Skip to main content
close
font 1 font 2 font 3
Reset to standard size
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Yellow on Black White on Black Soft Greys Black on Linen Black on White
Reset to default contrast
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

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
Mahjong Open Play: Ages 18 & Over
Fri, May 23, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join an open play Mahjong session; there is no instructor but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you... more
Join an open play Mahjong session; there is no instructor but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you have one! On-hand gaming supplies are limited. Ages 18 & over.
This event is full
Kids Chess Open Play: Ages 6-18
Sat, May 24, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Children are welcome to play chess in our meeting room during this open play session! Chess boards will be provided if you don't have... more
Children are welcome to play chess in our meeting room during this open play session! Chess boards will be provided if you don't have one! There is no instructor for this class.
Power Paws for Kids
Sat, May 24, 11:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.
Bingo at the Library!
Sat, May 24, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to play Bingo! All ages are welcome to play. Winners will be able to choose from a variety of small prizes.
This event is full
Paint'n Time
Tue, May 27, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!
Storytime: Ages 4-5
Tue, May 27, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Children will have fun developing early literary skills as they enjoy stories, songs, crafts and more.
Mother Goose On The Loose: Ages Birth-23 Months
Tue, May 27, 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 help early literacy skills.
This event is full
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Tue, May 27, 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
Homeschool Hangout (Grades K-12)
Tue, May 27, 10:30am - 11:30am
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Homeschoolers, come hang with your peers! Educational and social opportunities will be available.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months
Tue, May 27, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - 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.
This event is full
All Ability: Gaming
Tue, May 27, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Come play some board games and Nintendo Wii games with us! All ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs.... more
Come play some board games and Nintendo Wii games with us! All ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Registration required.
New Parent & Caregiver Meet Up
Tue, May 27, 11:00am - 11:30am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Parents and caregivers of children, birth - 23 months, are welcome to chat with one another and enjoy a refreshment while children... more
Parents and caregivers of children, birth - 23 months, are welcome to chat with one another and enjoy a refreshment while children explore with books and puzzles! Registration is required.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months
Tue, May 27, 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,... 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.
The Boys by Ron Howard - Fact or Fiction Book Club
Tue, May 27, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland
Join the Fact or Fiction Book Club in discussing "The Boys" by Ron Howard. Copies are available at the Highland Branch.
Teen: Adventurers Wanted!
Tue, May 27, 4:00pm - 5:15pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Have you seen people playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and want to try it yourself? We will be playing the fantasy RPG "Dragonbane",... more
Have you seen people playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and want to try it yourself? We will be playing the fantasy RPG "Dragonbane", a game similar to D&D. Beginners are welcome. For ages 12-18.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Tue, May 27, 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 StarFinder
Tue, May 27, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Have you ever thought Dungeons & Dragons seemed like a cool game, but it should take place in space? If so, StarFinder is the game for... more
Have you ever thought Dungeons & Dragons seemed like a cool game, but it should take place in space? If so, StarFinder is the game for you! Come and enjoy Paizo's ttrpg space adventure game!
Calumet Astronomical Society
Tue, May 27, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join the Calumet Astronomical Society to learn about various cosmic topics!
Cancelled
Be Heart Smart Program
Wed, May 28, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville
Be Heart Smart is a multi-session, lecture-based program for individuals who want to learn more about preventing heart disease by making... more
Be Heart Smart is a multi-session, lecture-based program for individuals who want to learn more about preventing heart disease by making heart-healthy lifestyle changes.
Citizenship Class
Wed, May 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more... more
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more information.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth – 23 Months
Wed, May 28, 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.
This event is full
Caregivers & Coffee Hour
Wed, May 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our storytime for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Toys will be available for... more
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our storytime for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Toys will be available for children to play. Storytime attendance is not required.
Off the Hook
Wed, May 28, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.
Teen Gaming
Wed, May 28, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
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.
Kids Discovery Hour (Grades K-6)
Wed, May 28, 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.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Wed, May 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch Library - 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.
This event is full
Crochet @ Your Library
Wed, May 28, 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!
Teen Game Night
Wed, May 28, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Teens are welcome to join us for an evening of gaming, board games, and puzzles! Test your skills and get ready for a night of great... more
Teens are welcome to join us for an evening of gaming, board games, and puzzles! Test your skills and get ready for a night of great vibes and unforgettable moments!
Pajama Storytime
Wed, May 28, 5:30pm - 6:00pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us for a cozy storytime filled with songs, books, fun activities, and so much more. Feel free to wear your pajamas!
Teen Summer Volunteer Orientation
Wed, May 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens, ages 11 to 17, can earn volunteer hours during our Summer Reading Program! Attend a training meeting for details. Teens must... more
Teens, ages 11 to 17, can earn volunteer hours during our Summer Reading Program! Attend a training meeting for details. Teens must attend ONE meeting. Please register.
Cancelled
Genealogy and DNA 101
Wed, May 28, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster
Learn more about genealogy with genealogist Herb Smith! We'll discuss the latest techniques to trace your family history, advances in... more
Learn more about genealogy with genealogist Herb Smith! We'll discuss the latest techniques to trace your family history, advances in genealogical technology, and more.
Learn to Code with GameMaker - Create a Tutorial Game
Wed, May 28, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Staff Meeting Room
Walk through the process of creating your own simple game using GameMaker's 15 minute tutorial.
Art Club (Grades K-5)
Wed, May 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
A new version of Art Club! Children in grades K-5 will create unique works of art while we learn about different art styles, mediums,... more
A new version of Art Club! Children in grades K-5 will create unique works of art while we learn about different art styles, mediums, and famous artists.
This event is full
Teen Game Night
Wed, May 28, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
A selection of board games (and snacks!) will be provided for you and fellow teens to play. A Nintendo Switch & Xbox will be available... more
A selection of board games (and snacks!) will be provided for you and fellow teens to play. A Nintendo Switch & Xbox will be available with games. Registration is required. For ages 10 - 18.
Thursday Threaders
Thu, May 29, 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.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Thu, May 29, 10:30am - 5:00pm
Hobart Branch - Computer Area
Get personalized tech help at your local library! Our one-on-one sessions focus on building basic technology skills - from using devices... more
Get personalized tech help at your local library! Our one-on-one sessions focus on building basic technology skills - from using devices to navigating online tools.
Please contact the library to register for this event.
Teen Volunteer Orientation
Thu, May 29, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come in to learn about our volunteer opportunities and complete the required paperwork!
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Thu, May 29, 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.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig - Between the Lines Book Discussion
Thu, May 29, 11:15am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig. Books for this discussion can be picked up at... more
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch a month prior to the event.
Genealogy Class: Making the Most of County Histories
Thu, May 29, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A,Merrillville Zoom Room
Our speaker is Monique Howell from the Indiana State Library. The county history collection contains historical and modern publications... more
Our speaker is Monique Howell from the Indiana State Library. The county history collection contains historical and modern publications which detail county, city and township development.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Thu, May 29, 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.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Thu, May 29, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
Free English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Call 219-769-3541... more
Free English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Call 219-769-3541 ext. 337 for more information.
Senior Planet Lecture Series: Managing Your Privacy Online - Hosted by IU's Center for Urban and Regional Excellence
Fri, May 30, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
In this introductory lecture, we’ll review how ads target us online, how to limit tracking, where to find browser settings and... more
In this introductory lecture, we’ll review how ads target us online, how to limit tracking, where to find browser settings and extensions to better control how our information is shared, and more!
Register
Creative Arts Summit
Sat, May 31, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville Branch Library - Main Level
The 4th annual Creative Arts Summit is closing out springtime this year with a showcase of local artists and creators! Come see what our... more
The 4th annual Creative Arts Summit is closing out springtime this year with a showcase of local artists and creators! Come see what our community has to offer!!
See all events