2024 Annual Reports
Stories That Shape Us
At The Indianapolis Public Library and The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation, we believe that stories—whether found in books, shared through personal experiences, or passed down through generations—are the foundation of education and community. Stories have the power to transform, to inspire, and to connect. They shape our understanding of the world, of each other, and of ourselves.
Our community members’ stories are at the heart of everything we do. From families seeking early literacy support, to individuals exploring new career paths, to lifelong learners eager to delve deeper into their passions, the needs of our community shape our collections, programs, and services.
In 2024, we provided space for our community members to share their stories, from local author book fairs that connected Indianapolis writers with readers, to art exhibits that gave local artists a place to showcase their work, to concerts that allowed local musicians to engage with the public. Our exploratory programs, such as cooking or computer classes, and our makerspaces offered our community members the chance to try their hand at new hobbies and skills.
Thanks to generous funding by the Foundation, The Indianapolis Public Library was able to host those programs as well as national voices to inspire our local community, including acclaimed ballerina and author Misty Copeland, the first Black female principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre as well as 15-year-old author and activist Yolanda Renee King, granddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
For more than 150 years, The Indianapolis Public Library has been a vital part of our city’s story. We’ve grown alongside Indianapolis, adapting to meet the needs of a changing world while remaining steadfast in our mission: to promote literacy, lifelong learning, and the pursuit of knowledge for all.
We want to express our deepest gratitude to our dedicated librarians and staff, hard-working volunteers, generous donors, and loyal community members. Your unwavering support is the driving force behind our success.
As we turn the page to 2025, we celebrate the stories that shape us—the stories of our community, our history, and our future. We look forward to continuing this journey with you, knowing that the best stories are the ones we create together.
Mr. Gregory A. Hill, Sr., MLS, MSM
Chief Executive Officer, The Indianapolis Public Library
Ms. Hope C. Tribble
President, The Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees
Mrs. Roberta Knickerbocker Jaggers
President, The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation
Mr. Brad Holtz
Chair, The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation Board of Directors
Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees
Ms. Hope C. Tribble, President
Mr. Raymond J. Biederman, Vice President
Dr. Patricia A. Payne, Secretary
Dr. Khaula Murtadha
Dr. Luis A. Palacio, P.E.
Dr. Lisa Riolo
Dr. Eugene G. White
2024 Indianapolis Public Library Summary of Unaudited Governmental Funds
Total Revenues $85,423, 201
- Property Taxes: $63,324,302 (74.1%)
- Miscellaneous: $11, 015,508 (12.9%)
- Intergovernmental: $9,110,572 (10.7%)
- Charges for Services: $1,711.614 (2.0%)
- Fees: $261, 205 (0.3%)
Tax Rates
2023 Tax Rate Total 0.1222
- Debt Service: 0.0318
- Library Operations: 0.0904
2024 Tax Rate Total: 0.1220
- Debt Service: 0.0317
- Library Operations: 0.0903
Total Expenses $86,667,150
- Personal Services: $34,907.327 (40.3%)
- Other Services and Charges: $19,657,438 (22.7%)
- Debt: $18,644,071 (21.5%)
- Capital: $7,796,480 (9.0%)
- Library Materials: $3,752,796 (4.3%)
- Supplies: $1,909,038 (2.2%)
Revenues and expenses are actual YTD 12.31.2024.
For details please see the audited 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report at indypl.org when available in the second half of 2025.
Indianapolis Public Library Strategic Plan Activity
Digital/Technology Inclusion
The Library addresses the digital divide by promoting technology education and improving access to technology for all.
In 2024, we
- Delivered 731 technology and computer training sessions to library visitors, with an additional 219 general technology and computer programs and 754 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programs.
- Launched a collection of preloaded audiobook devices known as Playaways to boost literacy and help bridge the digital divide. In 2024, our Playaway collection reached approximately 2,500 devices.
Education
The Library partners with schools and educators to offer programs and resources that encourage lifelong learning.
In 2024, we
- Provided 6 sessions of professional development to educators through engagement with community partners.
- Launched a new season of Reading Ready Time, a virtual experience designed to help children ages 3-6 get ready to read and connect with the Library. Our 20 programs had 1,119 streams.
- Added 15 new schools to the Shared System. Students at Shared System member libraries have access to their own library's collection as well as over 2 million additional Indianapolis Public Library books, resources, and databases.
Financial Literacy
The Library collaborates with local partners to provide resources and classes that empower the community to make informed financial decisions.
In 2024, we
- Offered 86 financial literacy and management classes, exceeding our goal of 15+.
- Reached 7,420 financial literacy materials for adults, teens, and children in our collection.
- Purchased 1,224 new financial literacy materials.
Health and Wellness
The Library, recognizing the importance of health and wellness, partners with local leaders to offer innovative programs, classes, and resources for the community.
In 2024, we
- Offered 70 health and wellness classes for The Indianapolis Public Library staff.
- Offered 440 health and wellness classes for library visitors.
- Purchased 2,290 new health and wellness items for our collection.
- Reached 7,528 total health and wellness materials for adults, teens, and children in our collection.
Reading and Writing
The Library supports recreational and educational reading by increasing community awareness and access to reading materials.
In 2024, we
- Gave Indianapolis Public Library e-Resource Cards to more than 8,654 students, providing access to e-books, e-audiobooks, streaming music and video, and more than 80 research databases. These cards allow limited borrowing of books and other physical materials.
- Increased usage rate of Library Card Campaign cards to 41%.
- Had 172,129 active cardholders by the end of the year.
Partnerships
The Library builds strong connections with individuals, leaders, and organizations in Indianapolis through new partnerships and strengthening existing collaborations.
In 2024, we
- Collaborated with educators to reach youth through visits to local schools and early childhood centers. On the Road to Reading supported more than 75 local childcare centers through 840 visits that promoted early childhood literacy, reaching more than 11,000 students. More than 325 Reading and Writing programs were delivered at over 90 schools, childcare locations, and educational partners, with more than 7,268 students attending. Students from 389 schools in Indiana participated in the 2024 Summer Reading Program.
- Partnered with culturally diverse community members, leaders, and organizations for Library programs. In 2024, 75% of our programs had a diverse partner.
- Deployed public surveys to seek input, collaboration, and feedback from the community. The Now + Next community surveys, created to help inform the Library’s next strategic plan, received 1,119 responses. Our Tell Us survey, designed to measure library visitor experiences, gathered 878 responses, with 87% rating the Library's customer service as "Exceptional." Guests also completed 6,374 program surveys, with 96% indicating a positive experience.
Community Impact
289,375
Number of cardholders
8,737,602
Total circulation
7,952,981
Total website visits
2,019,315
Usage of databases, learning platforms, and other electronic materials.*
3,218,547
Total electronic circulation (e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, and e-videos)
1,125,441
Total access to Digital Indy and The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis
*Databases and Online Learning platforms include databases and articles that cardholders may access. This number does not include Digital Indy and The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis.
86
Schools, museums, and special libraries in the Shared System
50,807
Shared System cardholders
8,125
Virtual and in-person programs
158,030
Total attendance for all programs
625
Number of volunteers*
$2,040,328
Foundation support
59.5%
Active cardholders
2,380,755
Number of Library visitors
*504 ongoing volunteers, 121 volunteers who were a member of a one-time group
Racial Equity Update
American institutions today face the critical challenge of acknowledging and examining histories that have contributed to the exclusion of Black, Latine, Native and Indigenous peoples, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, persons living with disabilities, and other groups with intersectional identities. At The Indianapolis Public Library, we recognize these inequities and are committed to addressing the systems that have historically shaped library service models and created barriers to equitable access for underrepresented members of our community.
In 2024, the Library continued to prioritize this work through several impactful initiatives:
- Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC): The CBLC has continued to host vibrant and engaging programs that celebrate Black literature and culture, enriching the community’s understanding of this vital history.
- World Languages Collection: We have expanded our World Languages Collection to reflect the needs of Indianapolis’ growing population, ensuring that all community members can access materials in their preferred languages.
- Lillian Childress Hall Scholarship: This newly launched scholarship supports the educational advancement of Library staff members from underrepresented backgrounds, honoring the legacy of Lillian Childress Hall, the first Black librarian in Indiana.
- DEIA Training: The Library offered diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) training to staff. These opportunities ensure that our team is equipped with the knowledge and tools to provide equitable service to all we serve.
- Climate Improvement Process Survey: Our strategy for improving diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for our staff was significantly improved from 2021, with a change of +31%. More work will be done to refine and communicate the Library’s expectations, actions, and results.
Through these efforts, The Indianapolis Public Library continues to build a more inclusive and equitable library system. We remain dedicated to undoing the structural barriers of the past while fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for every member of our community.
2024 Indianapolis Public Library Highlights
The Library Increased Minimum Salaries in Alignment with Good Wages Initiative
In 2024, The Indianapolis Public Library made significant strides to ensure competitive pay for all employees. Inspired by Employ Indy’s Good Wages Initiative—which certifies employers offering a minimum wage of $18/hour with benefits—The Indianapolis Public Library has increased salaries across several pay grades.
Now, all full-time employees will earn a starting salary of at least $18/hour. Changes also include raising the starting hourly wage for part-time staff to $16/hour, ensuring fair compensation for this critical role.
“Equitable pay is essential to building a strong organization,” said Tisha Galarce, chief talent and development officer. “This commitment to fair compensation not only strengthens our team but also reinforces our dedication to serving Indianapolis with integrity and care. By aligning with the Good Wages Initiative, we’re investing in our workforce and the future of our community.”
The Library plans to apply for Good Wages Certification with Employ Indy, joining other respected Indianapolis organizations and municipal corporations that prioritize fair wages.
New Collection Items Promote Accessibility and Inclusion
The Indianapolis Public Library is building a diverse and accessible collection. In January 2024, we launched a collection of preloaded audiobook devices known as Playaways to get audiobooks into the hands of community members who may not have smartphones, computers, CD players, or Kindle devices to play audiobooks at home.
In February, we expanded our collection of Braille books to support community members who are blind, have low vision, or want to practice reading Braille. In August, we introduced our Quick Reads Collection, designed to support adults and teens who are learning to read or desire less content. This collection features books with basic reading levels and shorter page counts to help new readers find success and enjoyment while improving their foundational reading and English language skills.
Pike and Nora Branches Under Renovation
Our Pike and Nora branches were under comprehensive interior renovation during 2024. These renovations are part of our commitment to creating modern, welcoming, and sustainable spaces that adapt to our community’s evolving needs.
Library Programs Connecting Community
Some of the Library’s flagship programs gained city-wide recognition in 2024, while new programs brought fresh community members to the Library.
More than 26,140 kids, teens, and adults participated in The Indianapolis Public Library’s 105th Summer Reading Program, dedicating 21,901,629 minutes to reading. Another highlight was Meet the Artists, an annual exhibit celebrating Indianapolis’ prominent African American artists. For the first time in 2024, our African American History Committee, which produces this program, along with the attending artists, were honored during a February Pacers game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Misty Copeland, the first Black woman promoted to principal dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, was the Library’s featured speaker at the 45th Annual Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture, and our new Meet Your Neighbor programming series introduced the public to the diverse groups who call Indianapolis home.
New Glendale Branch Opened
The Library’s Glendale Branch found a new, permanent home in March 2024. Previously located in the Glendale Town Center as the country’s first full-service library in a major shopping mall, the Glendale Branch moved to the former site of John Strange Elementary School at 3660 East 62nd Street. The Glendale community was enthusiastic about the Branch having a stand-alone building. The new Branch features drive-up material returns, increased access to computers and new technologies, public transportation access, and a community meeting room with a capacity of 100 people.
Construction Underway on Central Library's Children’s and Teens' Areas
Renovation of the youth section (formerly known as The Learning Curve), a hands-on area designed just for kids, teens, and their families, has begun at Central Library. This enhanced space will better offer a blend of digital and traditional library materials and programming for youth ages 0-18.
2024 Top Circulating Items
Adult Fiction
Most Checked-Out Book:
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Most Checked-Out e-book or e-audiobook:
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Young Adult Fiction
Most Checked-Out Book:
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (This book was also the most checked-out young adult e-book and e-audiobook)
Children’s Books
Most Checked-Out Book:
Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Seaby Dav Pilkey
Most Checked-Out e-book or e-audiobook:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Nonfiction
Most Checked-Out Book:
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
Most Checked-Out e-book or e-audiobook:
Atomic Habits by James Clear
2024 Award Winners
2024 Helen L. Norris Distinguished Service Award
Stephen Bridge
Public Service Associate
Franklin Road Branch
2024 Beth Tindel Award
Naomi Konja
Area Resource Manager
Public Services, West Region
2024 Laura Bramble Distinguished Service Award
Elaine Bradburn
Processing Accounts Assistant
Collection Management Service Area
2024 Lillian Childress Hall Scholarships
Four Indianapolis Public Library employees have been awarded the newly launched Lillian Childress Hall Scholarship, designed to support the educational advancement of Library staff members from underrepresented backgrounds. The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation, the Library’s nonprofit philanthropic partner, established this scholarship through the generous gifts and support of community donors.
Cori Miner Administrative Assistant, Programming Department
Khaila King Public Service Associate, East 38th Street Branch
Catrina Barnett Processing Assistant II Team Lead, Collection Management Service Area
Emily Gralak Public Service Associate, Michigan Road Branch
Indianapolis Public Library Foundation Board of Directors
- Mr. Brad Holtz, Chair
- Ms. Keri Jeter Lewis, Vice Chair
- Dr. Amparo de la Peña, Secretary
- Mr. Berthran Ugeh, Treasurer
- Ms. Angela Mager, Immediate Past Chair
- Mr. Raymond Biederman
- Ms. Debora Brown
- Mr. Marcio Donatelli
- Mr. Bruce J. Glor
- Ms. Michaela Graham
- Ms. Denise Herd
- Dr. Sherri C. Lauver
- Mr. Vishal Lodha
- Dr. Suzann Lupton
- Mr. Chris J. Mennel
- Mr. Paul Peaper
- Ms. Robin Reagan
- Ms. Elizabeth Schuerman
- Mr. Andrew Z. Soshnick
- Ms. Shelley Stewart
- Ms. Katy Strader
- Mr. Zach Wills
- Mrs. Roberta Knickerbocker Jaggers, Indianapolis Public Library Foundation President
- Mr. Gregory Hill, Library Indianapolis Public Library CEO
2024 Indianapolis Public Library Foundation Financial Statements
Statement of Financial Position
Balance Sheet
Assets
- Cash and cash equivalents: $3,140,600
- Receiveables: $181,138
- Inventory, prepaid and fixed assets-net: $88,801
- Investments: $22,784,839
Total: $26,195,378
Liabilities & Net Assets
- Accounts payable: $12,474
- Accrued expenses: $43,418
- Net assets: $26,139,486
Total: $26,195,378
Statement of Revenue, Support & Expenditures
Revenue and Support
- Contributions, net: $2,256,946
- Indy Library Store (book sales): $212,608
- Planned Giving: $1,000
- Investment income: $493,278
- Realized and unrealized gains/losses on investments: $825,115
- Change in Value of Beneficial Interest in Assets Held by Others: $1,266,552
Total: $5,055,499
Expenses
- Programs—support for the Library: $2,040,328
- Lectures: $22,302
- Awards and recognition: $68,037
- Fundraising: $539,814
- Management and general: $413,446
Total: $3,083,927
Accrual basis of accounting
Indianapolis Public Library Foundation Update
Something for Everyone
Thanks to generous donors, the Library Foundation provided $2.1 million for Library programs. These funds supported a wide variety of programs, offering opportunities for all kinds of people to learn, grow, and connect with others. The Foundation worked closely with Library staff to align support with programs that fit the Library’s strategic plan. Adult art programs allowed grown-ups to try weaving or calligraphy, early literacy programs encouraged children and their caregivers to learn to read, and cultural festivals and bilingual storytimes allowed people to celebrate their own cultures and learn about others.
Reading Programs
During the summer of 2024, 22,755 children logged 17,398,953 reading minutes through the Summer Reading Program, 6.6% more time than in 2023! Meanwhile, 3,392 adults participated in the Adult Summer Reading Program, modeling positive reading habits for the children in their lives. Youth and adults across Indianapolis united under the goal of reading 18 million minutes. Our community shattered that goal, reading 21,901,629 minutes! For children who might not have had easy access to Central Library or one of the branches, the Library’s bookmobiles brought the Summer Reading Program to 158 summer camps, daycares, apartment complexes, and other locations. Donors gave more than $500,000 to support the Summer Reading Program.
Circulate: Night at the Library
Circulate: Night at the Library, the Library Foundation’s annual fundraiser, was held at Central Library on Saturday, March 16. It featured a variety of programming including a banned book walk, animal shows, art stations, silent auction, a live band and food & drink bars. With more than 280 attendees and 17 sponsors, the event raised $90,335. Proceeds from Circulate support programming at the Library and the Library Foundation’s most urgent needs. Circulate is held every spring, find current information at indypl.org or via social media.
First Lillian Childress Hall Scholarships Awarded
Lillian Haydon Childress Hall (1889-1958) was Indiana’s first Black librarian. Her career was trailblazing. In 1920, she moved to Indianapolis, where she took on leadership roles at the Paul Laurence Dunbar Branch, the first library branch in Indianapolis to serve an African American neighborhood, located within Indianapolis Public School #26. Amid the challenges of racial segregation and Klan activity in Indiana, Lillian's passion for public service and love of reading remained unwavering. In 1927, Lillian began managing a new library branch at Crispus Attucks High School. She remained at Crispus Attucks for 29 years, retiring in September 1956. During her tenure, she developed a strong collection of books by and about African Americans and earned national recognition for her efforts to promote literacy.
In 2023, the Library Foundation established the Lillian Childress Hall Scholarship endowment to honor her legacy. Thanks to the generosity of donors, The Indianapolis Public Library plans to award at least one $1,500 scholarship each year to help cover the costs of a master's degree in library and information science. In addition, recipients enrolled at Indiana University (IU) Indianapolis will receive an extra $500 in tuition remission each semester from the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering.
In 2024, we received four excellent applications, and the Library initially intended to award the scholarship to one recipient,” said Tisha Galarce, chief talent and development officer. “Thanks to the outpouring of support by donors, we were able to award all four applicants with a scholarship. Each year we plan to award one $1,500 scholarship to help cover the costs of a master’s in library and information science.” You can join in supporting the fund by donating at indyplfoundation.org/give
2024 Donors
The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation gratefully acknowledges the individuals and organizations who made contributions in 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this listing. If there are any oversights, please contact the Foundation office at foundation@indyplfoundation.org or 317-275-4700. A complete list of individual donor names can be found at 2024 Annual Reports (.pdf).
Named Endowment Funds
The Library Foundation is fortunate to have several endowment funds that support our mission in perpetuity. Many thanks to all donors who established and/or contributed to these funds. Contact the Library Foundation if you would like to learn more about contributing to an existing fund or establishing a new fund.
2024 Legacy Society
The Legacy Society recognizes those who have made planned gifts to the Library Foundation. Planned gifts include several kinds of giving, ranging from a bequest to the Foundation in a will, to designation of the Foundation as a beneficiary of a retirement plan, to arrangements that provide some income for donors during their lifetime
2024 Staff Giving
Thank you to the Library and Library Foundation staff members who supported us in 2024. Staff members gave or pledged for programs and services of the Library and for professional development opportunities for current and future Library staff.
2024 Memorial and Tribute Gifts
These generous gifts were given to the Foundation in memory of or in tribute to friends, loved ones, family members, and respected members of the community
Communty Voices
2024 Summer Reading Program Partnership with IndyHumane
“Bringing our pet adoption wagon to Indianapolis Public Library branches allowed us to connect with the community in a meaningful way, promoting pet adoptions and raising awareness about our mission.” - Katie Trennepohl, IndyHumane Program Manager.
2024 New Braille Collection
“My husband and I are blind. This [new Braille books collection] will be a game-changer for us. This investment sends the message that blind folks are welcome and valued, that inclusion is important, and that our local libraries are becoming increasingly welcoming spaces for blind individuals and families to gather, access resources, and engage with the community.” - Tabea Belding, a community member who utilizes the College Avenue Branch Library.
2024 Digitization of Oasis of Hope Baptist Church
“The idea of helping churches digitize, organize, and identify history is monumental. High praise to the Library, its board, and the director, for even conceptualizing this idea.” - Shirley Alexander of the Oasis of Hope Baptist Church History Committee.
2024 Indianapolis Public School Join the Shared System
"Joining the Shared System is a giant leap for our students. Our students’ access to engaging and exciting books is increasing from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands. Shared System membership is critical to The Indianapolis Public Library’s and Indianapolis Public Schools’ [IPS] shared goal to instill a love of reading and lifelong readership.” - Joe Troyer, IPS district media coordinator.
© copyright 2025 The Indianapolis Public Library Photos used with permission.