Donate to the Imagination Library

The seed money for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is provided by the Lake County Public Library Foundation and enables us to send books to thousands of kids. To expand the program to every child in LCPL school districts, though, we need your help.

Learn more about why the Imagination Library is important.

Make a Donation Online

$100 supports one child for the duration of the program. Every dollar helps - and yes, your donation is tax deductible! Why do we need donations?

(Note: A library card is not required to make a donation! We use the information on your card to send a thank you note, but you can make your donation anonymous by leaving out the library card number if you choose.)

To donate by check: Please make checks out to LCPL Gift Fund. You can bring a check to any library or mail it to 1919 W 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN, 46410 Attn: Director's Office.

We Appreciate Our Donors!

Every dollar helps! Every donor will receive a thank you card from the LCPL Foundation no matter how small the donation.

For larger donations, we have a few extras. However, we understand that many donors may wish to remain anonymnous. If you do not want public acknowledgement of your donation, just let us know!

Bronze Level

$25 - $99

A thank-you post on LCPL's Facebook page with all of that month's donors

Silver Level

$100 - $999

A thank-you post on LCPL's Facebook page with all of that month's donors
A window cling for your home, office, or vehicle
Your name in the Sponsors area of our Imagination Library web page

Gold Level

$1,000 - $9,999

Your name in the Sponsors area of our Imagination Library web page
A window cling for your home, office, or vehicle
A media release including a photo thanking you/your organization
An individual thank-you on LCPL's Facebook page

Platinum Level

$10,000+

Your name in the Co-Sponsors area of our Imagination Library web page
A window cling for your home, office, or vehicle
A media release including a photo thanking you/your organization
An individual thank-you on LCPL's Facebook page
Your logo on LCPL's Imagination Library promotional materials
Your organization's name on the digital library sign outside Merrillville Branch on Rt. 30 for 30 days

Upcoming Events

Citizenship Class

Wed, Mar 22, 10:30am - 11:30am

Merrillville - Meeting Room C

Classes to help prepare adults for the United States Immigration examination, to become legal Citizens.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 months

Wed, Mar 22, 10:30am - 10:50am

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Babies up to 23 months and their families are invited to a 20-minute lapsit program of rhymes, songs, knee bounces, and other activities... more

Babies up to 23 months and their families are invited to a 20-minute lapsit program of rhymes, songs, knee bounces, and other activities designed to foster early child development.

Off the Hook

Wed, Mar 22, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the... more

Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the company every Wednesday! All crafts are welcome.

Storytime: Ages 4-6

Wed, Mar 22, 1:30pm - 1:50pm

Munster - Children's Program Room

Join us for a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a take home craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-6.

This event is full

Homeschool Hangout (Grades K-6)

Wed, Mar 22, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A

Homeschool children are invited to attend a program exploring a STEAM topic each session. The only requirement is imagination and... more

Homeschool children are invited to attend a program exploring a STEAM topic each session. The only requirement is imagination and registration!

Teen Gaming

Wed, Mar 22, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch and board games! We provide the games...you bring your friends to join in on... more

Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch and board games! We provide the games...you bring your friends to join in on the fun! Ages 12-18.

Crochet @ Your Library

Wed, Mar 22, 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Cedar Lake - Cedar Lake Public Tables

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!

Teen Craft: Paper Quilling

Wed, Mar 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Learn to create fun shapes out of rolled construction paper! Light refreshments will be served. Ages 12-18. Registration required.

PFLAG Adult Support Group

Wed, Mar 22, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Munster

Do you, or someone you know, identify as LGBTQ+? Free monthly virtual and in-person meetings provide support, education, advocacy &... more

Do you, or someone you know, identify as LGBTQ+? Free monthly virtual and in-person meetings provide support, education, advocacy & community for families, friends, allies & those who are LGBTQ+

Kids Club: Ages 6-12 - No Sew Mini Fleece Pillows

Wed, Mar 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)

Join us and create a mini fleece pillow! This program is for children ages 6-12. Registration is required.

Tween: Minecraft Pi

Wed, Mar 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Hobart - Programming Room

Tweens and teens ages 8-15 can join us to try Minecraft Pi. Play by yourself or with others.

Teen Game Time

Wed, Mar 22, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Teens ages 12 to 18 will play video games on the Nintendo Switch. We will have games available for the group to play. Please register.

Rescheduled

PFLAG Adult Support Group

Wed, Mar 22, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

New date Wednesday, March 22, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Munster

Do you, or someone you know, identify as LGBTQ+? Free monthly virtual and in-person meetings provide support, education, advocacy &... more

Do you, or someone you know, identify as LGBTQ+? Free monthly virtual and in-person meetings provide support, education, advocacy & community for families, friends, allies & those who are LGBTQ+

Astronaut Wives Club by Lily Koppel

Wed, Mar 22, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A

Join us for a discussion of Astronaut Wives Club by Lily Koppel.

Thursday Threaders

Thu, Mar 23, 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.

To Catch a Thief - Classic Film

Thu, Mar 23, 10:30am - 12:30pm

St. John - Children's Program Room

Join us for this month's classic film To Catch a Thief directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Runtime: 1hr 40mins. Light refreshments will be... more

Join us for this month's classic film To Catch a Thief directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Runtime: 1hr 40mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Sensory Storytime

Thu, Mar 23, 10:30am - 11:00am

Hobart - Children's Program Room

Join us as we read a story and enjoy sensory supporting stations of play. Space is limited. Please register every child and adult attending.

This event is full

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Thu, Mar 23, 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.

Sensory Storytime - Additional Session

Thu, Mar 23, 11:30am - 12:00pm

Hobart - Children's Program Room

Join us as we read a story and enjoy sensory supporting stations of play. Space is limited. Please register every child and adult attending.

This event is full

The Light of Luna Park by Addison Armstrong - Munster Book Discussion

Thu, Mar 23, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion of Addison Armstrong's "The Light of Luna Park." Copies are available at the Munster branch.

Sensory Storytime - Session 2

Thu, Mar 23, 2:30pm - 3:00pm

Hobart - Children's Program Room

Join us as we read a story and enjoy sensory supporting stations of play. Space is limited. Please register every child and adult attending.

This event is full

Board Meeting

Thu, Mar 23, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Board Room

Meeting of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees

Adult Craft Night: Honey Jars

Thu, Mar 23, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Learn how to create a honey jar with a photo of your honey on it!

This event is full

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Thu, Mar 23, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room C

English Classes are for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free.

LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)

Thu, Mar 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room

In this program children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project!

Retirement Planning and Taxes

Thu, Mar 23, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)

Ray from The Society for Financial Awareness provides information about how to plan for the effects of taxation on retirement in this... more

Ray from The Society for Financial Awareness provides information about how to plan for the effects of taxation on retirement in this free, one-hour, educational session.

PJ Storytime

Thu, Mar 23, 6:30pm - 6:50pm

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Join us for bedtime stories and songs. Wear your favorite pajamas and sing along to some lullabies.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 months

Fri, Mar 24, 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.

Power Paws for Kids

Sat, Mar 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

In this program, children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Tween Geometric Canvas Art: Ages 10-13

Sat, Mar 25, 2:30pm - 3:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Tweens, ages 10 to 13, will create their own geometric canvas art with acrylic paint. Registration is required.

Virtual Family Storytime

Mon, Mar 27, 11:00am - 11:20am

Lake Station-New Chicago - Lake Station Zoom Room

This is a virtual storytime for children, ages 2-6, and their caregivers.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Mar 27, 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.

Storytime: Ages 4-5

Mon, Mar 27, 1:00pm - 1:20pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room

Storytime for kids 4-6 years old, featuring stories, music and take home craft, that help develop early literacy skills. Must register.

The Children's Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin

Mon, Mar 27, 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Based on actual oral histories of survivors, the novel follows the stories of Raina and Gerda Olsen, two sisters, both schoolteachers... more

Based on actual oral histories of survivors, the novel follows the stories of Raina and Gerda Olsen, two sisters, both schoolteachers who are affected differently by these events.

Teen Advisory Board & Game Night

Mon, Mar 27, 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)

The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you. We'll brainstorm and... more

The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you. We'll brainstorm and discuss ways to improve teen programs.

LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)

Mon, Mar 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Munster - Children's Program 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.

This event is full

Canceled

LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)

Mon, Mar 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Dyer-Schererville

In this program children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Leave... more

In this program children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Leave your creations to be featured on the next month's flyer.

Storytime: Ages 4-5

Tue, Mar 28, 10:30am - 10:50am

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Preschool-age children are invited to a 20-minute storytime session designed to foster pre-reading skills. Join us for books, music,... more

Preschool-age children are invited to a 20-minute storytime session designed to foster pre-reading skills. Join us for books, music, and a take-home craft!

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Mar 28, 10:30am - 10:50am

Munster - Children's Program Room

Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that teach... more

Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that teach early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

This event is full

Paint'n Time

Tue, Mar 28, 10:30am - 1:30pm

Hobart - Children's Program Room

Bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 months

Tue, Mar 28, 10:30am - 10:50am

Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room

In this program babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and... more

In this program babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 months

Tue, Mar 28, 10:30am - 10:50am

Highland - Children's Programming Room

In this program babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and... more

In this program babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help develop early literacy skills.

This event is full

Coloring for Adults

Tue, Mar 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Relax via this coloring for adults open session. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea while getting creative with no pressure for... more

Relax via this coloring for adults open session. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea while getting creative with no pressure for perfection. Coloring materials provided. Ages 18 and over.

New Parent & Caregiver Meet Up

Tue, Mar 28, 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 explore... 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.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 months

Tue, Mar 28, 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.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 months

Tue, Mar 28, 11:30am - 11:50am

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room

Storytime program featuring rhymes, books, music, and movement, designed to help with early literacy skills, for young children, birth -... more

Storytime program featuring rhymes, books, music, and movement, designed to help with early literacy skills, for young children, birth - 23 months with an adult caregiver. Must register in advance.

In the Land of Invisible Women by Qanta Ahmed - Fact or Fiction Book Club

Tue, Mar 28, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Join the Fact or Fiction Book Club in discussing "In the Land of Invisible Women" by Qanta Ahmed. Copies are available at the Highland... more

Join the Fact or Fiction Book Club in discussing "In the Land of Invisible Women" by Qanta Ahmed. Copies are available at the Highland Branch.

We Are Not Free by Traci Chee - Virtual Between the Lines Book Discussion

Tue, Mar 28, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Dyer-Schererville - Dyer-Schererville Zoom Room

The Between the Lines Book Club reads "We Are Not Free" by Traci Chee. Books for this Zoom discussion can be picked up at the... more

The Between the Lines Book Club reads "We Are Not Free" by Traci Chee. Books for this Zoom discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch a month prior to the event.

Teen: Adventurers Wanted! - Tabletop Role Playing Games

Tue, Mar 28, 3:30pm - 5:00pm

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 "Knave", a... more

Have you seen people playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and want to try it yourself? We will be playing the fantasy RPG "Knave", a game similar to D&D. Beginners are welcome. For ages 12-18.

Calumet Astronomical Society

Tue, Mar 28, 7:00pm - 8:15pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Come learn about the universe during the Calumet Astronomical Society meeting!

Off the Hook

Wed, Mar 29, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the... more

Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the company every Wednesday! All crafts are welcome.

Crochet @ Your Library

Wed, Mar 29, 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Cedar Lake - Cedar Lake Public Tables

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!

Pajama Storytime

Wed, Mar 29, 5:30pm - 6:00pm

Hobart - Children's Program Room

This is a storytime for preschoolers and their families. Enjoy an evening storytime with books, finger plays, and music. Feel free to... more

This is a storytime for preschoolers and their families. Enjoy an evening storytime with books, finger plays, and music. Feel free to wear pajamas!

Teen Game Time

Wed, Mar 29, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Teens ages 12 to 18 will play video games on the Nintendo Switch. We will have games available for the group to play. Please register.

Minute to Win It Challenges: (Grades K-5)

Wed, Mar 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Kids in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade will test their skill & luck with some silly challenges, such as cup stacking and pencil... more

Kids in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade will test their skill & luck with some silly challenges, such as cup stacking and pencil bouncing.

All Ability: Gaming & Coloring

Wed, Mar 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A

Join us for this program filled with games and activities. All Ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs but are... more

Join us for this program filled with games and activities. All Ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs but are open to everyone age 10+. Caretakers must stay in the room.

Preparing Your Trees for Spring and Drought Recovery - Highland Tree Board

Wed, Mar 29, 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

The meeting will be presented by a licensed arborist and following the presentation there will be a question and answer period regarding... more

The meeting will be presented by a licensed arborist and following the presentation there will be a question and answer period regarding tree care.

Thursday Threaders

Thu, Mar 30, 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.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Thu, Mar 30, 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.

We Are Not Free by Traci Chee - Between the Lines Book Discussion

Thu, Mar 30, 11:15am - 12:30pm

Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)

The Between the Lines Book Club reads "We Are Not Free" by Traci Chee. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the... more

The Between the Lines Book Club reads "We Are Not Free" by Traci Chee. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch a month prior to the event.

Genealogy Class: Beginner Genealogy

Thu, Mar 30, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

In Person Only Learn the basic concepts to start your family tree and research. This includes where do I start, what records do I need... more

In Person Only Learn the basic concepts to start your family tree and research. This includes where do I start, what records do I need and how do I put everything together.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Thu, Mar 30, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Small Group Room #2

See all events