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
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.
Recuperando Nuestras Historias: Serie de Historias y Escritura sobre Voces Latinas con la escritora María Julia Hidalgo y novelista Elena Landa
Taller intergeneracional de escritura para familias latinas con la Biblioteca Pública de Indianápolis con escritoras María Julia Hidalgo y Elena Landa. (Duración: 2 horas con un receso de 10 minutos)
Resumen General
Mejorando Juntos Indiana (MJI), en colaboración con La Plaza Inc., Arte Mexicano en Indiana, la Biblioteca Pública de Indianápolis, Marian University y Consulado de México, se complace en presentar una residencia literaria con las autoras María Julia Hidalgo y Elena Landa. Esta iniciativa busca fomentar la expresión creativa, fortalecer la identidad cultural y generar un diálogo comunitario a través de talleres de escritura y presentaciones literarias en distintos espacios de Indianápolis.
Agenda de Actividades
- Jueves, 18 de septiembre | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | @ Indiana Donor Network Lanzamiento oficial de Mejorando Juntos Indiana (MJI) | 12 – 1 p.m.: Charla literaria dirigida a aliados comunitarios con María Julia Hidalgo.
- Sábado, 20 de septiembre | 9 – 11 a.m. | @ Marian University: Presentación y diálogo sobre obras literaria con María Julia Hidalgo and Elena Landa. Presentación literaria destacada para estudiantes y familias con Marian University
- Domingo, 28 de septiembre | 2 – 4:30 p.m. | @ Sucursal de la Biblioteca Pública Fort Ben: Taller de escritura creativa con las escritoras. Taller intergeneracional de escritura para familias latinas con la Biblioteca Pública de Indianápolis con escritoras María Julia Hidalgo y Elena Landa.
(Duración: 2 horas con un receso de 10 minutos)
Propósito e Impacto
Este proyecto colaborativo busca fortalecer los lazos comunitarios a través del poder de contar historias, ofreciendo una programación cultural accesible que eleve las voces latinas y enriquezca el panorama literario de Indianápolis. La presencia de las escritoras María Julia Hidalgo y Elena Landa inspirarán el diálogo intergeneracional y promoverá el empoderamiento creativo a los adultos mayores y sis familias, a través de la palabra escrita.
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
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
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
- World Languages A-Z: Amharic (አማርኛ)
- World Languages A-Z: Arabic (العربية)
- World Languages A-Z: Bengali (Bangla - বাংলা)
- World Languages A-Z: Burmese (မြန်မာဘာသာ)
- World Languages A-Z: Catalan (Català/Valencià)
- World Languages A-Z: Czech (Čeština)
- World Languages A-Z: Danish (Dansk)
- World Languages A-Z: Dutch (Netherlands)
- World Languages A-Z: Filipino & Tagalog
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.