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. Check back regularly to see what's coming up next!

Past Events

May 10: 2023 Read-a-Thon Awards Breakfast

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

21st Annual Literary Tea: April 15, 2023

Featuring a presentation by writer, actress, artist, & singer Cory Goodrich.

2023 Read-a-Thon
Kids read and tracked their pages to raise money for their schools and the library!

A sketch of the Reader statue

Upcoming Events

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

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.

Winter Luminary DIY: Ages 18 and Up

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.

Speedcubing

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.

Saturday Crafting: Holiday Crafts

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.

This event is full

Rescheduled

The Apartment

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.

Building Blocks to Literacy

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.

Teen Craft: Northern Lights Painting

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.

A Claus for Celebration: Ages 4-6 - Stories and Craft with Mrs. Claus

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!

Oral History Project - The New Chicago Chronicles

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.

Family Holiday Bingo

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

The Apartment

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.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

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.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

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.

International Film: Fear

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.

Storytime: Ages 4-5

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.

Storytime: Ages 4-5

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.

LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)

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.

Pajama Storytime: Ages 2-6

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!

Adults Get Crafty: Spinning Yarn

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!

Teen Book Tea

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.

Teen Craft: DIY Ornaments

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.

Storytime: Ages 4-6

Tue, Dec 12, 10:15am - 10:45am

St. John - Children's Program Room

This is a 30 minute program for children, ages 4-6, and their caregiver(s). We will read books, sing songs, and take home a craft!

Storytime: Ages 4-5

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:00am

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Preschool-age children are invited to a 45 - 60 minute storytime session designed to foster pre-reading skills. Join us for books,... more

Preschool-age children are invited to a 45 - 60 minute storytime session designed to foster pre-reading skills. Join us for books, music, and an in-person craft!

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:00am

Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room

For this storytime children 2 & 3 years of age, and their caregivers, are invited to a toddler storytime featuring age appropriate... more

For this storytime children 2 & 3 years of age, and their caregivers, are invited to a toddler storytime featuring age appropriate stories, fingerplays, and songs that teach early literacy skills.

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:00am

Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room

This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, and music that teach early... more

This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, and music that teach early literacy skills. Includes in-house craft. Attendees must register.

This event is full

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:15am

Munster - Children's Program Room

This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music that teach early literacy... more

This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music that teach early literacy skills. In person craft time will follow the storytime.

This event is full

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:00am

Highland - 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 promote early literacy skills.

This event is full

Paint'n Time

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 1:30pm

Hobart - Children's Program Room,Large Meeting Room

Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Dec 12, 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.

This event is full

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Dec 12, 11:30am - 12:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room

Babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, and movement designed to help... more

Babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Teen Homeschool Hangout

Tue, Dec 12, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Homeschool teens get together for fun activities. Art, crafts, STEM, games - each month we'll do something different. In December we'll... more

Homeschool teens get together for fun activities. Art, crafts, STEM, games - each month we'll do something different. In December we'll make salt dough ornaments! Please Register.

Storytime: Ages 4-6

Tue, Dec 12, 1:30pm - 2:15pm

Munster - Children's Program Room

Join us for a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and an in person craft that teach pre-reading skills. This... more

Join us for a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and an in person craft that teach pre-reading skills. This program is for kids 4 to 6 years of age and their caregivers.

Everything Beautiful in Its Time by Jenna Bush Hager - Circle of Readers Book Discussion

Tue, Dec 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Join our Circle of Readers as they discuss Everything Beautiful in Its Time by Jenna Bush Hager.

Friends of the Library Meeting

Tue, Dec 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Merrillville - Board Room

The Friends of LCPL will host their bi-monthly meeting.

All Ability: Holiday Door Decor

Tue, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

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

Join us and create a festive holiday or winter design for hanging. All Ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs.... more

Join us and create a festive holiday or winter design for hanging. All Ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Registration required.

This event is full

Teen Alphabet Club - GSA/LGBTQ+ Teens & Allies Support and Discussion Group

Tue, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

We are proud to be hosting a support, education, & social space for LGBTQ+ teens & their allies. Teens (12-18) are welcome.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Wed, Dec 13, 10:30am - 11:00am

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Babies, up to 23 months, and their families are invited to a 30-minute lap-sit program of rhymes, songs, knee bounces, and other... more

Babies, up to 23 months, and their families are invited to a 30-minute lap-sit program of rhymes, songs, knee bounces, and other activities designed to foster early child development.

This event is full

Caregivers & Coffee Hour

Wed, Dec 13, 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.

Off the Hook

Wed, Dec 13, 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.

Homeschool Hangout (Grades K-6)

Wed, Dec 13, 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!

Storytime: Ages 4-6

Wed, Dec 13, 2:30pm - 3:15pm

Hobart - Children's Program Room

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

Teen Gaming

Wed, Dec 13, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii and board games! We provide the games...you bring your friends... more

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

Crochet @ Your Library

Wed, Dec 13, 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!

The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams

Wed, Dec 13, 5:30pm - 6:45pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Join the Page Turners as we discuss "The Secret, Book & Scone Society" by Ellery Adams. Books will be available at the St. John Branch... more

Join the Page Turners as we discuss "The Secret, Book & Scone Society" by Ellery Adams. Books will be available at the St. John Branch circulation desk.

Miniature Painting for Beginners

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room D

Learn to paint miniatures for your favorite RPG or tabletop wargame! Bring your brushes if you have them. Basic materials and a... more

Learn to paint miniatures for your favorite RPG or tabletop wargame! Bring your brushes if you have them. Basic materials and a 3D-printed miniature will be provided.

This event is full

Teen Art Studio

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Teens, ages 12 to 18, are welcome to bring their art or writing projects to work on and share with other teens. Supplies for making... more

Teens, ages 12 to 18, are welcome to bring their art or writing projects to work on and share with other teens. Supplies for making crafts will be provided. Please register.

All Ability: Decorated Mugs

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

This month we will be decorating mugs for Christmas. Space is limited. Registration is required for all attendees.

This event is full

Play Reading - Presented by New Chicago Parks and the 219 Project

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

New Chicago Parks and the 219 Project will present a play reading. All are welcome!

Power Paws for Kids

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Merrillville Library - Children's Department

All children and their families are invited to come and read to certified therapy dogs.

Thursday Threaders

Thu, Dec 14, 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.

A Christmas Carol - Classic Film

Thu, Dec 14, 10:30am - 12:00pm

St. John - Children's Program Room

Join us for this month's classic film A Christmas Carol directed by Brian Desmond Hurst. Runtime: 1hr 26mins. Light refreshments will be... more

Join us for this month's classic film A Christmas Carol directed by Brian Desmond Hurst. Runtime: 1hr 26mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Create Your Own Paper Crafts (FEE)

Thu, Dec 14, 10:30am - 12:30pm

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

Paper crafter Corie Kaz will be hosting a series of classes on how to make various paper crafts. This class costs $10.00 to attend and... more

Paper crafter Corie Kaz will be hosting a series of classes on how to make various paper crafts. This class costs $10.00 to attend and includes most necessary materials. Please bring your own glue.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Thu, Dec 14, 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.

Teen Gaming - Nintendo Switch

Thu, Dec 14, 3:30pm - 5:30pm

Hobart - Children's Program Room,Programming Room

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!

Holiday Houses - Turn Your Tissue Box Into Something Festive!

Thu, Dec 14, 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

We will be transforming tissue boxes into mini holiday houses with construction paper, fabric, and other supplies on hand. Participants... more

We will be transforming tissue boxes into mini holiday houses with construction paper, fabric, and other supplies on hand. Participants will need to bring their own tissue box.

Family Holiday Craft & Story Night

Thu, Dec 14, 6:00pm - 7:15pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Come enjoy some hot chocolate, pine cone crafting and some holiday cheer! Special guest award-winning children's book author Kathleen... more

Come enjoy some hot chocolate, pine cone crafting and some holiday cheer! Special guest award-winning children's book author Kathleen Doherty will read her book!

This event is full

Keep Me in Stitches

Sat, Dec 16, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Interested in any of the needle arts including knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us each month for an opportunity to chat... more

Interested in any of the needle arts including knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us each month for an opportunity to chat and create. Bring your own projects.

Power Paws for Kids

Sat, Dec 16, 11:00am - 12:00pm

DS: Children's Area - Children's Area

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

Craft and Chat

Sat, Dec 16, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

Bring your craft projects from home and join us to chat with fellow crafters while working on your project without the interruptions of... more

Bring your craft projects from home and join us to chat with fellow crafters while working on your project without the interruptions of home. All are welcome.

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