The Indianapolis Public Library offers over 10,000 free programs a year. Meet your favorite author, hear a live concert, take a yoga or cooking class, or explore something new at the Library all year long!
A selection of sensory items is available during Library programs for participants who have sensory needs. The items can help minimize discomfort that may be experienced due to bright light, loud noises, or other stimulations. Items are available by request during programs to accommodate a variety of needs and are available to both adults and children.
Browse our online calendar for both online and in-person programs, performances, classes and more for adults, teens, and children.
Favorite Programs & Reading Challenges
Programs By Theme
- Arts & Crafts Programs
You are invited online or in-person to meet-up with fellow creatives to learn a new creative skill or improve one you have always enjoyed! Keep your creative muse flowing all year long!
- Computer Classes
We offer a variety of computer, technology, and mobile skill classes from Microsoft Excel, to setting up email, to online privacy, and more!
- Financial Literacy
Join us in-person or online to learn how to make informed financial decisions, effectively manage household finances, and strive toward financial independence!
- Health & Wellness
Take charge of your health! Find online and in-person exercise, mindfulness or cooking classes, find reliable, trusted resources to manage good health, get access to medical research tools, and more!
- Music Performances
Join us for a variety of performers from classical to jazz to opera to mariachi. We have music experiences for all ages and interests!
- Programs for Kids
We have programs for kids from babies to teens. Join us for storytime, cooking classes, lego clubs, cooking classes, puppet shows, coding workshops, and more!
Book Discussions & Reading Challenges
- Book Discussions
We offer a variety of in-person and online book discussions for adults, teens & kids.
- 1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Substantial research indicates that the more children are read to during their early years, the more prepared they will be to read when entering kindergarten. 1,000 Books By Kindergarten is a program designed to help you reach that goal!
- 100 Books Before Graduation
Your goal, should you choose to accept it, is to read 100 books before you graduate from high school. If you do, you will receive prizes as you participate. Prizes will be awarded after reading 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 books!
- Reading Challenges
Challenge yourself to read every day to expand your knowledge, ease stress, and create mindful reading habits. What you read is up to you, but we have prompts to inspire reading beyond your usual picks. Whether you’re an avid reader or want to read more, join one (or more!) of these challenges to make reading an enriching part of your life.
Annual Featured Events
Summer Reading Program
Summer is the perfect time to explore new worlds, discover exciting stories, and build a love for reading! From seasoned readers to those just starting out, our fun, engaging activities, events, and book recommendations are tailored to support every age and reading level. Join us for an adventure in learning and become a lifelong reader! Learn more about our Summer Reading Program for all ages!
Día del Niño at Be My Neighbor Day
Families with young children join us every year at Central Library for a celebration of language and literacy! Activities included concerts, animal shows, storytimes in English and Spanish, and more! They even get to met Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat and take home free books! Learn more about Día del Niño at Be My Neighbor Day.
CBLC Book Fest & Juneteenth Celebration
All ages are invited to this annual event for activities that celebrate the African American experience through arts and crafts, ethnic food, and clothes while bringing together different components of the literary world. Learn more about the CBLC Book Fest & Juenteenth Celebration.
Meet the Artists
This event, including both a months long exhibit and gala reception, has taken place annually at Central Library for more than thirty years. Learn more about Meet the Artists.
Fall Fest
Enjoy an afternoon of inspiration and cultural entertainment at IndyPL's annual Fall Fest and Slammin' Rhymes Challenge. The event includes a featured guest speaker, local performances, and readings by winners of the Slammin' Rhymes Challenge. Check our site in September and October to get an entry form for the Slammin' Rhymes XVI contest! Learn more about Fall Fest and the Slammin' Rhymes Challenge.
Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture
The Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture Series was established after the Library Foundation received a gift from the estate of Marian McFadden, Director of Public Libraries in Indianapolis from 1945-1956. This annual author lecture series, which typically takes place in the Spring, was named in her honor and has taken place since 1978. Learn more about the Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture.