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CHILD AND VULNERABLE ADULT PROTECTION POLICY

Adopted by Administration and the Board of Trustees of the Lake County Public Library - 10/28/2021
Revised - 04/25/2024

This policy applies to all Lake County Public Library (LCPL) buildings and offsite events.

Child: Individual who is less than 18 years of age

Vulnerable Adult: Individual aged 18 or over whose ability to protect themself from violence, abuse or neglect is significantly impaired through physical or mental disability, illness, advanced age or otherwise

Staff: Employees of the Library who have contact with children and vulnerable adults in connection with their work duties

Volunteer: Individuals who have regular contact with children and vulnerable adults in connection with their volunteer activities at the Library

LCPL seeks to provide a safe and secure environment for children and vulnerable adults who visit the Library or are involved in Library programs and activities. The Library’s goal is to protect youth from incidents of misconduct or inappropriate behavior while also protecting staff and volunteers from false accusations.

LCPL encourages and welcomes children and vulnerable adults of all ages to use its facilities and services and to participate in its programs and activities. However, responsibility for the safety and behavior of children and vulnerable adults while at the Library rests solely with the parent, guardian or authorized caregiver and not with Library staff or volunteers. The following policies apply with respect to children and vulnerable adults on Library premises:

  • Library Staff and volunteers are not responsible for monitoring or supervising the safety and behavior of children or vulnerable adults on Library premises.
  • The parent or guardian of children or vulnerable adults on Library premises is solely responsible for ensuring the children or vulnerable adults are appropriately supervised and for the safety and behavior of the children or vulnerable adults.
  • If a child’s or vulnerable adult's behavior becomes disruptive to the operations of the Library, to other patrons or to Library staff, appropriate action in accordance with the Library’s policies and practices will be taken.

Staff and Volunteer Interaction with Children or Vulnerable Adults

The following policies apply with respect to interaction with children or vulnerable adults by Library staff and volunteers:

Staff and volunteers shall not accept or assume the responsibility for monitoring or supervising the safety and behavior of children or vulnerable adults on Library premises.

  • Staff and Volunteers shall not contact or communicate with children or vulnerable adults outside of the operations, programs and activities of the Library unless they have a prior, independent relationship with the children or vulnerable adults.
  • Staff and volunteers shall not use profanities, vulgarities; sexual innuendo, banter or jokes; or emotionally abusive language.
  • Staff and volunteers shall not share pornography or other obscene material with children or vulnerable adults Staff and volunteers shall not give or accept gifts or money without prior authorization from the employee’s supervisor.
  • Staff and volunteers shall not engage in conduct that involves using physical contact with a child or vulnerable adult (including without limitation touching, hugging, or kissing)
  • Staff and volunteers shall not engage in conduct that involves using physical contact to discipline a child or vulnerable adult (including without limitation touching, striking or hitting the child or vulnerable adult) except in the case of a necessity related to the health and welfare of the child, vulnerable adult, Library patrons, or Library staff or volunteers.
  • Staff and volunteers will not be in one-on-one no-visibility situations with children or vulnerable adults.
  • Staff and volunteers, to the extent possible and when feasible, should keep doors to rooms where programs and activities involving children and vulnerable adults are conducted open during the program or activity unless there is a window in the door or a window to the room.
  • Staff and volunteers should ensure that doors to rooms where programs and activities involving children and vulnerable adults are conducted should never be locked during the program or activity.
  • Staff and volunteers shall never assist any child or vulnerable adult with restroom usage. Any child or vulnerable adult too young or otherwise unable to provide for themselves regarding restroom usage should have a parent, guardian or authorized caregiver present to assist them.
  • Library staff shall not leave volunteers unattended with children and vulnerable adults.
  • Staff and volunteers are not permitted to remain alone after closing time with a child or vulnerable adult. Staff and volunteers will not give a child or vulnerable adult a ride home. Staff will not transport children or vulnerable adults to or from offsite activities.

Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

Indiana Code (IC 31-33-5) requires that any individual who has reason to believe that a child is a victim of child abuse or neglect must immediately report such directly to the Indiana Department of Child Services (“DCS”) or to a local law enforcement agency. This mandatory reporting requirement includes reporting child abuse, including any sex offense against a child, committed by any Library Staff or Volunteers while on Library premises or while attending an offsite Library event. The following reporting procedures apply if a Library employee or volunteer has reason to believe that an act of child abuse or neglect has occurred, by any person, including any Library employee or volunteer:

  • The Library employee or volunteer shall themselves immediately report the occurrence directly to DCS or local law enforcement. DCS operates a toll-free hotline (1-800-800-5556) for people to call and report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.
  • The Library employee or volunteer shall immediately report the occurrence to the Library’s Director. An incident report shall be written and emailed to director@lcplin.org. All incident reports of this nature are confidential and only accessible by the Director or their designated representative.
  • Documented reports of suspected abuse will be disclosed to outside sources only by a subpoena. A subpoena or summons served on the Library for disclosure of a report of abuse can only be accepted by the Director.
  • The Director shall also report the occurrence to DCS or local law enforcement.
  • Director shall inform the Library Board of Trustee of the situation in an Executive Board session.
  • If the alleged child abuse or neglect involves allegations against a Library employee or volunteer, the Library employee or volunteer shall be immediately suspended from employment and/or volunteer activities pending the investigation of the allegations. The Library’s Director shall immediately notify the Library’s liability insurance provider.
  • All Library employees and volunteers shall cooperate with any investigation of the incident by state or local authorities.
  • If the alleged child abuse or neglect involves allegations against a Library employee or volunteer, the Library’s Director will investigate the circumstances of the alleged child abuse or neglect.
  • Any Library employee or volunteer who is not determined to be innocent of the alleged child abuse or neglect shall be subject to permanent removal from any contact with children and vulnerable adults in connection with their work duties or volunteer activities as well as additional corrective and disciplinary action up to and including termination as an employee or volunteer as appropriate.

Reporting Vulnerable Adult Abuse and Neglect 

The same reporting procedure should be followed for any suspected acts of abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults as stated with children with the exception of notifying the Indiana Department of Child Services (“DCS”).

Children and Vulnerable Adults Protection Training

All Library staff and volunteers will be trained regarding youth protection issues. Such training for Staff and volunteers shall involve a review of the Library’s Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and Indiana’s mandatory child abuse and neglect reporting requirements.

Upcoming Events
Sat, Jul 05, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program 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, Jul 05, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own... more
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Rescheduled
Sat, Jul 05, 10:00am - 12:00pm
New date Saturday, July 26, 10:00am - 12:00pm
St. John
Create a work of art using various art supplies and assigned prompts. All materials will be provided. Space is limited. Register online.

Mon, Jul 07, 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, Jul 07, 1:30pm - 3:15pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Bring the whole family! The room will be lighter, the volume will be lower, and audience members can move around, talk, and sing. Snacks... more
Bring the whole family! The room will be lighter, the volume will be lower, and audience members can move around, talk, and sing. Snacks are welcome! Rated PG; 100 minute runtime.

Mon, Jul 07, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Come and enjoy this afternoon movie with us! Popcorn and snacks will be served. Seating is limited. Registration is required.

Mon, Jul 07, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Sing, dance, and act out scenes with the family Madrigal in our interactive event. Remember: we don't talk about Bruno.

Mon, Jul 07, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
How fast are you? Test your skill by seeing if you can beat our challenges in less than 60 seconds. First through third place will go on... more
How fast are you? Test your skill by seeing if you can beat our challenges in less than 60 seconds. First through third place will go on our leader board. Compete all summer for a grand prize.

Mon, Jul 07, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
The tale of Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power and Glinda,... more
The tale of Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power and Glinda, a popular young woman, who has yet to discover her true heart.

Mon, Jul 07, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Come join us for some fun experimenting with technology and playing around with robotics!
This event is full

Mon, Jul 07, 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

Mon, Jul 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be... more
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be displayed in the library until the next LEGO® Club meeting. 

Mon, Jul 07, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Are you a fan of anime or manga? If so, come to our monthly Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch. We watch 3-4 episodes of your... more
Are you a fan of anime or manga? If so, come to our monthly Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch. We watch 3-4 episodes of your choosing each month. Ages 12-18.

Mon, Jul 07, 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, Jul 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Using lengths of yarn and a stick, teens will create a unique decoration. All supplies and snacks will be provided. Teens 12 – 18.... more
Using lengths of yarn and a stick, teens will create a unique decoration. All supplies and snacks will be provided. Teens 12 – 18. Space is limited. Registration required.

Tue, Jul 08, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.
This event is full

Tue, Jul 08, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to a storytime featuring age appropriate stories, fingerplays, and songs that teach early... more
Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to a storytime featuring age appropriate stories, fingerplays, and songs that teach early literacy skills.

Tue, Jul 08, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This program for babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months, with their caregivers is filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement,... more
This program for babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months, with their caregivers is filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement, designed to help early literacy skills. Registration opens June1st. 
This event is full

Tue, Jul 08, 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, Jul 08, 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, Jul 08, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

Tue, Jul 08, 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.
This event is full

Tue, Jul 08, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program for babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, filled with rhymes,... more
This is a storytime program for babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Jul 08, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Lessons will include making healthy food choices, the importance of physical activity, food safety training and recipe exchanges.... more
Lessons will include making healthy food choices, the importance of physical activity, food safety training and recipe exchanges. Lessons provided by the Purdue Extension. Ages 18 and up.

Tue, Jul 08, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Raul the Third about ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read! Note: The talk from 1pm to 2pm is... more
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Raul the Third about ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read! Note: The talk from 1pm to 2pm is in Spanish, and the talk from 3pm to 4pm is in English.

Tue, Jul 08, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Kids will learn about habitats, including those in the forest, the animals that live in them, & get a close-up look at some local animal... more
Kids will learn about habitats, including those in the forest, the animals that live in them, & get a close-up look at some local animal furs, exoskeletons, & feathers.Registration begins May 1.
This event is full

Tue, Jul 08, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us as our Circle of Readers discuss The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner.

Tue, Jul 08, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Raul the Third about ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read! Note: The talk from 1pm to 2pm is... more
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Raul the Third about ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read! Note: The talk from 1pm to 2pm is in Spanish, and the talk from 3pm to 4pm is in English.

Tue, Jul 08, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Come play Minecraft, uninterrupted, on our Raspberry Pi computers! For ages 8-18.

Tue, Jul 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Feel free to drop into the library to paint a tote bag! All supplies will be provided.
This event is full

Tue, Jul 08, 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, Jul 08, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come and play in a game with one of our librarians as GM.

Tue, Jul 08, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Enjoy family time playing fun games like Monopoly, Candyland, Clue, and Uno!

Tue, Jul 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Color Your World with Sharpies®! Bring a white tshirt or white CANVAS shoes to tie dye! Registration required. All Ability programs are... more
Color Your World with Sharpies®! Bring a white tshirt or white CANVAS shoes to tie dye! Registration required. All Ability programs are aimed for adults with special needs & open to all over age 18.

Tue, Jul 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
We are proud to be hosting a support, education, & social space for LGBTQ+ teens & their allies. Teens (12-18) are welcome.

Wed, Jul 09, 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.

Wed, Jul 09, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
A great way to connect with other baby and toddler caregivers. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while children play with toys provided.... more
A great way to connect with other baby and toddler caregivers. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while children play with toys provided. Story time attendance is not required.

Wed, Jul 09, 11:00am - 11:45am
Hobart Community Center - 111 East Old Ridge Road, Hobart, Indiana 46342
Experience an enchanting show of magic and illusion that will captivate the entire family. This event will be held at the Hobart... more
Experience an enchanting show of magic and illusion that will captivate the entire family. This event will be held at the Hobart Community Center!

Wed, Jul 09, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Wed, Jul 09, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
This program will focus on the Indiana Dunes National park's plants, animals and general ecology. Children will learn about the natural... more
This program will focus on the Indiana Dunes National park's plants, animals and general ecology. Children will learn about the natural world not so far from us and what park rangers do.

Wed, Jul 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Children entering grades K-5 can stop in to make a craft!

Wed, Jul 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Students learn about the layers of the soil, how soil is made, and how bugs are essential while we enjoy eating a little soil. "Soil"... more
Students learn about the layers of the soil, how soil is made, and how bugs are essential while we enjoy eating a little soil. "Soil" will contain dairy and gluten. Please call ahead with questions.
This event is full

Wed, Jul 09, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join us as educators from Lake County Solid Waste Management come and show us how to make a craft out of recycled materials!

Wed, Jul 09, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Munster Meeting Room - Munster Meeting Room
Join us for the Master of Magic and Escape, Kalita the Great! Experience an enchanting show of magic and illusion that will... more
Join us for the Master of Magic and Escape, Kalita the Great! Experience an enchanting show of magic and illusion that will captivate the entire family.
This event is full

Wed, Jul 09, 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, Jul 09, 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

Wed, Jul 09, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake Branch - 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, Jul 09, 5:30pm - 6:45pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join the Page Turners Book Discussion as we discuss The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton. Books are available at the circulation... more
Join the Page Turners Book Discussion as we discuss The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton. Books are available at the circulation desk. Please register.

Wed, Jul 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Come party in your PJs at the library. We will be reading bedtime stories and dancing in our pajamas so you can get all the wiggles out... more
Come party in your PJs at the library. We will be reading bedtime stories and dancing in our pajamas so you can get all the wiggles out before bed.

Wed, Jul 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
This month we will be making painted wind chimes! Space is limited. Registration is required for all attendees.

Wed, Jul 09, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us for an exciting opportunity where young minds, ages 10-17, can unleash their creativity and sharpen their deduction skills by... more
Join us for an exciting opportunity where young minds, ages 10-17, can unleash their creativity and sharpen their deduction skills by helping to create an immersive Escape Room experience!

Wed, Jul 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Like to draw? Like comics and cartoons? Then this is the program for you! Join us on the second Wednesday of every month to learn new... more
Like to draw? Like comics and cartoons? Then this is the program for you! Join us on the second Wednesday of every month to learn new drawing techniques and make friends with your fellow cartoonists!

Wed, Jul 09, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Design your own Lake Station-New Chicago Branch with a blueprint, art supplies, and scaled furniture pictures.

Wed, Jul 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join our Teen Advisory Board, where you'll have the opportunity to brainstorm and share your ideas for new programs and events -... more
Join our Teen Advisory Board, where you'll have the opportunity to brainstorm and share your ideas for new programs and events - building valuable skills for your résumé in the process

Thu, Jul 10, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
This half hour lap-sit program uses songs and rhymes to foster language development.

Thu, Jul 10, 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, Jul 10, 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, Jul 10, 11:15am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The Real Reads book discussion group will read "Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune" by Anderson Cooper. Books for this... more
The Real Reads book discussion group will read "Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune" by Anderson Cooper. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch.

Thu, Jul 10, 11:15am - 12:00pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
This half hour lap-sit program uses songs and rhymes to foster language development.

Thu, Jul 10, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Join this fun tummy time activity and create a mess free work of art!

Thu, Jul 10, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Kids ages 6 months through 3 years old and their caregivers will enjoy interacting at various play stations. Playing helps children... more
Kids ages 6 months through 3 years old and their caregivers will enjoy interacting at various play stations. Playing helps children learn language, literacy, social, and other skills.

Thu, Jul 10, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Join us for this informational program on funeral and cremation planning. Local Funeral Director Carrie Evans will be the guest speaker.

Thu, Jul 10, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Don't have the space at home for your hobby? Bring it to our meeting room and have a whole rectangular table to work on (more if less... more
Don't have the space at home for your hobby? Bring it to our meeting room and have a whole rectangular table to work on (more if less people attend). This will be every 2nd Thursday for 2 hours.

Thu, Jul 10, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
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, Jul 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Kids, ages 6-11, will make some colorful concoctions and learn the science behind them! Wear old clothes. Registration begins May 1st
This event is full

Thu, Jul 10, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Create an amplifier for your cellphone speaker using common household items. Please be advised we will be using sharp cutting utensils... more
Create an amplifier for your cellphone speaker using common household items. Please be advised we will be using sharp cutting utensils in this project.

Thu, Jul 10, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of The Midnight Feast, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for July. Pick up a copy at the... more
Join the discussion of The Midnight Feast, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for July. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

Thu, Jul 10, 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, Jul 10, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room D
Teens are invited to play in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign with one of our librarians as game master!
This event is full

Thu, Jul 10, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Escape the heat & enjoy the AC and bake some heat-shrink designs for jewelry or keychains instead. Supplies provided. For ages 12-18.... more
Escape the heat & enjoy the AC and bake some heat-shrink designs for jewelry or keychains instead. Supplies provided. For ages 12-18. Registration is required.

Fri, Jul 11, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for a movie projected on the big screen!

Fri, Jul 11, 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Miles Morales catapults across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence.... more
Miles Morales catapults across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. Runtime: 136 minutes; rated: PG.

Fri, Jul 11, 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

Fri, Jul 11, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Join us for a different family film each Friday. Snacks will be provided, too!

Fri, Jul 11, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
The whole family can enjoy a fun movie at the library! Children must attend with an adult. Registration is required.  Rated PG; 120... more
The whole family can enjoy a fun movie at the library! Children must attend with an adult. Registration is required.  Rated PG; 120 minutes Registration begins May 1st.

Fri, Jul 11, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Children and their families are invited to the library every Friday this summer for a family movie, popcorn and drinks. This week we... more
Children and their families are invited to the library every Friday this summer for a family movie, popcorn and drinks. This week we will be watching Coco. Runtime 109 minutes; rated PG.

Fri, Jul 11, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us as we speed-solve the Rubik's Cube. Rubik's Cubes will be supplied at the program. Feel free to bring your own!

Sat, Jul 12, 9:00am - 11:00am
Hobart - Children's Program 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, Jul 12, 9:00am - 9:30am
Woodland Park - 1215 E 45th Ave
Young children and their families are invited to join us at Woodland Park for a storytime with books, songs, rhymes, and a guided tour... more
Young children and their families are invited to join us at Woodland Park for a storytime with books, songs, rhymes, and a guided tour through the on-site Story Walk. 

Sat, Jul 12, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Interested in any of the needle arts including knit, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us for an opportunity to chat and create.... more
Interested in any of the needle arts including knit, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us for an opportunity to chat and create. Please bring your own projects.

Sat, Jul 12, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Children ages 6 months to 3 years, and their caregivers, will enjoy interacting at various block stations. Special block stations will... more
Children ages 6 months to 3 years, and their caregivers, will enjoy interacting at various block stations. Special block stations will be available for older children.

Sat, Jul 12, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Teens, drop by to watch Spiderman: Into the Spider-verse! Part 2 (Spiderman: Across the Spider-verse) will be shown July 19th. Popcorn... more
Teens, drop by to watch Spiderman: Into the Spider-verse! Part 2 (Spiderman: Across the Spider-verse) will be shown July 19th. Popcorn and lemonade provided. For ages 12-18.