Whether you have the kind of kid who has to be begged to read or the one who hides under the covers with a flashlight, the Indianapolis Public Library Summer Reading Program will have everyone excited to read this summer! Discover new books and stories, attend special summer programming, and win exciting prizes at your local library.
The 2025 Summer Reading Program begins Saturday, May 31, but registration is open now.
Indianapolis Public Library Summer Reading Program
The theme this year is “Unearth Imagination!” The reading program is a great way to encourage kids to expand their reading, earn some cool prizes, and participate in a fantastic lineup of special programs and events at the library.
IndyPL also has a community reading goal: if the IndyPL community surpasses 20 million minutes of reading, all readers who logged time during the summer will be entered into grand prize drawings at the end of the program. Prizes include items such as one of two $529 CollegeChoice CD savings accounts, LEGO sets, Nintendo Switches, and more!
Sign Up for IndyPL’s Summer Reading Program
The first day to log reading time is Saturday, May 31, 2025, so you will want to be registered by then. However, you can register anytime before the last day to log reading time: Wednesday, August 2, 2025.
Indianapolis Public Library Summer Reading Program Prizes
You can pick up prizes at any branch but it must be complete by Wednesday, August 2, 2025. The prizes are really great, but quantities are limited and subject to change.
- 1 hour: A Snack OR Choose an item from the prize bin
- 5 hours: A Snack OR IndyParks Pool Pass OR Puff Ball
- 10 hours: A Book PLUS Baseball Pass OR Penn Station Coupon OR Fossil Dig Kit
- 15 hours: Book OR Dino Stuffie OR IU Indy Basketball Pass
- 20 hours: Book PLUS Haunted House Pass OR Indiana State Museum Pass OR Reusable Water Balloon
- Bonus Prize (Complete 7 of 11 Discover Activities): Choose an item from the prize bin PLUS Eiteljorg Museum Pass OR Royal Pin Bowling Pass.
Minutes are not transferable between individuals, and a maximum of 20 hours will be awarded to each participant. Kids and teens can read any book, graphic novel, magazine, e-book, or newspaper they desire and enjoy.
Want to reach the full 20 hours? 20 minutes of reading a day will get you there!
How to Register for IndyPL’s Summer Reading Program
There are three ways to register and track your reading.
- On the Beanstack app: Search for “Beanstack” in the App Store or Google Play Store and follow the instructions to create an account for yourself or your family. If you already have an account, you need only enroll in “Summer Reading 2024” with IndyPL.
- On the web: In your browser, visit indypl.beanstack.org to create an account for yourself or your family. If you already have an account, you need only enroll in “Summer Reading 2024” with IndyPL.
- In person/on paper: Visit or call any IndyPL location to register with a staff member. Keep track of your reading on the Beanstack app, or pick up a paper tracking sheet at a branch or print one in English or Spanish.
Need help? IndyPL staff can help you register and track your progress online or in the app. Even local summer camps, daycares, or schools can participate in the Indianapolis Public Library Summer Reading Program, registering as a group!
Even More of the Summer Reading Program
There are even MORE ways to earn prizes with the library’s Summer Reading program, outside of reading. IndyPL has 11 activities for kids to complete; if they do 7, they will earn an additional prize:
- Donate a new or used book to the Library to be given to Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis.
- Discover Kindness by greeting library patrons or a friendly librarian.
- Tell a librarian your favorite tongue twister or describe your favorite book or story.
- Explore nature and describe your observations.
- Check out a book with amazing artwork.
- Send a letter through the Pet Pals Post using special stationery from the library.
- Learn how to use the library computers by playing a game or browsing the catalog.
- Attend a program, visit a new branch, or explore the IndyPL website.
- Explore new music through Hoopla or by checking out a CD.
- Check out a book about food or a cookbook and try a new recipe.
- Ask a grown-up to complete a survey to be entered to win a Meijer gift card. Adults can find the survey and more information about the Summer Reading Program at www.indypl.org/srp.
Indianapolis Public Library Summer Reading Program Events
Lastly, remember all the great programs the library hosts at every branch so you can make the most of your visit.
Many branches are hosting Summer Reading Kickoffs to begin the summer of reading fun, where you can enjoy various activities like face painting, games, treats, and giveaways. Babies through adults can register for the Summer Reading Program during these events.
Other FREE workshops and events for kids and teens scheduled as part of this summer’s reading program include:
Animal Meet and Greets with Silly Safaris: You can meet up to three animals, ask your questions, and take a picture with critters at the Meet and Greets. No registration is required.
Build It! Woodworking with Deeply Engrained: Complete a woodworking project and learn some handy skills along the way!
Clay Creations with Ripple Mobile Arts: Press leaves, flowers, and other found objects in clay to create works of art. Learn about pottery as an ancient art form and how archaeologists study these objects to uncover the past.
Junior Paleontologist with the Indiana State Museum: Be a paleontologist for a day and learn about Indiana’s geologic history!
Robo Explorers: Dive into the world of robotics and learn how robots use sensors to interact with their environment through engaging activities.
Animal Shows with Silly Safaris: Go on a wild adventure with Silly Safaris in a sit-down 45-minute live animal show!
Geology Rocks!: Create your own fossil impression and discover the wonders of geology.
Don’t miss out on a jam-packed summer of reading and fun for everyone—including the Adult Summer Reading Program!
Find another summer reading program near you!
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