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Principles of Access/Circulation Policy

Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Lake County Public Library - 11/22/71

Purpose

The mission of the Lake County Public Library (LCPL) is to provide the highest quality informational, educational, cultural, and recreational resources and services to residents of all ages in the Lake County Public Library District.

Principles of Access

The principles of access to library materials are embodied and expressed in the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights and its Interpretations and its Freedom to Read Statement, which have been adopted by the Trustees of the Lake County Public Library.

The Board of Trustees has established policies that foster the widest possible access to the library’s materials and services. Access will not be denied or abridged because of religious, racial, social, economic, or political status; or because of mental, emotional, or physical condition; age; or sexual orientation. The Library abides by the Americans with Disabilities Act and will endeavor to make reasonable accommodation to provide access to library materials for people with impairments.

Residents of the LCPL district are eligible for full access cards. Per IC 36-12-2-25 limited access cards are provided to any eligible individuals. The director is responsible for determining the borrowing limits, circulation rules, and guidelines for both full access and limited access cards.

The use of the library may be denied for due cause. Such cause may be failure to return library materials or to pay penalties, destruction of library property, disturbance of other patrons, or any other illegal, disruptive, or objectionable conduct on library premises.

Rights of Library Users

It is the policy of the Board of Trustees of the Lake County Public Library to insure, so far as possible, the privacy of the users of its service and not to make any inquiries into the purposes for which a patron requests information or books.

Library circulation records are for the sole purpose of protecting public property and are not to be used either directly or indirectly to identify the types of materials used by individual library patrons. Under no circumstances shall the library staff answer to a third party about what a patron of the library is reading or calling for from the library’s collections.

Furthermore, such records shall not be made available to any agency of local, state or federal government except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, local, state or federal law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigatory power.

The Board of Trustees shall resist the enforcement of any such process, order, or subpoena until such time as a proper showing of good cause has been made in a court of competent jurisdiction. Moreover, any costs incurred by the library in any search through patron records, even under a court order, shall be chargeable to the agency demanding the search.

The library uses Google Analytics to analyze website and mobile app traffic. This data is aggregated and anonymized and may not be used to identify individual behaviors. Analytics data is subject to the same confidentiality as circulation records and may not be sold to third parties. For information on your privacy when using library computers, please see the Computer Use Policy.

Responsibilities of Library Users

Card holders are responsible for all materials borrowed or accessed through their card or the cards of children (under the age of 18) for whom they have assumed responsibility. Lost cards should be reported immediately; card holders are responsible for all materials on their card up to the time that they report the card as lost.

The LCPL Board of Trustees believes that parents are responsible for guiding their children’s use of library resources. Parents may choose to monitor or limit the library use of their own child. Standards applied by a child’s parents for that child shall not be imposed on anyone else’s child.

For information relating to fines and fees for full access library cards and lost, damaged or overdue material, refer to the Fines and Fees Policy adopted by the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees.

The Lake County Public Library is a member of a variety of resource sharing consortia that provide additional access to resources and services for cardholders. Rules for access to these materials are governed by the policies of individual consortia members and may vary.

Adopted 11/22/71
Revised 01/28/82
Revised 10/28/82
Revised 05/23/85
Revised 01/22/87
Revised 04/28/88
Revised 10/27/94
Revised 12/30/97
Revised 04/22/99
Revised 6/29/17
Revised 3/25/21

Upcoming Events
Mon, Jul 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

Mon, Jul 28, 1:00pm - 1:40pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Join us for a storytime for kids 4-5 years old, featuring stories, music and craft, that help develop early literacy skills. Attendees... more
Join us for a storytime for kids 4-5 years old, featuring stories, music and craft, that help develop early literacy skills. Attendees must register.
This event is full

Mon, Jul 28, 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; 93 minute runtime.

Cancelled
Mon, Jul 28, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago
Join us for Family Game Day! Play one of our many board games or our Nintendo Switch. All games are provided. Bring your friends and... more
Join us for Family Game Day! Play one of our many board games or our Nintendo Switch. All games are provided. Bring your friends and family to join in on the fun! All ages are welcome.

Mon, Jul 28, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Ready - set - play! Compete against other players to see who is the best brawler! If you have Nintendo Switch Joycons, bring them! For... more
Ready - set - play! Compete against other players to see who is the best brawler! If you have Nintendo Switch Joycons, bring them! For ages 12-18.

Mon, Jul 28, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
In 1811, the Richmond Theater goes up in flames in the middle of a performance, four people make a series of split-second decisions... more
In 1811, the Richmond Theater goes up in flames in the middle of a performance, four people make a series of split-second decisions that will affect their own lives but also countless others.

Mon, Jul 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch Library - Upper Level
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Mon, Jul 28, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting 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?". Practice your skills with a historical escape room experience.

Mon, Jul 28, 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

Tue, Jul 29, 10:00am - 11:30am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Kids ages 6 months through 3 years old, and their caregivers, will enjoy interacting at various block play stations.

Tue, Jul 29, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.

Tue, Jul 29, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Children ages 2-3, with caregivers, will interact at various play stations. Playing helps children learn language, literacy, social, and... more
Children ages 2-3, with caregivers, will interact at various play stations. Playing helps children learn language, literacy, social, and other skills. Play also nurtures creativity. Please register.
This event is full

Tue, Jul 29, 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, Jul 29, 11:00am - 12:00pm
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, Jul 29, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Come play some board games with us! We will have a Nintendo Wii setup as well. All ability programs are geared towards adults with... more
Come play some board games with us! We will have a Nintendo Wii setup as well. All ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Registration is required.

Tue, Jul 29, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us to make a tie-dye shirt in your color of choice! Please bring your own shirt to tie-dye.

Tue, Jul 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.

Tue, Jul 29, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Come in to the library and enjoy some crafting!

Wed, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Wed, Jul 30, 1:30pm - 2:15pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Join Science Heroes on their mission to turn science into an adventure!

Wed, Jul 30, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Branch - Patio Area
Ages 6 and older can bring a plain white, pre-washed, cotton article of clothing , and maybe an adult to help. Come in during the 2 hour... more
Ages 6 and older can bring a plain white, pre-washed, cotton article of clothing , and maybe an adult to help. Come in during the 2 hour window.

Wed, Jul 30, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Children who participated in our Summer Art Series are invited to bring their families to view their masterpieces on display! Light... more
Children who participated in our Summer Art Series are invited to bring their families to view their masterpieces on display! Light refreshments provided!
Please contact the library to register for this event.

Cancelled
Wed, Jul 30, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago
Join us at the library to make a craft out of Perler beads. You can create your own design or examples will be provided. Supplies are... more
Join us at the library to make a craft out of Perler beads. You can create your own design or examples will be provided. Supplies are limited. Registration is required. Ages 12-18.

Wed, Jul 30, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Children are invited to freely create art at stations such as puffy paint, mini canvas painting, and more! Supplies are limited, first... more
Children are invited to freely create art at stations such as puffy paint, mini canvas painting, and more! Supplies are limited, first come first served!
This event is full

Wed, Jul 30, 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, Jul 30, 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 30, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Staff Meeting Room
Learn entry level photo editing skills with the free software Paint.NET.
This event is full

Wed, Jul 30, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Teens, are you a fan of anime or manga? Need an excuse to watch and talk about it more often? Then register for Anime Hangout where... more
Teens, are you a fan of anime or manga? Need an excuse to watch and talk about it more often? Then register for Anime Hangout where we'll view the anime you want. Refreshments and snacks provided.

Wed, Jul 30, 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, Jul 30, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Children (ages 12 to 17) are invited to watch episodes from an anime series. We'll also have art and craft supplies if you want to... more
Children (ages 12 to 17) are invited to watch episodes from an anime series. We'll also have art and craft supplies if you want to draw, sketch, or get creative. Snacks will be provided.  

Thu, Jul 31, 10:00am - 5:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
All ages are welcome to decorate a paper tile that will be used in a community art project. An assortment of art supplies will be... more
All ages are welcome to decorate a paper tile that will be used in a community art project. An assortment of art supplies will be available. Drop in any time between 10-5. No registration necessary.

Thu, Jul 31, 10:30am - 11:30am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Children ages 4-5, with caregivers, will interact at various play stations. Playing helps children learn language, literacy, social, and... more
Children ages 4-5, with caregivers, will interact at various play stations. Playing helps children learn language, literacy, social, and other skills. Play also nurtures creativity. Please register.
This event is full

Thu, Jul 31, 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 31, 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 31, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Branch - Patio Area
Ages 6 and older can bring a plain white, pre-washed, cotton article of clothing , and maybe an adult to help. Come in during the 2 hour... more
Ages 6 and older can bring a plain white, pre-washed, cotton article of clothing , and maybe an adult to help. Come in during the 2 hour window.

Thu, Jul 31, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Branch Library - East Parking Lot
Explore a real fire truck and beat the heat with the spray from the Schererville Fire Department's tallest and biggest hose. Bring a... more
Explore a real fire truck and beat the heat with the spray from the Schererville Fire Department's tallest and biggest hose. Bring a towel and wear your swimsuit!

Thu, Jul 31, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Pria Anand about The Mind Electric.

Thu, Jul 31, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Learn driving techniques, proven safety strategies, new traffic laws and rules of the road. Class fee is $20 for AARP members & $25 for... more
Learn driving techniques, proven safety strategies, new traffic laws and rules of the road. Class fee is $20 for AARP members & $25 for non-members.

Cancelled
Thu, Jul 31, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago
If you're up for some Minecraft fun join us for some building, exploring, and maybe even a little competition. Bring your friends, bring... more
If you're up for some Minecraft fun join us for some building, exploring, and maybe even a little competition. Bring your friends, bring your creativity, and let's make some awesome memories!

Cancelled
Thu, Jul 31, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago
Every last Thursday, meet for an hour to read, drink tea or coffee, and have casual conversations about reading.

Thu, Jul 31, 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.

Fri, Aug 01, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Drop off your favorite teddy bear or stuffy and let them spend the weekend in the library!

Fri, Aug 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us for a different family film each Friday. Snacks will be provided too!

Sat, Aug 02, 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, Aug 02, 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.

Sat, Aug 02, 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, Aug 02, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Bring your craft projects from home and join us to chat with fellow crafters while working on your project without the interruptions of... more
Bring your craft projects from home and join us to chat with fellow crafters while working on your project without the interruptions of home. All are welcome.

Mon, Aug 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.

Mon, Aug 04, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Here is an original film about multiple families and a special place they inhabit. The story travels through generations, capturing the... more
Here is an original film about multiple families and a special place they inhabit. The story travels through generations, capturing the most relatable of human experiences.

Mon, Aug 04, 2:00pm - 3:45pm
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, Aug 04, 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.

Mon, Aug 04, 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!
Registration opens Monday, July 28 2025 at 6:00pm

Tue, Aug 05, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Children's Program Room
Join us for this month's travel film about Athens. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Tue, Aug 05, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Jay Falk about The Bird Book.

Tue, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Age-appropriate, research-based safety lessons. Questions? Call Fair Haven's Jennifer Potter at (219) 961-4357. All adults attending... more
Age-appropriate, research-based safety lessons. Questions? Call Fair Haven's Jennifer Potter at (219) 961-4357. All adults attending must be accompanied by a child. All children must be with an adult.

Tue, Aug 05, 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.

Cancelled
Tue, Aug 05, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville
Come in to the Library and enjoy some crafting!

Rescheduled
Tue, Aug 05, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
New date Tuesday, August 19, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster
Come in to the Library and enjoy some crafting!

Tue, Aug 05, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
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 (14-18) are welcome.