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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 25, 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

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Aug 25, 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.

This event is full

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer - Book Buddies

Mon, Aug 25, 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Lucy is able to share her love of books with her students, including The Clock Island Book series. She wins a contest to stay on the... more

Lucy is able to share her love of books with her students, including The Clock Island Book series. She wins a contest to stay on the author's private island but he has some surprises up his sleeve.

Whodunit? Adult Mystery Club

Mon, Aug 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Hobart - Programming Room

Join us for this monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?".... more

Join us for this monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?". This month we'll play a classic game of Clue!

This event is full

Teen Advisory Board

Mon, Aug 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Teens are invited to help the Highland branch create projects and programs that you would like to attend. Ages 12 – 18.

Monday Night Adult D&D

Mon, Aug 25, 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

Homeschool Hangout (Grades K-12)

Tue, Aug 26, 10:30am - 11:30am

Hobart - Large Meeting Room

Homeschoolers, come hang with your peers! Educational and social opportunities will be available.

This event is full

Paint'n Time

Tue, Aug 26, 10:30am - 1:30pm

Hobart - Programming Room

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

All Ability: Summer Bingo

Tue, Aug 26, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Join us as we play bingo and win some small prizes, while supplies last. All ability programs are geared towards adults with special... more

Join us as we play bingo and win some small prizes, while supplies last. All ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Registration required.

This event is full

Weyward by Emilia Hart - Fact or Fiction Book Club

Tue, Aug 26, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Join the Fact or Fiction Book Club in discussing "Weyward" by Emilia Hart. Copies are available at the Highland Branch.

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

Tue, Aug 26, 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

Teen: Adventurers Wanted!

Tue, Aug 26, 4:00pm - 5:15pm

Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A

Have you seen people playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and want to try it yourself? We will be playing the fantasy RPG "Dragonbane",... more

Have you seen people playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and want to try it yourself? We will be playing the fantasy RPG "Dragonbane", a game similar to D&D. Beginners are welcome. For ages 12-18.

Teen StarFinder

Tue, Aug 26, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Have you ever thought Dungeons & Dragons seemed like a cool game, but it should take place in space? If so, StarFinder is the game for... more

Have you ever thought Dungeons & Dragons seemed like a cool game, but it should take place in space? If so, StarFinder is the game for you! Come and enjoy Paizo's ttrpg space adventure game!

Cancelled

Teen College & Career Summer Workshops with Coates Inc.

Tue, Aug 26, 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Merrillville

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.

Calumet Astronomical Society

Tue, Aug 26, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Join the Calumet Astronomical Society to learn about various cosmic topics!

Off the Hook

Wed, Aug 27, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

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

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Wed, Aug 27, 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.

This event is full

Crochet @ Your Library

Wed, Aug 27, 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!

Teen Game Night

Wed, Aug 27, 5:00pm - 6:30pm

Hobart - Large Meeting Room

Teens are welcome to join us for an evening of gaming, board games, and puzzles! Test your skills and get ready for a night of great... more

Teens are welcome to join us for an evening of gaming, board games, and puzzles! Test your skills and get ready for a night of great vibes and unforgettable moments!

Genealogy and DNA 101

Wed, Aug 27, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Learn more about genealogy with genealogist Herb Smith! We'll discuss the latest techniques to trace your family history, advances in... more

Learn more about genealogy with genealogist Herb Smith! We'll discuss the latest techniques to trace your family history, advances in genealogical technology, and more.

Cancelled

Grown Up Game Night

Wed, Aug 27, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Lake Station-New Chicago

Join us for a game night for the grown ups. We will have various board games and the Nintendo Switch/Wii. You can also bring your own!

Teen Gaming Night

Wed, Aug 27, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

A selection of board games (and snacks!) will be provided for you and fellow teens to play. A Nintendo Switch and XBox will be available... more

A selection of board games (and snacks!) will be provided for you and fellow teens to play. A Nintendo Switch and XBox will be available with multiple games. Registration is required. For ages 10-18.

Thursday Threaders

Thu, Aug 28, 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.

Tech Class: Library Apps - Libby, Hoopla, and More!

Thu, Aug 28, 10:30am - 11:30am

Highland - Meeting Room A

Join us for this small group class all about learning library apps. You must bring your own device. Registration required.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Thu, Aug 28, 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

Rescheduled

Beyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash - Between the Lines Book Discussion

Thu, Aug 28, 11:15am - 12:30pm

New date Wednesday, August 20, 11:00am - 12:30pm

Dyer-Schererville

The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "Beyond That, the Sea" by Laura Spence-Ash. Books for this discussion can be... more

The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "Beyond That, the Sea" by Laura Spence-Ash. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch a month prior to the event.

Livestream Author Talk with Dr. Tasha Eurich - Bestselling Author of Shatterproof

Thu, Aug 28, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1

Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Dr. Tasha Eurich about Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Colleen Oakley - Munster Book Discussion

Thu, Aug 28, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion of Colleen Oakley's "The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise". Copies are available at... more

Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion of Colleen Oakley's "The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise". Copies are available at the Munster branch.

Genealogy Class: Digitize and Organize Your Photos and Files

Thu, Aug 28, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

Our speaker will be Mike Hall from the Lake County Public Library Libratory. Tour and learn about the services offered through The... more

Our speaker will be Mike Hall from the Lake County Public Library Libratory. Tour and learn about the services offered through The Libratory. https://www.lcplin.org/libratory

Cancelled

Reading Hour

Thu, Aug 28, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago

Every last Thursday, meet for an hour to read, drink tea or coffee, and casual conversation about reading.

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

Thu, Aug 28, 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

Board Meeting

Thu, Aug 28, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Board Room

Meeting of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees

Cancelled

Teen College & Career Summer Workshops with Coates Inc.

Thu, Aug 28, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville

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.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Sep 02, 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.

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Sep 02, 10:15am - 11:00am

St. John - Large Meeting 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.

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Sep 02, 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.

This event is full

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Sep 02, 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.

Travel Film: California

Tue, Sep 02, 10:30am - 11:30am

St. John - Children's Program Room

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

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Sep 02, 10:30am - 11:00am

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Sep 02, 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.

Storytime: Ages 4-5

Tue, Sep 02, 11:30am - 12:30pm

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.

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Sep 02, 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 required.

Toddler Play Session

Tue, Sep 02, 12:00pm - 12:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room

Children, ages 2-5, are invited to join us in the Children's Programming Room to play with unique toys and socialize.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Tue, Sep 02, 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.

Teen Tuesday - Suncatchers

Tue, Sep 02, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Munster - Children's Program Room

Come in to the library and enjoy some crafting!

See all events