Indianapolis, Indiana – A new mural now greets visitors inside the Spades Park Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library, adding color, meaning, and a renewed sense of identity to one of the city’s most historic library spaces.
The mural, created by local multidisciplinary artist Jarrod Stone, was officially unveiled Saturday during a community reception at the branch. Installed above the library’s fireplace, the artwork was designed specifically for the space and draws inspiration from the people, traditions, and history that have shaped the surrounding neighborhood for generations.
Stone’s painting weaves together a variety of visual elements. The mural features imagery inspired by the Feast of Lanterns, a beloved neighborhood tradition, alongside scenes that highlight reading, learning, and childhood curiosity. Architectural details from the Spades Park building itself are also included, grounding the artwork firmly in the physical space it now occupies.
One of the most personal elements of the mural is a portrait honoring Ann Barnes, a longtime branch employee whose work and presence left a lasting impact on the library and its patrons. Library staff said the inclusion reflects the mural’s broader goal of recognizing not just the building’s history, but the people who have kept it alive over the years.
The Spades Park Branch first opened its doors 114 years ago and stands as one of only two remaining Carnegie library buildings in Indianapolis. Its historic character has long made it a neighborhood landmark, and the new mural adds another layer to that legacy.
Saturday’s unveiling brought together community members, library staff, and supporters to mark what the branch described as a fresh chapter. The event, titled Entering a New Era, symbolized the library’s decision to replace previous artwork with a piece that more closely reflects the identity and diversity of the neighborhood it serves, as well as the broader Indianapolis community.
“The hope is that by creating a new painting that really represents our neighborhood, larger region, and city, that Spades Park Branch will continue to be the neighborhood hub it has been for over a century,” said Branch Manager Renny Canaday.
Canaday said the mural brings new energy into the historic interior while still respecting the building’s past. She noted that the artwork celebrates everyday moments, local traditions, and the staff members who help make the branch a welcoming space for residents of all ages.
Library leaders emphasized that the mural is not just decorative, but a reflection of the branch’s ongoing role as a gathering place, learning center, and cultural anchor within the community.
The mural is now on public display and can be viewed during regular business hours at the Spades Park Branch, offering visitors a chance to experience a visual story that blends history, art, and neighborhood pride in one shared space.
