Spades Park Branch, Carnegie library in Near Eastside, Indianapolis, United States
Spades Park Branch is a two-story, L-shaped Italian Renaissance masonry library on a raised basement, built in 1911–1912. It has a terra cotta tile hipped roof, decorative brickwork, limestone accents, and American Craftsman and Arts and Crafts decorative elements.
The building was constructed between 1911 and 1912 as part of the Carnegie Foundation's effort to establish public libraries across Indianapolis. This funding initiative allowed communities to create and maintain free library services for residents.
The library serves as a gathering place where neighbors meet to read, learn, and participate in community programs together. It reflects how the Near Eastside values access to knowledge and education for all.
The library is located on Nowland Avenue and offers free access to books, computers, and internet services for all visitors. The building is easy to find and welcomes people during regular operating hours.
Of the six branch libraries planned with the Carnegie Foundation's $120,000 grant to Indianapolis in 1909, this was one of five actually built. The raised basement and L-shaped plan let the reading rooms sit above street level, and the 1987 restoration preceded its 2016 listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,639 contributors worldwide.
