There are not many places where I can take four kids, ages 9, 11, 14, and 16, and feel like each one of them has a space designed specifically for them. That is exactly what makes the brand-new Kid Central and Teen Central spaces at the Indianapolis Public Library’s Central Library so exciting.
{ THE GRAND OPENING IS JUNE 6TH – DETAILS HERE}
Central Library has transformed 46,000 square feet across the second and third floors into more accessible, engaging, and inclusive spaces for children and teenagers. These are not simply rooms filled with bookshelves. Kid Central and Teen Central are destinations where families can read, learn, play, create, study, take a quiet break, or spend time together without everyone needing to enjoy the same activity.
When I took my four kids to explore the new spaces, I was especially curious to see how the library would serve such a wide range of ages. My 9 and 11-year-olds are still very much interested in hands-on activities and places where they can move around. My 14- and 16-year-olds want independence, comfortable places to spend time, and activities that do not feel like they were designed for little kids.
The new Central Library spaces manage to meet both of those needs beautifully.
Kid Central Takes Over the Entire Third Floor
Kid Central now encompasses the entire third floor of Central Library. The east side supports early learners, while the west side is tailored for school-age children.
This setup is wonderful for families because it gives children room to grow within the space. Parents with toddlers can find an area that works for their youngest children, while older elementary-age kids can explore activities and collections that feel more age-appropriate.
The design is inspired by nature, Indiana wildlife, and elements of street art. It feels playful and welcoming without being overwhelming. There is room for children to move, learn, imagine, and create, but there are also quiet corners and thoughtful features that make it easier for families to stay longer.
My younger kids were at a great age to appreciate the variety. At 9 and 11, they are old enough to browse books independently, but they are still very interested in anything interactive. Kid Central gives them both.
Interactive Technology Makes the Library Feel Like a Place to Explore
One of the best parts of the new Kid Central space is the way technology has been incorporated into the experience. The activities are engaging, but they still encourage children to create, think, and participate.
Draw Alive is a digital drawing activity in which children create a picture and watch their artwork come to life on a large screen. It is the kind of activity that makes kids want to try again and again, changing their designs each time to see what happens.
The Dynamic Floor uses floor projections for educational games and activities. This gives kids a chance to move their bodies while they learn and play, which can be especially helpful for children who have difficulty sitting still for long periods.
Everbright is an interactive light wall (think Light Brite) where children can create colorful designs without screens, pegs, or a big cleanup afterward. It offers a creative experience that feels simple, calming, and satisfying.
Kid Central also has five Launchpad Quest touchscreen stations and 16 computer stations. These features make it easy for families to include educational technology in a library visit, especially during school breaks or on days when everyone needs an indoor activity.
There’s even a computer workstation with a built-in soft kids’ space so parents can focus while infants can play or sleep.
Kid Central Is Still a Wonderful Place to Find Books
The technology is exciting, but the books are still at the heart of Kid Central.
The collection includes approximately 90,000 items in 28 world languages. Families can find picture books, graphic novels, nonfiction, audiobooks, homeschool resources, and much more.
This is one of the reasons I love taking my kids to the library. Each child can walk away with something completely different. One child might choose a graphic novel, another might find a book about a new interest, and another might browse audiobooks or nonfiction. The library gives kids the freedom to follow their own curiosity without requiring parents to purchase every book that catches their attention.
Kid Central also includes 125 Playaways, which are portable, pre-loaded audiobooks that do not require downloads or an internet connection. These can be a great option for reluctant readers, children who enjoy listening to stories, or families preparing for a road trip.
The Storytime Lodge provides a special setting for early literacy programs, making storytime feel like an experience instead of simply another item on the family calendar.
Thoughtful Features Make Kid Central More Accessible for Families
Some of the most meaningful improvements at Kid Central may not be the first things children notice, but parents will appreciate them.
The new spaces are enclosed and have dedicated entrances. Improved sightlines throughout the area allow library staff to better support the needs of children and families.
Kid Central also includes a comfort room for quiet breaks. The room is equipped with a lounge chair and a full sink, offering a calmer space for children or caregivers who need a moment away from the activity.
The renovated restrooms include child-friendly features, two ADA-accessible restrooms, a child-sized toilet, and a universal changing station designed to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges who cannot use traditional restroom facilities.
These details matter. Families are much more likely to visit a public space, stay longer, and return regularly when they know some facilities can meet their children’s needs.
Teen Central Gives Teenagers a Space of Their Own
Teen Central is located on the west side of the second floor, and it feels noticeably different from Kid Central.
That is a good thing.
Teenagers deserve a library space that does not feel like an extension of the children’s department. Teen Central has vibrant floral patterns, bright accents, and a modern, welcoming atmosphere. It is designed to be a place where teens can study, read, work on projects, spend time with friends, and build connections with the library and one another. When speaking with the librarians, we discussed how teens want to be taken seriously, and this space does just that.
As a parent of a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old, I appreciate that Teen Central gives older kids a reason to want to visit the library. The teen years can be a time when kids begin to outgrow many of the places they loved when they were younger, but they still need safe, affordable, welcoming spaces where they can spend time.
Teen Central offers six computer stations, two new large group study rooms, and a dedicated program room for board games, video games, arts and crafts, and other activities. Nintendo Switch 2 games will also be available to play on a regular basis.
The study rooms are especially useful for teens who need a place to work on group projects, prepare for a test, or simply get homework done outside of the house. The program room gives teens another way to connect with the library, even when reading is not the main reason for their visit.
Teen Central Has Books for Many Different Types of Readers
Teen Central includes approximately 16,000 items in 17 world languages. The collection includes young adult novels, nonfiction, graphic novels, and Quick Reads.
Quick Reads are an important addition because they provide a more accessible entry point for developing and reluctant readers. Not every teenager wants to begin with a long novel, and not every teen has the same reading level or interests. A strong teen collection should make it easy for more young people to find something they will actually enjoy.
Teen Central also includes 120 Playaways, expanding access to portable audiobooks for older readers.
I love that the library is making room for teens who already love books and for teens who may still be figuring out what they like to read. Both groups belong at the library.
A Library Visit That Works for the Whole Family
The best thing about visiting Kid Central and Teen Central with my four kids was seeing that no one had to be dragged along for someone else’s activity.
My younger kids had space to explore interactive activities, browse books, and move around. My teenagers had a separate area that felt appropriate for their age, with study rooms, computers, games, and books selected for teen readers.
As a parent, I could see how these spaces could work for many different kinds of family visits. You could stop in for an hour to choose books, spend a rainy afternoon exploring the technology, attend a program, bring a teenager to study, or make Central Library part of a full day downtown.
The new Kid Central and Teen Central spaces make the library feel even more like a place where children can grow up. A child can begin with storytime, move into hands-on learning and independent reading, and eventually find a place of their own in Teen Central.
That is a powerful investment in Indianapolis families.
Plan Your Visit to Kid Central and Teen Central
Kid Central and Teen Central are located at Central Library in downtown Indianapolis.
Central Library is open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
For more information about Kid Central, Teen Central, library programs, and current hours, visit indypl.org.
