Central Library celebrates grand opening of Kid Central and Teen Central on June 6
Indianapolis, Indiana – A new chapter unfolds at Central Library on June 6 as The Indianapolis Public Library unveils Kid Central and Teen Central. Across the second and third floors, 46,000 square feet have been transformed to create more accessible and engaging experiences for young readers and learners.
A grand opening celebration will take place Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central Library will be celebrating all day, with two ribbon-cutting ceremonies followed by balloon twisting, face painting, canvas painting, a teddy bear concert, crafts, refreshments, family activities and more.
Kid Central and Teen Central are enclosed spaces with dedicated entrances. Thoughtful design improvements, including enhanced sightlines throughout the areas, allow staff to better support the needs of children and teens.
“We are meeting the needs of today’s families with new technology, accessible design, and collections that reflect the diversity of our community,” said Christopher Hogsett, manager of Kid Central and Teen Central. “Whether families are attending storytime, discovering books in their home language, experimenting with technology, or simply spending time together, every young person who walks through our doors will have new ways to engage with the library.”
Kid Central
The entire third floor of Central Library has been transformed into Kid Central. The east side of the third floor supports early learners, while the west side of the floor is tailored for school-age children.
Upon entering Kid Central, families are welcomed by a nature-inspired environment featuring Indiana wildlife and street art. Designed for exploration and imaginative play, the space offers room to move, learn, and create.
Highlights include the Storytime Lodge for early literacy programs, interactive technology experiences such as Draw Alive, Dynamic Floor, and Everbright, and new Launchpad Quest touchscreen stations. Kid Central also features 16 computer stations, a comfort room for quiet breaks, and renovated, accessible restrooms designed to meet the needs of children and families.
Kid Central offers a collection of approximately 90,000 items in 28 world languages, including picture books, graphic novels, nonfiction, audiobooks, homeschool resources, and more. The collection also features 125 Playaway’s providing portable, pre-loaded audiobooks with no downloads or internet connection required.
“Kid Central and Teen Central are an investment in the future of our community,” said Gregory A. Hill, Sr., MSL, MSM, CEO, The Indianapolis Public Library. “Through thoughtful design with a focus on access and inclusion, we are creating spaces where every child can thrive.”
Teen Central
Located on the west side of the second floor, Teen Central is a welcoming environment to study, learn, and build connections with the library and one another.
Upon entering Teen Central, vibrant floral patterns and bright accents create a modern, welcoming atmosphere. The space features six computer stations, two new study rooms and a dedicated program room for board games, video games, arts and crafts, and other activities. Nintendo Switch 2 games are available to play on a regular basis.
Teen Central features approximately 16,000 items in 17 world languages, including young adult novels, nonfiction, graphic novels, and Quick Reads for developing and reluctant readers. The collection also includes 120 Playaways, expanding access to portable audiobooks.
“We intentionally placed Teen Central in a prominent location in Central Library,” said Adam Parsons, Chief Operational Services Officer. “It sends a clear message that teenagers are an important part of our community and deserve a space of their own.”
Renovation Details
Before the renovation, the library gathered input from the community through surveys, interviews, observations, and workshops. Feedback from these efforts, along with an evaluation of the library’s Strategic Plan, helped shape the design and construction of the new spaces.
The renovation team included krM Architecture as the architect, David Jakes Design as the educational design consultant, Creative Engineering Solutions (CES) as the MEP engineer, Loftus Engineering as the technology engineer and V&J consulting providing field inspection and quality control services. Construction management for the project was handled by Stenz Construction.
Community partners for the grand opening celebration include Center for Black Literature & Culture, Indianapolis Public Library Social Work Services, Indiana 529, Summer Reading Program Registration, Indiana Sports Corp, Marion County Public Health Department Lead Outreach and Covering Kids and Families.
Central Library is open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
For more information on Kid Central and Teen Central, visit indypl.org.
Media Contact: Keshia McEntire, media@indypl.org