Even if you don’t have plans to travel this summer, there’s no shortage of adventures waiting for you between the pages of a book. Whether you’re looking to escape into a fictional world or gain new knowledge, reading is a fantastic way to spend your time. The Indianapolis Public Library has been buzzing with activity as part of its 2025 Summer Reading Program, with over 22,000 community members participating and logging an impressive 13.8 million minutes of reading by July 1.
If you’re interested in joining the fun but aren’t sure where to start, the library has some helpful insights into which books are most popular this season. Here’s a breakdown of the top titles being borrowed across different categories.
Top Adult Fiction Books Borrowed in Indianapolis
- The Womenby Kristin Hannah
- The God of the Woodsby Liz Moore
- Happy Placeby Emily Henry
- The Housemaid is Watchingby Freida McFadden
- Sandwich: A Novelby Catherine Newman
These titles have captured the attention of readers who enjoy engaging stories that explore complex themes and characters.
Top Adult Non-Fiction Books Borrowed in Indianapolis
- A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan’s Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Themby Timothy Egan
- Caste: The Origins Of Our Discontentsby Isabel Wilkerson
- The New Menopause: Navigating your Path Through Hormonal Change With Purpose, Power, and Factsby Mary Claire Haver
- The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural Worldby Robin Wall Kimmerer
- We Can Do Hard Things: Answers to Life’s 20 Questionsby Glennon Doyle
These non-fiction selections offer a mix of historical analysis, personal reflection, and practical guidance for readers seeking deeper understanding and insight.
Top Adult Biographies Borrowed in Indianapolis
- Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoirby Ina Garten
- Elon Muskby Walter Isaacson
- The Tell: A Memoirby Amy Griffin
- Cher: The Memoir. Part Oneby Cher
- I’m Glad My Mom Diedby Jennette McCurdy
Biographies provide a glimpse into the lives of influential figures and everyday individuals, offering inspiration and perspective.
Top Teen Fiction Books Borrowed in Indianapolis
- The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakesby Suzanne Collins
- The Hunger Gamesby Suzanne Collins
- Mockingjayby Suzanne Collins
- Catching Fireby Suzanne Collins
- The Inheritance Gamesby Jennifer Lynn Barnes
These books continue to be favorites among young readers, blending action, suspense, and relatable characters.
Top Children’s Picture Books Borrowed in Indianapolis
- The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!by Mo Willems
- Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!by Mo Willems
- The Pigeon Needs a Bath!by Mo Willems
- The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster!by Mo Willems
- Pete the Cat Screams for Ice Cream!by Kim Dean
These beloved picture books are perfect for younger readers, combining humor, creativity, and simple storytelling.
Top Children’s Fiction Books Borrowed in Indianapolis
- Dog Man 13, Big Jim Beginsby Dav Pilkey
- Hot Messby Jeff Kinney
- Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedderby Dav Pilkey
- Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Seaby Dav Pilkey
- Kristy and the Walking Disaster: A Graphic Novelby Ellen T. Crenshaw
These titles cater to children who enjoy imaginative stories and visual storytelling through graphic novels.
Top E-Books/Audiobooks Borrowed in Indianapolis
- The Tenantby Freida McFadden
- Onyx Stormby Rebecca Yarros
- Funny Storyby Emily Henry
- Caught Upby Navessa Allen
- Great Big Beautiful Lifeby Emily Henry
Digital formats continue to be a popular choice, especially for those who prefer the convenience of e-books and audiobooks.
How to Apply for an Indianapolis Public Library Card
If you don’t already have a library card, applying is a straightforward process. To qualify, you must live in Marion County, Indiana (excluding Speedway), and be at least 18 years old. Those under 18 need a parent or guardian’s signature and must be present when applying. You can visit any Indianapolis Public Library location, bring your ID, and complete an application on-site to receive your card the same day.
The application is available in 12 different languages, and you can also fill it out online before visiting the library. While online applications are possible, in-person applications are the fastest way to get your card. If you already have a library card and need to renew it, you can do so online.
Join the 2025 Summer Reading Program
There’s still time to join the 2025 Summer Reading Program. All you need to do is sign up, track your reading time, and earn prizes. The last day to log your reading is Saturday, August 2. For more details and to sign up, visit indypl.org/srp.
