Indy Reads
 | |
| Formation | 1984 in Indianapolis, Indiana |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-Profit |
| Location |
|
Chief Executive Officer | Ruba Marshood |
Parent organization | Indianapolis Public Library |
| Budget | $1,256,418 USD[when?] |
| Revenue | $1,398,861 USD[when?] |
| Website | indyreads |
Indy Reads is a literacy non-profit organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. It is a private non-profit organization that promotes literacy in Central Indiana. Indy Reads also runs a bookstore that provides revenue to the organization.
History
[edit]Indy Reads began as an offshoot of the Indianapolis Public Library, and later became an independent non-profit. The organization was founded in 1984 as the Greater Indianapolis Literacy League by librarians and community activists.[1][2][3]
In 1998, the nonprofit adopted the name "Indy Reads" after becoming a separate organization from the Public Library. The bookstore was opened downtown on Massachusetts Avenue in 2012. As well as hosting literacy events, it was the only bookstore in downtown Indianapolis when it opened.[4][5]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Indy Reads provided its services online, which improved the digital literacy skills of both students and staff. It closed its bookstore during this time, reopening in November 2021 at a new location, co-located with the Indy Reads offices.[3]
Description and governance
[edit]Indy Reads is located at 1066 Virginia Avenue, Indianapolis, on Fountain Square.[3][5] Its CEO is Ruba Marshood.[6] It has a board headed by Kim Compton as of September 2026[update].[7]
Many volunteers help to run the organization and bookstore.[8]
Mission and services
[edit]As of 2026[update], nearly 20% of adults in Indiana have a reading level "at or below a fifth-grade".[6] Indy Reads' mission is to promote and improve the literacy of adults and families and make Indianapolis more literate. It is sponsored by the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF).[9][10]
It provides programs for adults and families who struggle with literacy. They offer programs for students, adult learners, English language learning, High School Equivalency, and more. All of these classes are free and the teachers/tutors are volunteers. The organization has expanded its programs outside of Marion County, and there are now two satellite offices in Boone County and Hendricks County.[11][12][3]
As of August 2026[update] the organization serves close to 500 adult students across central Indiana.[6]
Bookstore
[edit]Indy Reads bookstore, which opened in 2012,[3] is an independent bookstore in downtown Indianapolis that serves as the revenue arm for Indy Reads. The bookstore hosts readings and workshops and other events, over 150 each year. The store also sells new and used books, purchased and donated.[9][4][13]
Funding
[edit]Indy Reads operates on a budget of $1,256,418,[when?][citation needed] and its revenue is $1,398,861.[when?][citation needed] Indy Reads is funded by donations and grants,[14] including from the Central Indiana Community Foundation,[9] as well as revenue from its bookstore. It has regular sponsors and partners, including major sponsors Electric Plus, the Lumina Foundation, Pulitzer Prize, Audiochuck, and Glick Philanthropies.[15]
In 2024, Indy Reads ran a pilot class in association with industry partner Electric Plus. In November 2025, the Bank of America announced Indy Reads as one of two "Neighborhood Builder" honorees, who would be awarded a $200,000 grant over two years, along with comprehensive leadership training for the CEO and an emerging leader, as well as becoming a member of a national network of nonprofit peers.[16]
In August 2026, Indy Reads received a grant of $150,000 from The MolinaCares Accord to launch a new program in health literacy, in partnership with Molina Healthcare.[6]
Events and activities
[edit]In March 2026, Indy Reads, in partnership with Indiana Sports Corp and the Children's Literacy Project, screened the film Sentenced, a documentary about literacy in the U.S. produced and narrated by NBA Champion Stephen Curry, in an exclusive premiere at the IMAX Theatre at the Indiana State Museum.[17]
Recognition
[edit]In July 2026, CEO Ruba Marshood Named Exceptional Nonprofit Executive of the Year, "an honor recognizing individuals who exemplify leadership within the nonprofit sector", at United Way of Central Indiana's annual celebration.[18]
The work of Indy Reads is also recognized by the prestigious grants it has received, such as the Bank of America's "Neighborhood Builder" in 2025[16] and the 2026 Molina Healthcare grant.[6]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Indy Ambassadors". www.indyambassadors.org. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
- ↑ VisionLink. "Indiana 211". in211.communityos.org. Retrieved August 27, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Indy Reads bookstore reopens in Fountain Square". WRTV. November 5, 2021. Archived from the original on June 10, 2026. Retrieved September 17, 2026.
- 1 2 Indianapolis, Encyclopedia of (July 15, 2024). "Indy Reads". Encyclopedia of Indianapolis. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
- 1 2 Salaz, Susan (November 8, 2021). "Indy Reads Starts A New Chapter In Fountain Square". Indianapolis Monthly. Archived from the original on November 12, 2025. Retrieved September 17, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Pierson, Kendall (August 3, 2026). "Indy Reads receives $150K grant to launch health literacy program". WISH-TV. Archived from the original on August 4, 2026. Retrieved September 17, 2026.
- ↑ "Board of Directors". Indy Reads • Adult Literacy and Community Bookstore. August 14, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2026.
- ↑ Huang, Binghui (December 28, 2023). "Season for Sharing: Indy Reads wants to teach the whole family to read". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved September 17, 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Indy Reads". Visit Indy. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
- ↑ "Indy Reads". Giving Compass. June 25, 2024. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
- ↑ "Local Spotlight: Indy Reads". Indy's Child Magazine. October 1, 2022. Retrieved August 27, 2026.
- ↑ "Indy Reads, Indianapolis, IN 46203". www.nld.org. Retrieved August 27, 2026.
- ↑ Harris, Daniel (March 6, 2026). "Indy Reads Indianapolis: Literacy Classes & Community Bookstore". We Like Indy. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
- ↑ Rafford, Claire (January 5, 2026). "Parents and students learn English together at this westside school". Mirror Indy. Retrieved September 17, 2026.
- ↑ "Sponsors and partners". Indy Reads. August 14, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2026.
- 1 2 "Bank of America Names 2025 Neighborhood Builder® Honorees". Indiana Chamber of Commerce. November 17, 2025. Archived from the original on September 17, 2026. Retrieved September 17, 2026.
- ↑ McGowan, Chloe (February 26, 2026). "Indiana Sports Corp partners with Indy Reads for exclusive screening of Steph Curry's documentary". Indianapolis Recorder. Archived from the original on March 7, 2026. Retrieved September 17, 2026.
- ↑ "Indy Reads CEO Ruba Marshood Named Exceptional Nonprofit Executive of the Year". Indy Reads. July 24, 2026. Retrieved September 17, 2026.