The Indianapolis Public Library presents a variety of special activities for all ages during National Library Week, April 12 – 18, 2015. This year’s celebration, “Unlimited possibilities @ your library,” recognizes the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote the use and support of all types of libraries.
The week also provides an opportunity to underscore libraries’ inherent values regarding universal access.
“Open access, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation or gender identity, is fundamental to what libraries are all about,” said Jackie Nytes, CEO of The Indianapolis Public Library. “Library staff work hard every day to make sure that all patrons can find the resources they need at the Library, and to help make central Indiana a better place to live and work.”
As a special offering throughout the week, the Indy Library will give each person who applies for a new Library card, or renews or replaces their card, a free “go green” tote.
In addition to ongoing free computer classes, children’s storytimes and job skills training sessions, the Indy Library will host a number of free programs throughout the week. Residents can participate in “The Big Read” by reading The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears by Ethiopian-American author Dinaw Mengestu. There’ll be discussion programs on the book at several community locations along with a showing of the documentary, “Sincerely Ethiopia,” on April 18 at 1 p.m. at the Wayne Branch, 198 S. Girls School Road.
For children and families, Central Library downtown will feature the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s “Teddy Bear” series with members performing “The Giant Violin.” Children and families can bring their teddy bears for a morning of music and fun during a free performance on April 14 at 11a.m.
Central Library also will host “Women in Jazz” on April 13 at 5:30 p.m. The program, which begins with a performance by pianist Monika Herzig, will include a showing of the documentary, “Lady Be Good,” which examines the contributions of American women to the jazz movement between the 1920’s and 1970’s.
Other events include the “Ask-a-Lawyer” community service event at numerous Indy Library locations from 2 – 6 p.m. on April 14; the Indy Library Store Booksale from April 16 – 18 at the Library Services Center, 2450 N. Meridian Street; the “Family Sing-Along” on April 13 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the Irvington Branch, 5625 E. Washington Street; and eBook Tinker Stations at many Library locations where patrons can learn how to use their eReaders to download free materials from the Library’s collection.
To learn more about free National Library Week events, contact your local branch or visit indypl.org.
