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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.

  • 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
Fri, Oct 11, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us as we speed-solve the Rubik's Cube. Rubik's Cubes will be supplied at the program. Feel free to bring your own!

Sat, Oct 12, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Kids, ages 6 months through 3 years old, and their caregivers, will enjoy interacting at various block play stations. Special blocks for... 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.

Sat, Oct 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville Library - South Parking Lot
The Merrillville Fire Department is coming to the library. Can you escape their smoky room? Children and families are invited stop by... more
The Merrillville Fire Department is coming to the library. Can you escape their smoky room? Children and families are invited stop by any time between 2 and 3 o'clock to learn about fire safety!

Sat, Oct 12, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us during the spooky season for a kid friendly monster movie. Light refreshments will be provided.

Cancelled
Mon, Oct 14, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville
This programs aims to help prepare adults to pass the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS.

Cancelled
Mon, Oct 14, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville
English classes are for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free.

Tue, Oct 15, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are... more
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.

Tue, Oct 15, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting 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.
This event is full

Tue, Oct 15, 10:15am - 10:45am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.
This event is full

Tue, Oct 15, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that teach early... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that teach early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Tue, Oct 15, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Join us as Medicare expert Cliff Havens guides us through how to register and get ready to start the program, and the pros and cons of... more
Join us as Medicare expert Cliff Havens guides us through how to register and get ready to start the program, and the pros and cons of different kinds of plans.

Tue, Oct 15, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
4 and 5 year old children and their caregivers are invited to an early literacy storytime, featuring books, fingerplays, and songs that... more
4 and 5 year old children and their caregivers are invited to an early literacy storytime, featuring books, fingerplays, and songs that teach pre-reading skills and prepare children for school.

Tue, Oct 15, 10:30am - 11:30am
Oak Ridge Prairie - 301 South Colfax Street Griffith, IN 46319
Join us for a lovely morning walk and talk about books at Oak Ridge Prairie! We will talk about what books we've been reading and... more
Join us for a lovely morning walk and talk about books at Oak Ridge Prairie! We will talk about what books we've been reading and recommend some titles or authors to each other.

Tue, Oct 15, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming 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.
This event is full

Tue, Oct 15, 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.

Tue, Oct 15, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
In this program, toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.

Tue, Oct 15, 11:00am - 11:30am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Oct 15, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our story time for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Toys will be available... more
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our story time for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Toys will be available for children to play. Storytime attendance is not required.

Tue, Oct 15, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Hobart - Hobart Zoom Room,Programming Room
Our October 2024 book chat title is "The Dictionary of Lost Words" by Pip Williams. Pick up a copy at the Hobart Branch to chat! Contact... more
Our October 2024 book chat title is "The Dictionary of Lost Words" by Pip Williams. Pick up a copy at the Hobart Branch to chat! Contact hobart@lcplin.org or (219) 942-2243 for more details.

Tue, Oct 15, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an... more
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an emphasis on important early pre-reading skills.

Tue, Oct 15, 11:30am - 11:50am
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
In this program, toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft. Registration is... more
In this program, toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft. Registration is required.
This event is full

Tue, Oct 15, 12:00pm - 12:45pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Children, ages 2-4, are invited to join us in the Children's Programming Room to play with unique toys and socialize.
This event is full

Cancelled
Tue, Oct 15, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Dyer-Schererville
Be Heart Smart is a program for individuals who want to learn more about preventing heart disease by making heart-healthy lifestyle... more
Be Heart Smart is a program for individuals who want to learn more about preventing heart disease by making heart-healthy lifestyle changes. Participants are asked to attend all 4 lessons.

Tue, Oct 15, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Delve into eerie and unexplained occurrences of Northwest Indiana. Suitable for all ages, we will explore local ghost stories, folklore,... more
Delve into eerie and unexplained occurrences of Northwest Indiana. Suitable for all ages, we will explore local ghost stories, folklore, and paranormal legends - for the believer and the skeptic.

Tue, Oct 15, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Come in and try Minecraft Pi. Register ahead of time as seats are limited. Recommended for ages 8 to 18.

Cancelled
Tue, Oct 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville
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.

Tue, Oct 15, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us to learn about the selected art style/movement, and make your own artwork. All materials provided. Please register.

Wed, Oct 16, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
This program aims to prepare adults to take the Citizenship test in Chicago-USCIS. Intermediate English level is required.

Wed, Oct 16, 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, Oct 16, 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The Spengler family returns to the iconic New York City firehouse to team up with the original Ghostbusters. Rated PG13; runtime of 125... more
The Spengler family returns to the iconic New York City firehouse to team up with the original Ghostbusters. Rated PG13; runtime of 125 mins.

Wed, Oct 16, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Create your perfect resume with helpful resources and tips for those just getting started.

Wed, Oct 16, 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.

Wed, Oct 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Join us for a presentation by Indiana Wild featuring their creepy crawly critters!

Wed, Oct 16, 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, Oct 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Teen Rainbow Club is a monthly social space for LGBTQIA+ teens & allies. Come for informal discussion, snacks, and crafts. Please register.

Wed, Oct 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Children are invited to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Wed, Oct 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Teens will learn to make some cute, spooky creations using air dry clay! Ages 12-18. Registration required.

Wed, Oct 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Come to Kids Club and create a fall themed craft!

Wed, Oct 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Children and their families are invited to create and play with LEGO® in an hour of free play and fun. Finished creations will be... more
Children and their families are invited to create and play with LEGO® in an hour of free play and fun. Finished creations will be displayed in the library for the rest of the month!

Wed, Oct 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Each month we will have different craft projects designed for teens and tweens (ages 10-15). We will provide all the supplies you need... more
Each month we will have different craft projects designed for teens and tweens (ages 10-15). We will provide all the supplies you need to be crafty.

Wed, Oct 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Hobart Community Center - 111 E Old Ridge Rd, Hobart, IN 46342
Join us for a presentation by Indiana Wild featuring their creepy crawly critters!

Wed, Oct 16, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Join us for a discussion of "Last Confessions of Sylvia P." by Lee Kravetz. Copies are available at the front desk.

Thu, Oct 17, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are... more
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.

Thu, Oct 17, 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.

Thu, Oct 17, 10:30am - 12:30pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join us for this month's classic film, Double Indemnity. Runtime: 1 hr 50 mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Thu, Oct 17, 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, Oct 17, 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, Oct 17, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids ages 4-6.
This event is full

Thu, Oct 17, 10:45am - 11:45am
St. John - Children's Program Room
Significant and unprecedented changes are coming to Medicare in 2025! Do you know what they are? Please Register!

Thu, Oct 17, 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

Thu, Oct 17, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Register for this class to receive individualized instruction in basic computer skills.

Rescheduled
Thu, Oct 17, 11:00am - 11:30am
New date Friday, October 25, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote... more
This is a 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.

Thu, Oct 17, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a program for toddlers ages 2 and 3, and a caregiver, where they can participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities.... more
This is a program for toddlers ages 2 and 3, and a caregiver, where they can participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help to develop important pre-literacy skills.
This event is full

Thu, Oct 17, 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, Oct 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Come on by to make your own slime! Basic supplies will be provided. Bring additional mix-ins if you want! For ages 12-18.

Thu, Oct 17, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us to design a structure that can withstand a whole lot of shaking!

Thu, Oct 17, 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, Oct 17, 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

Fri, Oct 18, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to learn about animals from around the world. Incredible Bats will bring a variety of animals for this event. All... more
Join us at the library to learn about animals from around the world. Incredible Bats will bring a variety of animals for this event. All ages welcome. Registration is required, due to limited space.

Fri, Oct 18, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us as we explore the exciting world of Rubik's Cubes! In this fun hour-long session, you'll get the chance to learn how to solve... more
Join us as we explore the exciting world of Rubik's Cubes! In this fun hour-long session, you'll get the chance to learn how to solve the first layer of the Rubik's Cube.

Cancelled
Sat, Oct 19, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville
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, Oct 19, 10:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Create a 6x6 inch fall decoration using stencils and acryllic paint on canvas. There will be multiple designs to choose from on the day... more
Create a 6x6 inch fall decoration using stencils and acryllic paint on canvas. There will be multiple designs to choose from on the day of the program. Space is limited. Registration is required.

Sat, Oct 19, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Branch - Children's Area
Children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Sat, Oct 19, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Lower Level
Free fun for all ages! From trivia contests to video games, artist alley, and a cosplay contest, show us your geek side. Costumes are... more
Free fun for all ages! From trivia contests to video games, artist alley, and a cosplay contest, show us your geek side. Costumes are highly encouraged.

Sat, Oct 19, 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.

Sat, Oct 19, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
SPECTACULAR SPOOKY FUN! The Great Boodini presents an all-ages Halloween Show featuring magic, juggling & spooky effects. This special... more
SPECTACULAR SPOOKY FUN! The Great Boodini presents an all-ages Halloween Show featuring magic, juggling & spooky effects. This special event is sponsored by the LCPL Foundation. Registration required.
This event is full

Sat, Oct 19, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us to hear about the intriguing world of paranormal investigation. Learn how an investigation is conducted from start to finish,... more
Join us to hear about the intriguing world of paranormal investigation. Learn how an investigation is conducted from start to finish, plus a Q&A session with the team to follow.

Sat, Oct 19, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Kids and their families will enjoy games, treats and a craft at our not-so-scary Halloween party! Costumes are optional, but we will... more
Kids and their families will enjoy games, treats and a craft at our not-so-scary Halloween party! Costumes are optional, but we will vote for our favorite one! Please register all attending.
This event is full