As the hub of The Indianapolis Public Library system, Central Library showcases renowned architecture and services. The original 1917 building, designed by Paul Cret and constructed of Indiana limestone in the Greek Doric style, was considered one of the most outstanding secular buildings in the U.S. Its six-story glass and steel-framed addition, designed by Evans Woollen, opened in 2007.

Both the original building and the 2007 addition included a unique architectural feature, the names of iconic authors and literary figures carved into the building’s limestone walls. Of the 80+ names memorialized in this fashion, there were just five women represented and no authors of color.