Lake County Public Library 2004 Annual Report
"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them." - Mark Twain
Library Administration
Lawrence A. Acheff,
Director
Ana Grandfield,
Assistant Director
Board of Trustees
Ella Gilbertson,
President
Arthur N. Giannini,
Vice President
Robert W. Marszalek,
Secretary
Susan E. Buczek,
Treasurer
Michael Davis
Sophie Misner
Nenad Radoja
Dennis J. Tobin
Library District
The Lake County Public Library System is the third largest library system in the state with a service population of 217,349. The purpose of the library is to provide the highest quality informational, educational, cultural and recreational resources and services to residents of all ages in the Lake County Public Library District.
The library serves the communities of Black Oak, Cedar Lake, Dyer, Griffith, Highland, Hobart, Lake Station, Merrillville, Munster, New Chicago, Schererville, St. John and unincorporated Calumet Township with a Central Library and eleven branch locations.
Lake County is divided into seven independent library districts that serve a population of 484,564. Through borrowing agreements, the Lake County Public Library services six of the seven districts.
The library maintains a close relationship with schools in its district and offers tours, class visits, and bibliographic instruction for their students. Area colleges and regional university campuses often tour the Central Library and make use of the library’s resources.
Eighty percent of the county’s population are high school graduates and sixteen percent have a Bachelor’s degree or higher. The median household income for the county is $41,829 and sixty-nine percent are homeowners. The county land area is 497 square miles which is densely populated with 975 persons per square mile.
Racially and ethnically the county is diverse with 66.7% of the population white, 25.3% black or African American, .8% Asian, .3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 5% some other race, 1.9% two or more races, and 12.2% Hispanic/Latino origin.
Through technology, innovative programming, outstanding customer service and a well trained and motivated staff, the Lake County Public Library System continues to grow and offers its patrons quality library service.
Innovative Programs and Services
The Lake County Public Library offered a wide variety of programs for adults and children during 2004. Over 80,000 residents of Northwest Indiana attended programs at all library locations.
With reading and literacy as priorities, the staff at LCPL offered English as A Second Language and preparation TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) classes to area residents. In addition LCPL sponsored Take Time Out for Reading in conjunction with Indiana’s program for literacy, Put your nose in a book Indiana, held during International Literacy Day in September.
As part of the American Library Association’s National Library Card Sign-Up Month campaign, LCPL sponsored Cool Kids Have a Library Card. The program, which was created to attract children and their families to sign up for library cards, was a success. A total of 1,672 children participated.
Inspired by the 200th anniversary of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, the theme for the library’s popular Summer Reading Program for Children was Adventure. Children read books and enjoyed a variety of programs at all library locations including Panning for Gold at the Highland Branch.
Adults also joined in the fun. Approximately, 10,000 participated in Exploring with Books, the library’s fifth annual Adult Summer Reading Program.
Technological enhancements on the Library Web Page include:
- Power Search - Library users can search any or all of the library’s databases including the catalog simultaneously with a single intuitive interface.
- Spanish Language Translation - Click on the Spanish Flag and the page is automatically translated.
LCPL Highlights for 2004
- Volunteers logged 6,842 hours of service at Lake County Public Library locations
- 180 attended library sponsored U.S. Citizenship classes
- 80 books were sent to U.S. troops stationed in Iraq
- 109 children’s books were donated to the ARK Homeless Shelter in Crown Point
- 186 children’s books were donated to Healthy Families visitation program for first-time moms
- 847 used paperbacks were donated to Westville Correctional Center
- Library users benefited from dramatic "make-overs" at Griffith, Forty-First and Black Oak branch libraries with new layouts and educational play tools and rugs
- Munster Branch sponsored a Business Before Hours for Munster Chamber of Commerce
- Reference Services sponsored a Business After Hours for the Merrillville Chamber of Commerce and for Business Expo
- Hobart Township libraries were represented at the New Chicago Festival and St. Mary Medical Center’s health programs
- Cedar Lake Branch participated in Cedar Lake’s annual Parade of Lights, Community Health Fair, and PATH (Parents as Teachers, Hanover)
- Highland Branch participated in the Highland HS Career Day and in the Highland Parks Health Fair
- Caregiver’s Resources Collection was developed with support from the Northwest Indiana Community Action Corporation
- Monthly displays of topical magazines are very popular at the Central Library
- Over 6,000 children attending day care participated in library programs
- Dyer-Schererville Branch received a $1,000 literacy grant from Wal-Mart
- Over 1,000,000 audio-visual items were circulated in 2004
- Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter presented 3,000 CDs to the Lake County Public Library during the summer of 2004 as part of a national settlement with music distributors and retailers
- Groundbreaking for a new 15,000 s.f. community library in St. John was held on September 8, 2004
2004 Public Service Record
Facilities
- 11 Community Branch Libraries; Talking Books (National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped), and Central Library
2004 Circulation
- 547,928 Children’s Books & Media
- 1,892,170 Adult Books & Media
- 57,853 Talking Books
- 2,497,951 Total Circulation
Library Holdings
- 968,289 Books
- 57,522 Videos, DVDs
- 74,382 Audio Materials (Cassettes, Compact Discs)
- 4,343 Electronic Format (CD-ROMs, Magnetic Tapes)
- 1,764 Current Magazines, Newspapers, SubscriptionsM
- 1,142 Bound Magazines and Newspapers
2004 Service Levels and Programs
- 227,292 reference questions answered
- 4,724,955 research pages accessed from library web sites
- 57,791 attended 2,575 children’s programs
- 32,854 attended 1,584 adult and young adult programs
- 102,805 hours of public internet computer use
- 1,074 Talking Books clients
2004 Staffing
- 244 staff members
- 217,349 library district population
Friends of Lake County Public Library
Since 1978, Celebrating 25 Years!
The Friends of Lake County Public Library is comprised of volunteers who work many hours sorting, shelving and selling books at the LCPL Bookstore at the Central Library and at all branch locations. The Friends earned $22,910.59 from book sales. The Friends have distributed their funds for children’s and adult programming, for volunteer and staff recognition events, and have graciously donated $15,000 to the Lake County Public Library Foundation.
Without the Friends, the library would not be able to offer as many quality library services.
Friends of Lake County Public Library Officers
Audrey Lundy,
President
Jean Oppenheim, 1
st Vice President
Mary Edwards, 2
nd Vice President
Linda Crawford,
Secretary
Judith Nelson,
Treasurer
Lake County Public Library Foundation
Since 1984
The Foundation celebrated its twentieth year in 2004. The Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization formed to administer funds through donations and special events, providing sources of income. Special events included a Literary Tea and the October Tribute Dinner where two awards were presented for distinguished service and outstanding corporate support.
In 2004, the Foundation sponsored its annual Read-a-Thon for preschool through eighth grade, and home school students. 1,139 students from area schools participated. Students raised $52,360.39 for the library and their schools.
Lake County Public Library Foundation Board Members
Marti Ross,
President
Tom Surovek,
Vice President
Judith Petro,
Secretary
David Buls,
Treasurer
Ray Howell
Jeffrey Johnson
Carol Kalmar
Tula Kavadias
Barb Klawans
Irene F. Ketchum
Margaret Kuchta
Andrew S. Kyres
Michael McIntyre
Sophie Misner
Myron Nidetz
Lawrence A. Acheff,
Executive Secretary
Sally J. Benson, CFRE,
Assistant Executive Secretary
David Yancich,
Financial Manager
Lake County Public Library Foundation 2004 Memorial Donations
William Charles Smith Memorial
Mary and Terry Anderson Charitable Foundation
Richard A. Behr
Simon Bullard Jr, & Betty Sparks-Bullard
Margaret Chidester
Linda and Dwight Dendy
Debbie Schneider and Don Dorfman
Douglas and Karen Duffy
Rita and Daniel Houlihan
Tamara and Kevin Knight
Christine and Jack Lennox
Dominic and Mary Miccolis
Kathryn Peterfeso
Clell and Jean Philpott
Jaclin Proctor
Donald Dorfman & Deborah Schneider
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Smith III
Timothy & Patricia Smith
Lake County Public Library, Central Staff
Anonymous
Charles M. Anderson Memorial
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Anderson
Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Anderson
Mr. Clark K. Anderson
Ms. Christine Goldsmith
Dr. and Mrs. William V. Hehemann
Ms. Ruth G. Hepner
Mr. J. J. McGinley
Kathleen Monet
Christine and John Straka Jr.
Carolyn and John Van Dyck
Joseph Yancich Memorial
Larry and Gwen Acheff
Sue Buczek
Catherine Burkat
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Chalko
Jerry Chalko Jr
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Darrow
Margaret Evans
Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Grandfield
Mike and Christine Helm
Janet Kotarski
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Kula
Mary Ann Mrozoski
Ingrid Norris
Evelyn Osterman
Paul and Irene Pokrifcak
Carol and James Roark
Georgia and Gust Samis
Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Schnosenberg
Patricia and William Terek
David and Carol Yancich
Victoria J. Grandfield Memorial
Sharon K. Adley
Ana and Stephen Grandfield
James and Sophie Misner
Southlake Center for Mental Health
Anonymous
Keith G. Grandfield Memorial
Ana and Stephen Grandfield
James and Sophie Misner
Delfina De La Rosa Memorial
Ana and Stephen Grandfield
James and Sophie Misner
Lake County Public Library Foundation
2004 Community Supporters and Individual Donations
2004 Business and Professional Sponsors
Air Temp Mechanical
Ajax Sanitary Supplies
Altrusa International of the Indiana Dunes
American Long Term Care Insurance
Artwork by John Petrou
Bank Calumet
Boyd Construction
Burns Funeral Home
Carras, Szany, Kuhn & Assoc.
Casale, Woodward And Buls, LLP
Centier Bank
Community Foundation of NWI Inc.
E.C. Babilla, Inc.
Edda Taylor Photographie
Edward's TV Service
Financial Resource Group
First Impressions Friends of LCPL
Gary Sportsman Club
Hammond Trophy Shoppe
Mercantile Bank
NIPSCO
Peoples Bank
Pretty Woman & Gentleman Touch Salon
Reflexology
Sand Ridge Bank
Skyview Sunshine
Smith Insurance Agency
Strack & Van Til, LLC
Tula Kavadias, Attorney At Law
U.S. Financial Services, Inc.
Victor Lodovisi, D.D.S.
Weiss Family Charitable Foundation
Yoga Room
Individual Sponsors
Larry Acheff
Mary Argenta
Stafany Bakas
Mary Daly-Baniak
Calvin Belamy
Pauline Behrens
Dorothy Benson
Sally J. Benson
Kathleen Berda
Peter Bereolos
Tess and James Bereolos
Mary Bizanes
David Bochnowski
Dick Boyd
David Buls
Terrence and Alexis Coady
Chris Condo
Paul Doherty
Rudolph Dillman
Linda Dunn
Patricia Earnest
Clarissa Anne Fuller
Libby Gibson
Dr. Stephen and Mrs. Grandfield
Mary Hernandez
Ray Howell
Carol Kalmar
Tula Kavadias
Tom Kayes
Barbara Klawans
Jan Kotarski
Margaret Kuchta
Tom Kuhn
Deborah Kurtz
Dr. Victor Lodovisi
Barbara Matalin
Gary and Carole Maxwell
James and Melanie McGroarty
Michael McIntyre
Margaret Meadows
Alice Mick
Lois Mitchell
Mary Mitsos
Myron and Lindy Nidetz
Anonymous
Ingrid Norris
Nathalie Pennington
John Petrou
Diane Pierce
James and Carol Roark
Cheryl Radencic
Marti Ross
Barbara Sakowski
Phyllis Simko
Donna Sims
Rick Smith
Sharon Stroguiludis
Denise Swinehart
Edda Taylor
Randy Taylor
Patricia Terek
William Vancleef
Maggie Walters
Joan Wanicki
Jacqueline Whittle
Roselyn Wright
Michael Zolfo
Lake County Public Library
2004 Gifts, Donations, Bequests and Memorials
Linda Angel
Irene Artemis
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Anderson
Ken Babcock
Robert Beckman
Robert Besch
Pete and Cathy Bomberger
Laurie Carter
Judy Davis
Jan Donovan
Ruth Dooling
Dawn Falkner
Cindy Farone
Andy Flores
Jimmy Gasior
Reshma Ghatage
Ms. Christine Goldsmith
Ken Goodman
Paula and Dan Grusak
Colleen Hansen
Dr. & Mrs. William V. Hehemann
Dan Helpingstine
Ms. Ruth G. Hepner
Jose Hurtado
Darlene Jakovich
Kristyn Kauchak
Doug Komo
Rose and John Krupchak
McGinley Family
Patrick Miller
Thomas Miller
Sarah Min
Sophie Misner
Ms. Kathleen Monet
Tom Neely
Bill O’Brien
Mabel Oesterle
Morton Marcus
Sophie Misner
Bea Paris
John and Ag Perryman
Ann Peterson
Sharon Pope
Kathy Prospolonis
Rose Rasmusen
Kathy Rathburn
Tim and Kathy Rathburn
William Retseck
Dean Ridder
Norma Rosenbower
Mark Seeger
Linda Slankard
Henry Dwight Smith II
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Smith III
Mr. and Mrs. John Solar
Mr. & Mrs. John Straka, Jr.
Diane and Libby Stratton
Edith Tomlinson
Liz Verbich
Stephen and Luz Yadron
Daniel Zajac
Anonymous
Memorials
Arlene Kistler Memorial
Kathy Rathburn
Bill Parks Memorial
Kathy Rathburn
Helen Spak Memorial
Betty Oberg
Kathryn Kishler Memorial
Marian Szal Pavlak
Myrtle Berkness Memorial
Mr. and Mrs. Dale Hesterman
Jordan Michael Huhta Memorial
Mr. and Mrs. John Merrick
Frances Draba Memorial
Munster Branch Staff
Patricia Daly Memorial
Munster Branch Staff
Steve Kicho Memorial
Calumet Area Zeta Tau Alpha
Chris N. Retson Memorial
Sophie Misner
Ruth Mickey Memorial
Louise Crawford and Father
Lake County Public Library 2004 Donations
Support from Organizations and Businesses
Albanese Nut and Candy
Alpha Beta Chapter - Pi Epsilon Kappa
Altrusa International Inc
Altrusa of the Indiana Dunes
AMC - Southlake 9
Bank One
Barnes and Noble Booksellers
Calumet Area Solo Club
Calumet Area Zeta Tau Alpha
Calumet Numismatic Club
Chesterton Art Center
Chili’s Restaurant
CVS Drug Stores
Dairy Queen, Cedar Lake
Dairy Queen, Griffith
Enviromobile, Lake Co. Solid Waste Management Dist.
Family Dollar
GNIAR - Greater NWI Assoc. of Realtors
Griffith Centennial Fund
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Jewel Food Store, Dyer
Kappa, Kappa, Kappa
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Komo’s Pizza
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
Lake Co. Public Library - Central Branch Staff
McDonald’s Restaurants
Minton Foundation
Modrak Group
Munster Branch Library Staff
Munster Ext. Homemakers
Munster Garden Club
Munster Historical Society
Northwest Indiana Intergroup
Northwest Indiana Literacy Coalition
NW Indiana Community Action Corp
NWI Ch 89-Romance Writers of America
NWI Community Assoc., Art Inst. of Chicago
NWI Overeaters Anonymous
NWI Symphony
Old Country Buffet
Omni 41 Health and Fitness
Overeaters Anonymous
Papa John’s Pizza
Papa Murphy’s Pizza
Patty Cake Bakery
PEO, Chapter AR
PEO, Chapter BH
Plaza Hair Care
Presbyterian Golden Saints of Crown Point
Railcats
Red Robin Restaurant
Roller Dome Skating Rink
Sand Ridge Bank Morning Club
Schererville Fire Department
Schererville Fraternal Order of Eagles
Schererville Golf & Fun Center
Steak & Shake Restaurant
Strack and Van Til
Subway, Cedar Lake
Tri-Kappa Inc. Epsilon Zeta Chapter
Walgreens
Wal-Mart - Schererville
White Castle
Wilco Foods
White Hawk Country Club
Zeta Tau Alpha Alumnae / Lee Hansotte
We apologize if there are omissions from this list. We carefully add donors to our list all year long. Please call 219-769-3541, ext. 315 if you were accidentally omitted.