Summer Reading Program
Join the Fun June 3
Blast Off to Camp Read S'More to explore great stories and earn prizes for reading! Choose your favorite Library location to sign up and get started reading. We're celebrating the beginning of the Summer Reading Program AND the Indianapolis Public Library's 150th anniversary at multiple Library locations on June 3. Register for both the Summer Reading Program and the Adult Summer Reading Program while enjoying special entertainment and a delicious birthday treat! See the schedule of Summer Reading Kickoff and 150th Anniversary Celebrations.
Free Summer Workshops for Kids
Animal Meet and Greets with Silly Safaris
See the schedule and register
Meet up to three animals at these casual drop-in sessions presented by Silly Safaris. Ask your question and take a picture with the critters.
Build It! Woodworking with Deeply Ingrained
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Participants learn basic woodworking skills - how to measure, mark, and use tools safely. Start with raw materials and leave with a sense of accomplishment, pride, and a functional finished project!
Cartoon Illustration with Re-Generation Indy
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Children's book illustrator Amanda Keller will instruct kids on how to make unique, adorable cartoon-style illustrations. Amanda will use sketching and painting to help kids create memorable characters.
Out of this World: Music and Stories from Space
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Join Dino O'Dell for stories of NASA heroes and songs about the difference between meteors, meteoroids, and meteorites. Dino's music and stories are out of this world!
Family Sing-Along Fun
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Time to boogie and get the wiggles out! Dance and sing along to popular children's songs with Miss Sheila while she plays on the ukulele.
Procreate with Re-Generation Indy
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Take a crash course in the digital drawing app, Procreate. Learn the basic tools and handy shortcuts. You'll soon realize creating digital illustrations is easy and fun!
Robots: Activate!
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Step into the world of robotics in this hands-on workshop with Purdue Extension Office. Learn the basics of engineering and computer design through practical coding games with Ozobots and Spheros robots.
Animal Shows with SIlly Safaris
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Go on a wild adventure with Silly Safaris in this sit-down 45-minute live animal show! You’ll have the chance to see animals up close and ask questions.
Space Ranger Adventure with JumpBunch
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Space ranger trainees will join our astronaut team to prepare for their next space voyage. Rangers will work on increasing their mobility and flexibility through a series of maneuvers in our obstacle course.
Space Snacks
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Blast off into space and explore the galaxy of fruits and veggies! This nutrition session exposes kids to fruits and vegetables and is perfect for space-loving kids that are hesitant to try new foods.
Stellar Storytime with Professor Watermelon
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3, 2, 1, blast off! Launch into outer space with Professor Watermelon at this extraterrestrial storytime. Explore the universe through stories, songs, and puppets.
Stretch for the Stars: Yoga and Stories
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Learn how to regulate emotions through yoga, deep breathing, and stories with crafts. Kids will learn how peaceful movements support wellness.
Teen: Ultimate Ninjas
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Sharpen your ninja skills with a local American Ninja Warrior from Ultimate Ninjas Indy! Learn about the drive it takes to compete and test your skills on a few obstacles.
Teen: Paint your "ART" Out - Galaxy Art - with Jennifer Hash
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Discover new techniques to create a galaxy inspired painting. Let’s shoot for the stars and create something out of this world!
Early Learning Storytimes & Workshops
Storytime
Schedule & Registration
Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are invited for storytime at multiple branch locations.
Online Storytime
Schedule & Registration
Children ages 0-6 and their families are invited for an online storytime. Join Ms. Jess for stories, songs, fun, and activities! Storytime will last about 30 minutes. Can't wait to see you!
Bilingual Storytime at Nora - Ukrainian
Schedule
Join the Ukrainian Society of Indiana for a bilingual storytime in English and Ukrainian. Storytime will last about 30 minutes. Feel free to stay after to connect with other families and the Ukrainian community!
Drum It Out: Using Rhythm for Body Awareness, Calmness, and Confidence with Arts for Learning Indiana
Schedule & Registration
Kids will discover their own rhythm through hand-drumming and recreational music-making activities. Self-esteem, teamwork, reading skills, and creative self-expression are all addressed in this music program from trained health rhythms facilitator Jalynn Simmons with Arts for Learning Indiana.
Bilingual Music, Movement and Storytelling with Tharp-Perrin Gindhart Artists
Schedule & Registration
See storytelling come to life with creative body poses and live music inspired by nature and animals.
Paws to Read
Schedule & Registration
Children who are reluctant readers are invited to read to Dandy, a Goldendoodle. This activity can help young ones improve their reading skills and self-confidence. Participants may sign-up for a 15-minute reading sessions. Listen to the video read aloud Madeline Finn and the Library Dog here.
Storybook Friends Preschool Art Workshop
Schedule & Register
Explore watercolor and collage techniques inspired by the art of Eric Carle. Children ages 3-6 will learn about painting with water and will take home a fun collage creation of their own! Dress to mess!
Tales 'n Play Storytime
Schedule & Register
Stop in for some stories, music, and fun! Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers are invited to join the Learning Curve for a storytime! Afterward, all are welcome to stay for some open playtime.
Wiggle & Bounce Family Time - with Kindermusik
Schedule & Register
Children birth through age 5 and their caregiver will join Kindermusik of Indianapolis in this music and movement class. Adults will bond with their child through singing, dancing, and instrument playing. There's room for everyone to grow in this family program!
School Age Programs
Central Library Saturday & Weekday Morning Live Block Parties - with LEGOs!
Schedule
Kids and teens are invited to join a live Block Party! Stop by and join the Learning Curve Learning Specialists and other kid builders to complete fun challenges with LEGOs. Children under 12 should be accompanied. No registration is required. See our book list Books and Legos: These Two Favorites are a Perfect Fit!
Central Library Minecraft Club
Schedule
Minecrafters ages 8 and up are invited to share, collaborate, mine, and build in Central Land, a virtual world hosted on the Curve’s private Minecraft server - a safe digital environment. Miners 12 and under should be accompanied by an adult.
Central Library Creative Coding Afternoon
Schedule
Kids ages 6-17 and their families can join us in the Arena of the Learning Curve to try out different computer games or to program your own using Scratch! Friends with experience creating games can come to share what they have made! Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult.
Central Library Explore Stem + More
Schedule
Come join Media Learning Specialists in the Learning Curve for some fun! Children and their families are welcome to check out some of our technology, toys, and games. Children under 12 should be accompanied.
Eagle Soar with the Solar System!
Monday, June 12 from 2 - 3 p.m.
Come learn all about our solar system with games, stories, and crafts. No registration is required.
Garfield Park Create with a Cardboard Loom
Saturday, November 11 at 2 p.m. Register
Families with school-agers, ages 6 & up, are invited to join us for an afternoon of crafting together. We will be weaving colorful houses using yarn and cardboard looms.
Garfield Park Young Scientists
Schedule & Register
Children ages six to ten are invited to learn about topics in science, technology, engineering, and math through fun and interactive activities.
Garfield Park Sewing a Snowman Softie
Saturday, December 9 at 2 p.m. Register
Families with school-aged children are invited to join us to create a one-of-a-kind snowman. Simple sewing skills will be taught and practiced during this activity.
Martindale-Brightwood Art Station
Thursday, May 25 from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Join us for an afterschool craft! A craft tutorial will be provided as well as supplies for independent drawing, coloring, or crafting. No registration is required.
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.
StoryWalk® in Ruckle Street Park, 3025 Ruckle Street.