Immigrant Services

Indianapolis has a diverse population of immigrants. More than 95,900 immigrants call Indianapolis home, hailing from regions including Central America, Central Africa, Myanmar (Burma), and Haiti. The Library is one of many community organizations providing resources and education to immigrants, helping them adapt to their new homes. For questions, partnerships, and programming please contact the Immigrant Outreach Program Specialist by email or phone 317-275-4088.

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People in the Clowes Auditorium at Central Library taking the United States Citizenship pledge.
Programs in English

English Conversation Circles

Join our English conversation circles to practice and improve your English skills in a comfortable and welcoming place. We discuss topics on American culture, idioms, phrasal verbs, some grammar, and much more! Facilitators are TESOL trained. See the English Conversation Circle schedule.

Pathway to Literacy: Literacy Level English Classes

Pathway to Literacy is designed for adult English language learners who have 6 years or less of schooling to prepare for future studies. The Immigrant Welcome Center hosts classes around the city in partnership with Exodus Refugee, Indy Reads, Washington Township Adult Education, and The Indianapolis Public Library. Email for more information about Pathway to Literacy.

Programas en Español

Círculos de Conversación en español / Spanish Conversation Circles

Learn Spanish and meet your neighbors in a casual environment. Spanish Conversation Circles offer a place for Spanish speakers of all levels, beginner to advanced, to practice the language. Hosted at Central Library on select Tuesdays in spring 2025. See the Spanish Conversation Circle schedule.

Taller de Educación Financiera / Financial Literacy

Reciba educación para establecer metas financieras y desarrollar planes para mejorar su bienestar financiero. Obtenga información sobre la compra de una casa (opciones de préstamo con ITIN) y recursos financieros para aplicar en situaciones de la vida real. Consulte el calendario de clases de educación financiera en español.

Clases Basicas de Computación en español / Spanish Computer Classes

Reciba clases personalizadas en español para mejorar sus habilidades informáticas. Los estudiantes aprenderán a usar el correo electrónico, Microsoft Word y Microsoft Excel. Las clases se impartirán los sábados del 16 de agosto al 18 de octubre, de 10:30 p. m. a 12 p. m., en la sucursal de Fort Ben. Consulte el horario de Clases Básicas de Computación.

Club de Lectura en español / Spanish Book Club

Mujeres Conectada Inspirando para Crecer logo

Read popular literature from the Spanish-speaking world and discuss with your neighbors. Some sessions will even feature visits from the authors! The Book Club is hosted by Mujeres Conectadas. Books are made possible with support from The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. See the Club de Lectura en Español schedule.

Programmes en Français

Programme de culture financière en français

Ce programme vous permettra d’acquérir des compétences essentielles afin d’aborder votre avenir financier avec confiance et d’atteindre vos objectifs financiers. Avoir ces compétences peut vous aider à éviter l’endettement et à faire des économies. Ce programme sera parlé en français. Découvrez le Programme de culture financière en français et inscrivez-vous.

En savoir plus sur:

  • L’élaboration d’un budget
  • Les comptes bancaires
  • Les cartes de crédit
  • L’assurance vie
Bilingual Storytimes
Illustration of three children sitting on the floor listening to an adult who is holding a book and a globe.

Cuentos bilingües | Двомовні історії | American Sign Language (ASL)

Reading to children in their home languages shapes their views on literacy and their home cultures. It is also impactful to read to native English speakers in different languages. Come join us for Bilingual Storytimes in Spanish and Ukrainian. Storytimes occur in various branches in the city.

LOTE4Kids Digital Library - 70+ languages!

LOTE4Kids is a digital collection of picture books (e-books and e-audiobooks) in over 70 world languages with an English version available for all books. The collection is for ages 3-8.

More Than a Place Podcast
Illustration of four people dancing. One is shaking maracas and one is playing a guitar.

Celebrate Immigrant Stories

What does it mean to find a home? For many, home is the place where we feel safe, joyful, and welcomed by the people around us. We use our senses and memories to define what it means, every single day. For Indianapolis immigrants, an understanding of home emerges from dreams, sacrifices, and journeys of miles and years. Join us for a special podcast series to explore the diverse lived experiences of Indy’s immigrant community. Together, we’ll see how, rather than exchanging an old home for a new one, immigrants create a powerful idea: that home is so much more than a place. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about podcast episodes and guests.

Apply for a Library Card

You may fill out an application ahead of time and take it with you to your library branch. Applications are available in 13 languages.

Amharic / አማርኛ (.pdf)
Arabic \ العربية (.pdf)
Chinese (simplified) / 中文 (.pdf)
English (.pdf)
French / Français (.pdf)
Haitian Creole (.pdf)
Hakha Chin (.pdf)
Karenni (.pdf)
Punjabi / ਪ"ਜਾਬੀ (.pdf)
Spanish / Español (.pdf)
Swahili / Kiswahili (.pdf)
Tigrinya / ትግሪኛ (.pdf)
Yoruba / Èdè Yorùbá (.pdf)

In Our Collection

World Languages Book Collection

We have books, movies, language learning audiobooks and citizenship guides for all ages in:

World Languages Book Lists

An open laptop which has envelopes on the screen and a button that says

Títulos en Español / Spanish Titles Newsletter

Subscribe to our monthly Spanish email newsletter to receive reading recommendations of recently added Spanish materials. View the most recent issue.

What does it take to become fluent?

Find answers to these and many other language related questions in the apps, books, audiobooks, and videos included in this list of language learning resources you can check out with your Library card. You can also get started learning a language online with Mango Language Learning. Learn English (and 70+ other languages) with Mango! Mango teaches everyday greetings, helpful phrases, and real-life situations. There are 10+ English as a Second Language (ESL) courses offered. Watch this video tutorial or learn more about Mango.