Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indianapolis Public Library (IndyPL) is gearing up for one of the most exciting events of the year: Free Comic Book Day. On Saturday, May 3, 2025, readers of all ages are invited to visit any Indianapolis Public Library branch to pick up a free comic book and celebrate the joy of reading.
Free Comic Book Day is a nationwide event that brings together comic book publishers, retailers, libraries, and bookstores to make comics accessible to a wider audience. This year, the Indianapolis Public Library is proud to partner with Downtown Comics, a beloved local comic book shop, which is generously providing the free comics for the event.
Devery North, a program specialist at the Indianapolis Public Library, expressed the importance of comics in literacy development. “Reading comic books as a child can offer big benefits for literacy development. They’re not just fun—they’re actually really effective tools for helping kids build reading skills,” said North. “We are thankful to be partnering with local business Downtown Comics to offer free comic books for home libraries. Kids often go back and read their favorite comics multiple times. This repetition helps reinforce vocabulary and comprehension without it feeling like work.”
The event highlights how comics serve as more than just entertainment. Comics can have a significant impact on young readers, especially when it comes to improving vocabulary, comprehension, and even storytelling skills. The visuals and dialogue in comics work together to engage children, making reading feel less like a chore and more like an enjoyable activity. It’s an approach that encourages kids to read, all while fostering a love for literature.
Andrew Davis, a public services librarian at IndyPL, has played a pivotal role in expanding Free Comic Book Day within the library system. Before the merger of Beech Grove Branch with the Indianapolis Public Library in 2016, Davis hosted Free Comic Book Day at Beech Grove. Today, thanks to his efforts, the program has grown to include all IndyPL locations, bringing the excitement of Free Comic Book Day to a much larger audience.
The event is open to all, and a library card is not required to participate. Whether you’re a long-time comic book fan or new to the world of graphic novels, there’s something for everyone.
IndyPL staff will be on hand to help visitors choose the perfect comic book based on their interests and age group. Comics will be available while supplies last, and with a wide selection of titles, attendees are sure to find something that catches their eye.
Some of the free comic book titles available at IndyPL locations include favorites such as Minecraft: The Manga/Beyblade X, Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1, Star Wars Young Jedi Adventures/Avatar: The Last Airbender, and ThunderCats/Powerpuff Girls #0. Fans of classic superheroes can enjoy Bad Kitty Gets A Job, Creaky Acres: A Graphic Novel, Hulk Teach, and Ironheart/Marvel’s Voice #1. Younger readers can dive into Mega Man #0 and Iron Man & His Awesome Friends/Spidey & His Amazing Friends, offering something for everyone, from action-packed superhero adventures to more lighthearted stories.
For IndyPL, this event is about more than just giving away free comic books—it’s about celebrating reading in all its forms. It’s an opportunity to foster a love of literacy, build community connections, and encourage readers of all ages to explore the world of comics. Comics may be known for their action and adventure, but they are also rich in storytelling, character development, and creativity. For many young readers, these colorful stories serve as a gateway to other forms of literature, sparking an interest in books and reading that can last a lifetime.
The library’s partnership with Downtown Comics also emphasizes the importance of local businesses in supporting community initiatives. By working together, IndyPL and Downtown Comics are not only providing free comics but also nurturing a deeper connection between readers and the local comic book scene. As North points out, “This is a way for the library to support our local comic book store while also making comics more accessible to the public.”
Whether you’re picking up a comic for the first time or adding to your collection, Free Comic Book Day at the Indianapolis Public Library is a great way to spend a Saturday. Stop by on May 3, 2025, to grab your free comic, enjoy the community spirit, and celebrate the wonderful world of comics. Don’t forget, comics for all ages will be available, so bring the whole family and discover a new world of stories.
