Skip to main content
close
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

Person holding a stack of books

Borrowing Privileges

Library cards are available at all locations!

To Get Your Library Card:

Questions? Contact the Circulation Department at 219-769-3541, ext. 364.

Types of Library Card:


Full Access Card (Resident)

  • You live in one of the following school districts (or own property or a business located in these districts):

    • Griffith Public Schools • Hanover Community School Corporation • Highland School Town • Hobart School City • Lake Central School Corporation
    • Lake Ridge Schools • Lake Station Community Schools • Merrillville Community School • Munster School Town • River Forest Community School Corporation


    Not sure? Check our map to see all the library districts of Lake County or enter your address here (Use the Search by Address tab) to see which library district you pay taxes to.
    If you own a business in our library district but do not live in our district, you can apply for a card here.

  • You have priority access to materials at all 9 of our locations as well as full digital access (ebooks, audiobooks, music, research databases, etc).


 

Limited Access Card (Reciprocal)

  • You live in a district which pays taxes to another library system, or you are a non-resident teacher or student, or your card has been issued to a business or institution, not to an individual.

  • You have limited borrowing privileges at the Lake County Public Library, but may subscribe to LCPL for full access. Here's how it works:

    • Upgrading costs $55/year

    • You get complete access to all of our materials 

    • You can use our inter-library loan services and make purchase requests

 

Borrowing Privileges for Non-Residents, Teachers, Businesses, and Students



Gold or Silver Card

Recognizing the importance of volunteers and their service, the Lake County Public Library presents special gold and silver volunteer library cards.

These cards enable volunteers who have completed many hours of service at the library to check out more items at one time than normal cards. In addition, whereas most items are fine free for all at LCPL, even special items like video games or Bestseller Express books are fine free when checked out on a gold or silver card.

Adult Gold Cards

Volunteers (18 years or older) who complete 100 hours of service will earn a Gold Card. The Gold Card may only be used by the named cardholder and not by any other family member.

Juvenile Silver Cards

Juvenile volunteers (under the age of 18) who complete 50 hours of volunteer service will earn a Silver Card. The Silver Card may only be used by the named cardholder and not by any other family member. The card will expire on the 18th birthday of the cardholder but can be renewed annually as long as the volunteer is actively volunteering. The Silver cardholder has until their 21st birthday to earn the additional 50 volunteers hours to convert to a Gold card.

Gold and Silver Cardholders' Responsibilities

  • Do not lend card to family members or friends.

  • Use your card (library purges all library cards after three years with no use).

  • Renew or return materials if you receive an overdue notice.

  • Pay for lost or damaged materials when you are billed.

  • Follow the Library's Code of Conduct.

Failure to follow the above could result in loss of your special library card privileges.

Upcoming Events
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

Tue, Sep 02, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Come in to the library and enjoy some crafting!

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
Wed, Sep 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville
Explore writing about milestones and memories in short, powerful micro memoirs.

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
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.

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! 

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.