6AM City In-house

Honey, I shrunk the library 📚

Honey, I shrunk the library
A hand holding out a book in front of a Little Free Library
How many Little Free Libraries are in your neighborhood? | Photo by INDYtoday team
You’ve seen those tiny, colorful, book-filled boxes posted up in a front yard or outside of a business, but have you ever wondered how they got there?

If you haven’t heard of Little Free Library before, it’s a nonprofit working to build community and create a love of reading by supporting neighborhood book exchanges all around the world. There are 150,000+ teeny libraries around the world, with more than 50 in Indy alone.

Who are they for?

Little Free Libraries are for everyone. The libraries’ aim is to service children and their families to help further education and support high school graduation status.

How do I get my own library?

There’s an app for that. If you’re looking to put one on your own property, you can build one yourself + register it or buy a kit or pre-built library from the Little Free Library’s website. If you’re unsure how to navigate HOA rules or municipal regulations, Little Free Library has you covered.

What kinds of books are in the libraries?

Because of its “Take a book, leave a book” policy, there’s a little bit of everything in these boxes, from old children’s book classics to how-to guides on website-building to the latest bestseller. However, Little Free Library has a goal of championing diverse books, so literature representing BIPOC and LGBTQ+ is encouraged. If you’re a “steward” (aka a registered library owner) there’s even a Steward Book Directory that gives access to free books from individuals + organizations worldwide.

You can use this map to find the Little Free Library closest to you.
University of Evansville

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Wednesday, Nov. 16
  • Husky Meetup | Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 6-8 p.m. | Metazoa Brewing Company, 140 S. College Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Bring out your doggos to this taproom and dog park — all breeds welcome.
Thursday, Nov. 17
  • Tiny House Ornament Pottery Class | Thursday, Nov. 17, Tuesday, Nov. 29, Saturday, Dec. 3 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Gravesco, 1501 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis | $45 | Make your own tiny house village at this sculpture workshop — no previous pottery experience required.
Friday, Nov. 18
  • West Perry Gardening Group | Friday, Nov. 18 | 10-11 a.m. | Indianapolis Public Library West Perry Branch, 6650 S. Harding St., Indianapolis | Free | Sessions will feature seasonal discussions with a local Master Gardener, resources like the Seed Library, and connections with other gardeners.
Sunday, Nov. 20
  • Silverball Shodown Pinball Tournament | Sunday, Nov. 20 | 3:30 p.m. | Tappers Arcade Bar, 501 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis | $5 | Compete in this monthly tournament for a chance at a $50 gift card.
Monday, Nov. 21
  • Indiana Pacers Executive Networking Event | Monday, Nov. 21 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | $48.40 | Shake hands with the people who have been shaping Indiana sports, including executives from the Pacers, USA Gymnastics, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
100+ MORE EVENTS
6AM City In-house

Weather
  • 36Âș | Cloudy | 24% chance of rain
Development
  • A new housing development is in the works for Fishers. Located near 136th Street and Cyntheanne Road, it would include 61 new cottage-style houses priced between $400,000 and $450,000. On Wednesday, Jan. 4, the project will go before the Fishers Plan Commission and Planned Unit Development Committee. đŸ—ïž (IBJ)
  • Phil + Joel Kirk bought the historic 10,000-sqft Yoke Pavilion and plan to transform it into spaces for small business owners and working artists. One biz, Serendipity Plants, is scheduled to open this month, and a cafe and coworking space is expected to open in the spring. Learn more. (IBJ)

Coming Soon
  • A new event space is on the horizon for downtown at 614A Mass Ave. Proper Variety & Events will offer a full bar and private catering on the same strip as Petra Cafe and Oishi Sushi and Ramen. We’re not sure on an opening date yet, but we’ll keep you updated.
Community
  • Gleaners Food Bank is returning to on-site drive-thru distributions due to an increasing need. The decision was made to avoid long wait times and chaotic parking situations. The location at 3737 Waldemere Ave. will be open four days a week starting on Tuesday, Nov. 15. 🚘 (WISH)
Pets
  • Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS) recently launched the Safety Net Foster program, which offers free supplies, leashes, behavioral consultations + health services to foster homes while the pets’ owners have a chance to get back on their feet. After 30-60 days, typically, the pets will return to their owners without having to stay in the shelter. Sign up. 🐈 (WRTV)
Family
  • Hoosiers, you can leave the cash at home the next time you visit Holiday World. The theme park announced it will stop accepting cash starting in 2023. Mastercard, Visa, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay + HoliCash will be accepted, as well as a ReadyCARD, which is a card that families can load cash onto at five locations in the park. 🎱 (IndyStar)
DYK
  • Did you know this is your last chance to share your Black Friday deals with our INDYtoday readers? Promote your business with us by submitting a deal to be included in our Fri., Nov. 25 newsletter. Pricing varies by market + must be submitted by today, Wed., Nov. 16.
Celebrate
  • We want to wish a happy birthday to our teammate Nicole, 6AM City Sales Executive. Happy birthday, Nicole!
Shop
  • Psst — Thanksgiving is next Thursday, Nov. 24. If you’re planning to serve turkey, don’t forget that a meat thermometer is essential to avoiding a potential case of food poisoning. Try this waterproof digital meat thermometer with 53,000+ five star reviews or splurge on this smart meat thermometer that connects to your phone via Bluetooth.*
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Treat yo’elf at these local winter markets
An assortment of holiday ornaments made of rope
How many markets will we see you at this weekend? | Photo via @maebloom_
Looking to get ahead on holiday shopping, but tired of walking around box stores and malls? We’re sharing nine winter markets that will let you cross off gift-buying on your to-do list + shop local at the same time.
  • Holiday Mart | Thursday, Nov. 17-Sunday Nov. 20 | Various times | Indiana State Fairgrounds
  • Holiday Fair | Friday, Nov. 18-Saturday, Nov. 19 | 5-9 p.m., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 University Ave.
  • Holiday Craft Boutique | Saturday, Nov. 19 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Lawrence Central High School, 7300 E. 56th St.
  • Suburban Indy Holiday Show | Friday, Nov. 25-Sunday, Nov. 27 | Various times | Grand Park Events Center, 19000 Grand Park Blvd.
  • Winter Markets at The Stutz | Saturday, Nov. 26-Sunday, Nov. 27, Saturday, Dec. 3, Saturday, Dec. 10 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | The Stutz, 1060 N. Capitol Ave.
  • Holly Jolly Jamboree | Friday, Dec. 2 | 5-10 p.m. | Irvington Lodge, 5515 E. Washington St.
  • Winter Art Sale | Saturday, Dec. 3 + Saturday, Dec. 10 | 12-5 p.m. | Indianapolis Art Center
  • Black Owned Holiday Bazaar | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 1-6 p.m. | Circle Centre Mall
  • Women-Owned Holiday Extravaganza | Saturday, Dec. 10-Sunday, Dec. 11 | 12-6 p.m. | 10 East Arts Hub, 3137 E. 10th St.
6AM City In-house
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Anna.

Editor’s pick: Near Irvington, a lot of Little Free Libraries also have tiny art pieces attached to them. One of my neighbors has gotten crafty and transformed old Altoids containers into itsy bitsy little scenes — with 3D art depicting landscapes and people. There’s no shortage of charm when it comes to these book exchange boxes and I hope some of you will be inspired to host your own.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Shh... there’s a new speakeasy in town.
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Editorial: Anna Bowman, Nicole Hernandez, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Nicole Fancher | Advertise with us.

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