Play Your Way!
Grab your friends and grab a book because it's time for Summer Reading at The Indianapolis Public Library! The Library is the ultimate playground for creativity, imagination, and discovery whether you're a beginning reader or a bookworm. Join the adventure, learn something new, and become a lifelong reader!
May 30 - August 1, 2026
Track the total time you spend reading, listening to audiobooks, reading aloud to someone, or having someone read to you. If you need help finding something to read, don't worry, just ask one of your librarians! Prizes are earned at 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, and 20 hours of reading. Learn more about Summer Reading.
Storytime for Babies & Toddlers
Pajama Storytime at Lawrence
Lawrence Branch
Young children and their caregivers are invited to join us for stories, songs, and fun. Stay after stories are finished for some literacy activities and play time.
Storytime at Michigan Road
Michigan Road Branch
Preschoolers, toddlers, and their caregivers are invited for stories, fingerplays, crafts and activities. No registration is required.
Meet & Play at Wayne
Wayne Branch
Caregivers and children up to six years of age are invited to play together! Caregivers can get to know other caregivers with young children.
Storytime for Preschoolers
Pajama Storytime at Lawrence
Lawrence Branch
Young children and their caregivers are invited to join us for stories, songs, and fun. Stay after stories are finished for some literacy activities and play time.
Storytime at Michigan Road
Michigan Road Branch
Preschoolers, toddlers, and their caregivers are invited for stories, fingerplays, crafts and activities. No registration is required.
Storytime at Decatur
Decatur Branch
Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers are invited to join us for stories, songs, and fun. Stay after stories are finished for some literacy activities and playtime.
Arts & Crafts Programs for School Age Kids
Summer Open Activities
Central Library
Looking for something to do this summer? Visit Kid Central and Teen Central for some fun, tech, arts & crafts, LEGOs, and more! Explore your creativity with exciting hands-on crafts for everyone!
I AM WILD Exploration
Decatur Branch
Explore the flora and fauna of different habitats through hands-on learning. Build your own bug motel, create art inspired by wildlife, and more! Based on the Indiana State Museum’s I AM WILD: A Charley Harper traveling exhibit visiting this summer. This program is for kids ages 6-12.
Build It!
Nora Branch
Let's get building! Learn basic woodworking skills and how to use tools safely to build your own project. Each participant starts with raw materials and leaves with a sense of accomplishment, pride, and a functional finished piece. This program is for kids ages 6-12.
Gaming Programs for School Age Kids
Minecraft Club at Central
Central Library
Kids ages 7 and up are invited to join us on the 3rd floor for Minecraft Club! Stop by to mine, build, and interact with fellow Minecrafters using the library’s laptops or iPads. Jump into our premade world or create one entirely of your own!
Block Party
Central Library
Kids are invited to flex their creative muscles and building skills at our Block Party! Stop by the 3rd floor to create with LEGOs, blocks, and other kid-friendly building materials.
Family Game Day at Southport
Southport Branch
Families and children of all ages are invited to drop in any time to make new friends while playing board games or solving puzzles. Games and puzzles will be provided.
Take a walk and read a story as you go!
Stroll through a park and read a book displayed in mounted frames. Stories will be rotated on a monthly basis. Families are encouraged to post photos of their visit on social media. Learn more about our StoryWalks and where they are located.