Upcoming Foundation Events

The LCPL Foundation sponsors many special events throughout the year. Some are unique, like author visits, while others recur annually, like the Literary Tea. The Foundation is also the primary sponsor for year-round initiatives like Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in LCPL's district. Check back regularly to see what's coming up next!

Special Ticketed Event

🫖 23rd Annual LCPL Foundation Literary Tea

with special guest Leslie Goddard, bringing to life the iconic Julia Child

Merrillville Branch | April 12 | 1 PM

Tickets: $40/person.

Our annual literary tea includes a full afternoon tea with dessert catered by The Gourmet Goddess. Join us for an afternoon of good company with a performance by actress and scholar Leslie Goddard as she takes us back in time to bring to life the iconic Julia Child.

Tickets may be purchased at any LCPL location. Cash or check only. Make checks payable to LCPL Foundation.

Seating is limited! Tickets must be purchased by April 1.

For questions, please call (219) 769-3541 ext 315.

Upcoming Free Events

Early Literacy Fair

Featuring a sing-along, play-along concert with Jim Gill!

Merrillville Branch | April 26 | 1-3 PM

Get ready to read! Our Early Literacy Fair will have play areas with toys, therapy dogs, crafts, info booths, and more - all centered around preparing kids to read.

At 2 PM, musician, author, and child development specialist Jim Gill will perform a special sing-along, play-along concert - don't miss it!

The Fair is ideal for kids under 5 and parents or caregivers.

RSVP for the Early Literacy Fair

Save your seat at the concert

(You do not have to attend the Fair to attend the concert!)

Past Annual Events

November 7: Annual Fall Fundraiser: An Evening of Jazz and Wine

We enjoyed a night of jazz music by The Jeff Brown Trio and a presentation by Jeff Brown, with wine tastings from Four Corners Winery and light hors d'oeuvres.

22nd Annual Literary Tea: April 13, 2024

Our annual tea featured special guest Lynn Rymarz, who brought to life the legendary Carol Channing!

2025 Read-a-Thon
Kids read and tracked their pages to raise money for their schools and the library!

May 22: 2024 Read-a-Thon Awards Breakfast

Our top Read-a-Thon readers enjoyed a congratulatory breakfast to celebrate their achievement!

A sketch of the Reader statue

Upcoming Events

Mahjong Open Play: Ages 18 & Over

Fri, Apr 25, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

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

Join an open play Mahjong session; there is no instructor but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you... more

Join an open play Mahjong session; there is no instructor but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you have one! On-hand gaming supplies are limited. Ages 18 & over.

This event is full

Comfort Reading With a Dog - LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs

Fri, Apr 25, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Hobart Branch Library - 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 for all ages.

Kids Chess Open Play: Ages 6-18

Sat, Apr 26, 10:00am - 12:00pm

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

Children are welcome to play chess in our meeting room during this open play session! Chess boards will be provided if you don't have... more

Children are welcome to play chess in our meeting room during this open play session! Chess boards will be provided if you don't have one! There is no instructor for this class.

Early Literacy Fair

Sat, Apr 26, 10:00am - 2:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

Get ready to read! Kids 5 and under will enjoy activities designed to foster pre-reading skills, while parents will learn new ways to... more

Get ready to read! Kids 5 and under will enjoy activities designed to foster pre-reading skills, while parents will learn new ways to prepare kids to read. Toys, therapy dogs, info booths, and more!

Power Paws for Kids

Sat, Apr 26, 11:00am - 12:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

A Sing-along & Play-along Concert with Jim Gill! - Musical Games & Musical Books for Everyone to Enjoy Together

Sat, Apr 26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Merrillville Library - Room A

Get ready to sing, clap, and dance! Jim Gill’s music play creates the spirit of a family room in the concert hall and invites... more

Get ready to sing, clap, and dance! Jim Gill’s music play creates the spirit of a family room in the concert hall and invites children, parents, and grandparents to sing, dance, and play together!

Bingo at the Library!

Sat, Apr 26, 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 small prizes.

Citizenship Class

Mon, Apr 28, 10:30am - 11:30am

Merrillville - Meeting Room C

Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more... more

Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more information.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Apr 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.

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs Kip by Sara Brunsvold

Mon, Apr 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

An ambitious reporter is ready for a serious assignment but when she is assigned the menial task of writing an obituary for an... more

An ambitious reporter is ready for a serious assignment but when she is assigned the menial task of writing an obituary for an unremarkable woman, she realizes this job will change her life.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Apr 28, 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.

Teen Advisory Board & Game Night

Mon, Apr 28, 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.

Whodunit? Adult Mystery Club

Mon, Apr 28, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Hobart - Programming Room

Join us for this monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?". We... more

Join us for this monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?". We will "Hunt a Killer" while solving "The Moon Summit Mystery"!

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Mon, Apr 28, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D

Free English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Call 219-769-3541... more

Free English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Call 219-769-3541 ext. 337 for more information.

LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)

Mon, Apr 28, 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.

Art Club (Grades K-6)

Mon, Apr 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room

Each month, we will explore a different component of art and do a corresponding activity.

Toddler & Preschool Play Date

Tue, Apr 29, 10:15am - 11:30am

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Children, ages five and under, and their caregivers are invited to play toss across, bowling and mini golf. There may even be some bubbles!

This event is full

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Apr 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

New Parent & Caregiver Meet Up

Tue, Apr 29, 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... 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.

All Ability: Bird Bingo

Tue, Apr 29, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Join us as we play bird bingo and win some small prizes, while supplies last. All ability programs are geared towards adults with... more

Join us as we play bird bingo and win some small prizes, while supplies last. All ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Registration required.

Be Heart Smart Program Series

Tue, Apr 29, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Purdue Extension Lake County, in partnership with the Lake County Health Department, will be offering 4 lessons on how you can "Be Heart... more

Purdue Extension Lake County, in partnership with the Lake County Health Department, will be offering 4 lessons on how you can "Be Heart Smart". Registration is required for all sessions.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Tue, Apr 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.

Teen StarFinder

Tue, Apr 29, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Have you ever thought Dungeons & Dragons seemed like a cool game, but it should take place in space? If so, StarFinder is the game for... more

Have you ever thought Dungeons & Dragons seemed like a cool game, but it should take place in space? If so, StarFinder is the game for you! Come and enjoy Paizo's ttrpg space adventure game!

Citizenship Class

Wed, Apr 30, 10:30am - 11:30am

Merrillville - Meeting Room C

Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more... more

Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more information.

Senior Planet Ages 60+ : Introduction to AI - Presented by Indiana Univeristy Northwest CURE

Wed, Apr 30, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

This lecture will introduce some of the basic concepts around artificial intelligence. We’ll talk about how AI is being used today,... more

This lecture will introduce some of the basic concepts around artificial intelligence. We’ll talk about how AI is being used today, what its current limitations are, and how it will shape the future!

AARP Driver Safety

Wed, Apr 30, 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Learn defensive driving techniques, proven safety strategies, and new traffic laws and rules of the road during this program. This class... more

Learn defensive driving techniques, proven safety strategies, and new traffic laws and rules of the road during this program. This class is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members.

Off the Hook

Wed, Apr 30, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Bring your current craft project and join the conversation!

Financial Literacy Month: Banking Services - Centier to You

Wed, Apr 30, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Hobart - Programming Room

April is Financial Literacy Month! Centier Bank associates will be offering a series of four classes on: 1) Spending & Saving 2)... more

April is Financial Literacy Month! Centier Bank associates will be offering a series of four classes on: 1) Spending & Saving 2) Financial Recovery 3) Understanding Your Paycheck 4) Banking Services

Kids Discovery Hour (Grades K-6)

Wed, Apr 30, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

St. John - Children's Program Room

Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include Lego, art projects, movies, and... more

Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include Lego, art projects, movies, and more! No registration required.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Wed, Apr 30, 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.

May Day Eve Basket Weave Craft: Ages 6-11

Wed, Apr 30, 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Join us to learn how to make a basket out of paper!

Crochet @ Your Library

Wed, Apr 30, 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!

Teen Game Night

Wed, Apr 30, 5:00pm - 6:30pm

Hobart - Large Meeting Room

Teens are welcome to join us for an evening of gaming, board games, and puzzles! Test your skills and get ready for a night of great... more

Teens are welcome to join us for an evening of gaming, board games, and puzzles! Test your skills and get ready for a night of great vibes and unforgettable moments!

Teen Dessert Kabobs

Wed, Apr 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Teens will make dessert kabobs using cake, donuts, fruit, and more! Ages 12-18. Registration required.

3D Printing with the Libratory - See and Learn How 3D Printing Works at the Library

Wed, Apr 30, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Merrillville - The Libratory

Walk through the 3D printing process at the Library - including printing your own take home token!

This event is full

Genealogy and DNA 101

Wed, Apr 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.

Crafters Gathering

Thu, May 01, 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 during this program.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Thu, May 01, 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.

Thursday Threaders

Thu, May 01, 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.

Water Safety Class

Thu, May 01, 10:30am - 11:30am

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Join us for an informational water safety class in partnership with the YMCA!

Storytime: Ages 4-6

Thu, May 01, 10:30am - 11:15am

Highland - Children's Programming Room

This is a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that promote pre-reading skills for children ages 4-6. ... more

This is a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that promote pre-reading skills for children ages 4-6. Please register all attending.

Homeschool Hangout

Thu, May 01, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room

Elementary aged homeschool students are invited to join us for a unique project each month.

This event is full

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Thu, May 01, 11:00am - 11:30am

Hobart - Children's Program Room

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

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

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Thu, May 01, 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 2-3

Thu, May 01, 11:30am - 12:15pm

Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room

Toddlers ages 2 and 3, accompanied by a caregiver, will participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help... more

Toddlers ages 2 and 3, accompanied by a caregiver, will participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help to develop important pre-literacy skills.

This event is full

The Ghost Orchid by Jonathan Kellerman - Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club

Thu, May 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Join the discussion of The Ghost Orchid by Jonathan Kellerman, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for May. Pick... more

Join the discussion of The Ghost Orchid by Jonathan Kellerman, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for May. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

Teen Homeschool Hangout: STEM Edition

Thu, May 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Youth (ages 10-17) are invited to register and attend this event where we will be doing various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering... more

Youth (ages 10-17) are invited to register and attend this event where we will be doing various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities.

This event is full

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Thu, May 01, 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.

PreTeen D&D Fantasy Quest - Ages: 8-12

Thu, May 01, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Join us on our journey! This is a family friendly Dungeons and Dragons campaign for preteens. We will be using Heroes of Sol'an - 5th... more

Join us on our journey! This is a family friendly Dungeons and Dragons campaign for preteens. We will be using Heroes of Sol'an - 5th edition. New players are welcome.

Teen Craft: Dip Dye Paper

Thu, May 01, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

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

Got leftover Easter egg dye? Come on by to use that and watercolors to dip-dye paper and paper towels!

Power Paws for Kids

Thu, May 01, 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.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Thu, May 01, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D

Free English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Call 219-769-3541... more

Free English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Call 219-769-3541 ext. 337 for more information.

Dungeons and Dragons for Adults

Thu, May 01, 6:00pm - 8:15pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Join us for our next D&D campaign for adults! No experience is necessary, and we'll provide everything you need.

Stitch'n Time

Sat, May 03, 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.

Keep Me In Stitches

Sat, May 03, 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.

Yoga & Breathing

Sat, May 03, 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.

Reading to the Dogs - Love on a Leash

Sat, May 03, 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.

School Age Career Fair (Grades K-12)

Sat, May 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room,Large Meeting Room

Join us at the Lake Station-New Chicago Library to learn about the different careers in our community. Children can ask questions to the... more

Join us at the Lake Station-New Chicago Library to learn about the different careers in our community. Children can ask questions to the various vendors from bank tellers to policemen.

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope - May the Fourth be with You on the Third

Sat, May 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Come and see the original Star Wars movie: New Hope. Popcorn and space treats will be available.

Teen Gaming: Mario Kart

Sat, May 03, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

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

Teens, join us to play Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch. Bring your own joy-con controllers if you have them!

See all events