Lay C. is the first graduate of Indy Reads’ Customer Service Skills Program (CSSP), which combines an industry-recognized customer service certification with a paid internship in our community bookstore. This program was generously funded by the Margot L. Eccles Arts & Culture Fund. Only nine days after completing the program, Lay began a new job at a […]
On April 26, 2023, Indy Reads will host its inaugural fundraising breakfast: Unlocking Our Potential! The event will be held at the Fountain Square Theatre and we expect approximately 250 attendees, representing every corner of our community. Attending our fundraising breakfast, as an individual or with your organization, is an opportunity to break bread with […]
Indianapolis, IN — (September 20, 2022) Indy Reads today released its Impact Report for Fiscal Year 2021-2022. As the organization forges ahead into a new program year, it is vital to take a moment and honor all the hard work that made last year a success. Indy Reads builds the literacy, English language, and job […]
Indianapolis, IN —(September 15, 2022) Indy Reads today announced that its board of directors has approved five new members. After a robust and inclusive search and selection process, Indy Reads’ leadership team and board of directors are confident that Dr. Sara Bangert, Marisol Gouveia, Lindsay Gramlich, Kenneth Magezi, and Mariann McGee Bernlohr align with the […]
Welcome Fund Awards $200,000 to Three Indiana Organizations Supporting the Training and Education of Afghan Newcomers More than $19 million raised since Welcome.US launched in September Over $14 million disbursed to 175 organizations Washington, D.C. — Today, the Welcome Fund awarded $200,000 in grants to three community-based nonprofits focused on the training and education […]
Indianapolis, IN — (June 2, 2022) Indy Reads today announced that it has selected a new Chief Development & Communications Officer, Toby Stark. After a robust and inclusive search, Indy Reads’ CEO and board of directors are confident that Stark will take up the mantle of philanthropy for Indy Reads throughout Indianapolis and beyond. “Stark’s […]
Indianapolis, IN — (May 2, 2022) Indy Reads, an English literacy, high school equivalency, and job readiness nonprofit empowering adults and their families through literacy in Indiana, is thrilled to announce their Spring 2022 corporate partners. “We are so grateful to all of our community partners for this outpouring of support as we continue to […]
The Easter Bunny is making a special stop at Indy Reads! We will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt inside Indy Reads. On Saturday April 16th, from 11am-7pm, there will be paper eggs hidden around our store (not in any books)! Prizes will be awarded for each egg found; only one egg per customer. Prizes […]
Indianapolis, IN — (March 24, 2022) This week, the Margot L. Eccles Arts & Culture Fund, a CICF fund, awarded Indy Reads a $125,000 grant to support Indy Reads’ new Customer Service Skills Program. This grant will fund an innovative pilot program that provides Central Indiana adults with intensive soft skills development through work at […]
Indianapolis, IN — (March 23, 2022) The Nora Roberts Foundation, created in 2001 by Nora Roberts as an avenue of support for organizations promoting and encouraging literacy, children, the arts, and humanitarian efforts, has awarded Indy Reads a $4,000 grant. The grant supports Indy Read’s High School Equivalency curriculum transition from the TASC certification exam […]
Indianapolis, IN — (December 17, 2021) The Nicholas H. Noyes, Jr. Memorial Foundation, a foundation that upholds the founders’ charitable traditions and continues their commitment to improving the quality of life in the greater Indianapolis area, has awarded Indy Reads a $10,000 grant. This grant was awarded to Indy Reads to expand its new High […]
Empowering adults and families through English literacy is at the very core of what makes us Indy Reads. As a member of our community, you’ve been a huge part of that mission. Whether you’ve volunteered with us, followed our student stories on social media, donated, spent time in the Indy Reads bookstore, or attended our […]
Indianapolis, IN — (November 17, 2021) Indy Reads announced today that it has selected a new Chief Executive Officer, Ruba Marshood, who will be transitioning into the role in early December. After a robust and inclusive national search, the Indy Reads Board of Directors is confident that Marshood will continue the stewardship that the current […]
Indianapolis, IN — (November 3, 2021) Indy Reads has been awarded an $80,000 Family Opportunity Fund 2Gen Capacity Building Grant from the United Way of Central Indiana. The grant was made possible through a grant from the IU Health Foundation. Funds will be used to support the refining of the organization’s 2Gen education program. United […]
Indianapolis, IN — (November 1, 2021) Indy Reads announced today that they will reopen at 1066 Virginia Avenue on Friday, November 5, 2021. The building, formerly the Fountain Square Branch of the Indianapolis library, is primed to be an essential part of the thriving Indianapolis literary scene and a new home to literacy, English language, […]
Indy Reads Receives $15,000 Indiana Humanities Operating Support Grant Indianapolis, IN — (October 27, 2021) Indy Reads has been awarded an Operating Support grant of $15,000 from Indiana Humanities with funds from the American Rescue Plan. The grant provides funding to humanities organizations adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Indy Reads is one of […]
Dear Friends of Indy Reads, With your support and the dedication of a brilliant team of staff, AmeriCorps Members, and volunteers, Indy Reads has been able to significantly expand our services and build the strongest financial foundation we’ve had in our 37-year history. After five years as a steward of the Indy Reads vision, 100% […]
The Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF affiliate, has granted Indy Reads with a $25,000 award to support the operation of their adult education programs. We are so appreciative of this support and the impact it will have on our students and community. “Indy Reads helps adults gain skills that can change the trajectory of […]
For several months now, Indy Reads has been a part of the COVID Vaccine Acceptance Coalition. This movement is aimed at having the discussion about what vaccinations are available, what the concerns of our community are, and exchanging vital information surrounding the resources available to all of our community members. Right now, more than […]
Meet the Newest Member of the Indy Reads Team Bryant Coffing, Instructional/Intake Coordinator Why did you apply to be part of Indy Reads? My name is Bryant Coffing and I am the Instructional/Intake Coordinator at Indy Reads. I am also the newest addition to the Indy Reads team. I wanted to work for Indy Reads […]
In My Own Words is an Indy Reads series where students tell their stories using their own authentic voice and words. Yoko and her husband moved to Indiana from Japan in the middle of 2020, and shortly thereafter Yoko joined our virtual classrooms to improve and gain confidence in her English speaking skills, to learn […]
AmeriCorps Member Spotlight Andrew Tanner, Indy Reads WorkLiteracy Coach Why did you apply to be an Indy Reads AmeriCorps WorkLiteracy Coach? I applied because I am often teased as an eternal student and learner. As a nontraditional student and aspiring writer, public speaker, and educator – I saw this as an amazing opportunity to test […]
AmeriCorps Member Spotlight Annalia Hopper, Indy Reads WorkLiteracy Coach Why did you apply to be an Indy Reads AmeriCorps WorkLiteracy Coach? I applied to be an AmeriCorps member with Indy Reads because when I was young, I struggled with severe dyslexia myself. It was a long, hard journey to get where I am today, but […]
AmeriCorps Member Spotlight Georgia Green, Indy Reads WorkLiteracy Coach Favorite memory so far as an Indy Reads AmeriCorps Member? My favorite memory so far is a tough one. I was working with a student and they had a breakdown over math. That student didn’t come back for over a week and I thought that we […]
Happy New Year! Today marks the first day of 2021 and the continuation of many exciting adventures. We want to say a special thank you for faithfully supporting us through online sales these past few months and into the new year. Spending your dollars through our online store is making a big difference and is […]
AmeriCorps Member Spotlight Sam Henthorn, Indy Reads WorkLiteracy Coach Favorite band/musician? My favorite musician is probably my dad, Doug Henthorn. But, if that seems too much like nepotism, I’d probably say Led Zeppelin. Favorite memory so far as an Indy Reads AmeriCorps Member? One day during a group tutoring session, I decided to organize a […]
In My Own Words is an Indy Reads series where students tell their stories using their own authentic voice and words. Kenzi and Aaron are our power couple who became the first ever graduates of our HSE program! We are so proud and honored to share their story with you. Hear more about them in […]
AmeriCorps Member Spotlight Camille Arnett, Indy Reads WorkLiteracy Coach If you were sorted into any of the Harry Potter houses, which one would it be? I’ve been given both Ravenclaw and Slytherin which makes me skeptical of the whole system. Why did you apply to be an Indy Reads AmeriCorps WorkLiteracy Coach? I applied to […]
AmeriCorps Member Spotlight Joseph Raymond, Indy Reads WorkLiteracy Coach What is a quote you love or a mantra you live by? People are their actions, not their words, or “you will know them by their fruits”. Why did you apply to be an Indy Reads AmeriCorps WorkLiteracy Coach? I’ve found it difficult to do much […]
We know that many of you have been anxiously waiting to hear details about when our new bookstore location will be open for business. As remodeling continues on the new space and the impact of COVID-19 continues to grow in our community, we have made the hard decision to not open for in-person shopping during […]
AmeriCorps Member Spotlight Anna Kane, Indy Reads WorkLiteracy Coach Favorite memory so far as an Indy Reads AmeriCorps Member? The time a student who spoke very little English used Google Translate to enthusiastically say, “I love you teachers! Thank you for class!” It warmed my heart for weeks, and made the work we do here […]
Smiles, laughing with friends, home cooked food, and family – these are just a few of our favorite things! 2020 has been a year for the history books, and it’s shown us at Indy Reads the importance of appreciating important people and things in our lives. Without a doubt, we’re 100% thankful for you! We […]
This November, we are highlighting a series of creative works from our students centered around gratitude. We asked them to not only share their talents with us, but also their hearts. Please enjoy Indy Reads Gives Thanks.
This November, we are highlighting a series of creative works from our students centered around gratitude. We asked them to not only share their talents with us, but also their hearts. Please enjoy Indy Reads Gives Thanks. *** T- H – A – N – K – S – G – I – V – […]
This November, we are highlighting a series of creative works from our students centered around gratitude. We asked them to not only share their talents with us, but also their hearts. Please enjoy Indy Reads Gives Thanks. *** Full of Gratitude — A Poem By Indy Reads student, Mercedes TO MY TEACHERS WITH GRATITUDE […]
AmeriCorps Member Spotlight Kelsey Johnson, Indy Reads WorkLiteracy Coach Why did you apply to be an Indy Reads AmeriCorps WorkLiteracy Coach? I love teaching and I love my community. There’s a phrase, ‘social justice is love in action’ and I believe that wholeheartedly. This is one of the ways I’m trying to show love—being there […]
Do you know which group of animals are the only living, direct descendants of dinosaurs? Crocodiles? Nope! Komodo dragons? Nope! Other large lizards or snakes? Guess again! Birds are the answer! The fearsome Tyrannosaurus Rex shares a huge amount of DNA with modern-day chickens, believe it or not! Birds in general are currently believed to […]
AmeriCorps Member Spotlight Macy Barwick, Indy Reads WorkLiteracy Coach Favorite memory so far as an Indy Reads AmeriCorps Member? Playing games with the students in the ELL class. They are super competitive and have totally mastered the art of trash talk. I love it. Last book you read? Severance by Ling Ma Favorite band/musician? Phoebe […]
In My Own Words is an Indy Reads series where students tell their stories using their own authentic voice and words. Lovely is from Haiti. She was working as a nurse in her home country and now has enrolled with Indy Reads to develop her English skills to continue her nursing career in the U.S. […]
In My Own Words is an Indy Reads series where students tell their stories using their own authentic voice and words. Sterling is a future motivational speaker with a soulful gravel not unlike the singer Lyfe Jennings, an inspired story, and a warm laugh you can’t ignore. He has all the hallmarks of a great […]
Indianapolis, IN — (June 16, 2020) In July, Indy Reads will be adding free High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma classes to an existing suite of adult literacy, English language, and workforce training programs. The organization’s commitment to serve adult learners now includes those who do not have a high school diploma. In Marion County, that’s […]
Indy, we’ve missed you! It’s been several weeks since we last left books at our doorstep for you and we’re excited to get started again. Starting Wednesday, May 6, 2020, Indy Reads Books will be providing curbside pickup of limited selections from our location at 911 Massachusetts Avenue. Pickup will be available daily 10A – […]
Dear Friends, All of us are in uncharted waters right now and we’re experiencing things we’ve only read about in books. Information about COVID-19 is changing by the hour and based on the announcements from Governor Holcomb and Mayor Hogsett regarding social distancing and other suggested measures, we have made the decision to close our […]
Indy Reads and Indy Reads Books will be moving to its new location in Fountain Square (1066 Virginia Avenue) by the end of August 2020. This is an exciting time in the history of our organization. This will allow our admin, program, development, and bookstore staff to be under one roof for the first time […]
Indianapolis, IN—(February 25, 2020) Indy Reads and Indy Reads Books are moving to Fountain Square. On February 24, the Indianapolis Public Library Board of Directors voted to approve the organization taking over the Fountain Square Library Branch, which will be vacated in May. The Library will relocate services to the West Perry branch in 2021. […]
The Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees has given preliminary approval to the closing of the Fountain Square Branch in May 2020, as part of the Library’s long-range plan announced in 2015 to relocate services to the new West Perry Branch, scheduled to open in mid-2021. The recommendation by the Library’s Facilities Committee on February […]
Many of our students realize that reading, speaking and understanding English is important to many facets of their lives. For them, coming to Indy Reads to build their language skills is about changing their lives in ways that help their children grow and their families thrive. This month’s IndyGo Student of the Month, Dawt Sung, […]
Students in our Community Classrooms come from a variety of backgrounds and bring their own experiences and perspectives with them. These perspectives contribute to the diverse community environment that make our classrooms unique. This month’s IndyGo Student of the Month, Cleon Bell, brings happiness and optimism to class every week. Cleon grew up in Jamaica, […]
Indianapolis, IN — (May 31st, 2019) Indy Reads is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. This is the 10th overall grant the foundation has provided to Indy Reads, and the third consecutive year of financial support for Indy Reads’ innovative Community Classrooms program. For […]
Cyclical poverty is a burden far too many of our students have had to endure. All too often, circumstances far, far beyond our students’ control leave them without the education they need to pursue the opportunities — college, a reliable job, access to healthcare — many of us enjoy. This month’s IndyGo Student of the […]
