Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indianapolis Public Library is celebrating a tremendous success this year with its 2025 Summer Reading Program, breaking records with over 26 million minutes read by participants across all age groups. This milestone reflects a notable 16.34% increase in overall participation from the previous year, highlighting the community’s growing enthusiasm for reading and learning during the summer months. A particularly striking aspect of this year’s achievement was the surge in adult involvement, which rose by an impressive 62.65% compared to 2024.
More than 30,400 individuals—including kids, teens, and adults—joined the 106th annual Summer Reading Program that concluded on August 2. Together, they logged a total of 26,857,914 minutes spent reading, far exceeding the Library’s initial goal of 20 million minutes. This incredible accomplishment not only underscores the community’s dedication to literacy but also illustrates how the program has evolved into a cherished summer tradition.
“The Summer Reading Program motivates children to keep up their reading and learning throughout the summer,” said Devery North, program specialist at The Indianapolis Public Library. “This year, participants have shared that in addition to encouraging them to read, the program has helped with goal setting and spending intentional time together as a family. It also helped provide a talking point with neighbors, allowing them to recommend books and get to know each other better.” This quote captures the essence of the program’s impact, highlighting how it strengthens families and communities while promoting literacy.
Among the participants, 24,903 kids eagerly engaged in the program. For the fifth year in a row, the focus remained on tracking minutes spent reading rather than the number of books completed. This approach levels the playing field, allowing children of all reading abilities to participate and earn prizes. The program offered rewards at milestones of one, five, ten, fifteen, and twenty hours of reading. Prizes included tickets to popular local attractions such as The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Haunted House, the Indiana State Museum, and Indianapolis Indians baseball games, as well as books, dino stuffies, and other exciting goodies.
The library also hosted free summer programs that drew in more than 8,400 children. These events ranged from Build It sessions teaching basic woodworking skills to Junior Paleontology programs where young participants delved into Indiana’s rich geologic history. Such activities provide educational enrichment beyond traditional reading, encouraging hands-on learning and curiosity.
Adult participation this year was equally remarkable, with 5,517 individuals taking part in Adult Summer Reading. These participants tracked their reading minutes, completed activity challenges, and earned prizes along the way. Free programs for adults attracted 436 attendees and included unique offerings such as Art in Stone, Printmaking Paleoart, Guided Painting, and Exploring Paleontology. The variety of programs ensured that adults had opportunities to engage creatively while continuing their reading journeys.
All Summer Reading participants were entered into grand prize drawings that generated excitement across age groups. Adults had a chance to win prizes like a Kan-Kan Membership, a 10-day pass to North Mass Boulder, an annual pass to Eagle Creek Park, and gift cards for bowling at Pins Mechanical and Royal Pin. Youth participants hoped to claim grand prizes including Amazon gift cards, a Nintendo Switch, play kitchens, and even an Indiana529 Direct Savings Plan to support their futures.
“We are incredibly grateful to the donors who make the Library’s Summer Reading Programs for youth and adults possible,” said Roberta Knickerbocker Jaggers, president of The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. “Thanks to their generosity, these free programs continue to bring our community together and inspire a lifelong love of reading at every age.” Her words reflect the importance of community support in sustaining the library’s educational mission.
An additional meaningful aspect of this year’s program was the book donation initiative. Throughout the summer, kids and families contributed new and gently used books at various Library locations. This effort resulted in more than 2,394 books being donated to Project Play, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering learning through play by providing toys and books to households in need. This gesture emphasizes the program’s commitment not just to individual growth but also to uplifting the broader community.
The Summer Reading Program is made possible through the generous support of Friends of the Library and The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Major sponsors include 92.3 WTTS, Forvis Mazars, The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund, Indianapolis Indians Charities, Lilly Endowment Inc., William McNiece, Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, Dr. Betty Routledge, Mary Frances Rubly & Jerry Hummer, Alice and Robert Schloss, and The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation Board of Directors. Supporting sponsors are Ascension St. Vincent, Citizens Energy Group, Michaela Graham and Scott Brody, Indiana529, Nicholas H. Noyes, Jr. Memorial Foundation, Inc., Office of the Lawrence Township Trustee Steve Talley, and OneAmerica® Financial.
This record-breaking summer not only highlights the enduring appeal of the Indianapolis Public Library’s reading programs but also the power of community collaboration in fostering literacy, learning, and connection. As the library looks ahead to future programs, it continues to inspire all generations to discover the joy and adventure found within the pages of a book.
