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Photos of teen and adult activities: crochet, books, craft supplies, computer work

Something to Do

While Staying Home

Stuck at home? We're here to make it a little better, because teens and adults need enrichment just as much as kids do.

This page will be updated periodically with new activities!

Just Added:

Check here for the newest activities just added to the page!

Virtual Puzzle: Happy Thanksgiving

Virtual Escape Room

Can you make it to the end?

Tests of the Worthy Chapter 1: Trial of Cunning and Insight

Tests of the Worthy Chapter 2: Trial of Strength

 

Video Guides: Crafts & Activities

Check out our playlist of crafts and how-tos (designed specially to be done with materials you probably have at home - no need to run to the craft store). We've included some tutorials on how to use our lesser-known online collections, as well!

Virtual Jigsaw Puzzles

Tip: To make the puzzles more challenging, click the rotate icon when you first open them! Or, click the grid icon to give the puzzle more (or less!) pieces.

 Purple Trees at Merrillville Branch

Sign and books Practice Shelf Care

Gnome on top of a stack of gardening books Gnome Sweet Gnome

Black tote with neon green handles. Books are popping out the top LCPL Bag O' Books

A terrier reading the book Ivan the Terrier Ivan the Terrier

The Reader statue wearing a red mask Mask Up Hoosiers!

A bronze frog sitting cross legged under a rainbow with books on meditation, coping, and being happy Peace, Love, & Books

An open book sitting on a tray in the grass with a vase of purple flowers, a teapot, a cracker and cheese plate, and a mug that says bookmarks are for quitters Bookmarks are for Quitters

Two stormtroopers behind a library desk. One is on the phone, the other is offering a book for his inspection These are Not the Books You're Looking For

The display case at lake station new chicago branch with paper decorations of books and paper letters spelling Our Books Missed You Our Books Missed You

A book lying open on a table with two stacks of books in front of it, and beyond that library shelves filled with books So Many Books

Display case filled with paper cut out decorations: Balloons, letters spelling Glad You're Back, bookworms, and books Glad You're Back

A white dog wearing glasses sitting on an old school desk with an open book. Books are Fun

A dog wearing glasses reading a book at an old timey school desk No, You Can't Borrow My Book

A 3D owl made of the pages of a discarded book Bookworm Owl

A young man sits at a picnic table reading under a large tree with splendid orange, yellow, and green leaves. Many leaves already litter the ground around him. Take a Break

R2D2 pushes a star wars book into a book drop outside Munster Branch R2D2 Returns Books

A waypointing sign showing destinations like Camelot, Who-ville, Panem, The Shire Your Next Adventure

Funny DVDs like Shazam, Rookie of the Year, and Skate Kitchen set on fake snow with snowflakes in the background Chase Away the Winter Blues

Bronze statue of two children reading on a bench Reading Statue

A small brown and white dog looking at the children's book Harry the Dirty Dog Harry Reads

Image of Bernie Sanders from the 2021 inauguration sitting with crossed arms and legs and very large mittens. Text reads Get Your Mittens on a good book. Get Your Mittens on a Good Book

A lamp in the shape of an open book, its pages glowing. It sits on top of a DVD called Enlighten Up, a book called Think by Guy P Harrison, and a book called The Dark Side of the Enlightenment by John Fleming Enlightenment

A chess board mid-game with chess instructional books stood up behind the board, one open on the corner. The novel The Queen's Gambit with the Netflix adaptation cover is in the foreground  The Queen's Gambit

The brick wall above a short bookshelf is decorated with a paper cut out of a large popcorn bag and scattered popcorn pieces. Letters spell out Pop into the library and check out a good movie  Movie Time

A row of ducks on a ledge - a few rubber ducks, a ceramic one, and in the middle Rosella wearing a face mask that looks like a duck bill  Ducks in a Row

Photo of the branch taken from a low angle with flowering plants large in the foreground  A Beautiful Day at Lake Station-New Chicago Branch

Photo of people standing at different levels on stairs holding signs that say we heart our library  We Love Our Library

Photo of a bulletin board decorated with paper ocean cut outs  Check Out the Ocean

Photo of a bulletin board decorated with tropical forest trees and animal cut outs  Check Out the Tropical Forest

Display case with a map and settings of books marked with pins and yarn  Reading Can Take You Everywhere

Woman taking many books from a shelf  I Have No Shelf Control

Stack of books with a library card on top  Library Card Sign Up Month

A brown and white dog sits among stacks and stacks of books  Perdy's Collection

Wooden shelves stocked wtih horrow books and decorated with a black cat and flying bats. There is caution tape over the front  Cats, Bats, and Books

A bulletin board with flyers for genealogy tools and events  Genealogy Offerings

A display of books all with red covers  Warm Up to a Good Book

The New Release DVD section at Merrillville  New Releases

The Giraffe sculpture from the children's department  Cecily the Giraffe

Four library workers posing with mustaches attached to the front of their face masks  We Mustache You to Solve This

A book open on a table with its center pages folded in to resemble a heart  I Heart Books

A book with several pages folded in such a way that it looks like a heart is popping out  Book Heart

The exterior of Merrillville Branch taken from a distance  Merrillville Branch

Book spines arranged in a rainbow by color on a shelf with a stuffed cat  Rainbow Books

A huge brigantine made of paper and cardboard sitting atop a bookshelf  Sail into Summer Reading

A small typewriter paperweight. The paper in it says Help. Stacks of books stretch out behind it  Need Some Help Choosing?

Huge stacks of cardboard book boxes and a round table full of books  The Big Book Sale

A library staff member holds up an old book about Dimetrodon and mimics the reptile's open mouthed grinning expression  Mimicking Dimetrodon

A large display case holding colorful dia de los muertos decorations  Día de los Muertos

Cookbooks for soup  National Soup Month

a person lying sprawled underneath many many books  Buried in Books

Chair and book with wordcloud about libraries on the wall  A Library Corner

A bushy hydrangea plant  Hydrangeas at Dyer-Schererville

An American flag made out of red white and blue book spines  Red, White, and Books

A book lying open with a pair of reading glasses on top  Reading

Many books open to show their pages  Hoosier Books

A duck puppet wearing a backpack full of books  Ducky Goes Back to School

A cat sleeping on its back in front of a book shelf  Catnap by the Books

A large crocheted bulbasaur with a witch hat and some ceramic pumpkins next to a book titled Pokemon Crochet  Crafty Crochet

A scarecrow and some decorative pumpkins surrounding the Williams Sonoma Kitchen Library Book for Thanksgiving  Happy Thanksgiving

Book growing a treeGenealogy Corner

Brushing up on your family history? We can help.

Online Genealogy Research Tools

How to Find Genealogy Webinars During Quarantine

Using City Directories for Genealogy (Video) 

Read This!

LCPL staff picks for teens and adults


Want more?

Try our Reader's Advisory Tumblr!

Upcoming Events
Fri, Dec 08, 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,... 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.

Fri, Dec 08, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Let's get festive & create a DIY Winter Luminary to take home! Registration required! Program is for adults 18 and over.

Fri, Dec 08, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us as we speed solve Rubik's Cube puzzles. All skill levels are welcome. Rubik's Cubes are supplied.

Sat, Dec 09, 10:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Decorate a small wreath and make a set of four holiday cards. All materials will be provided. Space is limited. Registration is required.
This event is full

Rescheduled
Sat, Dec 09, 10:00am - 12:00pm
New date Saturday, December 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp
Join us for a movie! A man trying to rise in his company, lets executives use his apartment for trysts, but complications and a romance... more
Join us for a movie! A man trying to rise in his company, lets executives use his apartment for trysts, but complications and a romance of his own ensue. Runtime 125 minutes.

Sat, Dec 09, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Kids ages 6 months through 3 years old, and their caregivers, will enjoy interacting at various block play stations. Special blocks... 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 09, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens, ages 12 to 18, will be instructed in painting on canvas with acrylic paint. Registration is required: seats are limited for this... more
Teens, ages 12 to 18, will be instructed in painting on canvas with acrylic paint. Registration is required: seats are limited for this small class.

Sat, Dec 09, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
In this program, Mrs. Claus will read stories to preschool-age children and help them make a festive craft!

Sat, Dec 09, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Long term residents of New Chicago & Lake Station will be invited to share their personal recollections of living in the area. The... more
Long term residents of New Chicago & Lake Station will be invited to share their personal recollections of living in the area. The public is invited to attend and participate.

Sat, Dec 09, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Families are invited to play Holiday Bingo with us! Prizes for all ages are available. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served.... more
Families are invited to play Holiday Bingo with us! Prizes for all ages are available. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Registration is required for all attendees. Registration closes Dec. 8.
This event is full

Sat, Dec 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us for a movie! A man trying to rise in his company, lets executives use his apartment for trysts, but complications and a romance... more
Join us for a movie! A man trying to rise in his company, lets executives use his apartment for trysts, but complications and a romance of his own ensue. Runtime 125 minutes.

Mon, Dec 11, 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 11, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband―and of the therapist... more
The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband―and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive.

Mon, Dec 11, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join us for an international film. Adults only. Bulgarian with English subtitles. 100 Minutes. Registration required.

Mon, Dec 11, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-5. The craft... more
This is a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-5. The craft will be done in house. Please plan accordingly.

Mon, Dec 11, 1:00pm - 1:40pm
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 11, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Children (completed grades K-5) are invited to free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project.

Mon, Dec 11, 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 11, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room,Large Meeting Room
Join us as we spin yarn using a drop spindle and wool roving. Please register!

Mon, Dec 11, 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 December we're reading Truly Devious by Maureen... more
Teens let's spill about books! Each month we'll read and talk about a different book. In December we're reading Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson. Pick up @ Munster Branch.

Mon, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Create some ornaments using pipe cleaners, pom-poms, wrapping paper, and more! Ages 12-18. Registration required.

Tue, Dec 12, 10:15am - 10:45am
St. John - Children's Program Room
This is a 30 minute program for children, ages 4-6, and their caregiver(s). We will read books, sing songs, and take home a craft!

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Preschool-age children are invited to a 45 - 60 minute storytime session designed to foster pre-reading skills. Join us for books,... more
Preschool-age children are invited to a 45 - 60 minute storytime session designed to foster pre-reading skills. Join us for books, music, and an in-person craft!

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
For this storytime children 2 & 3 years of age, and their caregivers, are invited to a toddler storytime featuring age appropriate... more
For this storytime children 2 & 3 years of age, and their caregivers, are invited to a toddler storytime featuring age appropriate stories, fingerplays, and songs that teach early literacy skills.

Tue, Dec 12, 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, and music that teach early... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, and music that teach early literacy skills. Includes in-house craft. Attendees must register.
This event is full

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:15am
Munster - Children's Program 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 12, 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,... 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.
This event is full

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room,Large Meeting Room
Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

Tue, Dec 12, 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.
This event is full

Tue, Dec 12, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, and movement designed to help... more
Babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Dec 12, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Homeschool teens get together for fun activities. Art, crafts, STEM, games - each month we'll do something different. In December we'll... more
Homeschool teens get together for fun activities. Art, crafts, STEM, games - each month we'll do something different. In December we'll make salt dough ornaments! Please Register.

Tue, 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 skills. This... more
Join us for a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and an in person craft that teach pre-reading skills. This program is for kids 4 to 6 years of age and their caregivers.

Tue, Dec 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join our Circle of Readers as they discuss Everything Beautiful in Its Time by Jenna Bush Hager.

Tue, Dec 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
The Friends of LCPL will host their bi-monthly meeting.

Tue, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join us and create a festive holiday or winter design for hanging. All Ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs.... more
Join us and create a festive holiday or winter design for hanging. All Ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Registration required.
This event is full

Tue, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
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 13, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Babies, up to 23 months, and their families are invited to a 30-minute lap-sit program of rhymes, songs, knee bounces, and other... more
Babies, up to 23 months, and their families are invited to a 30-minute lap-sit program of rhymes, songs, knee bounces, and other activities designed to foster early child development.
This event is full

Wed, Dec 13, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Children's Department
Join your fellow caregivers after toddler and baby storytime for a cup of coffee and some conversation. Storytime attendance is not... more
Join your fellow caregivers after toddler and baby storytime for a cup of coffee and some conversation. Storytime attendance is not required.

Wed, Dec 13, 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 13, 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!

Wed, Dec 13, 2:30pm - 3:15pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
This is a storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a take home craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-6.

Wed, Dec 13, 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! We provide the games...you bring your friends... more
Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii and board games! We provide the games...you bring your friends to join in on the fun! Ages 12-18.

Wed, Dec 13, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake - 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 13, 5:30pm - 6:45pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join the Page Turners as we discuss "The Secret, Book & Scone Society" by Ellery Adams. Books will be available at the St. John Branch... more
Join the Page Turners as we discuss "The Secret, Book & Scone Society" by Ellery Adams. Books will be available at the St. John Branch circulation desk.

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room D
Learn to paint miniatures for your favorite RPG or tabletop wargame! Bring your brushes if you have them. Basic materials and a... more
Learn to paint miniatures for your favorite RPG or tabletop wargame! Bring your brushes if you have them. Basic materials and a 3D-printed miniature will be provided.
This event is full

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens, ages 12 to 18, are welcome to bring their art or writing projects to work on and share with other teens. Supplies for making... more
Teens, ages 12 to 18, are welcome to bring their art or writing projects to work on and share with other teens. Supplies for making crafts will be provided. Please register.

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
This month we will be decorating mugs for Christmas. Space is limited. Registration is required for all attendees.
This event is full

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
New Chicago Parks and the 219 Project will present a play reading. All are welcome!

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville Library - Children's Department
All children and their families are invited to come and read to certified therapy dogs.

Thu, Dec 14, 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 14, 10:30am - 12:00pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Join us for this month's classic film A Christmas Carol directed by Brian Desmond Hurst. Runtime: 1hr 26mins. Light refreshments will be... more
Join us for this month's classic film A Christmas Carol directed by Brian Desmond Hurst. Runtime: 1hr 26mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Thu, Dec 14, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Paper crafter Corie Kaz will be hosting a series of classes on how to make various paper crafts. This class costs $10.00 to attend and... more
Paper crafter Corie Kaz will be hosting a series of classes on how to make various paper crafts. This class costs $10.00 to attend and includes most necessary materials. Please bring your own glue.

Thu, Dec 14, 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

Thu, Dec 14, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room,Programming Room
Come on down to the library to play games on the Switch! We have Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, and more! Must... more
Come on down to the library to play games on the Switch! We have Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, and more! Must register! Ages 11-17. If you have your own joycons, bring them!

Thu, Dec 14, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
We will be transforming tissue boxes into mini holiday houses with construction paper, fabric, and other supplies on hand. Participants... more
We will be transforming tissue boxes into mini holiday houses with construction paper, fabric, and other supplies on hand. Participants will need to bring their own tissue box.

Thu, Dec 14, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come enjoy some hot chocolate, pine cone crafting and some holiday cheer! Special guest award-winning children's book author Kathleen... more
Come enjoy some hot chocolate, pine cone crafting and some holiday cheer! Special guest award-winning children's book author Kathleen Doherty will read her book!
This event is full

Sat, Dec 16, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Interested in any of the needle arts including knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us each month for an opportunity to chat... more
Interested in any of the needle arts including knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us each month for an opportunity to chat and create. Bring your own projects.

Sat, Dec 16, 11:00am - 12:00pm
DS: Children's Area - Children's Area
Children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Sat, Dec 16, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Bring your craft projects from home and join us to chat with fellow crafters while working on your project without the interruptions of... more
Bring your craft projects from home and join us to chat with fellow crafters while working on your project without the interruptions of home. All are welcome.