INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Public Library (IndyPL) is seeking the community’s help in selecting diverse writers and thinkers to memorialize at Central Library. The Name Engraving Project will add literary leaders of color to the list of notable authors etched into the interior walls of Central Library.
Through June 30, patrons may suggest names via ballot boxes at branches and online. IndyPL’s Name Engraving Committee hopes to engrave an initial group of names to celebrate the Center for Black Literature and Culture’s 4th anniversary. The project will allow IndyPL to enhance programming and education surrounding titles by Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, and to use public spaces to promote and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.
There are currently 81 names of renowned writers and thinkers engraved at Central Library, but only five women and no people of color are memorialized.
The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation is raising funds for the project and says the number of names added is dependent on the funding secured. This year, The Library will engrave the names of Black authors outside of the CBLC and will subsequently add the names of authors of other diverse backgrounds.
Patrons may submit names online or at their nearest branch location and can learn more about The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation or donate to this initiative at indyplfoundation.org. Please select “Central Library” when asked how to apply your gift and put “ENGRAVING” in the notes box at the end of the form.
Visit the IndyPL blog to learn more about this project, nominate your favorite authors of color, and to make your gift.
