Imagine accessing thousands of titles to read under the sun (or the stars). | Photo by INDYtoday team
A cool breeze, some vitamin D, and a good book. Does it get better than that?
If you ask a resident of South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, the answer would probably be a resounding “no.” The city’s innovative Outdoor Library concept drew in a million visitors in the past three months, and has attracted 6 million since since launching in 2022.
What is it?
“The Seoul Outdoor Library is designed as a vibrant space where people can freely read books and engage in cultural activities outside the traditional library setting,” according to the official city website. The space features chairs, rentable books, and multiple locations.
Where would one go in Indy?
Our vote? Holliday Park. Across its 94 acres, there’s plenty of tree cover to suppress the summer heat, open spaces for lounging, wildlife to watch in between chapters, and the gentle sounds of the White River babbling nearby.
Dreamy Sip + Paint | 6-9 p.m. | Condado Tacos Mass Ave | $43 | Let the night sky inspire you with every brushstroke of your creative masterpiece.
Thursday, July 17
Indiana Health Fair | Thursday, July 17-Sunday, July 20 | Times vary | Indianapolis Convention Center | Free | Access $4,000+ in health screenings at no cost, plus participate in educational demonstrations and fun health-focused activities.
For the Love of Parks | 4-9 p.m. | 8th Day Distillery | Cost of purchase | Grab a cocktail + meal in support of The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis.
The Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration is underway, with 14+ events taking place across Indy through Sunday, July 20. Bonus: Most events are free. (WTHR)
Open
When “drums of heaven” are on the menu, you can always count us in. Fusion9 Bar + Eatery is now open at 14560 River Rd. in Carmel, serving Indian food with a modern twist.
Today Is
The MLB All-Star Game. We may not have a major league team of our own, but according to this map, Indy is a Reds town. Check out the full rosters, featuring Cincinatti’s Andrew Abbott, and tune in to FOX or ESPN 2 starting at 8 p.m. ET.
Plan Ahead
Allez cuisine. The World Food Championships, the world’s largest live cooking competition, will return to Indy Thursday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 19. Buy your tickets by Friday, Aug. 1 to save 25%.
Ranked
Indiana placed No. 9 on CNBC’s “America’s Top States for Business 2025" list, based on factors like the economy, business friendliness, and cost of living. Want a crash course in Indy’s business sector? Check out these leading industries. (CNBC)
Family
Indiana-based The Weston School announced it’s opening its fifth location in Speedway — often described as a “childcare desert” — this fall. Enrollment is now open.
Sports
What comes next in free agency for the Pacers? Catch up with Tony East and Locked On.
Read
“I appreciate that you generally leave conclusions for the reader to make for themselves” = Feedback on The Signal, the non-partisan, current affairs newsletter. Subscribe for free.*
The Buy
The award-winning Olay Super Serum. It’s lauded for improving skin hydration, smoothness, brightness, firmness, and texture.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
In other literary news, The Indianapolis Public Library released its list of the most-borrowed books so far this summer. Check it out to find your next beach read — I think I’ll fall in line with the autobiography lovers and pick up Ina Garten’s top-ranking memoir.
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