INDIANAPOLIS — Tis the season for giving, and Indianapolis residents are invited to help provide free books to children of all ages during Jingle Books 2021, a project of The Indianapolis Public Library and the Office of Mayor Joe Hogsett.
Jingle Books, taking place December 1-23 during regular Library hours, allows patrons to donate new or gently used books at bins located in all IndyPL branch locations. Families who visit The Library can select books from display boxes to take home for free. All branch locations will have gift wrapping stations with wrapping paper and tape. Since the program started, 7,164 books have been donated to local children.
“We are excited to relaunch this rewarding partnership with the Indianapolis Public Library after a brief hiatus due to the pandemic,” said Hogsett. “Jingle Books gives the community an opportunity to help children develop their reading and literacy skills during the holiday season. We encourage residents to participate by donating a children’s book at any branch, or by picking out a donated book to bring home.”
Research shows that growing up surrounded by books helps children develop essential skills. Learning to read and opportunities to practice reading are both critical, but access to books and stories do even more.