Best-Loved Book Nooks

Michelle McNally - Indianapolis
September 21, 2011

Central Indiana is full of spots to browse quality children's books and hear stories read aloud. Marion county, as well as the surrounding counties have library systems with children's programming, and there are a number of children's booksellers in the greater Indianapolis area as well. Add in the presentations done by the Storytelling Arts of Indiana at the Indiana Historical Society, and there is always a story waiting to be heard.

The Libraries

The Indianapolis Marion County Public Library consists of 22 branch libraries and over 2.1 items in its collection. Branches are dispersed throughout the city, and each one typically offers a Baby and Toddler story time, along with a preschool story time each week. Some locations also have a family story time on the calendar on weekday evenings. All branches participate in the summer reading program, along with other events throughout the year. The Central Library is, well, central to the library system, and its children's department, known as the Learning Curve, is no exception. Children can browse books, play on a green screen stage, use computer terminals, and catch assorted presentations by staff on any given day.

Each county surrounding Marion county also has a library system. To the north, Hamilton county has libraries in Westfield, Carmel, Fishers, and Noblesville. To the east, the Hancock County Public Library has branches in Greenfield and New Palestine. To the south, the city of Greenwood has its own library system, one of which has recently received a grant from Target in recognition of its early literacy efforts. Johnson county also has a library system with branches in Greenwood, Franklin, Trafalger and New Whiteland. Finally, to the west, Hendricks county has libraries in Avon, Brownsburg, Danville, Plainfield, Clayton, and Coatsville. Each library system has a website detailing the upcoming events they are hosting.

The Bookstores

Kids Ink can be found at 5619 N. Illinois Street. They carry a wide selection of children's literature, host book signings, and also carry a large variety of quality children's toys. Each month, they publish an e-newsletter announcing their story times and activities for the month. Want to get their newsletter? Email kidsink@indy.net and ask to be put on their mailing list (they don't have a website). Their storytimes are always built around a theme and include several stories, a craft, and then time to play at the in-store train table.

The Wild is on Noblesville historic town square and is full of what children like: interesting books, games, and puzzles. Storytime is held every Thursday morning. The Wild also boasts a party room, available for birthday parties and special events. Barnes and Noble has several metro Indianapolis locations, and each one has an expansive children's section. Check each store's website for special events, including free storytimes.

The Storytellers

Storytelling Arts of Indiana has a schedule full of interesting tales to perform. On the event schedule, performances suitable for children are indicated. Most performances take place at the Indiana Historical Society.