The Indianapolis Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program is back.
Hoosier readers of all ages are invited to “Unearth Imagination” in IndyPL’s longstanding summer tradition. Running May 31-Aug. 2, the 2025 Summer Reading Program invites participants to explore “paleontology-inspired programs, earn prizes and discover new passions through hands-on workshops, reading lists and bonus activities,” according to a press release.
“The Indianapolis Public Library offers opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, including pre-readers and non-English readers, to connect with resources that nurture a love of reading,” Gregory A. Hill, IndyPL CEO, said in a statement. “Experience the fun, friendly and welcoming spaces at our branches where we foster learning and belonging. Summer reading is one of the ways that The Indianapolis Public Library supports literacy in all its forms.”
Library sponsored summer reading programs benefit reluctant readers by engaging them with prizes and activities, according to the American Library Association. As a result, readers develop positive reading habits while enjoying a variety of free programing that provides opportunities to connect with peers and explore new interests, according to a press release.
IndyPL’s Summer Reading Program offers preschool, school age, teen and adult readers the chance to earn points for every hour they log reading. Points are earned for one, five, 10, 15 and 20 hours of reading time and then traded for prizes at the end of the summer.
Prizes for youth include passes to the Children’s Museum Haunted House, the Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Indians baseball games, IU Indy basketball games, books and dino stuffies. Prizes for adults include mugs, Summer Reading Program stickers, stress balls, travel first-aid kits, fidget highlighters and dino planters.
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The library features a selection of books and reading materials to supplement the program’s theme in addition to workshops and programming at each branch location. However, participants may read any book, graphic novel, magazine, e-book or newspaper they like, and it will count toward their goal.
IndyPL is also partnering this year with Project Play, Inc., a nonprofit organization which accepts donations of new and gently used toys and books to foster learning through play in every household. Community members are invited to donate new or gently used books to all IndyPL branches.
Registration for the Summer Reading Program is free and began on May 1. Interested readers can register on the Beanstack website and track reading time on the Beanstack app or by paper, which can be picked up at any IndyPL branch location.
The first day to log reading time is May 31 and the last day to log time and pick up prizes is Aug. 2. Minutes are not transferable between readers and a maximum of 20 hours will be rewarded, according to the website.
For more information or reading recommended, visit indypl.org
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
