Indy Africa Book and Film Festival, Local Author Fair at Proof, Get Crafty! at Garfield Park, Strategic Planning for Nonprofits

Indy Africa Book and Film Festival 10:00am - 3:00pm Central Library The 2026 Indy Africa Book and Film Festival is an opportunity for community members of all ages to gain new skills in writing and filmmaking. This first-ever event is also designed to encourage cultural exchange by creators of many backgrounds, with a special focus on creators within the African diaspora. This all-day event will include many activities and opportunities, including: For more information, please visit the event website created by the Center for African Writing, Art, Development and Cultural Exchange Indiana. Local Author Fair at Proof 10:00am - 4:00pm Community Location The Indianapolis Public Library is partnering with Indiana Humanities to host a Local Author Fair on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fair will take place at Herron High School as a part of Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest. The Local Author Fair is open to the public, offering readers the opportunity to meet and connect with authors from across Indiana. Indiana authors are invited to apply for one of up to 30 free table spaces at the event. Selected participants will have the opportunity to showcase and sell their books while connecting with the literary community. Author applications will be accepted through Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Authors will be notified of acceptance on or after September 4, 2026. Authors can find more details and apply here through July 29: 2026 Local Author Fair Application Event Location: Herron High School, 110 E 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46202 Get Crafty! at Garfield Park 10:30am - 11:30am Garfield Park Branch Families with children are invited to make an arts and crafts project. Each program features a different project. Strategic Planning for Nonprofits - Fall 2026 Nonprofit Series 10:30am - 12:30pm Central Library Held in the Special Collections Room on the 6th floor of the Central Library. Walk-ins welcome but registration preferred. Made possible by the Meridian Foundation through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Making Together 10:30am - 12:30pm Franklin Road Branch Indianapolis-based artist Jim Walker will share prompts and questions with visitors to encourage sharing hopes, dreams, and visions. In addition to recording their voices, visitors will have the option to use digital and analog tools (everything from a laptop to a salt shaker) to team up with Walker to create accompanying soundscapes for their words. The completed brief audio pieces will air on the Indianapolis art and community radio station, WQRT 99.1 FM, and be available online with QR code access via signage and small displays in library branches. In memory of Ken McCune by Karen McCune. Marvelous Magnetic Bookmarks 10:30am - 11:30am InfoZone Branch Explore multiple art techniques while designing and creating custom magnetic bookmarks. Learn how magnets work while creating a one-of-a-kind piece of functional art that kids can use and enjoy every day! this program is designed for kids ages 6-12. Paws to Read at Wayne 11:00am - 12:00pm Wayne Branch Participants may sign up for a 15-minute session by visiting the Wayne Branch or by calling 317-275-4530, ext. 5. Adult Coloring 11:00am - 1:00pm Beech Grove Branch Drop in and join other adults for a session of coloring, conversation and relaxation. Bring your own supplies if you wish or use the ones that the library provides. Catch your Breath: Grounding Practices 11:00am - 12:30pm Michigan Road Branch Brittany Wayman of Soul Care Coaching is here to guide you through a technique to take better care of yourself. Catch your Breath: Grounding Practices In the midst of constant demands and full schedules, it’s easy to keep pushing without ever pausing. This session is designed to give you space to slow down and exhale. Together, we will reflect, practice simple grounding exercises, and experience moments of rest and peace that help quiet the noise. You’ll walk away refreshed and equipped with practical ways to reset whenever life feels overwhelming. Support yourself with some books and resources from a Bibliocommons List by Library Staff: This workshop is made possible by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. West Indianapolis International Festival 12:00pm - 4:00pm West Indianapolis Branch Have you ever wanted to experience new cultures? Join us at the West Indianapolis International Festival for art, live music, dance performances, crafts, and information tables celebrating the various cultures of West Indianapolis. Career Center at East 38th Street 1:00pm - 4:00pm East 38th Street Branch Made possible by Office of Lawrence Township Trustee Steve Talley through a grant to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Basics of Hydroponics 1:00pm - 2:00pm Glendale Branch Grow your own lettuce, inside, without soil! With an investment in lights and some supplies your farm to table distance can be measured in feet, not miles! Hydroponics is a great way to have some fresh produce and learn more about gardening when you can’t grow it outside. Successful Grant Proposals - Fall 2026 Nonprofit Series 1:30pm - 4:00pm Central Library Held in the Special Collections Room on the 6th floor of the Central Library. Walk-ins welcome but registration preferred. Made possible by the Meridian Foundation through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Dungeons & Dragons for Teens at Wayne 2:00pm - 4:00pm Wayne Branch Whether you’ve played before or are brand new, everyone’s welcome at the table! Dice and supplies will be provided just bring your imagination and welcome to a whole new world! Game Night at East Washington 2:00pm - 4:00pm East Washington Branch A fun night of board games at the East Washington Library. Patrons of all ages are invited to drop in any time for a fun night playing board games. Games will be provided. Paws to Read at Michigan Road 2:00pm - 3:00pm Michigan Road Branch Beginning or reluctant readers ages 6-11 are invited to read to a registered therapy dog who loves to listen to stories. Its a great way to improve a child's reading skills and self-confidence. Register for a 15 minute session online or by calling the branch at 317-275-4370 ext. 4. Chess Club at College Avenue 2:00pm - 5:00pm College Avenue Branch Join us on Saturday afternoons to match wits and skill with this Chess Club, meeting for over 40 years at College Avenue Branch Library! All ages and skill levels are welcome. This group meets in the Fish Room. Art Adventures 2:00pm - 2:45pm Nora Branch Made possible by Everwise Foundation through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Making Together 2:00pm - 4:00pm Lawrence Branch In Unison is a large-scale, community-created block print that mirrors the graceful interconnectivity of starlings moving together in murmuration. In 2026, local artist Kassie Woodworth will bring a ten-yard roll of paper, hand-carved stamps, and printmaking ink to Indianapolis Public Library branches, inviting patrons to join in this shared act of creation. In memory of Ken McCune by Karen McCune. Marvelous Magnetic Bookmarks 2:00pm - 3:00pm Spades Park Branch Explore multiple art techniques while designing and creating custom magnetic bookmarks. Learn how magnets work while creating a one-of-a-kind piece of functional art that kids can use and enjoy every day! this program is designed for kids ages 6-12. Adult Speed Friending 3:00pm - 4:30pm Fort Ben Branch Do you wish it was easier to make friends as an adult? Do you need an extra person (or two, or three) for your game nights? Need a buddy to try out new restaurants with? Stop by speed friending to get to know your neighbors! Registration is optional.