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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: A Reading Rainbow

Skip To:

Virtual Escape Room

Video Guides: Crafts & Activities

Genealogy Corner

Read This: LCPL Staff Picks

Virtual Jigsaw Puzzles

Other Things to Do (printables and more)

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

DVD boxes labeled Oscar Winning International Films, the many faces of keanu reeves, and western collection  Binge Boxes

Books standing in a circle, spines inward, shot from above  Book Circle

Book Index to the Prerogative of Ireland, How to Trace your Irish Ancestors, and Story of the Irish Race draped with a four leaf clover scarf  Irish Genealogy

Old illustration of Merrillville Branch when it had the white paneling and yellow tower  Merrillville's New Addition

Display case filled with postcards from around the world, an old typewriter, and vintage travel paraphernalia   Summer Reading Adventure

A rainbow beaming down near the Merrillville Branch sign with red trees in the foreground  A Reading Rainbow

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
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Tue, Sep 02, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months
Tue, Sep 02, 10:15am - 10:45am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.
Travel Film: California
Tue, Sep 02, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Children's Program Room
Join us for this month's travel film about California. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Tue, Sep 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months
Tue, Sep 02, 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.
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Tue, Sep 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register.
This event is full
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months
Tue, Sep 02, 11:00am - 11:30am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.
Caregivers & Coffee Hour
Tue, Sep 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Baby, toddler and caregiver hour to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and toys!
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Tue, Sep 02, 11:30am - 11:50am
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
In this program, toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft. Registration required.
Storytime: Ages 4-5
Tue, Sep 02, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an... more
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an emphasis on important early pre-reading skills.
Toddler Play Session
Tue, Sep 02, 12:00pm - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Children, ages 2-5, are invited to join us in the Children's Programming Room to play with unique toys and socialize.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Tue, Sep 02, 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
Teen Tuesday - Suncatchers
Tue, Sep 02, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Come in to the library and enjoy some crafting!
Off the Hook
Wed, Sep 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.
Cancelled
Writing Wednesday - Micro Memoirs
Wed, Sep 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville
Explore writing about milestones and memories in short, powerful micro memoirs.
Kids Discovery Hour (Grades K-6)
Wed, Sep 03, 3:00pm - 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 art projects, movies, science... more
Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include art projects, movies, science projects, games, and more! No registration required.
Cancelled
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Wed, Sep 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Upper Level
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.
Crochet @ Your Library
Wed, Sep 03, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake Library - 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! 
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Wed, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
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
Dungeons and Dragons for Adults
Wed, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the... more
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the adventure! Seats are limited, so registration is required.
This event is full
Livestream Author Talk with Hannah Nicole Maehrer - Bestselling Author of the Assistant to the Villain Series
Wed, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Hannah Nicole Maehrer about Accomplice to the Villain, and the Assistant to the... more
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Hannah Nicole Maehrer about Accomplice to the Villain, and the Assistant to the Villain series.
Teens Volunteer: TeenTober Prep
Wed, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens can earn volunteer hours by making decorations and displays for TeenTober, a nationwide celebration of teens every... more
Teens can earn volunteer hours by making decorations and displays for TeenTober, a nationwide celebration of teens every October! Grades 6-12. Snacks will be provided. Registration required.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months
Thu, Sep 04, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting 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.
Crafters Gathering
Thu, Sep 04, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas... more
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas with other crafters during this program.  
Storytime: Ages 4-6
Thu, Sep 04, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a take home craft that promote pre-reading skills for kids 4-6. Please register.
Thursday Threaders
Thu, Sep 04, 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.
Homeschool Hangout
Thu, Sep 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Elementary aged homeschool students are invited to join us for a unique art or STEM project each month. 
This event is full
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Thu, Sep 04, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Thu, Sep 04, 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
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Thu, Sep 04, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
Program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities.... more
Program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help to develop important pre-literacy skills.
A Death in Cornwall by Daniel Silva - Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club
Thu, Sep 04, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of A Death in Cornwall, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for September. Pick up a copy at... more
Join the discussion of A Death in Cornwall, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for September. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Thu, Sep 04, 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
PreTeen D&D Fantasy Quest: Ages: 8-12
Thu, Sep 04, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us on a family friendly, Dungeons and Dragons, campaign for preteens. We'll be referencing Heroes of Sol'an, 5th edition, for this... more
Join us on a family friendly, Dungeons and Dragons, campaign for preteens. We'll be referencing Heroes of Sol'an, 5th edition, for this adventure. New players are welcome.
Adult Dungeons and Dragons
Thu, Sep 04, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for our Thursday evening group of Adult Dungeons and Dragons! In this group, we'll work our way through the Curse of Strahd module.
This event is full
Power Paws for Kids
Thu, Sep 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster Branch Library - Children's Area
In this program, children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.
Brain Benders
Fri, Sep 05, 10:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Drop in and make new connections while doing puzzles, games, coloring pages, and other mind stimulating activities. Light refreshments... more
Drop in and make new connections while doing puzzles, games, coloring pages, and other mind stimulating activities. Light refreshments will be served. All supplies will be provided.
Stitch'n Time
Sat, Sep 06, 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.
Reading to the Dogs - Love on a Leash
Sat, Sep 06, 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.
LCPL ComicFest
Sat, Sep 06, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Lower Level
Come join the fun - free for all ages! Get geeky with video games, children's activities, an artist alley, and cosplay contests!... more
Come join the fun - free for all ages! Get geeky with video games, children's activities, an artist alley, and cosplay contests! Costumes are encouraged.
See all events