Valuable reasons to visit Indy libraries

In today’s world where so much of our lives is online, it can be easy to forget the old library buildings. However, libraries around Indianapolis have evolved with the times, and it could be time to dig out that old library card and check it out. The vast majority of the city’s libraries offer FREE wi-fi internet connections. If you need to print or copy a document, most libraries offer these services for small fees. Many people don’t think about physically borrowing a paper book when they own Kindles or other e-readers, but most of the area libraries now offer e-books for rental. Perhaps most interesting of all, however, the libraries are awesome locations for events, career services, and other help.

With the sheer variety of events and services at our local libraries, your library card really could be the most valuable card in your wallet. It is impossible to list every individual service for every library in the city, so the following is a listing of the area county libraries. If you follow the links, you can identify the local branches and find far more information about your individual location. To start you off, however, each county listed below will include a sample current or upcoming event (all of which are FREE):

Indianapolis Public Libraries: The Central library branch is holding a class in the Computer Training Lab from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday September 18. The class is an introduction to getting connected with Facebook, and covers the basics of setting up your page.

Johnson County Libraries: Snakehead Ed is making an appearance at the Franklin Branch from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday September 21. Register to meet mid-size and big snakes from Africa, Asia, Australia, and North and South America.

Hendricks County Libraries: RPG (role-playing game) fans from grades 6-12 can join other teens for an evening of fantasy role playing games in the Pathfinder game night at McMillan B in the Plainfield Library. The event lasts from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday September 19, and beginners are welcome.

Hancock County Libraries: Register for September in the Garden, taking place from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday September 18 at the Greenfield location. Roy Ballard will offer ways to keep your garden going longer into fall, as well as how to get a head start on next year.

Boone County Libraries: Everyone is welcome to open play of Bridge at the Scheben Branch. Bridge starts at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday September 19.

Hamilton County Libraries: Register for the Exploring Ancestry Library Edition class lasting from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Wednesday September 25 at the Noblesville Library. This hands-on class will offer a demonstration on how to effectively research your ancestry using library resources.