Indianapolis Public Library - Irvington Branch

I am a big fan of this conscientious and helpful branch of the library system. From helpful and patient staff to computer access to comfy chairs to little details like a free seed library, this library strives to be much more than just a collection of books, although it is that, as well. Pro Tip The restrooms can be a bit seedy at times. Be advised

This library is too small for the number of people that want to use it. I can rarely find a table to sit at unless I come right after they open. The parking lot was recently replaced (it looks good) but the parking spots are not clearly labeled so people just park where they want and I almost hit two cars trying to find a spot because people didn't pull forward enough. The fiction section is very limited; the children's and teen's sections are bigger than the adult fiction and non-fiction selections combined. It's never quite cool enough in here in the summer, and people talk loudly which is distracting from the quiet environment of a library. The staff are nice and helpful, but they also talk loudly. I'd love to be able to come here to work sometimes since I work from home, but this place has become a last resort when my power is out and I don't want to go to a restaurant and have to buy something to be there.

I'm not sure I have the right words to describe this place. For sure not what a library should be like. So so so noisy. The staff is loud and they don't reinforce anyone else keep it down either, cellphones ringing, people just being plain disrespectful. Sitting is super limited. Kids area is super limited. Not a good study spot for sure or if you're looking for a quiet place this is not it.

Let me start by saying I’m used to Carmel and Fishers libraries. I’m used to autonomy when I go to the library with or without my child. I’m used to the children and teen section being in their own separate wing so children can consume materials at the library without having to worry about volume. I’ve since moved to Irvington. Irvington is one giant room. I cannot believe there is not a separate children’s section. I went today because my internet went out so I needed to work. I walked in with my AirPods in since I haven’t been before. I immediately see a female security guard leaning on a shelf that I soon learned was the kid’s sections. Again it isn’t that obvious as it’s a giant room and literally 10’ from the main circulation desk. The guard asks me what I’m doing. I took out my AirPod as I didn’t hear and say excuse me. She asks what I’m doing. If I’m looking for somewhere to sit and tells me I have to go elsewhere. Are you kidding!? I’ve JUST entered as a clean, well-presenting individual. And within 30 seconds I’m told to go elsewhere. I find a high top table about 10’ from the circulation desk in front of a window with lounge couches next to me with a sign that says "priority seating for teens in the afternoon." This is the morning, so I should be good. By this point, I’m on a client call. The same guard comes over, interrupts me, and tells me to move. Are you kidding me!? I pointed out her inability to deduce that this table was up for anyone to use except during the afternoon and teens wanted to use it. It’s clear I’m a working professional on a work call. She can see my laptop with ease. The circulation desk workers can see me. But she pointed me to the corner for the entire library. Now it feels a bit targeting as a queer woman and now I don’t feel safe at all. I have a 6 year old daughter and have been meaning to stop by and get her library card. I will NEVER bring her here with the way you’re operating and treating patrons. I’d ask if I’m more of an issue or a security guard awkwardly leaning in the children’s section is an issue? My child would be asking why they were there, and I’d be creeped out as a parent. If your clientele is such a problem you’re policing this way, I certainly won’t bring my daughter here. It’s really not cool to assume ill intent like this, but boy, it made me feel like this lady assumed I was loitering to watch kids.

Spooky... I was looking for a few episodes of Survivor, but they had zero titles available. I did find some good running books (and a couple videos).

Irvington Branch is always so helpful and it's an easy in and out when picking up holds or other materials. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, help me every time with technology!

Needing copies of some documents is what led me to the library today. Even though I live in close proximity to the Fort Ben branch, I chose the Irvington Library as it was on the route to my day of errands. Seemingly an easy task, I struggled to make the copies I needed due to the extended length of the original. To my rescue came Amy from behind the Information desk. Along with assisting me and giving a quick tutorial, she made the copies I needed and even went a step further by aligning and taping my copied documents together. Much gratitude and thanks to Amy for making my visit to the Irvington Library a pleasant and goal accomplished on. All the while pleasant and with a smile.