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Image for event: NerdFest

NerdFest

A celebration of all things nerdy
2024-05-11 10:00:00 2024-05-11 16:00:00 America/Indiana/Indianapolis NerdFest Main Library -

Saturday, May 11
10:00am - 4:00pm

Add to Calendar 2024-05-11 10:00:00 2024-05-11 16:00:00 America/Indiana/Indianapolis NerdFest Get ready for a festival of nerdy fun for adults, teens, and kids! Advance registration is not required for this all-day event, but some activities require tickets. See full description for details. Main Library -

Get ready for a festival of nerdy fun for adults, teens, and kids! Advance registration is not required for this all-day event, but some activities require tickets. See full description for details.

See the complete schedule of NerdFest activities here.

 

We love all kinds of nerds here at the library, and if you consider yourself a nerd, we've dedicated a full day to celebrating YOU! We'll have workshops, panels, creators, demonstrations, arts and crafts, video and arcade games, board games, trivia, costumes, live music, giveaways, and more. Whether you identify as a nerd or not, come join us for this day full of fun and fandom. No fees or registration required.

* Some activities have limited seating capacity and will be ticketed events. These free tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis 60 minutes before the activity begins. Everyone must be present in order to receive a ticket. Pick up tickets at the NerdFest Information and Tickets table next to the 1st-floor Community Room.

Main Library
Phone: 317.814.3900
Hours
About the library

Upcoming events

Library Babies - For kids ages 0–12 months and their caregivers
Thu, Nov 21, 9:30am - 9:50am
Main Library - Discovery Room A
(Ages 0–12 mo.) Join us for rhymes, songs, and stories for babies. Free tickets are required and will be available—first come, first served—at the Kids Desk 30 minutes prior to the program start time.
The Nutcracker: 4 Magical Performances by 4 Ballet Groups
Thu, Nov 21, 10:30am - 11:00am
Main Library - Community Room
Join us on four special occasions to watch the enchanting story of The Nutcracker as told by the beautiful dancers of area ballet groups. Read the full description for dates, times, and details.
Library Babies - For kids ages 0–12 months and their caregivers
Thu, Nov 21, 10:30am - 10:50am
Main Library - Discovery Room A
(Ages 0–12 mo.) Join us for rhymes, songs, and stories for babies. Free tickets are required and will be available—first come, first served—at the Kids Desk 30 minutes prior to the program start time.
Library Babies - For kids ages 0–12 months and their caregivers
Thu, Nov 21, 11:30am - 11:50am
Main Library - Discovery Room A
(Ages 0–12 mo.) Join us for rhymes, songs, and stories for babies. Free tickets are required and will be available—first come, first served—at the Kids Desk 30 minutes prior to the program start time.
Inklings - Student-led creative writing club for teens in grades 9–12
Thu, Nov 21, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Main Library - Teens Program Room
Inklings is a student-led creative writing club for high school students. From brainstorming ideas to giving and receiving feedback, you‘ll find something to inspire you.
Sci-Night Spectacular - For kids ages 7 and up
Thu, Nov 21, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Main Library - Discovery Room
Join us for Sci-Night Spectacular, a drop-in, hands-on science adventure led by students from the Carmel High School Science National Honor Society.
Learn How to Use a Cricut Machine - Demonstration for adults and teens
Thu, Nov 21, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Main Library - Meeting Room C
Staff from the Digital Media Lab will demonstrate how to navigate Cricut Access and operate a Cricut machine. Registration is required.
Bedtime Stories - For kids ages 2–5 and their caregivers
Thu, Nov 21, 7:00pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - Discovery Room A
(Ages 2–5) Join us for stories, rhymes, and songs—and don’t forget to wear your jammies and bring your favorite stuffed animal! No tickets are required.
Season of Change - Photo contest for youth and adults
Fri, Nov 22, All day
Main Library
Celebrate fall with the Digital Media Lab's Season of Change: Fall in Carmel photography contest. Entry deadline is November 22, 2024.
The Nutcracker: 4 Magical Performances by 4 Ballet Groups
Fri, Nov 22, 11:00am - 11:45am
Main Library - Community Room
Join us on four special occasions to watch the enchanting story of The Nutcracker as told by the beautiful dancers of area ballet groups. Read the full description for dates, times, and details.
Cancelled
Teen Homeschool Art Club - For homeschool teens ages 13–18
Fri, Nov 22, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Main Library
In this free club run by former Artist in Residence Ella Wilson, teens will talk about art, create things, and go on random, fun tangents. All creatives are welcome, regardless of experience.
Play-Doh Maker Station: Pasta - For kids ages 4+ on their own
Sat, Nov 23, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Main Library - Discovery Room
(Ages 4+) Come for stories about pasta and use Play-Doh to make pretend pasta to take home with you. Read the full description for info about required tickets. No younger siblings may attend.
ENL Conversation Group - An English language practice group for adults
Sun, Nov 24, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Library - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C
Practice speaking English in a relaxed setting. This group meets on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. Registration is not required.
Play-Doh Maker Station: Pasta - For kids ages 4–6 on their own
Mon, Nov 25, 10:00am - 10:30am
Main Library - Exploration Lab
(Ages 4–6) Come for stories about pasta and use Play-Doh to make pretend pasta to take home with you. Read the full description for info about required tickets. No younger/older siblings may attend.
Drop-In Play Date - For kids ages 0–3 and their caregivers
Mon, Nov 25, 10:00am - 11:30am
Main Library - Discovery Room
(Ages 0–3) Come for a fun, informal play date with your babies, toddlers, and friends! Pick your favorite activities—you'll have plenty to choose from. Drop in anytime between 10:00am and 11:30am.
Play-Doh Maker Station: Pasta - For kids ages 4–6 on their own
Mon, Nov 25, 11:00am - 11:30am
Main Library - Exploration Lab
(Ages 4–6) Come for stories about pasta and use Play-Doh to make pretend pasta to take home with you. Read the full description for info about required tickets. No younger/older siblings may attend.
Genealogy Drop-In - A weekly gathering of genealogists and family historians
Mon, Nov 25, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Main Library - Meeting Room C
Are you interested in genealogy? Need help getting started or want to bounce ideas off others? Stop by our weekly genealogy drop-in sessions. Bring your own tablet or laptop. No registration required.
Nintendo Switch Game Night - A casual, drop-in game night for teens in grades 6–12
Mon, Nov 25, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Main Library - Teens Program Room
Teens in grades 6–12 can drop in to play a variety of games on the Nintendo Switch. No experience is necessary.
Family Dance Party - For families with kids ages 0–5
Tue, Nov 26, 10:00am - 10:30am
Main Library - Community Room
(Ages 0–5) Join us for a half hour of dancing fun! We've loaded a playlist full of children's and family favorites—shake your sillies out while singing and dancing along! Siblings are welcome.
Blood Drive at the Main Library - with the Versiti Blood Center of Indiana
Tue, Nov 26, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Library
Give blood at the Versiti Blood Center of Indiana's bloodmobile in the Main Library's west parking lot. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome as space allows.
Register
Next Chapter Book Club - A book discussion group for adults with disabilities
Tue, Nov 26, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Main Library - Meeting Room A
Next Chapter Book Club is the library's book group for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Registration is required. (Please read full description for important details.)
Pen & Dot - A bullet journal club for teens and adults
Tue, Nov 26, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - Meeting Room B
Adults and teens (grades 6+) can drop in to share ideas, get inspired, and work on their bullet journals. No registration is required.
Cancelled
Heart and Sole - CCPL Walking Club
Wed, Nov 27, 10:30am - 11:30am
River Heritage Park - White Tail Loop
If you're seeking some new sole mates (get it?) or are just looking to stretch your legs alone, join Heart and Sole, the library's walking club. No registration required.
Lily Wulf: Teen Artist-in-Residence - A solo exhibition through the month of November
Fri, Nov 29, All day
Main Library
Artwork exhibited on the Teen Art Wall at the Main Library.
Puzzle and Board Game Exchange - Available November 17–December 1
Sun, Dec 01, All day
Main Library
Bring in your gently used puzzles and games and trade them in for new challenges.
Celebrating Seiffen, Carmel's German Sister City - A special exhibit from November 7–January 14
Sun, Dec 01, All day
Main Library
(All Ages) Stop by the Main Library Kids Area to see items celebrating German culture. This special exhibit is presented in partnership with the Carmel-Seiffen Sister City Committee.
Adult Take-and-Make Kit: Yarn Tree with Twinkle Lights
Mon, Dec 02, All day
Joyce Winner West Branch
Enjoy a cozy craft experience from the comfort of home!
Genealogy Drop-In - A weekly gathering of genealogists and family historians
Mon, Dec 02, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Main Library - Meeting Room C
Are you interested in genealogy? Need help getting started or want to bounce ideas off others? Stop by our weekly genealogy drop-in sessions. Bring your own tablet or laptop. No registration required.
Tabletop Gaming: D&D for High School Students - Mini one-shot adventures for students in grades 9–12
Mon, Dec 02, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Main Library - Community Room A
Any high school student who enjoys playing D&D or wants to learn the basics can join for a mini adventure that will teach newcomers and entertain experienced players alike.
Move and Groove Yoga - For kids ages 6–11
Mon, Dec 02, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Main Library - Discovery Room A
(Ages 6–11) Move, breathe, stretch, and have fun! Yoga mats are available for use, or you can bring your own. Wear comfortable clothes! Read the full event description for info about required tickets.
Drop-In Craft: Celebrate Carmel's German Sister City Exhibit - For kids ages 2–5 and their caregivers
Tue, Dec 03, 10:00am - 11:30am
Main Library - Discovery Room
(Ages 2–5) Celebrate Seiffen, Carmel's German Sister City, by making a nutcracker popsicle stick craft! No registration or tickets are required. Stop by the Discovery Room between 10:00am and 11:30am.
Next Chapter Book Club - A book discussion group for adults with disabilities
Tue, Dec 03, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Main Library - Meeting Room A
Next Chapter Book Club is the library's book group for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Registration is required. (Please read full description for important details.)
DIY: Gift Tags - A crafty evening for adults
Tue, Dec 03, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - Meeting Room C
Let's get crafty and make some homemade gift tags! This workshop will provide supplies, samples, and instructions on how to make gift tags for all occasions. Registration is required.
This event is full
Play-Doh Maker Station: Trees - For kids ages 4–6 on their own
Wed, Dec 04, 10:00am - 10:30am
Main Library - Exploration Lab
(Ages 4–6) Come for stories about trees and use Play-Doh to make a pretend tree to take home with you. Read the full description for info about required tickets. No younger/older siblings may attend.
Play-Doh Maker Station: Trees - For kids ages 4–6 on their own
Wed, Dec 04, 11:00am - 11:30am
Main Library - Exploration Lab
(Ages 4–6) Come for stories about trees and use Play-Doh to make a pretend tree to take home with you. Read the full description for info about required tickets. No younger/older siblings may attend.
Drop-in Adult Scrabble Club
Wed, Dec 04, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Main Library - Meeting Room A
Bring your competitive spirit and see if you can outscore your fellow word enthusiasts. Don’t miss out—your best move is to join us. No registration necessary.
Read-In at CCPL with Word on the Shelf - In-person volunteer opportunity for teens
Wed, Dec 04, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Main Library - Teens Program Room
Read and review Young Adult and Middle Grade books. This volunteer opportunity is open to all interested teens in grades 6–12.
Critical Mass - Book discussion group for adults
Wed, Dec 04, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - Meeting Room A
Our evening book group that reads thought-provoking literature.
Green Gift Shop by Carmel Green Initiative - Shop for sustainable gifts for the holiday season
Thu, Dec 05, 1:30pm - 7:00pm
Main Library - Community Room
Local businesses will showcase green gifts for family and friends at this one-day event. Presented in partnership with the Carmel Green Initiative.
Inklings - Student-led creative writing club for teens in grades 9–12
Thu, Dec 05, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Main Library - Teens Program Room
Inklings is a student-led creative writing club for high school students. From brainstorming ideas to giving and receiving feedback, you‘ll find something to inspire you.
STEAM explorers jr. - For kids ages 4–6 with caregivers
Fri, Dec 06, 10:00am - 11:00am
Main Library - Discovery Room
(Ages 4–6) With their caregivers, kids can try out a special selection of STEAM kits. Read the full description for info about required tickets or call 317.814.3992.
Teen Homeschool Art Club - For homeschool teens ages 13–18
Fri, Dec 06, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Main Library - Teens Program Room
In this free club run by former Artist in Residence Ella Wilson, teens will talk about art, create things, and go on random, fun tangents. All creatives are welcome, regardless of experience.
STEAM explorers jr. - For kids ages 4–6 with caregivers
Fri, Dec 06, 3:45pm - 4:45pm
Main Library - Discovery Room
(Ages 4–6) With their caregivers, kids can try out a special selection of STEAM kits. Read the full description for info about required tickets or call 317.814.3992.
Sit. Stay. Chill. – Hang Out with a PAWS Therapy Dog - Drop-in relaxation for teens in grades 6–12
Fri, Dec 06, 4:30pm - 5:15pm
Main Library
Take a break from homework and hang out with a registered therapy dog. Presented in partnership with the Chris Center.
Stretch and Smile Family Yoga - For kids ages 2+ with their caregivers
Sat, Dec 07, 10:00am - 10:30am
Main Library - Discovery Room
(Ages 2+) Caregivers and children will enjoy yoga together! Free tickets are required and will be available—first come, first served—at the Kids Desk 30 minutes prior to the program start time.
Stretch and Smile Family Yoga - For kids ages 2+ with their caregivers
Sat, Dec 07, 11:00am - 11:30am
Main Library - Discovery Room
(Ages 2+) Caregivers and children will enjoy yoga together! Free tickets are required and will be available—first come, first served—at the Kids Desk 30 minutes prior to the program start time.
Paws to Read - For kids ages 6–12
Sat, Dec 07, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Main Library - Discovery Room A,Discovery Room B,Kids Study Room 1A,Kids Study Room 1B
(Ages 6–12) Like dogs? Come read for 15 minutes to a Paws & Think therapy dog! Registration is required—first come, first served—in person at the Kids Desk beginning at 1:30pm the day of the program.
ENL Conversation Group - An English language practice group for adults
Sun, Dec 08, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Library - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C
Practice speaking English in a relaxed setting. This group meets on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. Registration is not required.
Genealogy Drop-In - A weekly gathering of genealogists and family historians
Mon, Dec 09, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Main Library - Meeting Room C
Are you interested in genealogy? Need help getting started or want to bounce ideas off others? Stop by our weekly genealogy drop-in sessions. Bring your own tablet or laptop. No registration required.
Nintendo Switch Game Night - A casual, drop-in game night for teens in Grades 6-12
Mon, Dec 09, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Main Library - Teens Program Room
Teens in Grades 6–12 can drop in to play a variety of games on the Nintendo Switch. No experience is necessary.
Queer Book Group - An LGBTQ+ book club for adults
Mon, Dec 09, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - Board Room
Our book group with an intentional LGBTQ+ focus.
The Nutcracker: 4 Magical Performances by 4 Ballet Groups
Tue, Dec 10, 10:00am - 10:30am
Main Library - Community Room
Join us on four special occasions to watch the enchanting story of The Nutcracker as told by the beautiful dancers of area ballet groups. Read the full description for dates, times, and details.
Sip 'n' Stitch - A casual craft group for adults
Tue, Dec 10, 10:00am - 11:30am
Main Library - Meeting Room A
Work on your current craft project while enjoying coffee and community. No registration required.
Next Chapter Book Club - A book discussion group for adults with disabilities
Tue, Dec 10, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Main Library - Meeting Room A
Next Chapter Book Club is the library's book group for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Registration is required. (Please read full description for important details.)
Gambit 425 - Chess for grade 4–adults
Tue, Dec 10, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - Community Room
(Grade 4–Adults) Play chess against others of all skill levels. Open to anyone in grade 4 and up who has experience with chess. Registration is required.
This event is full
Page Turners - Book discussion group for adults
Wed, Dec 11, 9:30am - 11:00am
Main Library - Meeting Room A
Page Turners is the library's Wednesday morning book group for fiction lovers.
Make Stitch Happen - In-person volunteer opportunity for teens
Wed, Dec 11, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Main Library - Teens Program Room
Crochet or knit for charity. This volunteer opportunity is open to all interested teens in grades 6–12.
Cancelled
Coloring Café - A monthly drop-in event for adults
Wed, Dec 11, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Main Library
Enjoy a relaxing hour of coloring while meeting new people. This program is designed for adults. Registration is not required.
The Nutcracker: 4 Magical Performances by 4 Ballet Groups
Wed, Dec 11, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - Community Room
Join us on four special occasions to watch the enchanting story of The Nutcracker as told by the beautiful dancers of area ballet groups. Read the full description for dates, times, and details.
Overbooked - Student-led book club for teens in grades 9–12
Thu, Dec 12, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Main Library - Teens Program Room
This student-led book club for grades 9–12 meets every other Thursday. Discuss books, color and craft, eat snacks, and meet new friends.
Winter Wonderland - For kids ages 2–5 and their caregivers
Fri, Dec 13, 10:00am - 11:30am
Main Library - Community Room B
(Ages 2–5) Drop in for stories about the winter season and enjoy activity stations and a craft! No tickets are required. Stories and rhymes will be read aloud at 10am and repeated at 11:15am.
Genealogy Drop-In - A weekly gathering of genealogists and family historians
Mon, Dec 16, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Main Library - Meeting Room C
Are you interested in genealogy? Need help getting started or want to bounce ideas off others? Stop by our weekly genealogy drop-in sessions. Bring your own tablet or laptop. No registration required.
Books After Lunch - Book discussion group for adults
Mon, Dec 16, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Main Library - Board Room
Books After Lunch is the library's monthly mid-day book club.
Page Turners - Book discussion group for adults
Wed, Dec 18, 9:30am - 11:00am
Main Library - Meeting Room A
Page Turners is the library's Wednesday morning book group for fiction lovers.
Bedtime Stories - For kids ages 2–5 and their caregivers
Thu, Dec 19, 7:00pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - Discovery Room A
(Ages 2–5) Join us for stories, rhymes, and songs—and don’t forget to wear your jammies and bring your favorite stuffed animal! No tickets are required.
Drop-In Craft - For kids ages 2–5 and their caregivers
Fri, Dec 20, 10:00am - 11:30am
Main Library - Discovery Room
(Ages 2–5) Come create with colorful paper, crayons, and glue! No registration or tickets are required. Stop by the Discovery Room anytime between 10:00am and 11:30am.
Paws to Read - For kids ages 6–12
Sat, Dec 21, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Main Library - Discovery Room A,Discovery Room B,Kids Study Room 1A,Kids Study Room 1B
(Ages 6–12) Like dogs? Come read for 15 minutes to a Paws & Think therapy dog! Registration is required—first come, first served—in person at the Kids Desk beginning at 1:30pm the day of the program.
See all events