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Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Logo

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
Sat, Dec 02, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials.... more
Create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials. Class begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.
Registration is now closed

Sat, Dec 02, 10:00am - 10:30am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Children, ages birth to 6 years old, and their families, are invited to join us for a 30-minute storytime with books, music, and fun!

Sat, Dec 02, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room,Large Meeting Room
Join us and bring your current projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) for an opportunity to chat and create! Other... more
Join us and bring your current projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) for an opportunity to chat and create! Other attendees would be happy to instruct on crochet as needed.

Sat, Dec 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, Dec 02, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Teens and families are invited to watch the classic movie "Home Alone!" Popcorn and lemonade will be provided. This movie is rated PG... more
Teens and families are invited to watch the classic movie "Home Alone!" Popcorn and lemonade will be provided. This movie is rated PG and is 1 hour 43 minutes long. Please register.
Registration is now closed

Mon, Dec 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, Dec 04, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
A reclusive romance novelist on a book tour with her cover model gets swept up in a kidnapping attempt that lands them both in a... more
A reclusive romance novelist on a book tour with her cover model gets swept up in a kidnapping attempt that lands them both in a cutthroat jungle adventure. PG13; 1hr52min

Mon, Dec 04, 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.

Rescheduled
Mon, Dec 04, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
New date Wednesday, December 06, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp
Teens in 6th-12th grades are invited to join the NWI Chess Club. Please register and bring your own board.

Mon, Dec 04, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12.... more
Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12. Please register.

Mon, Dec 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room,Munster Zoom Room
Teens get volunteer hours! Help plan programs and projects at the library. Interested teens, ages 11 - 17, can attend. Zoom available.

Mon, Dec 04, 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, Dec 04, 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. Snacks will be provided. Ages... more
Teens are invited to help the Highland branch create projects and programs that you would like to attend. Snacks will be provided. Ages 12 – 18.

Mon, Dec 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Come on down to the library to play games on the Switch! We have Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, and more! Must... more
Come on down to the library to play games on the Switch! We have Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, and more! Must register! Ages 11-17. If you have your own joycons, bring them!

Tue, Dec 05, 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, Dec 05, 10:15am - 10:45am
St. John - Children's Program Room
This is a 30 minute program for toddlers, ages 2-3, with their caregiver(s). We will read books, sing songs, and take home a craft!
This event is full

Tue, Dec 05, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join us for this month's travel film about Colorado. Runtime: 52mins. Please register.

Tue, Dec 05, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Children, ages 2-3, and their caregivers are invited to a 30 - 45 minute storytime session. Join us for books, music, and an in-person... more
Children, ages 2-3, and their caregivers are invited to a 30 - 45 minute storytime session. Join us for books, music, and an in-person craft, all designed to foster pre-reading skills.

Tue, Dec 05, 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 help develop early... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft that help develop early literacy skills. Please register all attending.
This event is full

Tue, Dec 05, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Children's Department
Join your fellow caregivers after toddler and baby storytime for a cup of coffee and some conversation. Storytime attendance is not... more
Join your fellow caregivers after toddler and baby storytime for a cup of coffee and some conversation. Storytime attendance is not required.

Tue, Dec 05, 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, Dec 05, 11:15am - 11:45am
St. John - Children's Program Room
This is a 30 minute program for toddlers, ages 2-3, with their caregiver(s). We will read books, sing songs, and take home a craft!

Tue, Dec 05, 11:30am - 12:15pm
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, Dec 05, 11:30am - 12:00pm
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, Dec 05, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Children, ages 6-11, bring your creativity and we will provide various supplies for you to make Holiday cards for family and friends.... more
Children, ages 6-11, bring your creativity and we will provide various supplies for you to make Holiday cards for family and friends. Please register. Registration ends one day before program.

Tue, Dec 05, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for a yoga program. Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good... more
Join us for a yoga program. Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Wed, Dec 06, 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.

Wed, Dec 06, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
The Basement Bunch with Debbie Rodriguez will be hosting a series of classes on how to make greeting cards.

Wed, Dec 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Kids in grades K-6 are invited to do some festive STEM activities.

Wed, Dec 06, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Come in your holiday gear for green screen holiday photos, enjoy our hot cocoa bar, try out a scavenger hunt & pick out a few craft kits... more
Come in your holiday gear for green screen holiday photos, enjoy our hot cocoa bar, try out a scavenger hunt & pick out a few craft kits to take home.

Wed, Dec 06, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake - Cedar Lake Public Tables
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or... more
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or bring along a project you're already working on!

Wed, Dec 06, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - 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.

Wed, Dec 06, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens in 6th-12th grades are invited to join the NWI Chess Club. Please register and bring your own board.

Wed, Dec 06, 5:45pm - 6:45pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room,Programming Room
Earn volunteer hours while helping us plan teen programming and services. For grades 6-12.

Wed, Dec 06, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room D
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, Dec 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Kids, it's your turn to be one of Santa's Elves and make some toys! Kids and their families are invited to make an elf hat and toys and... more
Kids, it's your turn to be one of Santa's Elves and make some toys! Kids and their families are invited to make an elf hat and toys and have hot cocoa and cookies. Please register.
This event is full

Thu, Dec 07, 10:15am - 10:45am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music,... 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

Thu, Dec 07, 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, Dec 07, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room A
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas... more
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas with other crafters in this twice-monthly club.

Thu, Dec 07, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
For this storytime babies and toddlers will participate in stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and music activities designed to... more
For this storytime babies and toddlers will participate in stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and music activities designed to enhance important pre-literacy skills.

Thu, Dec 07, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that promote pre-reading skills for kids 4-6. Please register all... more
Storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that promote pre-reading skills for kids 4-6. Please register all planning to attend.

Thu, Dec 07, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Elementary aged homeschool students are invited to join us for a unique art or STEM project each month.
This event is full

Thu, Dec 07, 11:00am - 11:45am
Hobart - 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.

Thu, Dec 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.

Thu, Dec 07, 11:15am - 11:45am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music,... 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.

Thu, Dec 07, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
Program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities.... more
Program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help to develop important pre-literacy skills.
This event is full

Thu, Dec 07, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of "Fallen", which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for December. Pick up a copy at the Highland... more
Join the discussion of "Fallen", which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for December. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

Thu, Dec 07, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us on our journey: Heroes of Sol'an, 5th edition family friendly Dungeons and Dragons campaign for preteens. New players welcome.

Thu, Dec 07, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Join us as we craft a bag using plastic grocery store bags!

Thu, Dec 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster Children's area
In this program children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer. Please register all... more
In this program children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer. Please register all those planning to attend.  

Fri, Dec 08, 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.

Fri, Dec 08, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Let's get festive & create a DIY Winter Luminary to take home! Registration required! Program is for adults 18 and over.

Fri, Dec 08, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us as we speed solve Rubik's Cube puzzles. All skill levels are welcome. Rubik's Cubes are supplied.

Sat, Dec 09, 10:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Decorate a small wreath and make a set of four holiday cards. All materials will be provided. Space is limited. Registration is required.

Rescheduled
Sat, Dec 09, 10:00am - 12:00pm
New date Saturday, December 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp
Join us for a movie! A man trying to rise in his company, lets executives use his apartment for trysts, but complications and a romance... more
Join us for a movie! A man trying to rise in his company, lets executives use his apartment for trysts, but complications and a romance of his own ensue. Runtime 125 minutes.

Sat, Dec 09, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Kids ages 6 months through 3 years old, and their caregivers, will enjoy interacting at various block play stations. Special blocks... more
Kids ages 6 months through 3 years old, and their caregivers, will enjoy interacting at various block play stations. Special blocks for older kids will also be available on high tables.

Sat, Dec 09, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens, ages 12 to 18, will be instructed in painting on canvas with acrylic paint. Registration is required: seats are limited for this... more
Teens, ages 12 to 18, will be instructed in painting on canvas with acrylic paint. Registration is required: seats are limited for this small class.

Sat, Dec 09, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
In this program, Mrs. Claus will read stories to preschool-age children and help them make a festive craft!

Sat, Dec 09, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Long term residents of New Chicago & Lake Station will be invited to share their personal recollections of living in the area. The... more
Long term residents of New Chicago & Lake Station will be invited to share their personal recollections of living in the area. The public is invited to attend and participate.

Sat, Dec 09, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Families are invited to play Holiday Bingo with us! Prizes for all ages are available. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served.... more
Families are invited to play Holiday Bingo with us! Prizes for all ages are available. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Registration is required for all attendees. Registration closes Dec. 8.
This event is full

Sat, Dec 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us for a movie! A man trying to rise in his company, lets executives use his apartment for trysts, but complications and a romance... more
Join us for a movie! A man trying to rise in his company, lets executives use his apartment for trysts, but complications and a romance of his own ensue. Runtime 125 minutes.

Mon, Dec 11, 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, Dec 11, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband―and of the therapist... more
The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband―and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive.

Mon, Dec 11, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join us for an international film. Adults only. Bulgarian with English subtitles. 100 Minutes. Registration required.

Mon, Dec 11, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-5. The craft... more
This is a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-5. The craft will be done in house. Please plan accordingly.

Mon, Dec 11, 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.

Mon, Dec 11, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Children (completed grades K-5) are invited to free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project.

Mon, Dec 11, 5:30pm - 6:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program for preschoolers and their families. Enjoy an evening storytime with books, finger plays, and music. Feel... more
This is a storytime program for preschoolers and their families. Enjoy an evening storytime with books, finger plays, and music. Feel free to wear pajamas!

Mon, Dec 11, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room,Large Meeting Room
Join us as we spin yarn using a drop spindle and wool roving. Please register!

Mon, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room,Munster Zoom Room
Teens let's spill about books! Each month we'll read and talk about a different book. In December we're reading Truly Devious by Maureen... more
Teens let's spill about books! Each month we'll read and talk about a different book. In December we're reading Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson. Pick up @ Munster Branch.

Mon, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Create some ornaments using pipe cleaners, pom-poms, wrapping paper, and more! Ages 12-18. Registration required.