Research highlighted in the 2024 Power of Play Report from the National Institute for Play shows that play is important for learning and connection at all ages. Play reduces stress, inspires creativity, teaches problem-solving, and builds community connections. Play is also 1 of 5 skills for developing early literacy – reading, writing, talking, singing, and playing. An important way to prepare young children for success in school and life is to help them participate in play, according to the Public Library Associations’ Every Child Ready to Read initiative.
Day of Play represented the childhood games of the diverse cultures in Indianapolis. The city is home to the largest Burmese community in the U.S., so the event featured Myanmar's national sport, Chinlone. Local Filipino community members also taught the folk dance Tinikling.
Event surveys reflected a diverse audience, with Asian and Bi-/Multi-racial attendee participation more than 2x their proportion of the city's population.

Day of Play positioned the library as a place for guests to enthusiastically connect and express themselves. Loneliness is a cited epidemic across the U.S. and one that Indianapolis residents experience. According to the U.S. Census, 35% of Marion County, IN residents live alone, creating a need for accessible spaces where people can connect. For the 15.8% of residents experiencing poverty, it is even more difficult to experience play due to increased obstacles to housing, food, and childcare. Day of Play provided families with free access to many play experiences in a single place. Visitors enjoyed recess games, cardboard forts, yo-yos, international games, a free arcade, a parallel playroom, and more. The excitement spanned Central Library's 6 floors and spilled outdoors into lawn games and messy play, plus a community sidewalk chalk art experience on the front steps.

The Day of Play impacted 804 attendees who filled all 6 Floors of Central Library and its exterior areas with play. Attendees were given a passport to encourage them to explore multiple ways to play. If they visited 5 or more of the stations, they earned a playful prize.

Attendees were asked to complete a program evaluation and 100% of respondents agreed that they felt more connected to the community while 95% reported that they left more aware of Library resources. Respondents shared many examples of how Day of Play helped them discover new aspects of the Library. One patron said families “learned new games, were exposed to different cultures and developed social skills.” Visitors also said Day of Play invited them to spend more time at the Library: “We expected to come and stay for an hour, but explored so many areas.” This feedback signaled to the Library successful delivery of the quality entertainment and educational value sought by the community.

Supporting Materials:

• YouTube Short: Day of Play at Central LibraryIndianapolis! It’s time to play! Join us for an all ages day of fun and games at Central Library on Saturday, June 27. There will be yo-yo champions, chalk art, a free arcade, and much, much more! Check out the entire schedule at indypl.org!