness to historical events, jumping between realities, letters from a future self, and manipulation of space and time by powerful beings.

Title - DisplacementTitle - A Girl Called EchoTitle - The Knife at your BackTitle - Inkblot

Dungeon and Dragons Stories

This list is a look at some stories of dungeon divers, dungeon clubs, dungeon trainers and dungeons in general. Enjoy! See our full listing of Dugneon and Dragon upcoming programs.

Title - No Humans Allowed!Title - Warriors & WeaponsTitle - Lost in the Mushroom MazeTitle - The Dungeoneers

Knitting Pop Culture

It’s hot outside! If you’re staying indoors, binge-watching movies and tv shows, try knitting while you watch. This winter you could be wearing mittens inspired by Little Women, a hat inspired by The Great Gatsby, a knitted Princess Leia’s snow vest, a homemade knitted sweater of your favorite Disney character, or a Hogwarts house cardigan.

Title - Knitting MagicTitle - Knitting the GalaxyTitle - Knitting With DisneyTitle - Highland Knits

Teen Manga

Explore the teen Manga collection at IndyPL! Manga is a style of Japanese comic books, aimed at adults, teens, and children. If you’re new to the genre, you’ll find the first book of many popular teen series here. Click on the book to find the rest in the series!

Title - JojoTitle - BeastarsTitle - The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of GoodbyesTitle - Assassination Classroom

Teens in Peril in Space

Nothing spices up adolescence like killer aliens. Or hard vacuum. Or a sinister interstellar conspiracy.

Title - Brightly BurningTitle - Victories Greater Than DeathTitle - ToxicTitle - The Loneliest Girl in the Universe

In-Person & Online Book Discussions for Teens

  • Event: Tween Graphic Novel Club
  • Date & Time: Saturday, May 04, 2:00pm
  • Location: Lawrence Branch
  • Description: Join the Tween Graphic Novel Club as we share our thoughts on this month’s read, “The Do-Over” by Rodrigo Vargas & Coni Yovaniniz. Children ages 9-12 are invited to attend and new members are always welcome!
  • Register Here

Join our virtual author talks to enjoy conversation with the authors behind your favorite books from the comfort of home. What questions have you always wanted to ask? Submit your questions online. We will also take questions during the event and will cover as many questions as time allows! Browse our archive of past virtual author talks for even more insightful discussions

Virtual Author Talk: Genius, P…
Virtual Author Talk: A Murder …
Virtual Author Talk: Asian Ame…
  • Event: Virtual Author Talk: Asian American Representation in Literature
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, May 21, 7:00pm
  • Location: Online
  • Description: We welcome you to register for a thrilling conversation with Rebecca F. Kuang (R.F. Kuang) as she chats with us about her bestselling novel, “Yellowface.” “Yellowface” grapples with questions of diversity, racism, and cultural appropriation, as well as the terrifying alienation of social media.
  • Register Here
Virtual Author Talk: For the L…
  • Event: Virtual Author Talk: For the Love of Mars
  • Date & Time: Monday, June 03, 2:00pm
  • Location: Online
  • Description: You’re invited to come learn alongside Matt Shindell, National Air and Space Museum curator, as he introduces viewers to historical figures across eras and around the world who have made sense of the mysterious red planet Mars.
  • Register Here
Virtual Author Talk: Psycholog…
  • Event: Virtual Author Talk: Psychological Thrillers and the Queen of Twists
  • Date & Time: Thursday, June 13, 8:00pm
  • Location: Online
  • Description: Get your popcorn and take a seat as we pick the brain of the queen of twists herself, Freida McFadden! McFadden will join us to chat about writing psychological thrillers, her mega-bestselling hit The Housemaid series, in particular her forthcoming 3rd installment, The Housemaid Is Watching.
  • Register Here
Virtual Author Talk: Unpacking…
Virtual Author Talk: A Visit t…
  • Event: Virtual Author Talk: A Visit to Deckawoo Drive
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 09, 2:00pm
  • Location: Online
  • Description: Join us for a visit to Deckawoo Drive with everyone’s favorite adventure loving pig, Mercy Watson! Newbery Medal winning author Kate DiCamillo will be sharing the stories behind the creation of her early chapter book series, the original Mercy Watson, and the follow up series.
  • Register Here
Virtual Author Talk: Surviving…
Virtual Author Talk: Learning …
  • Event: Virtual Author Talk: Learning the Power of Poetry
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 23, 2:00pm
  • Location: Online
  • Description: You’re invited to learn about the power of poetry with Elizabeth Acevedo! In this exciting author conversation and Q&A, Acevedo will provide a short reading from her National Book Award winning and New York Times bestselling novel-in-verse, The Poet X serving as the backdrop to this amazing chat!
  • Register Here

Are you looking for your next great read?

We can help! Visit us in-person, explore reading recommendations online, join an in-person or online book discussion, get recommendations on Facebook, tune in to our televised book club segments, and more. Get started here!

Sunday Nights on Facebook

Join us on Sunday nights at 8:30pm on Facebook for Currently Reading. Enjoy this hour during which book enthusiasts share favorite books and offer suggestion about what to read next. Find out about the books that have everyone talkin

Wednesday Mornings – Indy Now Book Club

The Library helps host a ‘book club’ on the Indy Now Morning Show with Ryan and Jillian on Fox59. Tune in at 10 a.m. every other Wednesday. Catch book recommendations and IndyPL program highlights from your own local librarians. Re-watch segments you have missed and see book lists of the books mentioned in each segment.

In-Person & Online Book Discussions

Do you love talking about books? Join one of our book discussions or book clubs available both in-person and online

Online Reading Recommendations

NovelList and NovelList K-8 are online services that offer reading recommendations. Browse both fiction and nonfiction, read-alike suggestions, series information, reviews, and lists of recommended and award-winning books for adults, teens and kids. Learn how to start on this video tutorial. Also try Book Connections which includes a “find the right book for you” feature.

Would you prefer one-on-one help? Call or ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text, or email ask-a- librarian.

The Library is thrilled to help host a book club on the Indy Now Morning Show with Ryan and Jillian on Fox59. Tune in at 10 a.m. every other Wednesday to catch book recommendations and IndyPL program highlights from your local librarians. Enjoy the most recent segment or browse the listing of past shows that highlight a variety of reading suggestions. You can also use the featured books links for easy borrowing.

Current Segment

March 13
Books About Self-love and the CBLC Programs (Bryanna Barnes)


2024

February 28
Joyful Books by Black Authors
(Keshia McEntire and Alton Parks)

February 14
Meet The Artists
(Jaquelyn Green)

January 17
Book Clubs
(Kris Gould, Keshia McEntire)

January 3
Books to Support New Years Resolutions
(Rachel Wood)

Indy Now Book Club Archive

2023

December 20
Graphic Novels and Arts Programs (Kelsey Abernathy)

December 7
Encyclopedia of Indianapolis (Natasha Hollenbach and Jyoti Verderame)

November 8
Fall Fest (Jacquelyn Green)

October 25
Books for Chess Players (Jordan Hunt, Charlie Cain)

September 27
Indy Cinema Series (Jason Davis)

August 30
Small Business Series (Alexandra Loewen)

August 16
Digital Creativity Work Stations (Dawn Hawkins and Stephanie Flood)

August 2
Disability Representation (Keshia McEntire)

July 5
Foraging Outside (Anika Williams)

June 21
More Than a Place Podcast (Sakura Fuqua)

June 7
Summer Reading Program (Emily Thomas)

April 12
Sci-Fi Books (Kirsten Weaver)
Featured Books: Sci-Fi Books

March 29
Dia del Nino (Emily Thomas)
Featured Books: Dia del Nino

March 15
Making a Positive Difference in the Community (Leah Kim)
Featured BooksBooks for Hoosiers Hoping to Make a Difference

February 15
Romance Novels for Valentines Day (Kirsten Weaver)
Featured BooksRomance Novels for Valentines Day

February 15
Romance Novels for Valentines Day (Kirsten Weaver)
Featured BooksRomance Novels for Valentines Day

February 1
Meet the Artists (Kimberly Brown)

January 18
Biographies and Memoirs (Liz Schoettle)
Featured BooksBiographies & Memoirs

January 4
Computer and Technology Classes and Resources (Marianne Mackenzie & Charlie Cain)
Featured BooksDigital Skills for the New Year

2022

December 21
Holiday Book Recommendations for Families (Devery North)
Devery’s segment starts at 22:20.
Featured BooksCelebrate the Holidays Through Books

December 7
Fall Fest & Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge XVI (Kim Ewers)
Featured BooksFall Fest & Slammin’ Rhymes

October 27
Center for Black Literature & Culture 5th Anniversary (Amira Malcom)
Featured BooksCBLC’s Fifth Anniversary

October 20

Book Recommendations (Rachel Wood)

September 28
Introduction to Kadir Nelson (Shael Weidenbach)
Featured BooksKadir Nelson

August 31
Let’s Get Down to Business (Alexandra Loewen)
Featured BooksBooks About Business

August 17
Book Clubs Available at the Indianapolis Public Library (Sakura Fuqua) We offer a variety of in-person and online book discussions for adults, teens & kids.
Learn more!

August 3
Good Reads About Money (Rachel Nevada Wood)
Featured BooksGood Reads About Money

July 20 Books with Indiana Ties (Shelby Graam-Pavan)
Featured BooksBooks with Indiana Ties

July 6 Pick Up a New Hobby (Chris Hogsett)
Featured BooksPick Up a New Hobby

June 22 Summer Love Reading Recommendations (Keshia McEntire)
Featured BooksSummer Romance

June 8 Summer Reads: Pride Month (Liz Schoettle)
Featured BooksPride Reads

May 25
Adult Summer Reading Sports Reads (Rachel Wood)
Featured BooksSports Reads

May 1
Adult Summer Reading Program (Leah Kim)
Featured BooksBooks for Busy People

April 27
Graphic Novels (Chris Hogsett)
Featured Books
Graphic Novels for Kids

April 13
Spring Reads: Dystopian Fiction (Kirsten Weaver)
Featured Books
Dystopian Reads

March 31
Local Black Authors (Keshia McEntire)
Featured BooksLocal Black Authors

March 16
Music Related (Rachel Wood)
Featured BooksMusic-Related Reads

March 2
True Crime (Shelby Graam)
Featured BooksTrue Crime and Thrillers

February 16
Love Stories for February (Kirsten Weaver)
Featured BooksYA Love Stories

February 2
Book Club Kick Off (Rachel Wood)
Featured Books: Books by Black Authors

Find a book discussion near you!

  • Event: Cookbook Book Club
  • Date & Time: Monday, April 29, 6:00pm
  • Location: College Avenue Branch
  • Description: Meeting every other month, this book club group will begin in April and discuss food prepared from cookbooks checked out. Sessions cover soups and breads, desserts, salads, and entrees.
  • Register Here