Indianapolis Central Public Library

Libraries don’t get much better than this… if you’re looking for something that’s architecturally beautiful, a place where you can study, and a building that stands above the rest… this is the place!!!
My first visit to this library, I was blown away by how beautiful the building is… from the older stone building entrance to the large new glass attached building, the library is spectacular. The building is extremely spacious and has generous amounts of natural light throughout the 6 floors for an amazing study environment. The only complaints I could really see were their isn’t free parking and the occasional shady characters… but hey, it’s a big city downtown library so this is as good as it gets!!!

Beautiful interior. Went to meet the artist event and it was just lovely. I wish more people supported events like these. The library is breathtaking. A great place to getaway and clear your mind. Just to wander around and peruse the books.

This is such a beautiful space! I really enjoy going to the library, but this makes it an experience. The way they have kept the old architecture along with incorporating modern and functional pieces makes it a real treasure. We even did some beautiful wedding pictures outside of the space! It’s a wonderful addition to Downtown Indy.

I feel so fortunate that we have such a gorgeous library in this city. I work very close by and often take my break here. There are wonderful reading nooks near the fire place that I like to cozy up to. When you walk in, it reminds me of the scene in the Sex and the City movie when Carrie decides this is where she wants to get married. Heck! I would get married here. This is how a library should be. Plus, they have plenty of selection. Whenever I have requested a book, it has arrived within 24 – 36 hours. The staff are friendly. I also really appreciate the Refresh! coffee corner. I get lattes pretty often there. Whenever I am downtown and the person I am with hasn’t been by here, I make them check it out. It’s a gorgeous spot in the city. Plus, I love the view walking out of the War Memorial and American Legion Mall.

This review is for the Hot Jazz for Cool Kids series at Central Library!
I heard about the event series on Twitter, and I’m so glad I did! I took my 2 year old, and we had an absolute blast.
The event is free and is one of three events in this series throughout the winter.
Rob Dixon, Nick Tucker and three other world-​class musicians performed for over an hour. In between songs they educated the audience on the history of Jazz (in an engaging way) and invited kids on stage to dance, sing and play with them.
The event space (auditorium) was packed to the brim with kids, families and folks of all ages. The energy was great, people were happy and lighthearted. I haven’t seen that many smiles on a freezing cold Winter day in a long time!
These events are a great way to warm up, loosen up, and listen in on some of the best music this town has to offer! Plus, if its really chilly outside, consider using the $ 1 underground parking lot!

You have to understand that I’m writing this review through the lens of a parent of two young children. I haven’t seen much discussed about the children’s section, or the safety of the library, so I’m writing this review for other parents who are wondering whether the Indianapolis Central Library is a safe and worthwhile place to bring their kids.
The answer: yes and no.
Yes, for these reasons: It’s a beautiful place with outstanding architecture inside and out; the views from the 6^th floor are amazing; the children’s area is basically the entire second floor, so it’s pretty big; there is a large selection of books in the children’s area, so there’s lots to choose from; there is a very neat stage in the children’s section with a green screen, so kids can pretend to walk on the moon and it’s projected on a TV; there are lots of little areas to sit and read or do whatever.
No, for these reasons:
1. I saw one too many adult men without children hanging around the children’s area. Look, I understand this is a public library and the public is allowed to roam wherever they want, but I’m going to break it down to you from a parent’s point of view: If I see a homeless-​looking man without a child in the children’s section, my hackles immediately rise and I don’t feel safe. That’s just the way it is.
2. The bathrooms are lockedy in the children’s area, and you have to ask the attendant out front to unlock them. On the one hand, that’s awesome because then at least they know who goes in and out of the bathroom. On the other hand, it makes you wonder if a place where they need to lock children’s bathrooms is a place you should be taking your children.
3. There are some shady-​looking people in the library. Most are not shady-​looking, but there are enough to make you go, «hmmm.» It’s no secret that the neighborhood surrounding the library is one of the most crime-​ridden places in the country. I bring up this point so that, if you come here with kids, you stay aware of your surroundings. It’s easy to get lost in a false sense of security when you’re in a library because they are just such wonderful places, but this is one where you probably shouldn’t let your guard down too much.
4. But in case you need a reminder that you’re in a bad neighborhood, just visit the parking garage and you’ll see panic buttons every 20 feet or so, on every pillar. It’s nice to know that they’re there if you need them, I guess? Heaven forbid.
My point to this review is pretty much this: Taking children places is stressful enough without having to worry if you’re going to be accosted while you and your kids look for a book to read. Will we come back to this library? Yes, definitely. I won’t be coming by myself with kids, though, and I’ll probably not feel as relaxed as I do when I visit other libraries.

In any city that I call home, I will make my acquaintance with the local library system, at some point or another. For this reason, I feel qualified to voice an opinion about this system in comparison to others.
The short answer is– yes, they are trying to create a modern library system with new buildings and checkout technology. As far as that goes, using the central library as a measure, they’re doing okay but not impressive. The library looks literally like a new building was connected to an old one, inside and out (meaning see it from one side its old and see it from another it’s modern). It’s strange and quirky, much like the rest of Indianapolis.
As for the selection? The books are older, and organized strangely. Kind of down market, even comparison to my California Community College or small hometown in Washington. Again, similarly to the rest of Indianapolis. That’s just the way it is here folks. Enjoy.

Excellent service. I was visiting my home town, from Dallas, TX. I needed some information of my Father’s murder.
Mike Perkins was very courteous, and helpful I really appreciate his kindness, especially at 15 minutes before closing.

First time to the Indy library! VERY impressive! Such unique architecture, lighting & seating! Very modern with a snack bar too! A must see! I can here for a Unilocal event & was a great place to host this event!

NO PARKING!!!
The event may be free, but picking your car up from the tow lot was not!!!
$$$

What a gem this place is. In addition to being a massive library, it’s also full of community spaces for kids and adults. There’s a café, plenty of books to read a book, and beautiful views of Downtown Indy. It’s also an awesome event venue for wedding receptions.
Tip: parking is free on the street on Sundays. The garage below is a few dollars.

This place is GORGEOUS. Are you sure this is a library and not an architectural landmark? The vaulted ceilings, tall windows letting in natural light… the atrium in and of itself is incredible.
But wait! There’s more! Check out the old library wing — you’ll feel like you’re in Hogwarts. And then, weave your way up to the top floor (numero 6) for lovely panoramic views of the Indy skyline. Even if you’re not coming here to study or check out books, it’s worth a visit just to walk around, explore, and take pictures.
Use the parking garage for easy access to the library via elevator, plus it’s pretty cheap if you’re only going to be there a little while!
If you get hungry, there’s a café/​deli area where you can grab a sandwich or cup of joe. Lots of seating and computers to be productive.
The only reason I’m docking it a star is because during the day, the library attracts an interesting mix of people (read: can appear like a daytime homeless shelter). It’s not overwhelming, but just something to keep in mind. I’d want to bring a study buddy with me just to have company!

This is probably one of my favorite places in Indianapolis. When all is too much, the Indianapolis Central Public Library is the place to be. I usually grab a cup of coffee from the café on the first floor and then head upstairs to read. They have an amazing catalog with just about any book you can think of. And not to mention, it’s very spacious, so there’s lots of room for privacy.
Oh, and the Wi-​Fi signal is great!

This place is immense and gorgeous. The staff is helpful and friendly. I love the fiction reading rooms flanking the main lobby. And the views from upstairs are awesome.
The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the amount of times I’m asked for bus fare by other people inside the library.
Now I know full well that libraries can attract homeless because they offer free heat/​air conditioning and internet, etc. I have my MLS, I’m well aware of the wonderful benefits of public libraries and all the good they do for people with their free resources.
However, I’ve never had this happen before in any of the dozens upon dozens of libraries I’ve visited in the past and it just rubbed me the wrong way.

I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for anyplace piles of books reside. I always feel at home in libraries… but Central takes my breath away. It’s an incredibly beautiful building with one of the best views of downtown Indianapolis overlooking Veterans Memorial Plaza. The café is reasonably priced, there are plenty of quiet areas to work, and there are always fun displays around the building.

Oh gosh, this place is gorgeous! Definitely one of the most beautiful public libraries I’ve yet visited in the United States. I love how the new addition works with the older original building. The architecture is gorgeous and the 7 floors of stacks and more in the new building look very utilitarian. It looks like the facilities are well used and stocked with a great selection of titles. The names of authors carved into the walls of the older building are features I really appreciate. Additionally I like the inclusion of the atrium with great amounts of outside light, the public art throughout, the displays and the coffee shop within the library.
While I do not live in Indianapolis, if I did, I would love to visit or even work at such a wonderful facility. Visiting this library is a must during a visit to Indianapolis.

Wow, what a gorgeous library! I love that this library is in the middle of downtown and it’s very safe. Being from Los Angeles, our central library’s surroundings are quite dangerous. The architecture is both traditional and modern making it a beautiful sight inside out!
Loved seeing so many age groups utilizing the services and actively learning.
There is a café inside the library with indoor seating next to a large glass window! You can grab a quick coffee, tea, pastry, and even sandwiches at a reasonable cost. Hungry? Just walk a couple of blocks to Mass Ave or the city market for a glorious meal.
Only knocking a star because the library didn’t seem to have many updated books on business and self improvement. A large list of major best sellers were not offered here which was a huge disappointment.

Okay I admit it — I have lived in Indy since December 2013 and had not been to the Central Public Library… until last night.
WOW is this an amazing building! I walked up to the building from the northeast side and the addition is just stunning! Initially, I wondered if the new architecture style would actually work with the original building or not but it actually does! Walk in through the main entrance and the front lobby opens up into this large open common area. I stood there for a moment to take it all in. The addition is a glass wall, essentially, 6 stories high and its really cool to be able to see people and all the rows of books towering above you. There is a nice café on the main floor and prices are great! I had a chai latte which was very delicious.
I was at the library for the IndyHub event and its such a wonderful space! It was packed all evening but there was still plenty of room to move around. All of the library staff that I ran into throughout the day were extremely friendly.
I’m looking forward to returning and spending some time browsing the books, lounging in the reading areas, and relaxing in a beautiful (and peaceful) setting.

WOW this library is awesome! The Unilocal Totally Bizarre was held here this year which got me in the building and I didn’t want to leave! The library is beautiful and had stories (yes play on words) on stories of books and all kinds of multimedia to experience.
I also love how they preserved the old Indy library and made the two buildings work together to create an awesome place visit.
Also if you get the chance to be in the library after dark, go up to the top floor and experience one of the best views of the downtown skyline — truly breathtaking

Easily one of the best places to study in Indianapolis. There’s plenty of tables all with their own set of outlets which is extremely helpful. Additionally there are study rooms you can get on almost every floor. Be sure to check out the awesome view of the city on the 6^th floor!