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.

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.

  • The FRIENDS sponsor LCPL's 1000 Books Before Kindergarten reading challenge.

  • 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
Mon, Jul 29, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Families are welcome to bring a picnic-style lunch and enjoy a movie at the library each Monday during Summer Reading. Rated PG; 105... more
Families are welcome to bring a picnic-style lunch and enjoy a movie at the library each Monday during Summer Reading. Rated PG; 105 minute runtime.

Mon, Jul 29, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Bring the whole family! The room will be lighter, the volume will be lower, and audience members can move around, talk, and sing. Snacks... more
Bring the whole family! The room will be lighter, the volume will be lower, and audience members can move around, talk, and sing. Snacks are welcome! Rated PG; 87 minute runtime.

Mon, Jul 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Teens & Tweens (9-17 years old) try to build the tallest, fastest, coolest roller coaster with miscellaneous recycled materials and... more
Teens & Tweens (9-17 years old) try to build the tallest, fastest, coolest roller coaster with miscellaneous recycled materials and building supplies. Please register.
This event is full

Mon, Jul 29, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Book Buddies will be discussing "The Reading List" by Sara Nisha Adams.

Mon, Jul 29, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be... more
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be displayed in the library until the next LEGO® Club meeting.
This event is full

Mon, Jul 29, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Record your summer of adventures by journaling! You can submit (2) photos to hobart@lcplin.org the week prior, and we will print them in... more
Record your summer of adventures by journaling! You can submit (2) photos to hobart@lcplin.org the week prior, and we will print them in color for you to add that personal touch.

Tue, Jul 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, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us for a series of informative sessions about Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia with the Purdue Extension.

Tue, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories... more
Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels. The event will be shown on a large screen.

Tue, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Online
Join a livestream chat with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels.

Tue, Jul 30, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us every other Tuesday to try out a new craft or art project, June 4 - July 30! All supplies provided. Please register.

Tue, Jul 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

Wed, Jul 31, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Branch - East Parking Lot
Come out and join us for our end of summer event!

Wed, Jul 31, 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.

Rescheduled
Wed, Jul 31, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
New date Tuesday, July 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville
Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories... more
Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels. The event will be shown on a large screen.

Wed, Jul 31, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
This program will focus on the Indiana Dunes National park's plants, animals and general ecology. Children will learn about the natural... more
This program will focus on the Indiana Dunes National park's plants, animals and general ecology. Children will learn about the natural world not so far from us and what park rangers do.

Wed, Jul 31, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room,Meeting Room A
Join us as we say goodbye to Summer Reading 2024 with games, crafts and refreshments (including ice cream!) Registration is required.

Wed, Jul 31, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake - Cedar Lake - Public Tables
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or... more
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or bring along a project you're already working on!

Wed, Jul 31, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Adventurers wanted! Join us for summer role-playing sessions featuring perilous quests, intrepid evil, and an unforgettable journey.

Thu, Aug 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 in this twice-monthly club.

Thu, Aug 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.

Thu, Aug 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of Simply Lies, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for August. Pick up a copy at the... more
Join the discussion of Simply Lies, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for August. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

Thu, Aug 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.
This event is full

Thu, Aug 01, 6:00pm - 8:15pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
D&D comes to the Munster Branch Library! Join our campaign for Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk and get to the bottom of what... more
D&D comes to the Munster Branch Library! Join our campaign for Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk and get to the bottom of what is plaguing the town of Phandalin.
This event is full

Sat, Aug 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.

Sat, Aug 03, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials.... more
Create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials. Class begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.

Sat, Aug 03, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Children's Program Room
Join us for Yoga at the library! Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for... more
Join us for Yoga at the library! Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Sat, Aug 03, 10:00am - 10:45am
Highland - Meeting Room A
US Secret Service presents: NCMEC's NetSmartz. This program is designed to educate parents and children in grades 3-5 about online... more
US Secret Service presents: NCMEC's NetSmartz. This program is designed to educate parents and children in grades 3-5 about online safety and responsible use of the internet.

Sat, Aug 03, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Operation Safe Kids presents the “Live scan Child ID”, a document containing a photograph, digitized inkless fingerprints, and vital... more
Operation Safe Kids presents the “Live scan Child ID”, a document containing a photograph, digitized inkless fingerprints, and vital identification information. Parents will leave with this card.

Sat, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Like board games? So do we! Come on in and join us for a fun-filled game session. We provide the games...you provide the energy!

Sat, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us in welcoming Joe Rauen at the library! Joe will give a short presentation and then you can enjoy a musical performance. All ages... more
Join us in welcoming Joe Rauen at the library! Joe will give a short presentation and then you can enjoy a musical performance. All ages are welcome! Check out his website: joerauen.com

Sat, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Children of all ages and their families are invited to come play a variety of board games, card games and Switch video games will be... more
Children of all ages and their families are invited to come play a variety of board games, card games and Switch video games will be available. Snacks provided.
This event is full

Mon, Aug 05, 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, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Come and enjoy this afternoon movie with us! Popcorn and snacks will be served. Seating is limited. Registration is required.

Mon, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
An unbreakable bond is forged between a pro adventure racer and a street dog. Runtime: 107 mins Rating: PG-13

Mon, Aug 05, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12.... more
Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12. Please register.

Mon, Aug 05, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Are you a fan of anime or manga? If so, come to our monthly Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch. We watch 3-4 episodes of your... more
Are you a fan of anime or manga? If so, come to our monthly Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch. We watch 3-4 episodes of your choosing each month. Ages 12-18.

Mon, Aug 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Choose from several crafts to help decorate your locker and get ready for the return to school. Ages 12 – 18. Space is limited.... more
Choose from several crafts to help decorate your locker and get ready for the return to school. Ages 12 – 18. Space is limited. Registration required.

Tue, Aug 06, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join us for this month's travel film about Portugal. Runtime: 52 mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Tue, Aug 06, 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, Aug 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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.