Summer Reading is back at The Indianapolis Public Library, and this year, play leads the way.
Indianapolis, Indiana – Make this summer a “playcation” of reading and discovery with The Indianapolis Public Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, taking place May 30 through August 1 at all library locations. This year’s theme, “Play Your Way,” highlights the way people of all ages use The Indianapolis Public Library to explore interests, connect with their community, and have hands-on fun.
“Summer is the perfect time to discover, or rediscover, your love of reading,” said Devery North, school age and family program specialist at The Indianapolis Public Library. “Join us for a playful program or two and find a welcoming community at your local library branch. You’ll find your next great read too!”
Summer Reading registration is free, open to all, and may be completed at your local library, online at indypl.beanstack.org, or through the Beanstack app available in the app store. Participants may read any book, graphic novel, magazine, e-book, or newspaper, including books from home or books borrowed from the library, and track time spent reading, listening to audiobooks, reading aloud to someone, or listening to someone read.
Prizes are awarded at 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, and 20 hours of reading. 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.
“Developing a love of reading helps prepare children for success both in school and throughout their lives,” said Gregory A. Hill, Sr., MSL, MSM, CEO, The Indianapolis Public Library. “Check out your neighborhood branch this summer. We’re proud to offer resources, programs, and services that inspire lifelong learning.”
According to the American Library Association, summer reading programs at libraries help reluctant readers by drawing them in with prizes and activities. As a result, readers develop positive reading habits. Throughout the summer, participants may enjoy a variety of programs that provide opportunities to connect with peers and explore new interests.
Programs for Youth:
- Meet & Play
- Zoo Explorers - with the Indianapolis Zoo
- Cardboard Creations
- Birds of Prey - with Take Flight Wildlife Education
- Animal Meet and Greets - with Silly Safaris
- Stack & Sculpt - with Elijah the Cup Guy
- Robotics Club - with Kids Explore Robotics
- Paws & Play - with IndyHumane
- I AM WILD Exploration - with the Indiana State Museum
- Field Day at the Library - with Amazing Athletes
- Build It - Woodworking with Deeply Ingrained
- Teen Makers: Crochet 101
- Teen Magic: The Gathering 101 Teen: DM Academy
Programs for Adults:
- Adults Learn to Play Magic: The Gathering
- Adult DM Academy - Dungeons & Dragons Basics - Rules, Combat & Improvisation
- Art Becomes Music - Hear Your Artwork Come to Life
- Early Pacers Basketball & the ABA-NBA Merger
- Library Weekend at Kan-Kan Cinema:
- Think on Your Feet and Play! - Improv Workshop with CSz Indy
- Mahjong
- Oscar Charleston & Black Baseball in Indianapolis
- Puzzle Race Competition
- Trivia at the Library for Adults
This year, the library’s book drive partner is Listen to Our Future, an organization dedicated to equipping youth to make long-lasting changes in their communities through education, empowerment, and social action. The public may donate new or gently used books at all Indianapolis Public Library branches.
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.
For more information on the 2026 Summer Reading Program, visit indypl.org/srp.
About The Indianapolis Public Library
For more than 150 years, The Indianapolis Public Library has continuously adapted and expanded to serve the evolving needs of our city and its residents. The Indianapolis Public Library strives to be indispensable to our growing number of visitors and stands as a vital public resource to our community. The Indianapolis Public Library has more than 280,000 cardholders and a total annual circulation of 8,737,602 at our 25 branch locations and bookmobiles. More information at indypl.org.
Media Contact: Keshia McEntire, Public Relations Manager, media@indypl.org.