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Friends of the Lake County Public Library

We are an independent, nonprofit citizens' organization dedicated to assisting in the development of the Lake County Public Library into one of the finest community libraries.

For example, did you know that LCPL's Summer Reading events wouldn't happen if it wasn't for the Friends of the Library? The Friends support LCPL events by covering supply costs and speaker fees so we're able to hold amazing programs and invite presenters to the library - which helps everyone in Lake County learn new things and expand their horizons!

Fellowship with other library Friends

Raise funds in support of the library

Invest in Lake County Public Library's future

Encourage gifts, endowments, and memorials

Nurture knowledge of the library

Develop library services & special community programs

Stimulate public support

Support the Friends

There are many ways you can support the Friends of the Library and Summer Reading!

Visit the book sale room or the sale racks at the branches. We also hold an annual book sale with many more items. All proceeds from these sales go to the Friends.

And of course you can always join the Friends!

Join the Friends!

Why We Need You:

  • LCPL's Summer Reading Challenge is 100% funded by the Friends of the Library! The Friends wisely use membership fees and donations to sponsor fun programs and classes, as well as prizes.

  • FRIENDS contribute to the acquisition of books, video and audio materials, equipment, and other library materials for the entire community.

  • The FRIENDS, by spreading knowledge of the Library, will enlarge its place in Lake County's cultural, civic, scientific and business life, and increase its daily use in the community.

  • FRIENDS encourage gifts of books and special collections to the Lake County Public Library which would be lost to the public were it not for your support.

Being a FRIEND Has Benefits!

Your FRIENDS organization runs an in-house Book Sale Room, open five days a week. Our annual book sales enrich library resources and secure library equipment for purposes of public use and enjoyment. Friends get early access to the annual Fall Book Sale!

Membership dues to the FRIENDS, as well as monetary gifts and book contributions, are deductible for income tax purposes.

Another -- more personal -- benefit of being a FRIEND, is the opportunity to meet other Lake County Public Library patrons who are equally interested in supporting the Library.

The quality of our Library depends on your participation. Your support will ensure continued quality library service.

Be a FRIEND and Join Today!!

If you would like to be a FRIEND, stop by the library to pick up the membership form or download the form and mail it to:

Lake County Public Library
1919 W 81st Ave
Merrillville, Indiana
46410

2023 Friends Officers

President:
  Kathy Mikulich
Vice President:
  Teresa Tressler
Secretary:
   Jennifer LeRose
Treasurer:
   Jennifer Burnison

Download the Membership Form

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.
See all events