Best libraries in Indianapolis: find options near you

We were visiting from out of town, so we weren’t there to check out books. We just wanted to see the place, which is really two places, the old library and the new one, joined by an utterly gorgeous atrium.

I liked how the new library continued the tradition of the old, displaying the names of great authors.

We all enjoyed exploring the foreign foreign language collections in the upstairs hall of the old library.

And I recommend that locals check out the Special Collection. It’s always full to discover the hidden treasures a library holds.

How is a super fun time bringing the family to the library! Indianapolis Central library location is six stories of pure curiosity and answers! This February is Black History month and there are local artists featured and highlighted throughout each floor of the library. It is so awesome to see the Chinese New Year lunar New Year celebration today. The auditorium was full of curiosity seekers and cultural experiences! I’m so glad we dropped in on such a meaningful day! We were able to stop and read some books, go live on TikTok, and explore all six floors. The only hard part was staying quiet. These girls loved every minute of it! We will come back as often as possible whenever we’re bored this is a place to be! Bring your family and get a book and learn something new! Never a dull moment here at the central library

I love offering Central Library as a venue option to my couples for their wedding. It is an incredible location that will transform their celebrarion. Thank you for playing a wonderful host and having such a fabulous staff during the process.

Wow- this is where our tax money goes.
Beautiful building. 6 floors with spaces to work, meet, study, or just relax. They organize events like chess club, language exchange, kids reading programs and more. There’s a Black literature section, a garden, free ebooks with library card and so much more.
Lots of homeless and druggies linger around which is the only bad part. All else is good though. Very clean and aesthetically pleasing.

The Indianapolis Public Library exceeded my expectations in every way. The comfort of the space, combined with the well-regulated temperature, made it a joy to spend time there. The library’s diverse range of services, from books to printers to DVDs, catered to a wide array of needs. I was particularly impressed by the quiet floors, which allowed for peaceful and focused study or reading sessions. The employees were not only respectful but also incredibly helpful, providing assistance whenever needed. To top it all off, the library boasted a beautiful view, adding a touch of serenity to the overall experience.

How could anyone not give this place a 5 star review is beyond me. I would have felt cheated had I not explored downtown Indianapolis and not have made this a stop. From the impressive architecture and history of the old part of the library, to the new modern contemporary of the new library, this place is nothing short of amazing. We took the time to explore all the floors and they have an abundance of information at your fingertips. Go in, enjoy, explore, and learn.

I loved the African American section, especially seeing prominent figures engraved on the walls. If I lived in the area I would frequent this library often. They also have a variety of books on display in several different languages.

Great place to go if you like books and movies! The staff is great, especially Syd. She was amazingly helpful when I purchased my PLAC Library Card (Johnson County). ❤️

Beautiful, bright and peaceful place. This library has a great zone separation- kids area, teens area, reading nooks, work spaces and beautiful outdoor area. Very friendly librarians. Parking in the area is super easy as well. This please will remind you how much enjoyment you can get from reading!

Attended a poetry workshop at this library last night, April 29th. It was led by Jade Gutierrez. Her presentation was exceptionally well-prepared with PowerPoint, music, and challenging prompts. The library has a treasure in Ms. Gutierrez! I’m so glad this workshop was offered.

We love Perry branch library it has been a blessing to our community to have one so close to home, it is very clean, with helpful staff and very kid friendly our family loves it

Staff are Anti-1st Amendment.
They Suspend a Patron PLO ( Public Library Owner) for Asking Questions about what had seen displayed about the public library location Facility.

This is a Blanton Civil Rights Violation Lawsuit in the Making as on Tuesday 2 YouTubers went in and Recorded Protected Class Citizens Asking the same Questions. And were not Suspended or Admonished for their Civil Rights.

Absolutely lovely and bright library! Has many nice, peaceful little areas to sit and read – even a little fireplace! Very well lit with plenty of natural sunlight coming in through the big glass walls. Clean and spacious study rooms aswell (available to rent out). Love how many fun activities there are throughout the month to try such as yoga and gardening. Also has good amount of computers if needed.

Gran variedad en selección de géneros para leer, diferentes áreas, para niños, para reuniones, muy limpio, ordenado, excelente atención y muy bonito

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.

The Michigan Road branch is a true gem in our community. It’s clean, welcoming, and filled with helpful resources for all ages. The staff are kind, knowledgeable, and genuinely care about the people who walk through their doors. Whether you’re stopping in to check out a book, use the computers, attend a program, or just find a quiet space to reset — this library delivers.

It’s more than a library — it’s a safe, inclusive space that uplifts the neighborhood. I appreciate how intentional they are about meeting people where they are and offering services that really make a difference.

If you haven’t been, go check it out. You’ll leave feeling supported, seen, and probably with more than one good book.

Wonderful library. Lots of private rooms for studying. Lots of open space to sit and do work. I really enjoy the seating areas with the outdoor viewing spaces. There are a lot of opportunities to bring the outdoors inside. I also enjoyed the natural lighting. It was built using timber from the trees removed to build the space. The whole building is energy efficient and strives to cut carbon emissions. This library is a great addition to the neighborhood and very much needed in the area.

Какая прекрасная атмосфера здесь. Детям очень очень нравится. Мы с детьми регулярно посещаем эту библиотеку, берем литературу для чтения домой. Часто бывает так что сидим в библиотеке и читаем не покидая библиотеку. В тишине и приятной обстановке. Пока наш младший играет в игральной. Библиотека помогает человеку осознать свою духовную сущность. Библиотека была и будет своеобразным средоточием ✏️ информационных материалов, местом, где можно узнать много интересного и полезного. Не каждый может разобраться, какая именно информация ему нужна для досуга, какой жанр литературы больше по вкусу. Иногда для того, чтобы разобраться в этом, приходится поверхностно изучить несколько литературных источников. Библиотека для этого предоставляет неограниченные возможности. Процесс поиска нужной книги может и должен приносить удовольствие. Перелистывая страницы, человек начинает осмысливать, какая информация ему нужна. Понравившуюся книгу забирают домой, где в спокойной обстановке прочитывают, затем перечитывают особенно понравившиеся моменты. При написании дипломной или курсовой работы учащимся проще и удобнее обратиться к услугам библиотеки. В интернете не всегда можно найти именно ту информацию, которая необходима.

Always had great experience here at the branch. The only thing is…..why is the bathroom always smelling bad?

We really appreciate this nice new library in the neighborhood. It has a nice separate kids area, staff are friendly, Saturdays are quiet and not too busy.

Today was my first there. It’s a good place. I recommend. The only downside is that there were people in the quiet area that were not so quiet. A man sat at the quiet area watching a movie on his laptop without any headphones and this was very frustrating for me to concentrate while reading.

This library is very well organized and always neat, quiet, efficient staff. The best of them all in Indianapolis, Indiana

Convenient location. The inside “foot flow” is very smooth that there aren’t blockages. Adult section is easy to browse, and if it isn’t on the shelf the librarians search. The kids area is well organized and inviting. There are plenty of computers, but they aren’t the focal point. Study locations are private. The DVD and CD displays are excellent for quick viewing. The decoration is pleasing. The outside parking lot is a bit tight.

I loved the old Library, it’s tucked away in a cozy location.
It was the perfect place to hang out. I have some fond memories with the employees.

It made me happy to see some of them follow the library to it’s new location.

The new location is open and airy.
It has all the amenities we’ve come to enjoy, old familiar faces are still there
I look forward to getting to know this new location and the very friendly and helpful new employees

Great location, friendly service and great air-conditioning on this 95 degree blazing hot day! Thank U Lord for work’N it out for all of us. Peace & Blessings – SunShine Smiles

Its a nice libary with a lot of light, open spaced and very clean.

One of best Library of Indianapolis. Really nice ambiance and many free classes available for kids.

Those stars are solely for an employee by the name of India.. This young lady needs to be recorded and presented all over the country on how to provide 5 star customer service!! She’s courteous, respectful, enthusiastic when helping you and just now, upon me asking her name , she thanked me and called me by name( Miss Smith) I come here often I’ve never seen her be rude or short with anyone and I’ve seen her the opportunity to do so, even with me! and all of my requests of her; she does this thing that only good people do and that is she finds creative ways to not embarras you or patronize you, she instead empowers. She’s also firm. I lost my credit card and though she knows me by name she required that I present ID. She literally just said in response to me, that it’s always a great day at the library.. I hope and pray bosses read this and promote her, if she so chooses. I really appreciate her being here, I try not to bother her but am always glad to know she’s on duty! India, you are Awesome, your kindness will bring you blessing straight from heaven ✨️

Very helpful staff. Great to send fax or PDF or scan documents

First time visting, staff was extremely polite and helpful. I was on a mobility scooter and had no issues getting in and navigating around. It’s a shame libraries have gone mostly digital. I remember back when they were so full of books they seemed to have everything. They were still able to request a book thry didn’t have in for me though, and I look forward to going back.

Very Nice And Professional Staff ..
Fast Friendly Service… Gun The Computer Specialist Is Wonderful… Thanks Gin.

Nice, clean modern-looking library, friendly staff, fast Internet computers, free Wi-Fi, nice place to spend some time alone or to get out of the heat and enjoy the A/C – especially if the one in your house doesn’t keep your house cool enough in the 80+ degree heat.

Definitely recommend spending some time here!

Had not been to the library for a long time. Went to pick up a movie and my card would not work. The woman at the desk checked the card and it was expired because I hadn’t used it for a long time. She took the time to issue me a new card and use the new card to borrow the movie. Very professional, patient and courteous. I wish there were more people like her in public potions.

Super helpful staff and doing a great job keeping everything clean! All the upgrades and plans are great!! Love the new family restroom for pregnant, mom’s with young kids and nursing moms, too. Also, the big room that people can rent for groups and lots of different things. Very cool! Great job!

Great place to go when it’s not busy.

My family has been coming to the Warren Branch Library for close to 40 years. I love the building (the old one and the new). The staff is wonderful. I was blown away one day when I watched one of the librarians in the children’s section use ASL to sign with a young child. Seeing that kid’s face light up when someone communicated with him in his own “language” was heartwarming.

A nice and clean library! Just came to pick up solar eclipse glasses for free! Looked around and had many computers and space to do your own thing. Had many nice projects for kids to do their thing too.

Love this branch. Very helpful staff. Always find what I need, get all the latest books. My great grandson loves the place as well.

Recently renovated (2016), very clean and nice. Free WiFi and a nice selection of tables and cubicles. There are a variety of seating options for reading and working, as well as two small conference rooms.

Outstanding library facility with pristine study rooms! Highly recommended for all! ❤️

One of the more toddler friendly libraries in the area; computers and an actual talking area where my little one can scream and play with others!

Amazing place
Lovely collection
Kids friendly
Laptops for educational games
Would love to visit again and again

Very nice quiet place, very helpful staff. Thank you.

I love this place, but some aspects of it have become really frustrating. The children’s section should be a space for kids, yet there are adults using the computers there—without any children. It’s unsettling.

Beyond that, the general noise level is out of control. Loud conversations, unattended kids who aren’t told to quiet down—it no longer feels like a library. The staff aren’t particularly helpful either. One even slammed something on the desk while my child was trying to get a bookmark they didn’t have, startling them without an apology.

Then there’s the issue of parties being allowed in another room, which makes the entire space chaotic. Some books have sticky messes on them, which is just unacceptable for a place meant to foster reading. And worst of all, I’ve found inappropriate books in the children’s section—completely unacceptable.

My five kids adore this library, but these issues are making it hard to keep coming back. I really hope changes are made to bring back the welcoming, family-friendly environment it once had.

I love the Indianapolis Public Library – Wayne Branch. They have friendly staff/volunteers and the building and restrooms have always been clean when I’ve visited.

They have recently renovated this location and with the new design layout for the book shelves the space looks so much bigger than it used to!
Their computers are spread out more throughout the library now and not
taking up a chunk of space right when you walk into the adult/teen area which is really nice.

Because of COVID, you now can only return borrowed books to the outdoor return slot, which is right next to the entry door so this return option isn’t really an inconvenience. Because all borrowed books being returned have to go into a 4 day quarantine before being reshelved, they are waving most fees associated with late returns. (I.E. if you turn your book in on it’s actual due date, it sits for a minimum of 4 days before being checked back in, you are not being charged for your book being 4 days late).

I haven’t had any issues with coming/going to get new books with COVID. Mask are required to enter, but that is the norm for most places right now. But socially distancing speaking, I haven’t had an issues with keeping space between myself and others. Will be hopefully visiting for years to come!

I requested to have 10:30am to 11am off from work just so I could take my daughter to story time only to find out that it was cancelled. When I asked the lady at the desk why they couldn’t be bothered to update their site to reflect that she said “it was a mistake”.

This lady clearly doesn’t have kids nor does she understand how hard it is for some parents to get off to take their kids to a story time.

Learn basic manners and update your site to reflect when an event is cancelled instead of saying ‘it was a mistake’. If the west perry branch can do it, you should be able to do it too.

Nice branch. Quiet. Friendly staff. Computers.

My six year old granddaughter loved the Safari.

My kids say this is their favorite of the branches. There is usually a craft bag for them to take home which we love. Everyone is very friendly and it’s clean.

From what other reviewers have said, they tend to have issues with updating their website whenever an event is cancelled.

Not worth time going here for any event.

The Glendale Library has some very unique aesthetics that enable you to engage at such a deep level. There are all sorts of nooks and crannies to escape and get lost in the books. The private study rooms are so very adequate. The architecture is simply amazing. I love this place.

The library is a fantastic resource, offering a wonderful space for learning and discovery. However, I’ve noticed a strong emphasis on a certain theme (LGBTQ), in the teen and children’s section, and throughout various displays throughout the library. It would be great to see a broader range of materials that highlight summer activities, skill-building opportunities, and fun ways to expand knowledge. Encouraging diverse interests can help inspire curiosity and growth, and I appreciate the staff’s dedication to fostering a welcoming and enriching environment for all patrons.

A terrific library! It’s in a somewhat unexpected location (next to a Staples) as the library is located on the upper level of what appears like a giant mall-like complex. But once you actually get inside, the place is awesome! A great selection including some terrific coffee table books. Good lighting, clean, and helpful staff! Parking is also super-easy and free as well.

I love the new Glendale location. Lots of comfy seating and interactive activities for the kids. I love the kids area but wish com1puters were not there.

Such a beautiful space to work out of and lots of seating available! Almost–selfishly–tempted to gatekeep this location because of how much I love it here, especially now that fall is in full swing.

Parental supervision is NON-existent. Parents are divided into two camps:

1. Free childcare while I read my social media and text and watch TikToks. Usually children in this category are named: Precious, D’Shantay, or Jabari.
2. My child is so spesshial, everybody needs to stop what they are doing and listen and watch how cute and oh-so-smart they are. Usually children in this category are named Kaden, Wren, or Emmett.

It is truly a disservice to those patrons who want to read in a quiet, peaceful environment without children running around yelling, eating, and fighting.

Such a nice library tucked away next to the Target. The main library is upstairs, and features , a nice selection of books, videos, computers, study areas and magazines. Great way to spend the afternoon.

They created a puzzle nook for people to work on a large puzzle collectively. The librarians and staff at this library are top-notch and is my favorite library in the county.

This is a wonderful library branch with a wonderful staff. It’s consistently clean and organized. They strive to have well set up events. They are happy to order anything that is not at the location. I am also happy that they go out of their way to have sections that celebrate specialized history and pride months, the effort at inclusion is noticed, as are the staff picks throughout the library. Well done all around, Team.

The woman working today Saturday 2 pm on February 1st 2025 was helpful telling me where the DVD’s were. I enjoyed the modern upbeat furniture and architecture. I also liked the Black History Month mural (see picture) inside the library. ⭐

I used to visit Martindale’s a lot!!! They are very kind and considerate people. It is very quiet and peaceful and clean !!! My best friend used to work here before he was killed today was my first day going back in there after his passing. it was very hard for me at first but I’m glad I did !! The staff is still the same and I will be visiting them very often again.

Excellent experience every time I go. Staff is so helpful.

This right in the hood. I’ve lived here 10+ years. This corner of 25th & Sherman is very risky So lock your cars or watch your belongings. The library helped the area feel and look better. once you actually go in the library it’s clean and very quiet. Feels like a safe place to be. I recommend this place. The staff is always friendly. The old lady on the front desk is my favorite staff member. Very kind.

We live on this side of town and have visited all of the ones close to downtown and the Eastside—this is my new favorite. The librarians and employees were super kind and helpful—both in-person and by phone when I called. It was quiet and clean and the layout was great for kids. They get their own area where you don’t feel like you’re disturbing others if they talk in a regular volume. The book display was great and I love all the big windows and natural light. Ample seating for adults and kids alike. And for what it’s worth the location doesn’t bother me. All libraries on this side of town can attract sketchy people but this one actually felt safer than some others. I’m glad there’s a library there!