The Library: Champion of Whole Community Wellbeing
Indianapolis Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
The Indianapolis Public Library expanded staff training and certification in Neurodivergence and Disabilities, Mental Health, and Physical Wellbeing. We also increased our Mental and Physical Wellbeing materials collection by more than 20%. Additionally, our newly built Fort Ben Branch became the first library branch in Indiana to earn designation as a Certified Autism Center™ through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). These initiatives, first outlined in our 2021–2024 Strategic Plan, helped us achieve several honors, including being named an AchieveWELL 4-Star designated organization by the Wellness Council of Indiana and earning the 2025 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health at the Gold Level.
Challenge/Opportunity
Indianapolis faces significant health and wellness challenges, particularly in historically underserved communities. Residents are affected by chronic diseases, high rates of hypertension and cardiovascular conditions, environmental hazards like lead, and risks from unsecured firearms. Our front-line staff support community members who are neurodivergent or living with physical or mental health conditions. To support staff, we designed a wellness program with cash incentives for healthy activities, expanded staff wellness education, and additional paid leave including maternity, paternity, and disability. With 25 accessible branches across the city, the Library serves as a free, welcoming entry point for health education, prevention, and resources. By partnering with trusted local organizations, we address longstanding health disparities and provide information on chronic disease prevention, environmental hazards, and safety, helping residents achieve their wellness goals.
Key Elements of Innovation
Our branches serve as accessible entry points for health education and prevention. By partnering with trusted local organizations, we help address longstanding health disparities:
• COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Clinics – Partners: Marion County Public Health Department, Indiana Department of Health
• Free Gun Locks – Partner: Marion County Sheriff’s Office
• Blood Pressure Hubs and Monitors – Partner: American Heart Association
• Free Lead Screening Kits – Partner: IUPUI Center for Urban Health
• Dementia Friendly Business Training – Staff learned how to better support individuals living with dementia and their care partners.
• Autism and Sensory Sensitivity Training –Fort Ben Branch staff trained through IBCCES to better assist neurodivergent patrons.
• Health and Wellness Programs – 378 Programs offered including chair yoga, cooking and nutrition classes and social events that refuel caregivers and support providers
• Wellness Hours: Paid time for staff to recover after stressful events
Achieved Outcomes
Through expanded training, new resources, and more than 90 additional wellness-focused programs—a 20% increase during the award period—The Indianapolis Public Library continues to champion whole community wellbeing. Eleven branches achieved Dementia Friendly Certification through Dementia Friendly Indianapolis, and the Fort Ben Branch was recertified as the state’s first and only Certified Autism Center™, nearly doubling its autism and neurodiversity collection since opening in 2023. The Library also launched Neurodiversity and Disability Inclusion Training for all staff, with 375 employees (over 60%) trained by the end of the award period, and full participation expected by the end of 2025. This work earned the Library recognition as an AchieveWELL 4-Star Company by the Wellness Council of Indiana and the 2025 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health at the Gold Level.
