More than 17,000 Community Members are Participating in The Indianapolis Public Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program

Indianapolis, Indiana – There is still time for readers of all ages to register for The Indianapolis Public Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, which continues through Saturday, August 1, at all Indianapolis Public Library locations.

As of June 29, 13,058 kids are actively participating by logging reading time. In addition, 5,002 adults are participating in Adult Summer Reading. The Indianapolis community as a whole has read a total of 11,768,640 minutes, keeping The Indianapolis Public Library on track to meet its community reading goal of 22 million minutes read by the end of the summer.

Via surveys taken at Library locations, participants have shared meaningful ways the program has benefited them.

“One person said our adult Library trivia was a great alternative to bar trivia, and that it helps those who don’t want to spend money or drink,” said Alexander Hampton, program specialist at The Indianapolis Public Library. “Our Mahjong classes for adults are also really popular. We received feedback that many community members wanted to learn for a long time and they were glad that the Library offered it.”

Throughout the summer, workshops and programs provide participants with opportunities to connect with peers and explore new interests. As of July 1, more than 3,787 kids and 267 adults have attended a summer program or workshop, with more opportunities throughout the summer.

Devery North, school-age and family program specialist at The Indianapolis Public Library, said that youth have been engaged in programming.

“Kids and caregivers are having a blast at programs like Build It, I AM WILD Exploration with the Indiana State Museum inspired by the Charley Harper traveling exhibit, and Stack and Sculpt,” said North. “Every program is completely free and offered at branch locations across Indianapolis, making it easy for families to jump in, and learn at whichever of our branches is most convenient for them.”

This year, the Library is partnering with Listen to Our Future, an organization dedicated to equipping youth to make long-lasting changes in their communities through education, empowerment, and social action. Thanks to our generous community, over 624 books have been donated.

The Summer Reading Program allows participants to receive prizes for their reading activity. Youth prizes include snacks, toys, and free passes to local attractions such as The Children's Museum of Indianapolis Haunted House, Royal Pin Bowling, The Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis Indians Baseball, The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, IU Indy Basketball, Indianapolis Indians Baseball and a coupon for a free Penn Station Kids Meal. Adult prizes include a Love Your Library magnet, an infinity pencil, a pop fidget keychain, a domino set, a pint glass and a cooling towel. Prizes can be claimed until August 1.

All readers who log their time will be eligible for grand prizes at the end of the summer if the total reading time across all age groups in the Summer Reading Program reaches 22 million minutes, and every branch will have a winner. Kids grand prizes include a Nintendo Switch 2, Beats headphones, Tonies, LEGO sets, and more. Adult grand prizes include Kobo eReaders and LEGO sets.

Kathryn Gyllette, a mother, retired teacher and patron at the Lawrence branch, said her children benefited from the Summer Reading Program because the librarians helped her kids find books and resources that appealed to their interests.

“The kids just loved coming here because of the rewards program,” said Gyllette. “They had a lot of fun picking out books. The nice thing is you’ve got people who can help with their interest, what they are really interested in. My one boy, he just loved [Clifford] the Big Red Dog. They had such a good time doing that.”

The Summer Reading Program is presented by Friends of the Library through generous gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Major sponsors include Forvis Mazars, Indiana529, The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund, Indianapolis Indians Charities, Inc., Lilly Endowment Inc., Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, Dr. Betty Routledge, Mary Frances Rubly & Jerry Hummer, Alice and Robert Schloss. Supporting sponsors include Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc., Citizens Energy Group, Cummins Inc, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, Nicholas H. Noyes, Jr. Memorial Foundation, Inc., Office of the Lawrence Township Trustee Steve Talley, gifts in memory of Marlyne Sexton, and Drew and Brenda Soshnick.

Visit our Summer Reading Program page for more information.

Media Contact: Keshia McEntire, Public Relations Manager, media@indypl.org