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Documents and Policies

LCPL Renewals and Loan Period Policy

The Lake County Public Library (LCPL) limits loan periods and the number of permitted renewals per item in order to make materials available to all library users on an equal basis. As the LCPL is a public library and not a university library, it does not employ a recall system to manage long-term withdrawals and therefore requires all materials to be returned after the lending period has expired and all renewals have been used.

Depending on the demand for the item, collection size, lending source, material type, and other factors, some library materials may have shorter loan periods and fewer permitted renewals than others.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact your local branch, or use our Ask a Librarian form.

Frequently Asked Check-Out Questions

Upcoming Events

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Aug 04, 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

Proof (2005) - Movie Monday

Mon, Aug 04, 2:00pm - 3:45pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Come and enjoy this afternoon movie with us! Popcorn and snacks will be served. Seating is limited. Registration is required.

Here - Feature Film

Mon, Aug 04, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Here is an original film about multiple families and a special place they inhabit. The story travels through generations, capturing the... more

Here is an original film about multiple families and a special place they inhabit. The story travels through generations, capturing the most relatable of human experiences.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Aug 04, 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.

Monday Night Adult D&D

Mon, Aug 04, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Steel yourself for the rest of the week with Monday Night Adult D&D! We'll be following 5e rules and will be running the Out of the... more

Steel yourself for the rest of the week with Monday Night Adult D&D! We'll be following 5e rules and will be running the Out of the Abyss campaign. Beginners and experienced players welcome!

This event is full

Travel Film: Athens

Tue, Aug 05, 10:30am - 11:30am

St. John - Children's Program Room

Join us for this month's travel film about Athens. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Livestream Author Talk with Jay Falk - Author of The Bird Book

Tue, Aug 05, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1

Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Jay Falk about The Bird Book.

Think First & Stay Safe: Body Safety Program (Grades 3-5)

Tue, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Age-appropriate, research-based safety lessons. Questions? Call Fair Haven's Jennifer Potter at (219) 961-4357. All adults attending... more

Age-appropriate, research-based safety lessons. Questions? Call Fair Haven's Jennifer Potter at (219) 961-4357. All adults attending must be accompanied by a child. All children must be with an adult.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology - Everyday Technology Help Appointment

Tue, Aug 05, 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.

Rescheduled

Teen Tuesday - Fidget Star

Tue, Aug 05, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

New date Tuesday, August 19, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Munster

Come in to the Library and enjoy some crafting!

Cancelled

Teen Tuesday - Fidget Star

Tue, Aug 05, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville

Come in to the Library and enjoy some crafting!

Teen College & Career Summer Workshops with Coates Inc.

Tue, Aug 05, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life... more

Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (ages 14-18) are welcome.

Off the Hook

Wed, Aug 06, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Writing Wednesday - Flash Fiction

Wed, Aug 06, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Join us at the library for a fun and creative workshop focused on the art of flash fiction!

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Wed, Aug 06, 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.

Crochet @ Your Library

Wed, Aug 06, 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Cedar Lake Library - 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!

Cancelled

LEGO® Night for Grown Ups

Wed, Aug 06, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Lake Station-New Chicago

Come to the library to use our LEGO® blocks to build what you want.

Cancelled

Dungeons and Dragons for Adults

Wed, Aug 06, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Merrillville

Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the... more

Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the adventure! Seats are limited, so registration is required.

Thursday Threaders

Thu, Aug 07, 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.

Crafters Gathering

Thu, Aug 07, 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.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Thu, Aug 07, 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.

Better the Blood by Michael Bennett - Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club

Thu, Aug 07, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Join the discussion of Better the Blood, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for August. Pick up a copy at the... more

Join the discussion of Better the Blood, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for August. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology - Everyday Technology Help Appointment

Thu, Aug 07, 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

Friends Annual Book Sale-Friends Pre-Sale

Thu, Aug 07, 4:00pm - 7:00pm

New venue Merrillville - Meeting Room A

The Friends Pre-Sale is from 4-7pm. You can pay to become a Friends Member at the door. Thousands of books, dvds, and cds are available... more

The Friends Pre-Sale is from 4-7pm. You can pay to become a Friends Member at the door. Thousands of books, dvds, and cds are available at fantastic prices!

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

Thu, Aug 07, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Join us on a family friendly, Dungeons and Dragons, campaign for preteens. We'll be referencing Heroes of Sol'an, 5th edition, for this... more

Join us on a family friendly, Dungeons and Dragons, campaign for preteens. We'll be referencing Heroes of Sol'an, 5th edition, for this adventure. New players are welcome.

Teen College & Career Summer Workshops with Coates Inc.

Thu, Aug 07, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life... more

Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (ages 14-18) are welcome.

Adult Dungeons and Dragons

Thu, Aug 07, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Join us for our Thursday evening group of Adult Dungeons and Dragons! In this group, we'll work our way through the Curse of Strahd module.

This event is full

Mahjong Open Play: Ages 18 & Over

Fri, Aug 08, 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

Friends Annual Book Sale

Fri, Aug 08, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

The Friends Book Sale is open to anyone interested in browsing through thousands of books, dvds, and cds-- all at fantastic prices!

Storytime at Woodland Park

Sat, Aug 09, 9:00am - 9:30am

Woodland Park - 1215 E 45th Ave

Young children and their families are invited to join us at Woodland Park for a storytime with books, songs, rhymes, and a guided tour... more

Young children and their families are invited to join us at Woodland Park for a storytime with books, songs, rhymes, and a guided tour through the on-site Story Walk.

Friends Annual Book Sale

Sat, Aug 09, 9:30am - 4:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

The Friends Book Sale is open to anyone interested in browsing through thousands of books, dvds, and cds-- all at fantastic prices!

Keep Me In Stitches

Sat, Aug 09, 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.

Going Old School! Childhood Ditties and Creative Play - Highland Arts Walk Workshops

Sat, Aug 09, 11:00am - 2:00pm

Highland - Children's Programming Room,Meeting Room A

Join the Highland Arts Council for an exciting experience filled with fun and engaging games during the Highland Arts Walk Workshops!

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Aug 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.

Nothing to Lose by J.A. Jance - Mystery Loves Company Book Discussion

Mon, Aug 11, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

A homicide detective is called to help the family of a former murdered partner. He encounters a tangled web of family secrets in which a... more

A homicide detective is called to help the family of a former murdered partner. He encounters a tangled web of family secrets in which a killer with nothing to lose is waiting to take another life.

Book Sale Leftovers: Open to Nonprofit Orgs

Mon, Aug 11, 3:30pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

The leftover books from the Friends Fall Book Sale will be available for nonprofit organizations and teachers to pick up from 3:30 - 6pm.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Aug 11, 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.

Adults Get Crafty: Sea Glass

Mon, Aug 11, 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Hobart - Large Meeting Room

Join us as we use sea glass and stones to create a piece of art you can frame. Please register; supplies are limited.

Teen: LEGO® and Board Game Night

Mon, Aug 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Inviting teens, ages 12 - 18, to LEGO® and Board Game Night. Stop in to build your own LEGO® creation or pick a board game to play... more

Inviting teens, ages 12 - 18, to LEGO® and Board Game Night. Stop in to build your own LEGO® creation or pick a board game to play instead. Snacks will be provided. Registration required.

Paint'n Time

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

Hobart - Programming Room

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

Friends of LCPL Meeting

Tue, Aug 12, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Merrillville

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

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone - Circle of Readers Book Discussion

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

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Circle of Readers will be discussing Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson.

Teen Minecraft Meetup

Tue, Aug 12, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Hobart - Large Meeting Room

Come play Minecraft, uninterrupted, on our Raspberry Pi computers! For ages 8-18.

Teen Dungeons & Dragons

Tue, Aug 12, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Come and play in a game with one of our librarians as GM.

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

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

Merrillville - Meeting Room C

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

All Ability: Stained Glass Votive Holders - Ages 18 & Older

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

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

Create faux stained glass designs on votive holders to create a nice fall ambiance when lit. Registration required. All Ability programs... more

Create faux stained glass designs on votive holders to create a nice fall ambiance when lit. Registration required. All Ability programs are geared to adults with special needs.

See all events