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100 Books Before Graduation

Welcome to LCPL's 100 Books before Graduation reading challenge! Here's how to join.

The goal of this program is for students in grades 6-12 to read 100 books before graduating high school.

Students who participate in the program will receive prizes as they read. Prizes will be awarded after reading 25, 50, 75, and 100 books.

Most importantly, it is our hope that you will expand your critical thinking, vocabulary, and empathy, and increase test scores along the way!

Looking for a good read? Our teen librarians recommend:

Heartstopper: Volume Five
Breadcrumbs
I Was Born for This
The Hills of Estrella Roja
Delicates
We Are Not Free

How to Participate

Just like our Summer Reading Program, you will register and keep track of your books using ReadSquared.

Register for 100 Books before Graduation

Prefer to keep track on your phone?

Books can be from home, the library, or wherever you get your books! Fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, audiobooks, it all counts!

May we suggest a lovely read from our digital collection? It's easy to access with the digital access card you got from your school!

Not sure what to read? Check out our list of librarian-recommended books!

You can also send in a Surprise Bag request and receive a stack of personalized recommendations from one of our Teen Librarians.

Any questions? Ask us!

Prizes!

You get a prize every 25 books you log, up to 100.

25 Books: A bookmark, a sticker, and a free book coupon

50 Books: Exclusive 100 Books Club pin and a free book coupon

75 Books: A small prize (ex: a keychain or fidget toy) and a free book coupon

100 Books: The coveted 100 Books Before Graduation graduate pin, $5 3D print voucher for use in the Libratory, and - you guessed it - a free book coupon

Examples of the buttons, small prizes, and bookmarks that say things like Boom, Nailed it, and ON point

Upcoming Teen Events
Teen Gaming
Wed, Oct 09, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii and board games! Games and snacks provided. Ages 12-18.
Teen Cooking: Pop Culture - Pancake Art
Wed, Oct 09, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Teens, master the skill of pancake art! Recreate favorite characters or images, or create an avant-garde original! Participants must register. For ages 12-18.
This event is full
Teen Cartoon School
Wed, Oct 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Like to draw? Like comics and cartoons? Then this is the program for you! Join us on the second Wednesday of every month to learn new drawing techniques and make friends with your fellow cartoonists!
This event is full
Study Hall at the Library
Thu, Oct 10, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.
Teen Advisory Board & Gaming Hour - Ages 10-18
Thu, Oct 10, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens (ages 10-18) are invited to join the Teen Advisory Board to help shape Teen programming while earning volunteer hours. After a brief meeting board games, a Switch, and snacks will be provided.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Thu, Oct 10, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Come and play in a game with one of our librarians as GM.
Speedcubing - Advanced Rubik's Cube
Fri, Oct 11, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us as we speed-solve the Rubik's Cube. Rubik's Cubes will be supplied at the program. Feel free to bring your own!
Study Hall at the Library
Tue, Oct 15, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.
Local Haunts and Legends with Bob Anderson of Bob After Dark
Tue, Oct 15, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Delve into eerie and unexplained occurrences of Northwest Indiana. Suitable for all ages, we will explore local ghost stories, folklore, and paranormal legends - for the believer and the skeptic.
Teen & Tween Minecraft Hour
Tue, Oct 15, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Come in and try Minecraft Pi. Register ahead of time as seats are limited. Recommended for ages 8 to 18.
Teen Artsy Evenings
Tue, Oct 15, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us to learn about the selected art style/movement, and make your own artwork. All materials provided. Please register.
Teen Rainbow Club
Wed, Oct 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Teen Rainbow Club is a monthly social space for LGBTQIA+ teens & allies. Come for informal discussion, snacks, and crafts. Please register.
Teen Craft: Spooky Clay Creations
Wed, Oct 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Teens will learn to make some cute, spooky creations using air dry clay! Ages 12-18. Registration required.
Teens: Crafting Hour - Ages 10-15
Wed, Oct 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Each month we will have different craft projects designed for teens and tweens (ages 10-15). We will provide all the supplies you need to be crafty.
Study Hall at the Library
Thu, Oct 17, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.
Teen Craft: Let's Make Slime!
Thu, Oct 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Come on by to make your own slime! Basic supplies will be provided. Bring additional mix-ins if you want! For ages 12-18.
Animals from Around the World: Presented by Incredible Bats - Sponsored by the LCPL Foundation
Fri, Oct 18, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to learn about animals from around the world. Incredible Bats will bring a variety of animals for this event. All ages welcome. Registration is required, due to limited space.
Meet the Cube - Rubik's Cube for Beginners
Fri, Oct 18, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us as we explore the exciting world of Rubik's Cubes! In this fun hour-long session, you'll get the chance to learn how to solve the first layer of the Rubik's Cube.
LCPL ComicFest!
Sat, Oct 19, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Lower Level
Free fun for all ages! From trivia contests to video games, artist alley, and a cosplay contest, show us your geek side. Costumes are highly encouraged.
The Great Boodini - Sponsored by the LCPL Foundation
Sat, Oct 19, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
SPECTACULAR SPOOKY FUN! The Great Boodini presents an all-ages Halloween Show featuring magic, juggling & spooky effects. This special event is sponsored by the LCPL Foundation. Registration required.
This event is full
Teen Craft: Diamond Painted Coasters
Mon, Oct 21, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Teens, ages 12 – 18, are invited to create a Fall themed diamond painted coaster. All material and snacks will be provided. Space is very limited. Registration required.
Study Hall at the Library
Tue, Oct 22, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.
Adventure Par-TEA: Tea and Stories
Wed, Oct 23, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
New venue Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Immerse yourself in adventurous stories while exploring a variety of teas. Northwest Indiana Storytellers will share tales of adventure. Light refreshments will be served. Ages 14+. Please register!
Teen Craft: Pumpkin Painting
Wed, Oct 23, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Decorate for the fall by painting your own mini pumpkin.
Study Hall at the Library
Thu, Oct 24, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.
Teen Anime - Ages 10-15
Thu, Oct 24, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Youths (ages 10 to 15) are invited to watch episodes from an anime series. We'll also have art supplies along with a craft on hand if you want to draw, sketch, or get creative.Snacks provided.
Kids Chess Open Play: Ages 6-18
Sat, Oct 26, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Children are welcome to come and play chess in our meeting room! Chess boards will be provided if you don't have one!
Paranormal Investigations - Sponsored by the LCPL Foundation
Sat, Oct 26, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join us to hear about the intriguing world of paranormal investigation. Learn how an investigation is conducted from start to finish, plus a Q & A session with the team to follow.
Halloween Party
Mon, Oct 28, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the Lake Station-New Chicago branch for a Halloween party with snacks, crafts, and green screen photos. All ages are welcome!
Magic of Keelan Wendorf - Sponsored by the LCPL Foundation
Mon, Oct 28, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Professional magician, illusionist, mentalist, and comedian, Keelan Wendorf, will give a performance filled with clean comedy and fun! Please register each attendee. Sponsored by the LCPL Foundation.
Teen Book Tea
Mon, Oct 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room,Munster Zoom Room
Teens let's spill about books! Each month we'll read and talk about a different book. In October we are reading Through The Woods by Emily Carroll. Pick up books @ Munster Branch.
Teen: Halloween Activities, Crafts, and More!
Mon, Oct 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Teens (ages 12 - 17) are invited to join us for a hour of Halloween activities, food crafts, and snacks. Our Nintendo Switch will be available to play with multiple games. Registration required.  
Study Hall at the Library
Tue, Oct 29, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.
Homeschool Hangout (Grades K-12)
Tue, Oct 29, 10:30am - 11:30am
Hobart - Large Meeting Room,Programming Room
Homeschoolers, come hang with your peers! Educational and social opportunities will be available.
This event is full
Creepy Classics: Stories for Halloween with Grant Fitch - Sponsored by the LCPL Foundation
Tue, Oct 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Looking to enjoy some scary stories? Join us when Grant Fitch presents Creepy Classics: Stories for Halloween.
Teen Gaming
Wed, Oct 30, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii and board games! Games and snacks provided. Ages 12-18.
Teen Halloween Movie - Beetlejuice
Wed, Oct 30, 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Teens watch the classic Halloween favorite, Beetlejuice! Popcorn and snacks will be provided. Cosplay or wear your Halloween costumes for a prize!
Entry Level Photo Editing With Paint.NET
Wed, Oct 30, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Staff Meeting Room
Learn entry level photo editing skills with the free software Paint.NET
Teen Advisory Board & Gaming Night (T.A.B)
Wed, Oct 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you. We'll brainstorm and discuss ways to improve teen programs.
Study Hall at the Library
Thu, Oct 31, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.
Stitch'n Time
Sat, Nov 02, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Adults and teens, please join us with your projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and stitch! Bring your supplies, and other attendees can instruct on crochet as needed.
Teen Canvas Painting - Dia de los Muertos Sugar Skull
Sat, Nov 02, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Celebrate the Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos and paint a sugar skull canvas painting. All supplies will be provided. Must Register.
Teen Enviromental Escape Room - Escape the Blaze
Mon, Nov 04, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Teens will need to work together to discover practical solutions they can use to combat dangerous conditions. This escape room is presented by the Lake County Solid Waste Management District.
Teen Advisory Board
Mon, Nov 04, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12. Please register.
Teen Advisory Board, LEGO®, and Board Game Night
Mon, Nov 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Inviting teens, ages 12-18, to TAB, LEGO®, and Board Game Night. Play games and help plan upcoming teen programs for the Highland branch. Registration required. Snacks will be provided.
Teen Advisory Board
Wed, Nov 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room,Munster Zoom Room
Teens get volunteer hours! Help plan programs and projects at the library. Interested teens, ages 11 - 17, can attend. Zoom available. Please register.
Teen Craft: Wood Slice Decorating
Wed, Nov 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will decorate a wood slice using paint and other craft supplies! Ages 12-18. Registration required.
Teen & Tween: Fun with Food
Wed, Nov 06, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Tweens and teens (ages 10 to 15) are invited on a Food Adventure featuring Turkey Treats. To ensure there is enough supplies and to address food allergies, registration is required. 
Teen: Spill the Tea Blends for Characters
Thu, Nov 07, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Teens (ages 12-18), create your own tea blend to match to a character (or theme) of your choice! You decide what to make, but do your best - other participants will taste-test at the end!
Teen Craft: 3D Pie Painting
Thu, Nov 07, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Teens (12-18), try your hands at painting in 3D. Paint a delicious piece of pie using textured paint on canvas.
See all events