How to Visit the Indiana State Library

The Indiana State Library is more than a repository of books and documents—it is a vital cultural and historical institution that preserves the state’s collective memory and provides free, equitable access to information for residents, researchers, students, and visitors. Whether you’re tracing your family lineage, studying Indiana’s political history, exploring rare manuscripts, or simply seeking a quiet place to read, knowing how to visit the Indiana State Library effectively ensures a productive and rewarding experience. This guide offers a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you navigate the library’s facilities, services, policies, and resources with confidence. From planning your trip to making the most of your visit, this tutorial covers everything you need to know to engage with one of Indiana’s most valuable public institutions.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Confirm Your Purpose for Visiting

Before making plans to visit, clarify your reason for going. The Indiana State Library serves a wide range of users: genealogists, historians, legal researchers, educators, students, authors, and the general public. Your purpose will determine which services and collections you’ll need to access. For example:

• If you’re researching family history, you’ll want to focus on the Genealogy Division.
• If you’re studying state legislation or public policy, the Government and Reference Services section is essential.
• If you’re interested in rare books or archival materials, the Rare Books and Manuscripts Division will be your primary destination.

Understanding your goal helps you prepare the right questions, bring necessary documentation, and prioritize your time during the visit.

2. Review Operating Hours and Holiday Closures

The Indiana State Library is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The library is closed on weekends and state-recognized holidays, including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

It is strongly recommended to verify the current hours on the official website before your visit. Hours may be adjusted during summer months, holidays, or due to special events. The library also observes a lunch closure from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., during which public access to certain areas may be limited. Plan your arrival accordingly to maximize your time.

3. Plan Your Transportation and Parking

The Indiana State Library is located at 315 West Ohio Street in downtown Indianapolis, just blocks from the Indiana Statehouse and the Central Library of the Indianapolis Public Library system. Public transportation is readily available via IndyGo buses, with multiple routes stopping within a five-minute walk of the building. The closest stops are on Maryland Street and West Street.

For those driving, secure parking is available in the adjacent state government parking garage at 315 West Ohio Street. The garage offers daily rates and is accessible from both Ohio Street and Delaware Street. Visitors may receive validation for reduced parking fees by presenting their library visitor badge or check-in receipt at the circulation desk. Street parking is limited and often restricted during business hours, so using the garage is the most reliable option.

4. Register for a Library Card (If Required)

While many services at the Indiana State Library are available to walk-in visitors without registration, access to certain materials—especially those in closed stacks or digital databases—requires a free library card. To obtain one:

1. Visit the Circulation Desk on the first floor during business hours.
2. Present a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport).
3. Complete a brief registration form with your name, address, phone number, and email.
4. Receive your library card immediately upon submission.

Cardholders gain access to interlibrary loan services, remote databases, and the ability to reserve materials in advance. Even if you don’t plan to check out items, having a card allows you to request digitized copies of materials and use the library’s online catalog more effectively.

5. Familiarize Yourself with the Floor Plan

The Indiana State Library building has five floors, each dedicated to specific functions. Understanding the layout helps you navigate efficiently:

• First Floor: Main entrance, Circulation Desk, Government Publications, Reference Desk, and the Indiana Room (featuring local history exhibits).
• Second Floor: Genealogy and Local History Division, microfilm readers, and research stations.
• Third Floor: Rare Books and Manuscripts Reading Room, archival collections, and special collections.
• Fourth Floor: State agency publications, legislative materials, and legal resources.
• Fifth Floor: Staff offices and storage areas (not open to the public).

Free floor maps are available at the entrance and on the library’s website. Digital maps can also be accessed via QR codes posted throughout the building. Take a moment to orient yourself upon arrival to avoid backtracking.

6. Request Materials in Advance

Many of the library’s most valuable resources—especially rare books, manuscripts, and archival documents—are stored in closed stacks and cannot be browsed directly. To access these materials:

1. Search the library’s online catalog at www.in.gov/library using keywords, titles, or call numbers.
2. Identify the items you wish to consult and note their call numbers and locations.
3. Use the “Request Item” feature in the catalog to submit a request for delivery to the reading room.
4. Alternatively, email the relevant division directly (e.g., genealogy@library.in.gov) with your request at least 24 hours before your visit.

Materials requested in advance are typically ready for pickup within one hour of your arrival. Walk-in requests may result in delays, especially during peak research seasons. Planning ahead ensures you spend less time waiting and more time studying.

7. Check In and Use Reading Room Protocols

Upon entering the library, proceed to the Circulation Desk on the first floor to check in. You may be asked to present your photo ID and library card. All bags, coats, and personal items must be stored in lockers provided at the entrance. Pencils are permitted for note-taking; pens, food, and drinks are prohibited in reading areas to protect fragile materials.

In the reading rooms, silence is expected. Use headphones for any audio materials. Staff are available to assist with equipment such as microfilm readers, scanners, and digital imaging stations. If you need help using any technology, ask a reference librarian—they are trained to guide users through complex research tools.

8. Utilize Research Assistance

The Indiana State Library employs specialist librarians in every division. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether you’re struggling to interpret a 19th-century land deed or need guidance on navigating the Indiana Legislative History database, a librarian can point you to the right resources and save you hours of frustration.

At the Reference Desk (first floor), you can ask general questions. For specialized inquiries, visit the appropriate division:

• Genealogy: Second floor
• Rare Books: Third floor
• Government Documents: First and fourth floors
• Legal Research: Fourth floor

Many librarians offer 15-minute consultations by appointment. You can schedule these via email or phone. These sessions are ideal for complex projects like doctoral research or book authorship.

9. Digitize Materials (If Permitted)

Many documents can be copied or scanned for personal use under fair use guidelines. The library provides free self-service scanners on the second and third floors. For fragile or oversized materials, staff can assist with high-resolution scanning upon request. Some items, particularly those under copyright or in poor condition, may not be reproduced. Always ask before scanning.

Scanned files are delivered via email or saved to a USB drive you bring. The library does not provide USB drives, so come prepared. Digital copies are ideal for genealogists and researchers who need to reference materials remotely.

10. Exit and Provide Feedback

Before leaving, return any borrowed equipment (microfilm readers, carts, etc.) to their designated stations. If you used lockers, retrieve your belongings and return the key. You may be asked to complete a brief feedback form at the exit—this helps the library improve services. Your input is valued and directly influences future resource allocation.

Best Practices

Arrive Early and Plan for a Full Day

Researching at the Indiana State Library is not a quick errand. Even experienced users often spend half a day or more navigating collections. Arriving at opening time (8:00 a.m.) gives you the best chance to access materials before peak hours and allows ample time to request items, consult with librarians, and take breaks.

Bring Only What You Need

Lockers are available, but space is limited. Avoid bringing large bags, backpacks, or unnecessary electronics. A laptop, notebook, pencils, and a USB drive are sufficient. The library provides free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and reading lamps, so you don’t need to carry extra gear.

Use the Online Catalog Before You Arrive

Spending 30–60 minutes exploring the library’s online catalog (https://www.in.gov/library/) before your visit saves significant time. Use advanced search filters to narrow results by date, format, or subject. Save your search results to a PDF or email them to yourself for easy reference during your visit.

Take Notes Strategically

When working with archival materials, record full citations including call numbers, box numbers, and folder titles. These details are critical if you need to return for more documents or share your findings with others. Many researchers use digital note-taking apps synced to the cloud for easy organization.

Respect Copyright and Use Policies

Not all materials can be copied or published. Copyright restrictions apply to many 20th-century publications, unpublished manuscripts, and government documents. Always ask a librarian about usage rights before reproducing or quoting materials in academic work, books, or online platforms.

Dress Comfortably and Appropriately

The building is climate-controlled, but temperatures can vary by floor. Wear comfortable shoes—there’s a lot of walking. Avoid strong perfumes or colognes, as they can damage fragile paper and leather bindings. Layered clothing is recommended.

Connect with Other Researchers

The library attracts scholars from across the state and beyond. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation in the reading room. Many genealogists and historians share tips, resources, and leads that aren’t found in official guides. The Indiana State Library is as much a community hub as it is a research center.

Follow Up After Your Visit

After your visit, review your notes and organize your findings. If you need additional materials, email the relevant division to request follow-up items. Many librarians are happy to assist with remote research or suggest related collections you may have missed.

Tools and Resources

Online Catalog: Indiana State Library Catalog

The library’s digital catalog is the primary gateway to its physical and digital collections. It includes over 1.5 million items, including books, periodicals, maps, newspapers, government documents, and manuscripts. Advanced search features allow filtering by author, subject, date, format, and location. Bookmark the catalog and learn its search syntax—it’s a powerful tool for precision research.

Indiana Digital Heritage Portal

Hosted by the library, this free digital archive contains over 100,000 digitized items from Indiana’s history: photographs, diaries, oral histories, newspapers, and school yearbooks. Accessible at inldigital.org, this portal is invaluable for genealogists and educators. Many items are fully searchable by name, place, or keyword.

Indiana Historical Newspapers

The library provides free access to digitized editions of over 500 Indiana newspapers dating back to the 1800s. This includes titles such as the Indianapolis News, Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, and Evansville Courier. These are accessible through the Digital Heritage Portal and are searchable using optical character recognition (OCR) technology.

Genealogy Databases

Subscription-based genealogy tools like Ancestry Library Edition, Fold3, and HeritageQuest are available on library computers. These are not accessible remotely but can be used on-site. Librarians can help you navigate these databases and interpret census records, military rolls, and immigration documents.

State Publications and Legislative Resources

The library maintains a complete collection of Indiana state statutes, administrative codes, legislative journals, and committee reports dating back to the 1810s. These are available in print and digitally through the Indiana Code and Administrative Code websites, which are linked from the library’s homepage.

Research Guides and LibGuides

The library curates dozens of free research guides on topics such as “Tracing Indiana Ancestors,” “Understanding Indiana Land Records,” and “Researching Indiana’s Civil War Soldiers.” These guides include step-by-step instructions, key sources, and sample queries. They are available at www.in.gov/library/research-guides/.

Mobile App and Digital Tools

While the library does not have a dedicated app, its website is fully mobile-responsive. Use your smartphone to scan QR codes for floor maps, access digital collections, or email requests to librarians. The library also offers a text alert service for upcoming events and collection updates—sign up via the website.

Accessibility Services

The Indiana State Library is fully ADA-compliant. Wheelchair access, elevators, and accessible restrooms are available throughout the building. Large-print materials, screen readers, and magnifiers are provided upon request. Staff are trained to assist users with visual, mobility, or cognitive impairments. Contact the library in advance if you require specialized accommodations.

Real Examples

Example 1: Genealogist Tracing Indiana Roots

Patricia, a retired teacher from Bloomington, wanted to trace her great-grandfather’s migration from Germany to Indiana in the 1880s. She began by searching the Indiana Digital Heritage Portal for her family surname and found a digitized copy of the 1880 U.S. Census listing her ancestor in Vigo County. She then visited the library in person, requested the original microfilmed census, and cross-referenced it with local church records in the Genealogy Division. With help from a librarian, she located a naturalization petition from 1884 that included his original German name. Patricia was able to compile a 12-page family history, which she later donated to the library’s archives.

Example 2: Student Writing a Thesis on Indiana’s Education Reform

Michael, a graduate student at IUPUI, needed primary sources on Indiana’s 1970s school funding reforms. He used the library’s online catalog to identify 17 volumes of legislative hearing transcripts from the Indiana General Assembly. He requested them in advance and spent two days reviewing them in the Government Documents Reading Room. He also accessed digitized copies of the Indianapolis Star archives to find contemporaneous news coverage. His thesis, “Funding the Future: Indiana’s Public Education in the 1970s,” was published by the Indiana Historical Society and cited the library’s collections as its primary source.

Example 3: Author Researching a Historical Novel

David, a novelist writing a book set in Indianapolis during the 1920s, visited the Rare Books and Manuscripts Division to examine original photographs, postcards, and city directories from the era. He requested a box of personal letters from a local businessman’s estate, which included detailed descriptions of street life, fashion, and local politics. He also reviewed digitized issues of the Indianapolis Times to understand the tone of public discourse. The authenticity of his novel, Whispers on Meridian, was praised by historians for its accurate depiction of the period—largely thanks to his use of the library’s archives.

Example 4: Public Servant Preparing a Policy Brief

Janet, a policy analyst for the Indiana Department of Health, needed historical data on childhood vaccination rates from the 1950s to the 1990s. She accessed the library’s collection of state health department annual reports, which included tables, charts, and handwritten field notes from public health workers. She scanned key pages and used them to illustrate trends in her briefing to state legislators. The library’s collection was the only source that contained complete, unredacted data from that period.

FAQs

Do I need a library card to visit the Indiana State Library?

No, you do not need a library card to enter the building or use most public areas. However, you will need one to access certain digital resources, request materials from closed stacks, or use interlibrary loan services.

Can I bring my laptop and use Wi-Fi?

Yes, laptops are encouraged. Free, high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. No password is required—just connect to “ISL_Public_WiFi.” Power outlets are available at every reading table.

Are children allowed in the library?

Yes, children are welcome. However, all visitors must maintain a quiet environment. The library does not have a dedicated children’s area, so younger visitors should be supervised. The Genealogy Division is popular with school groups studying local history.

Can I check out books from the Indiana State Library?

Most materials are non-circulating and must be used on-site. However, some circulating collections—including popular fiction, educational titles, and state publications—are available for checkout to Indiana residents with a valid library card.

Is photography allowed in the reading rooms?

Photography is permitted for personal research use with a camera or smartphone, provided no flash is used and no damage is caused to materials. For high-resolution or commercial photography, you must submit a formal request and obtain written permission.

Are there restrooms and water fountains?

Yes, restrooms are available on every public floor. Water fountains are located near the elevators and the main entrance. Bottled water is not permitted in reading areas, but you may bring an empty reusable bottle to fill.

Can I bring food or coffee into the building?

No food or drinks (except water in sealed containers) are allowed in reading rooms or near archival materials. A small café is located nearby in the Statehouse complex, and public seating areas are available outside the library building.

How long can I stay in the reading room?

There is no time limit for using the reading rooms. However, if you are not actively using materials or equipment, staff may ask you to vacate your seat to accommodate others.

Are there guided tours of the library?

Yes, group tours (10 or more people) can be scheduled in advance by emailing tours@library.in.gov. Individual visitors can pick up a self-guided tour brochure at the entrance. The tour highlights the building’s architecture, historical artifacts, and key collections.

What if I can’t visit in person?

Many resources are available remotely through the Indiana Digital Heritage Portal and online databases. You can also request digitized copies of documents via email. Reference librarians respond to inquiries within 1–3 business days.

Conclusion

Visiting the Indiana State Library is not merely a logistical task—it is an immersive experience into the heart of Indiana’s intellectual and cultural heritage. From its meticulously preserved manuscripts to its cutting-edge digital archives, the library offers unparalleled access to the stories that shaped the state. By following the steps outlined in this guide—planning ahead, respecting protocols, leveraging expert assistance, and utilizing available tools—you transform a simple visit into a meaningful research journey.

The library’s resources are vast, but they are not infinite. Your diligence in preparation, your patience in research, and your respect for the materials ensure that these treasures remain accessible to future generations. Whether you’re uncovering a family secret, advancing academic scholarship, or simply seeking quiet inspiration, the Indiana State Library stands ready to serve you.

Plan your visit. Prepare your questions. Bring your curiosity. And step into a space where history doesn’t just live—it speaks.