The Riley Block Family Library is part of the Indianapolis Public Library Shared System. Inpatients, with the permission of a caregiver, have access to all the materials of the Indianapolis Public Library as well as Riley Block Family Library’s collection.
The Riley Block Family Library is located on the first floor of Riley at IU Health and has two entrances:
- Simon Family Tower (on the south side of the hall near the emergency room)
- Frank and Marian Snyder Family Resource Center, next to the chapel and at the opposite end of the hall from the Ronald McDonald House at Riley at IU Health
Out of an abundance of caution due to COVID-19, the library is currently closed and donations of materials have been suspended.
Services Available
Services Available
Inpatient and Outpatient (on the day of a patient visit)
- Computers with printing
- Support and medical information brochures*
- Catch the Stars Reading corner
- Puzzles
- Phone chargers (within the library only)
- Wii, Wii U and Game Cube games
- View movies within the library
- Reference services
Inpatient Only Services
- Storytellers
- Riley Reading Time on CCTV
- Drop boxes located on units as well as both entrances to the library
- Library book carts
- Readers (read to patients)
- Copy and Fax services
- Access to Indianapolis Public Library Collection
If you would like something printed while you're in the hospital, please email your print request to libraryprint@iuhealth.org with your name and room number in the subject heading so we can deliver it to your child's room. If you have any questions please call 317.944.1149.
Items for Inpatient checkout:
To apply for a library card, please go to Indianapolis Public Library Card Application and complete the form under "Apply at Any Branch." Once you've completed the form, send it to rilibrary@iuhealth.org and a staff member will deliver the library card to the patient's room. With a library card, your child may check out items from the Indianapolis Public Library as well as Riley Block Family Library. A permission form must be signed for Riley Block Family Library to enroll the patient into the Indianapolis Public Library database for the purpose of using their services. A full description of the circulation policies can be found here.
*Health information available at the Edward A. Block Family Library at Riley at IU Health does not replace medical instruction and education provided by a child’s physician and healthcare team. Library information supplements the ongoing education efforts of a child’s doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals. Library staff cannot provide interpretations, counseling or advice. Families should consult their child’s physician if they have questions or concerns.
Online Catalog
Browse the library's online catalog through the Indianapolis Public Library.
Donations to the Library
Donations to the Library
Financial contributions, donations and gifts support the Block Family Library and its services. If you are interested in donating to the library, view our Donation Guidelines and Wish List. Donations can be made at the North entrance to the hospital at 705 Riley Hospital Dr. Pull up to the front entrance and put your flashers on. Stop at the Information Desk, and let them know you have a donation for the library. Please fill out a donation form for your records and put one with the donation. Online monetary donations can be made at Riley Library's Funding Page.
If you need special assistance with your donation please call the library at 317.944.1149.