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Library Leadership Team


The Lake County Public Library is led by a diverse team of people who use their individual strengths and talents to benefit the library. With many years of experience in the administration of library services, each offers something unique and valuable to the operation of our library system.

Carol Daumer Gutjahr, Director
John Brock, Assistant Director-Finance & Operations
Roddretta Waxton, Assistant Director-Public Library Services
Nick Bliss, Technology Services Coordinator
Erika Stolarz, Branch Services Coordinator

Branch Management Team:

Chris, Merrillville Branch Head
Jon, Cedar Lake Branch Head
Beth, Dyer-Schererville Branch Head
Jane, Griffith-Calumet Twp Branch Head
Heather, Highland Branch Head
Jo, Hobart Branch Head
Kate, Lake Station-New Chicago Branch Head
Michael, Munster Branch Head
Holly, St. John Branch Head

Contact Us via Email
Or write to us at:
1919 West 81st Ave
Merrillville, Indiana 46410

Reference question? Use our Ask a Librarian form.

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Enter your email address below and choose from newsletters about events at your favorite branch, staff recommendations, and other awesome library features and services!

Upcoming Events
Sat, Dec 07, 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... more
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.

Sat, Dec 07, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials.... more
Create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials. Class begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.
This event is full

Sat, Dec 07, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for Yoga at the library! Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for... more
Join us for Yoga at the library! Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Sat, Dec 07, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us for some holiday cheer! Mrs. Claus will read stories to preschool-age children and help them make a festive craft!

Sat, Dec 07, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Kids ages 6 months through 3 years old, and their caregivers, will enjoy interacting at various block play stations. Special blocks for... more
Kids ages 6 months through 3 years old, and their caregivers, will enjoy interacting at various block play stations. Special blocks for older kids will also be available on high tables.

Sat, Dec 07, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
In this program, participants will get the opportunity to read to a therapy dog. Ages 6-11. Registration is required.

Sat, Dec 07, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room D
Come learn to make beautiful paper ornaments! Attendees ages 8 and older are welcome.
This event is full

Sat, Dec 07, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Learn how to play Mah Jongg at the library or join the group if you already know the rules. Beginners are welcome! Please register. Ages... more
Learn how to play Mah Jongg at the library or join the group if you already know the rules. Beginners are welcome! Please register. Ages 18 and older.

Sat, Dec 07, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Like board games? So do we! Come on in and join us for a fun-filled game session. We provide the games...you provide the energy!

Sat, Dec 07, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Pianist and vocalist, Mark Schafer, will perform a series of Christmas songs to celebrate the season. Please register.

Mon, Dec 09, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Kids, ages 4 & 5, are invited to this storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that teach pre-reading skills.

Mon, Dec 09, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Mon, Dec 09, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Get an intimate look at the wildlife of northern Finland, the fabled home of Santa Claus & actual home of reindeer, great gray owls,... more
Get an intimate look at the wildlife of northern Finland, the fabled home of Santa Claus & actual home of reindeer, great gray owls, wolverines, eagles, wolves, musk oxen, brown bears and more.

Mon, Dec 09, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Enjoy a Christmas murder mystery this season.

Mon, Dec 09, 1:00pm - 2:15pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Paradise Playhouse presents an original solo musical based on the life of Lucille Ball! This 70 minute show is created by and starring... more
Paradise Playhouse presents an original solo musical based on the life of Lucille Ball! This 70 minute show is created by and starring Jillian Gabrielle.

Mon, Dec 09, 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Join us for a storytime for kids 4-5 years old, featuring stories, music and craft, that help develop early literacy skills. Attendees... more
Join us for a storytime for kids 4-5 years old, featuring stories, music and craft, that help develop early literacy skills. Attendees must register.

Mon, Dec 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be... more
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be displayed in the library until the next LEGO® Club meeting.

Mon, Dec 09, 5:30pm - 6:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program for preschoolers and their families. Enjoy an evening storytime with books, finger plays, and music. Feel... more
This is a storytime program for preschoolers and their families. Enjoy an evening storytime with books, finger plays, and music. Feel free to wear pajamas!

Mon, Dec 09, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
A vision board for 2025? Or did you miss out on the mushroom gardens, painted rock cacti, diamond art stickers, collages, beaded pens,... more
A vision board for 2025? Or did you miss out on the mushroom gardens, painted rock cacti, diamond art stickers, collages, beaded pens, or shaker bookmarks? Let's use those leftovers! Please register.

Mon, Dec 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Come make your own ornament out of Pony Beads. There will be patterns to follow or make your own creation.

Mon, Dec 09, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Jillann Gabrielle from Paradise Playhouse presents: Lucy! an original solo musical based on the life of Lucille Ball.

Mon, Dec 09, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Join us as we enjoy a performance by the Notables Choir. This program is sponsored by the Lake County Public Library Foundation.

Tue, Dec 10, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that teach early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Tue, Dec 10, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to a storytime featuring age appropriate stories, fingerplays, and songs that teach early... more
Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to a storytime featuring age appropriate stories, fingerplays, and songs that teach early literacy skills.

Tue, Dec 10, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

Tue, Dec 10, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us for this storytime featuring books, songs, and a craft.

Tue, Dec 10, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that teach... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that teach early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Tue, Dec 10, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music,... more
Babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Dec 10, 10:30am - 11:15am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, & music that teach early literacy... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, & music that teach early literacy skills. In person craft time will follow the storytime.
This event is full

Tue, Dec 10, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music,... more
Babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to promote early literacy skills.

Tue, Dec 10, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program for babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, filled with rhymes,... more
This is a storytime program for babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Dec 10, 11:30am - 11:50am
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music,... more
Babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Dec 10, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
The Friends of LCPL will host their bi-monthly meeting.

Tue, Dec 10, 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
The story of a small-town banker who learns what life would have been like if he'd never been born. Runtime: 2 hours and 10 minutes;... more
The story of a small-town banker who learns what life would have been like if he'd never been born. Runtime: 2 hours and 10 minutes; rated PG.

Tue, Dec 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join our Circle of Readers as we read and discuss The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mlkkl Brammer.

Tue, Dec 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Homeschool teens are invited to get together for fun activities. Each month we will explore a new topic. Please register.

Tue, Dec 10, 3:00pm - 4:15pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Jillann Gabrielle from Paradise Playhouse presents: Lucy! an original solo musical based on the life of Lucille Ball.

Tue, Dec 10, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Tue, Dec 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Adorable felt tree ornaments & foam cone transformations are on this month's agenda! Registration Required! All Ability programs are... more
Adorable felt tree ornaments & foam cone transformations are on this month's agenda! Registration Required! All Ability programs are geared to adults with special needs.

Tue, Dec 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
We are proud to be hosting a support, education, & social space for LGBTQ+ teens & their allies. Teens (12-18) are welcome.

Wed, Dec 11, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books,... more
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Wed, Dec 11, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our story time for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Toys will be available... more
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our story time for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Toys will be available for children to play with. Storytime attendance is not required.

Wed, Dec 11, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the... more
Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the company every Wednesday! All crafts are welcome.

Wed, Dec 11, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Homeschool children are invited to attend a program exploring a STEAM topic each session. The only requirement is imagination and... more
Homeschool children are invited to attend a program exploring a STEAM topic each session. The only requirement is imagination and registration!
This event is full

Wed, Dec 11, 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.

Wed, Dec 11, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include Lego, art projects, movies, and... more
Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include Lego, art projects, movies, and more! No registration required.

Wed, Dec 11, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake - Public Tables
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or... more
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or bring along a project you're already working on!

Wed, Dec 11, 5:30pm - 6:45pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join the Page Turners as we discuss Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak. Books are available at the St. John Circulation Desk.

Wed, Dec 11, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Kids, ages 6 to 12, will make three holiday crafts! All supplies are included, and light refreshments will be served.
This event is full

Wed, Dec 11, 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... more
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

Wed, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
During our next lecture, Jonathan Swarts PhD, will discuss U.S. Global Power and its impact.

Wed, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Children and their families are invited to come and read to certified therapy dogs.

Wed, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Come join an early game night before the holiday season gets rolling.

Wed, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
This month we will be making snowmen out of clay and gingerbread scenery with stickers. Space is limited. Registration is required for... more
This month we will be making snowmen out of clay and gingerbread scenery with stickers. Space is limited. Registration is required for all attendees.

Wed, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teen and Tweens (ages 10-18) are invited to attend Reindeer Games where they will have access to a Nintendo Switch, XBox One, and a... more
Teen and Tweens (ages 10-18) are invited to attend Reindeer Games where they will have access to a Nintendo Switch, XBox One, and a variety of board games. Hot Cocoa and cookies will be served.

Wed, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Want to do a craft? Come make awesome things with different materials every month that you can take home and enjoy.

Wed, Dec 11, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Come play Environmental Bingo with the Lake County Solid Waste Management District! This will be a competitive environmentally themed... more
Come play Environmental Bingo with the Lake County Solid Waste Management District! This will be a competitive environmentally themed bingo game with small prizes awarded to the winners.

Thu, Dec 12, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the... more
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the company of others.

Thu, Dec 12, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Thu, Dec 12, 11:15am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "The Woman with the Cure" by Lynn Cullen. Books for this discussion can be picked... more
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "The Woman with the Cure" by Lynn Cullen. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch a month prior to the event.

Thu, Dec 12, 1:30pm - 2:15pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Join us for a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and an in person craft that teach pre-reading/reading skills.... more
Join us for a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and an in person craft that teach pre-reading/reading skills. This program is for kids 4-6 years of age and their caregivers.

Thu, Dec 12, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join us to create personalized Holiday gifts for loved ones! Registration is required.

Thu, Dec 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us to learn how to make a small treasure or gift box! For ages 6-11.

Thu, Dec 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Thu, Dec 12, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Come and play in a game with one of our librarians as gm.

Thu, Dec 12, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Get into the winter spirit by crafting (and/or eating) a pretzel log cabin. Supplies (pretzels, candy, frosting, etc.) will be provided.... more
Get into the winter spirit by crafting (and/or eating) a pretzel log cabin. Supplies (pretzels, candy, frosting, etc.) will be provided. For ages 12-18; registration required.

Thu, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 8:15pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
D&D comes to the Munster Branch Library! Join our campaign for Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk and get to the bottom of what... more
D&D comes to the Munster Branch Library! Join our campaign for Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk and get to the bottom of what is plaguing the town of Phandalin.
This event is full

Fri, Dec 13, 10:00am - 11:00am
Merrillville Branch Library - Meeting Room A
Have you ever wanted to battle monsters in real life? Come and make it through our dungeon!

Fri, Dec 13, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Learn how to play the ancient Chinese game of Mahjong. Instructor will be present at this session. Registration is limited to 8 new... more
Learn how to play the ancient Chinese game of Mahjong. Instructor will be present at this session. Registration is limited to 8 new learners. Please register. For ages 18 and over.
This event is full

Fri, Dec 13, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville Branch Library - Meeting Room A
Have you ever wanted to battle monsters in real life? Come and make it through our dungeon!

Fri, Dec 13, 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!

Sat, Dec 14, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Interested in any of the needle arts including knit, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us for an opportunity to chat and create.... more
Interested in any of the needle arts including knit, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us for an opportunity to chat and create. Please bring your own projects.

Sat, Dec 14, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for Yoga at the library! Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for... more
Join us for Yoga at the library! Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Sat, Dec 14, 10:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join in the holiday spirit as we open up the supplies for you to create whatever inspires you! Do Holiday Cleaning and use up older... more
Join in the holiday spirit as we open up the supplies for you to create whatever inspires you! Do Holiday Cleaning and use up older supplies to make room for the new year! Registration required.

Sat, Dec 14, 10:00am - 11:00am
Merrillville Branch Library - Meeting Room A
Have you ever wanted to battle monsters in real life? Come and make it through our dungeon!

Sat, Dec 14, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Kids, ages 6 months through 3 years old, and their caregivers, will enjoy interacting at various block play stations. Special blocks for... more
Kids, ages 6 months through 3 years old, and their caregivers, will enjoy interacting at various block play stations. Special blocks for older kids will also be available on high tables.

Sat, Dec 14, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Families are invited to play Holiday Bingo! Prizes for all ages are available - books, LCPL swag, and other small prizes! Registration... more
Families are invited to play Holiday Bingo! Prizes for all ages are available - books, LCPL swag, and other small prizes! Registration is required for all attendees. Registration closes Dec.12.
This event is full

Sat, Dec 14, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join Mark from The Puppet Place for a special puppet production of the classic Hansel and Gretel story.

Sat, Dec 14, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us in welcoming Joe Rauen at the library! Joe will give a short presentation and then you can enjoy a musical performance. All ages... more
Join us in welcoming Joe Rauen at the library! Joe will give a short presentation and then you can enjoy a musical performance. All ages are welcome!

Sat, Dec 14, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Teens, bring your holiday presents and stop by anytime between 3-4 pm on Dec. 14 and 21 to get help wrapping them! Select supplies will... more
Teens, bring your holiday presents and stop by anytime between 3-4 pm on Dec. 14 and 21 to get help wrapping them! Select supplies will be provided. Please bring boxes to put the gifts in.

Sat, Dec 14, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville Branch Library - Meeting Room A
Have you ever wanted to battle monsters in real life? Come and make it through our dungeon!