Skip to main content
close
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

Calendar reminder - don't forget when your items are due!

Fines & Fees at Lake County Public Library

Overdue fines do not apply to most items!

We are pleased to say that less than 2% of our items become overdue. Thank you! 

Other fines and fees exist at the library to help ensure that everyone gets the items they want in a timely fashion.

Printing: $0.05/page

Overdue Fines: 
We are predominantly fine-free! Most items do not accrue daily overdue fines and will only generate a fine if lost (see Lost Item Fee below).

Only the following items will still accrue overdue fines to ensure their timely return:

  • Bestseller Express
  • Interlibrary Loan
  • Book Club to Go Kits
  • Video Game Consoles
  • Video Games 
Daily Fine: $1.00 (max $10.00)

If overdue fines are preventing you from using the library, please let us know so we can help.

Lost Item (aka Replacement Cost) Fee:
A lost item is any item that has been overdue for more than 14 days or is reported lost by the borrower. The fee is the original retail price at the time of purchase.

Lost items may not be replaced by the patron in lieu of paying the fee. However, if the item is later found, we are happy to reimburse the lost item fee minus any overdue charges.

A lost item on your record will prevent you from checking out additional physical items (but not digital ones!) until the fee is paid or the item is returned.

Upcoming Events
Thu, Apr 25, 10:30am - 12:30pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join us for this month's classic film, Casablanca. Runtime: 1 hr 40 mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Thu, Apr 25, 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, Apr 25, 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, Apr 25, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Meeting Room A
All Ability: Hangout is a program designed for adults with special needs. Each session we will read picture books and do an activity... more
All Ability: Hangout is a program designed for adults with special needs. Each session we will read picture books and do an activity centered around a theme. Caretakers must stay in the room.

Thu, Apr 25, 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

Thu, Apr 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Thu, Apr 25, 11:15am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The Between the Lines Book Club reads From Scratch by Tembi Locke. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville... more
The Between the Lines Book Club reads From Scratch by Tembi Locke. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch a month prior to the event.

Thu, Apr 25, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A,Merrillville Zoom Room
Join us for a genealogy program. Amanda Aguilera from the Hammond Public Library in Lake County, Indiana will be our in person speaker. ... more
Join us for a genealogy program. Amanda Aguilera from the Hammond Public Library in Lake County, Indiana will be our in person speaker. Join via Zoom as well.

Thu, Apr 25, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion of Michelle Zauner's "Crying in H Mart." Copies are available at the Munster branch.

Thu, Apr 25, 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.

Thu, Apr 25, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
Meeting of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees

Thu, Apr 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
English classes are for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free.

Thu, Apr 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Children may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be photographed and... more
Children may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be photographed and displayed on the next month's flyer!

Thu, Apr 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Create a miniature fairy garden at our next Adult Craft Night! All materials will be provided, but bring your own miniatures if you... more
Create a miniature fairy garden at our next Adult Craft Night! All materials will be provided, but bring your own miniatures if you like. Miniatures can be purchased from Amazon or Dollar Tree.
This event is full

Thu, Apr 25, 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us for bedtime stories and songs. Wear your favorite pajamas and sing along to some lullabies. PJs are encouraged but not required.

Fri, Apr 26, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Learn about financial literacy during these three class sessions featuring Misty De La Cruz from First Financial Bank.

Fri, Apr 26, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Children and their caregivers will enjoy interacting at various block play stations for an hour of block play and learning.

Fri, Apr 26, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart Branch - Children's Area
Meet and read to a local LCC K-9 comfort dog and its handler. LCC K-9 comfort dogs show kindness and calm to people throughout the... more
Meet and read to a local LCC K-9 comfort dog and its handler. LCC K-9 comfort dogs show kindness and calm to people throughout the community and beyond, making them excellent listeners.

Sat, Apr 27, 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.

Sat, Apr 27, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to play Bingo! All ages are welcome to play. Winners will be able to choose from a variety of books for a prize.

Sat, Apr 27, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us for a trivia competition! Work in teams or individually to answer general knowledge, history, and pop culture questions to... more
Join us for a trivia competition! Work in teams or individually to answer general knowledge, history, and pop culture questions to become a Library Trivia CHAMPION!!! Please register.

Mon, Apr 29, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
This program aims to help adults prepare to pass the Citizenship test in Chicago-USCIS.

Mon, Apr 29, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
A series of four programs hosted by Linda Curely of Purdue University designed to help with early detection, support, and assistance for... more
A series of four programs hosted by Linda Curely of Purdue University designed to help with early detection, support, and assistance for those with Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia.

Mon, Apr 29, 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, Apr 29, 1:00pm - 1:45pm
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, Apr 29, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
A group of older women are looking to retire from an elite network of assassins but before they can retire, they find out that they are... more
A group of older women are looking to retire from an elite network of assassins but before they can retire, they find out that they are marked for death.

Mon, Apr 29, 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.

Mon, Apr 29, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
English classes are for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free.

Mon, Apr 29, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us for a game night for the grown ups. We will have board games and the Nintendo Switch. Every last Monday of the month.

Mon, Apr 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
April is Financial Literacy Month! Centier Bank associates will be offering a series of four classes on: 1) Budgeting & Savings, 2)... more
April is Financial Literacy Month! Centier Bank associates will be offering a series of four classes on: 1) Budgeting & Savings, 2) Credit & Paying Down Debt, 3) Homeownership, and 4) Retirement.

Mon, Apr 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Inviting teens, ages 12 - 18, to LEGO® and Board Game Night. Stop in to build your own LEGO® creation or pick a board game to play... more
Inviting teens, ages 12 - 18, to LEGO® and Board Game Night. Stop in to build your own LEGO® creation or pick a board game to play instead. Snacks will be provided. Registration required.

Tue, Apr 30, 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, Apr 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come celebrate springtime with a toddler play date. Toys and games such as bowling, toss across and mini golf will be available for... more
Come celebrate springtime with a toddler play date. Toys and games such as bowling, toss across and mini golf will be available for children ages birth to three years old and their caregivers.
This event is full

Tue, Apr 30, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Stories, fingerplays, music, related activities and a craft are all included this this storytime for children and their family members.

Tue, Apr 30, 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.

Tue, Apr 30, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
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, Apr 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Learn about how and why presidents use directives like executive orders to create and impact public policy from Associate Professor Yu... more
Learn about how and why presidents use directives like executive orders to create and impact public policy from Associate Professor Yu Ouyang of Purdue Northwest.

Tue, Apr 30, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
During this session you will get some of the basics on what to expect when "cutting the cord" to cable. What are the pros and cons? What... more
During this session you will get some of the basics on what to expect when "cutting the cord" to cable. What are the pros and cons? What are some costs to expect? Please register.
This event is full

Wed, May 01, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
This class aims to help adults prepare to take the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS office.

Wed, May 01, 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, May 01, 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, May 01, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
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, May 01, 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Families can join for stories in Spanish and English!

Wed, May 01, 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.

Wed, May 01, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us on 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 on 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, May 01, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Each week, we will explore a different component of art and do a corresponding activity. This is a 6 week program; sign up for all or... more
Each week, we will explore a different component of art and do a corresponding activity. This is a 6 week program; sign up for all or choose individual sessions to attend.
This event is full

Thu, May 02, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
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, May 02, 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, May 02, 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, May 02, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that support pre-reading skills for kids 4 - 6.

Thu, May 02, 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, May 02, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that... more
This is a 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, May 02, 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, May 02, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of Triple Cross, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for May. Pick up a copy at the Highland... more
Join the discussion of Triple Cross, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for May. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

Thu, May 02, 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, May 02, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
English classes are for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free.

Thu, May 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster Branch Library - 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.

Sat, May 04, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Join us with your current projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and create! Bring your own supplies, and... more
Join us with your current projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and create! Bring your own supplies, and other attendees would be happy to instruct on crochet as needed.

Sat, May 04, 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, May 04, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join us and create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all... more
Join us and 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.

Sat, May 04, 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, May 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Jantina Anderson will be speaking on race-based hair discrimination experienced by Black women and girls, and how it perpetuates racism.... more
Jantina Anderson will be speaking on race-based hair discrimination experienced by Black women and girls, and how it perpetuates racism. Anderson appears courtesy of a grant from Indiana Humanities.

Sat, May 04, 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, May 04, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Come enjoy Star Wars with us! Watch a movie, make an origami Millennium Falcon, and decorate a cake pop Death Star! The first families... more
Come enjoy Star Wars with us! Watch a movie, make an origami Millennium Falcon, and decorate a cake pop Death Star! The first families to arrive will also receive a 3d printed Baby Yoda!

Sat, May 04, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Come celebrate May the Fourth by viewing Solo: A Star Wars Story, make a Chewbacca craft, and other activity sheets. Snacks will be... more
Come celebrate May the Fourth by viewing Solo: A Star Wars Story, make a Chewbacca craft, and other activity sheets. Snacks will be provided.