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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
Thu, May 22, 10:30am - 11:30am
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join us for this small group class all about learning the basics of computers! You must bring your own device. Registration required.

Thu, May 22, 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.

Thu, May 22, 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, May 22, 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, May 22, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion of Timothy Egan's "A Fever in the Heartland". Copies are available at the Munster branch.

Thu, May 22, 2:00pm - 3:15pm
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.
This event is full

Thu, May 22, 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.

Thu, May 22, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
Meeting of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees

Thu, May 22, 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.

Thu, May 22, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
En garde! Members from the NWI Fencing Club will demonstrate techniques for Olympic-style fencing. Attendees will be able to learn about... more
En garde! Members from the NWI Fencing Club will demonstrate techniques for Olympic-style fencing. Attendees will be able to learn about this historical sport and see it first-hand!

Thu, May 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
We've been doing a lot of messy crafts during our craft night - lets make a tie dye apron to help keep the mess down! All supplies are... more
We've been doing a lot of messy crafts during our craft night - lets make a tie dye apron to help keep the mess down! All supplies are provided, but wear something you don't mind getting messy!
This event is full

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

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.

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.

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

Tue, May 27, 10:30am - 11:30am
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Homeschoolers, come hang with your peers! Educational and social opportunities will be available.

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

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

Tue, May 27, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join the Calumet Astronomical Society to learn about various cosmic topics!

Cancelled
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.

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.

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

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.

Wed, May 28, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

Cancelled
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.

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.

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.

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.

Thu, May 29, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come in to learn about our volunteer opportunities and complete the required paperwork!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!!