Indianapolis Public Library
The Indianapolis Public Library (IndyPL), formerly known as the Indianapolis–Marion County Public Library, is the public library system serving the citizens of Marion County, Indiana, United States and its largest city, Indianapolis. The library was founded in 1873 and has grown to include its flagship Central Library and 24 branch libraries located throughout the county. In 2021, the public library system circulated 7.1 million items and hosted more than 2,500 programs for its 282,000 cardholders.
Central Library from the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza
Image: The Indianapolis Public Library Logo
Memorial Presbyterian Church (ca. 1873), the site of Rev. Edson's sermon ignited the movement for a public library in Indianapolis.
Established in 1971, Nora Branch Library (pictured in 1998) was one in a wave of new branch openings following the formation of the Marion County Public Library Board in 1966.
Central Library (Indianapolis)
Central Library is the main branch of the Indianapolis Public Library in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. The building was designed by Philadelphia-based architect Paul Philippe Cret. The original Central Library building was constructed in Greek Doric style architecture, faced with Indiana limestone on a Vermont marble base. Central Library opened to the public on October 8, 1917. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places as Central Library on August 28, 1975.
Central Library in 2012
Library director Eliza Gordon Browning oversaw the opening of Central Library in 1917
Architectural rendering of the Central Library's south elevation from 1913
Atrium of the library's contemporary wing in 2008