The high rating of 4 stars are definitely not because of the staff, but the lack of achieving 5 stars is a direct result of the staffs unfriendly attitude, unprofessional habits, and sometimes darn right rudeness for years. In most cases it is the older white staff, with an attitude of entitlement, and distain for the Americans who don’t look like them, the homeless, and the so-called low income. Personally I think they should all be fired on the spot, because their too old and ignorant to be retrained, it’s not because of their age that they are ignorant, and prejudice. The facilities itself are great, the books, the media, the use of computers, the little in-house coffee shop, featured artists, all great. The bathrooms are, well they need improvement. Thank you.

Indianapolis Central Public Library is what dreams are made of! Everything from the architecture when we step in to the royal historic reading room to the expansive 6 floors full of books, CDs, DVDs and play area - you name it and ICPL has it! My first visit and I fell in love with the design, structure and glass design. You are transported to a different era, an era that speaks knowledge, growth, thoughts and sheer joy for bibliophiles! The 1st floor has many events happening including naturalization ceremonies and many other significant activities. The place is abuzz with people but step into another floor or reading room and you are quietly transported to another era! Highly recommend checking out ICPL! Must go!

We really like this library!!! This place is huge and it's very nice inside and they have a coffee shop. Security is ok on the inside. Alot of homeless people though. They are drinking and smoking dope right in plain sight. Be aware of your surroundings at all times!!! My granddaughter loves the awesome children's area. The light skinned and the dark skinned women and caucasian male that wears glasses that work in the childrens area, seem to get frustrated because children are being children!?!?!?!?!?!? It is a CHILDRENS AREA and if they can't handle that, they NEED to work in another area or find another job!!!! CHILDREN WILL BE CHILDREN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Indianapolis Public Library exceeded my expectations in every way. The comfort of the space, combined with the well-regulated temperature, made it a joy to spend time there. The library's diverse range of services, from books to printers to DVDs, catered to a wide array of needs. I was particularly impressed by the quiet floors, which allowed for peaceful and focused study or reading sessions. The employees were not only respectful but also incredibly helpful, providing assistance whenever needed. To top it all off, the library boasted a beautiful view, adding a touch of serenity to the overall experience.

The Central Library makes for a beautiful and unique downtown Indianapolis wedding venue, and I shot a really lovely intimate wedding there recently. The couple had to shift their plans multiple times due to covid, and the library was able to work with them to create a private experience allowing for social-distancing. Their ceremony was in the East Garden area, and we also took couple photos inside the Simon Reading Room areas, and on the sweeping steps on the South entrance. I love how much character the library can offer for couples looking for a unique venue. Can't wait to shoot there again!

Very unwelcoming staff on the second floor level. I sat down in a common area for no more than five minutes to get my bearings as it was my first time at this location, when I was approached by a librarian and told this area was “for children only” and that I would need to move elsewhere. I would understand the problem if I was loitering but I literally had just sat down. There were other adults around me who were working on laptops, browsing ext. Not sure why I was singled out.

How could anyone not give this place a 5 star review is beyond me. I would have felt cheated had I not explored downtown Indianapolis and not have made this a stop. From the impressive architecture and history of the old part of the library, to the new modern contemporary of the new library, this place is nothing short of amazing. We took the time to explore all the floors and they have an abundance of information at your fingertips. Go in, enjoy, explore, and learn.

There's just so much awesomeness going on through the library system. Go check it out. You will be pleasantly surprised at how it is so much more than just a place for books. The downtown branch has a special collections room on the top floor that is temperature controlled, only Librarians with white gloves can handle the materials. Random, cool, booklovers dream room. ✨️

I love this library! This is the most architecturally stunning building with expansive windows that have an amazing view of the city of Indianapolis. I did not have time to view the entirety of the library but there’s tons of seating areas perfect for reading or getting work done. There’s also endless amounts of artifacts making it almost as much as a museum as a library.

There's a lot of floor area, with reasonable shelf and book density. But in today's digital info age, it's somewhat sad in how few materially solid books you'll find here on anything very specific. That said, the interior is visually pleasant. And it also seems capable of providing some daytime warmth and shelter, for anyone looking for that, and in control of themselves.

Just absolutely lovely. Allow me to ramble: Libraries stand tall for the public good, ultimate wellsprings and preservers of the right of all people to knowledge freely shared, developed, and enjoyed. It's wonderful that Indy has a place that aspires to match this spiritual truth to a physical, architectural reality. I would haunt this place as a ghost if I could.

If you can't decide if you're a modern or traditional bride then the Central Library will offer you both. And...both are unbelievably beautiful. Inclement weather? No problem. There are plenty of places to take photos indoors and under cover. It is just a beautiful location for a wedding ceremony and reception. We've loved every wedding we've photographed here.

Established as the Broadway Branch in 1924, The Library served the neighborhood from a frame house on E. 42nd Street until 1958 when a 6,500-square-foot facility opened on Broadway Street. This aging and overcrowded building was replaced in August 2000 with the current 16,000-square-foot structure on College Avenue that was renamed the College Avenue Branch.

At the central library you get a taste of the old with a heaping serving of new. The architectural designs are phenomenal There are SIX floors of fun, wisdom, new people and discoveries Free events for everyone in the community! During the fall the library holds a concert every Sunday in the amphitheater! Why not visit your local library more.

Our family loves to make the trip downtown to visit the Central library every few months. We ventured outside to the East garden after checking out a few books. It was beautiful! The architecture and history of the building are worth the visit. Check out the balcony area of the main reading room to see info about the architectural details.

The Indianapolis Central Library is one of the most beautiful wedding venues downtown Indianapolis. We love the soaring architecture, streaming natural light, and the cozy private courtyard to do bridal party photos. If you are looking for a bright, airy, and modern venue... the Library is the perfect spot! -Danielle Harris Photography

Staff made me uncomfortable for sitting in an open reading area in the graphic novels area. Apparently comics are for teenagers and I felt unwelcome to read my selections in the common reading area where there was nobody around. Nice building, but I will not visit this branch anymore.

The library wonderfully balances a feeling of heritage while offering many technological resources. There are books and movies for everyone here, and it is clear that the librarians go out of their way to make children and teenagers feel at home in the library.

We did a family trip to the library and we didn't have near enough time. There are amazing exhibits spanning all types of topics. They are cozy seating areas where you can get lost in a book for an hour or two. We were able to use a meeting

My mother went there needing help, to copy documents yesterday. She had me on the phone with them and they are truly amazing. I was concerned because she doesn't comprehend how to operate things of the modern age (photocopiers) but the lady

It was a pleasant surprise on our walk through the city. The architecture inside was beautiful. The views from the top floor were excellent. And they seemed to have some fun programming. This would be my library for sure if I lived in Indy.

Overall I like really like this library. Of course there's a wide selection of books and other materials to use and check out. It seems like they have a variety of activities and events, which doesn't necessarily appeal to me but it's for

the book inventory is very limited compared to libraries in different cities I have lived in. Almost every book on my read list has at least a week and a half wait before its ready. It is inefficient. I think they need to spend less money

The library needs cleaner elevators, a coffee shop, and better visitors who attract better business, donations and events. So far when I walk in I find homeless men and women of all age groups. The furniture is starting to stench.

This library is really beautiful. The lobby has gorgeous tall ceilings and is usually hosting an art exhibit . There are 6 floors I think of books, periodicals, computers, study rooms, etc. And the staff is super friendly.

This library is a PHENOMENON! Years ago its old world charm was just warm n cozy...NOW they've added an atrium mimicking the world class Children's Museum! Go...do NOT miss this place...Food, Fun, Friends....phenomenal!!

Super nice staff!!!!! The gentleman working in the computer lab is an angel! Very helpful very nice!!!! So different than the treatment at the beech grove library. Huge to this location!!!! …

I like this place. The exterior and interior of the building is excellent. Staff is very nice all the time. They have 5th floors to help you access to almost the books you need

I love this place!! Some of the best views of our city. Quiet and easy space to work, also great to take your family and kids to have some fun! They have awesome activities

Favorite library to go to I love love love books but I am sad that last time I visited there were far to many homeless ppl sleeping inside some were drunk it was sad

Wonderful place for everybody, adults, kids, families. Promise you that at the Library there is something for everyone. Check out the Library today nearest you!

They are wonderful. The library structure is beautiful and multiple floors. Everyone has been courteous including staff. Quick to help with any questions.

This is a 5-star library for me. The inside feels like one is at the airport. They are very welcoming. It is fairly quiet, even the non-quiet zone floors.

Wonderful old and new space with friendly staff and a large circulation. Lots of space inside to sit and read plus some interesting displays.

The layout of the building was not only beautiful but easy to figure out. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable.

Why is there a black donut and a creepy thin monster on front of a library? Also too many homeless people.

We were here for a wedding. Excellent venue! The air conditioning was very strong and quite cold!

I didn't know that there were 6 floors and you can see a lot of the city up there.

A lovely library with 2 floors of children's stuff. It was amazing!

Staff: Super helpful Facility: Clean Garage: Parking available