Center for Black Literature & Culture
The Indianapolis Public Library's Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC) is dedicated to honoring Black writers, trendsetters, innovators, artists, advocates, and heroes, past and present.
Located in the R.B. Annis West Reading Room at Central Library, the Center for Black Literature & Culture is a signature destination for those interested in the full breadth of storytelling from the Black experience, from poetry and fiction to history, biography, and emerging contemporary and innovative work. We invite you to explore and find inspiration in our collections, or join us for one of our sponsored programs, surrounded by the voices and narratives that reflect a shared heritage and illuminate a shared future. Tours are available by request.
The creation of the Center for Black Literature & Culture is made possible thanks to a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
Collections
Browsing Collection Located in the CBLC
The Center for Black Literature & Culture is home to a 25,000+ item collection of books, movies, magazines, CDs, and research tools, all of which showcase Black history and culture. Our collection honors the literary giants who have shaped Black storytelling—authors who have articulated our lived experiences through identity, dreams, love, struggle, and joy—providing a necessary and nurturing method of remembrance for all generations.
e-Book & Audiobook Collection
You can download and stream e-books and audiobooks from the CBLC digital collection in OverDrive or in the Libby app with your Library card. If you have never borrowed from Libby before, Libby directions and a Libby video tutorial are available, as well as OverDrive Support.
Murals for Justice Collection
In June 2020, local artists of color were commissioned to create murals from artwork originally created on the wood that was used to cover downtown Indianapolis windows amid that year's May protests of the police-involved killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Dreasjon Reed.
The purpose of this commissioned work is to ensure this art was archived as a part of Indianapolis history. The Murals for Justice Collection is housed in the Center for Black Literature & Culture. Each mural is available for checkout.
Need help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian.
Upcoming Events
Soulful Pages Book CLub
Central Library
You’re invited to join the Soulful Pages Book Club for a rich, candid, and thought-provoking discussion of Clarence A. Haynes’s powerful novel, "The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery".
History On Stage - A Presentation from Ida B. Wells & Madame C.J. Walker
Central Library
Experience a live performance from a pair of two historic women: Madam C.J. Walker & Ida B. Wells, Sojourner Truth & Harriet Tubman, or Madame C.J. Walker & her sales agent, Mrs. Pinkston, After a 45 minute presentation they will answer your questions for 15 minutes.
The Gurl Code
Central Library
Join us for Friendship, Fashion & Robotics—where style meets tech and new BFFs are made in real life.
January 17, 2026 She Leads Legacy: New Year, New Visions Event
The CBLC hosted the She Leads Legacy: New Year, New Visions event on January 17, 2026, where they created vision boards to set intentions for a year of connection and liberation. Thanks to all who attended!
Virtual Tour of the CBLC
With our virtual tour, you can walk through the front doors, come inside, and experience the CBLC: a third space where everyone is welcome to learn, belong, and strengthen one's well-being.