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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
Mon, Aug 25, 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, Aug 25, 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.
This event is full

Mon, Aug 25, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Lucy is able to share her love of books with her students, including The Clock Island Book series. She wins a contest to stay on the... more
Lucy is able to share her love of books with her students, including The Clock Island Book series. She wins a contest to stay on the author's private island but he has some surprises up his sleeve.

Mon, Aug 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Steel yourself for the rest of the week with Monday Night Adult D&D! We'll be following 5e rules and will be running the Out of the... more
Steel yourself for the rest of the week with Monday Night Adult D&D! We'll be following 5e rules and will be running the Out of the Abyss campaign. Beginners and experienced players welcome!
This event is full

Mon, Aug 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Teens are invited to help the Highland branch create projects and programs that you would like to attend. Ages 12 – 18.

Mon, Aug 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us for this monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?".... more
Join us for this monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?". This month we'll play a classic game of Clue!
This event is full

Tue, Aug 26, 10:30am - 11:30am
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Homeschoolers, come hang with your peers! Educational and social opportunities will be available.
This event is full

Tue, Aug 26, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

Tue, Aug 26, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us as we play bingo and win some small prizes, while supplies last. All ability programs are geared towards adults with special... more
Join us as we play bingo and win some small prizes, while supplies last. All ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Registration required.
This event is full

Tue, Aug 26, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the Fact or Fiction Book Club in discussing "Weyward" by Emilia Hart. Copies are available at the Highland Branch.

Tue, Aug 26, 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, Aug 26, 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, Aug 26, 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!

Cancelled
Tue, Aug 26, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life... more
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (ages 14-18) are welcome.

Tue, Aug 26, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join the Calumet Astronomical Society to learn about various cosmic topics!

Wed, Aug 27, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Wed, Aug 27, 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.
This event is full

Wed, Aug 27, 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, Aug 27, 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!

Cancelled
Wed, Aug 27, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago
Join us for a game night for the grown ups. We will have various board games and the Nintendo Switch/Wii. You can also bring your own!

Wed, Aug 27, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
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, Aug 27, 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 and 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 and XBox will be available with multiple games. Registration is required. For ages 10-18.

Thu, Aug 28, 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, Aug 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join us for this small group class all about learning library apps. You must bring your own device. Registration required.

Thu, Aug 28, 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

Rescheduled
Thu, Aug 28, 11:15am - 12:30pm
New date Wednesday, August 20, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "Beyond That, the Sea" by Laura Spence-Ash. Books for this discussion can be... more
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "Beyond That, the Sea" by Laura Spence-Ash. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch a month prior to the event.

Thu, Aug 28, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Dr. Tasha Eurich about Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos.

Thu, Aug 28, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Our speaker will be Mike Hall from the Lake County Public Library Libratory. Tour and learn about the services offered through The... more
Our speaker will be Mike Hall from the Lake County Public Library Libratory. Tour and learn about the services offered through The Libratory. https://www.lcplin.org/libratory

Thu, Aug 28, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion of Colleen Oakley's "The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise". Copies are available at... more
Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion of Colleen Oakley's "The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise". Copies are available at the Munster branch.

Cancelled
Thu, Aug 28, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago
Every last Thursday, meet for an hour to read, drink tea or coffee, and casual conversation about reading.

Thu, Aug 28, 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, Aug 28, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
Meeting of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees

Cancelled
Thu, Aug 28, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life... more
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (ages 14-18) are welcome.

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 - 11:00am
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, 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 - 11:30am
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, 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, 11:30am - 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, 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, 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.

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.

Wed, Sep 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
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
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 - 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
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 - 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.