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Here we lay out the rules of the library and our policies

Rules of the Library

Library policies are created with the approval of the Board of Trustees. These policies are designed to ensure that all patrons are able to enjoy library materials and spaces in comfort and safety. If you have questions about any of our policies, please contact the Board!

Policies

• Borrowing Procedure

• Child Safety Policy

• Computer Guidelines

• Computer Use Policy & Internet Disclaimer

• Displays & Exhibits

• e-Receipts

• Ethics Policy

• Fines & Fees - Overdue Fines

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Group Visits

• Investment Policy

• Noise Policy

• Non-Discriminatory Service Policy

• Principles of Access / Circulation Policy

• Public Meeting Room Policy

• Refund Procedures

• Renewals and Loan Period Policy

• Rules of Conduct

• Statewide Borrowing

• Wireless Guidelines

Upcoming Events
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Tue, Nov 19, 10:00am - 10:45am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that teaches early... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that teaches early literacy skills.
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Tue, Nov 19, 10:30am - 11:00am
St. John - Children's Program Room
Toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.
This event is full
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 months
Tue, Nov 19, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
This half hour lap-sit program is for children, ages birth to 23 months, and their caregivers. We use songs, rhymes, and fingerplays to... more
This half hour lap-sit program is for children, ages birth to 23 months, and their caregivers. We use songs, rhymes, and fingerplays to encourage interaction and foster language development.
A Cup of Conversation
Tue, Nov 19, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join us for an informal conversation about the town of St. John and its history. While you're here, grab a cup of coffee (or tea or... more
Join us for an informal conversation about the town of St. John and its history. While you're here, grab a cup of coffee (or tea or cocoa) on us! Registration required.
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Tue, Nov 19, 10:30am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Storytime: Ages 4-6
Tue, Nov 19, 10:30am - 11:30am
Munster - Children's Program Room
Preschool children will enjoy stories, songs, a craft and other activities. Please register all attendees so we may be able to count... more
Preschool children will enjoy stories, songs, a craft and other activities. Please register all attendees so we may be able to count you in our attendance.
Storytime: Ages Birth - 6
Tue, Nov 19, 11:00am - 11:45am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Families are invited to join us for a 45-minute story time. We will read books, sing songs, and have fun activities!
Medicare: Changes and Updates for 2020
Tue, Nov 19, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Insurance broker Don Camp will explain what's new with Medicare benefits for 2020. There will be time to get your questions answered at... more
Insurance broker Don Camp will explain what's new with Medicare benefits for 2020. There will be time to get your questions answered at the end.
Storytime: Ages 4-5
Tue, Nov 19, 11:15am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-5.
Census 2020 Job Recruiting - Walk-ins Welcome
Tue, Nov 19, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Lake Station - New Chicago - Library foyer
The US Census Bureau is looking to hire 5,000 workers in our area. Roy Gillis will be here to answer your questions about working for... more
The US Census Bureau is looking to hire 5,000 workers in our area. Roy Gillis will be here to answer your questions about working for the Census Bureau and also to help you with the application.
Storytime: Ages 4-5 
Tue, Nov 19, 1:30pm - 2:15pm
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Picture books, flannel boards, puppets, songs, fingerplays and a craft bring language to life in this fun program.
Storytime: Ages 4-5
Tue, Nov 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Preschoolers will enjoy stories, music, games, STEM, finger plays and make a craft.
MakerStation: Coding Club
Tue, Nov 19, 4:00pm - 5:15pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Learn to code by playing Minecraft or even making your own games. Recommended for grades 6th thru 12th. Beginners welcome!
LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)
Tue, Nov 19, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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.
Paying Down Debt: What You Need to Know - A Centier to You Class
Tue, Nov 19, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Learn about controlling and paying down debt from the experts
Teen: Books of Magic by Neil Gaiman - Teen Book Discussion
Tue, Nov 19, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us for a book discussion focused the selected book. Request a copy through your local branch or from Hoopla using your library... more
Join us for a book discussion focused the selected book. Request a copy through your local branch or from Hoopla using your library card. Ages 12-18. Please register.
Boundless Book Club- "Thanksgiving on Thursday"
Tue, Nov 19, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Boundless Book Club: During this club we will be reading aloud a book geared appropriately to age, vocabulary and interests of adults... more
Boundless Book Club: During this club we will be reading aloud a book geared appropriately to age, vocabulary and interests of adults with special needs/lower literacy. Join us for reading fun!
Teen Open Mic Night
Tue, Nov 19, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us for Open Mic Night at the library! Bring your friends and show off your skills! Sing karaoke, read poetry, do a comedy skit, or... more
Join us for Open Mic Night at the library! Bring your friends and show off your skills! Sing karaoke, read poetry, do a comedy skit, or dramatically lip-sync! Registration required. Ages 10-18.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 months
Tue, Nov 19, 6:30pm - 7:00pm
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 help early literacy skills.
Turkey In Disguise Contest (Grades Pre-K - 5)
Wed, Nov 20, All day
Griffith-Calumet Library
Kids, preschool to 5 grade, pick-up a turkey coloring sheet at Griffith-Calumet Twp. Branch and use your imagination to create the... more
Kids, preschool to 5 grade, pick-up a turkey coloring sheet at Griffith-Calumet Twp. Branch and use your imagination to create the perfect disguise for your turkey. Turn in entries by 11/22/19.
Storytime: Ages 2-3 
Wed, Nov 20, 10:15am - 10:45am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Children, ages 2-3 years, along with their caregivers, will enjoy storytime, which involves 30-minutes of interactive rhymes, songs,... more
Children, ages 2-3 years, along with their caregivers, will enjoy storytime, which involves 30-minutes of interactive rhymes, songs, stories and a craft.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 months
Wed, Nov 20, 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.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 months
Wed, Nov 20, 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 help early literacy skills.
This event is full
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Wed, Nov 20, 10:30am - 11:30am
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Toddlers accompanied by an adult caregiver, will gain early literacy skills and enjoy stories, music, finger plays, and a craft.
This event is full
Storytime: Ages 4-6
Wed, Nov 20, 10:30am - 11:30am
Munster - Children's Program Room
Preschool children will enjoy stories, songs, a craft and other activities. Please register all attendees so we may be able to count... more
Preschool children will enjoy stories, songs, a craft and other activities. Please register all attendees so we may be able to count you in our attendance.
Labor Basics
Wed, Nov 20, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
An experienced labor nurse will help expectant parents prepare for labor by providing education and advice on the labor experience. She... more
An experienced labor nurse will help expectant parents prepare for labor by providing education and advice on the labor experience. She will help parents feel prepared for the birth of their baby. 
Storytime: Ages 2-3 
Wed, Nov 20, 11:15am - 11:45am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Children, ages 2-3 years, along with their caregivers, will enjoy storytime, which involves 30-minutes of interactive rhymes, songs,... more
Children, ages 2-3 years, along with their caregivers, will enjoy storytime, which involves 30-minutes of interactive rhymes, songs, stories and a craft.
Off the Hook
Wed, Nov 20, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your favorite yarn or thread project and enjoy some great company while you create! All crafters are welcome, no matter what craft... more
Bring your favorite yarn or thread project and enjoy some great company while you create! All crafters are welcome, no matter what craft you enjoy!
Census 2020 Job Recruiting - Walk-ins Welcome
Wed, Nov 20, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Lobby Area
The US Census Bureau is looking to hire 5,000 workers in our area. Roy Gillis will be here to answer your questions about working for... more
The US Census Bureau is looking to hire 5,000 workers in our area. Roy Gillis will be here to answer your questions about working for the Census Bureau and also to help you with the application.
The Public
Wed, Nov 20, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
An act of civil disobedience turns into a standoff with police when homeless people in Cincinnati take over the public library to seek... more
An act of civil disobedience turns into a standoff with police when homeless people in Cincinnati take over the public library to seek shelter from the bitter cold. PG-13, 2h
Teen: Food Challenge
Wed, Nov 20, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come make a mug cake. It is simple with only a few ingredients. Just remember 3-2-1 and then enjoy your creation.
Census 2020 Job Recruiting - Walk-ins Welcome
Wed, Nov 20, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Quiet Study Room #3
Every Wednesday, in Quiet Study Room 3, 2020 Census recruiters will be available to help you apply for Census employment. Walk-ins are... more
Every Wednesday, in Quiet Study Room 3, 2020 Census recruiters will be available to help you apply for Census employment. Walk-ins are welcome!
STEAM: Airplanes (Ages 6-15)
Wed, Nov 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Come to the library to make your own paper airplane! We will test out different plane designs and we will have challenges for you to... more
Come to the library to make your own paper airplane! We will test out different plane designs and we will have challenges for you to complete with your plane. Registration is required. Ages 6-15.
Yoga & Breathing
Wed, Nov 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your... more
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.
Teen Advisory Board
Wed, Nov 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Snacks will be served and plans will be made for upcoming projects. Bring your ideas and be prepared for a fun time.
Pajama Storytime: Ages Birth -5
Wed, Nov 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for preschoolers and their families. Enjoy an evening storytime with books, finger plays, and music. Feel free to wear pajamas!
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Wed, Nov 20, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
English Classes are for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free.
MakerStation: Spa Night
Wed, Nov 20, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Create body scrubs, bath salts and bath bombs. Bring 2 glass jars for your scrub and salts and a favorite essential oil to scent your... more
Create body scrubs, bath salts and bath bombs. Bring 2 glass jars for your scrub and salts and a favorite essential oil to scent your creations. All other materials provided. Registration required.
This event is full
Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder
Wed, Nov 20, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
The story of a man arriving in the US with little money and no English who makes his way through medical school and towards a life of... more
The story of a man arriving in the US with little money and no English who makes his way through medical school and towards a life of healing.
Travel Film: Vietnam - Virtual Tourist
Wed, Nov 20, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Vietnam has had its own share of wars, so it is no wonder that the country appears on the map of international tourism. Join us as we... more
Vietnam has had its own share of wars, so it is no wonder that the country appears on the map of international tourism. Join us as we explore Vietnam and enjoy a local snack. Registration required.
Thursday Threaders
Thu, Nov 21, 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.
Sunset Boulevard
Thu, Nov 21, 10:30am - 12:30pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join us for this month's Classic Film Series selection: Sunset Boulevard. Run time: 110 minutes. Refreshments will be... more
Join us for this month's Classic Film Series selection: Sunset Boulevard. Run time: 110 minutes. Refreshments will be served. Registration Required.
Nourish Your Entire Body
Thu, Nov 21, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
In a series of seven presentations, participants will explore how nutrition, exercise and other factors play important roles in the... more
In a series of seven presentations, participants will explore how nutrition, exercise and other factors play important roles in the health of your entire body.
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Thu, Nov 21, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion of "Beartown" by Fredrik Backman. Copies are available at the Munster branch.
When Life Doesn't Match Your Dreams by Jill Eileen Smith
Thu, Nov 21, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join our inspirational book discussion. Pick up a copy of the novel at the Highland Branch.
Create an Artful Life: Acrylic Painting
Thu, Nov 21, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Working with acrylics & canvas, participants will follow an example to create an original piece of art. A $20 cash fee covers all... more
Working with acrylics & canvas, participants will follow an example to create an original piece of art. A $20 cash fee covers all materials. Registration is required.
Census 2020 Job Recruitment
Thu, Nov 21, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Highland - Quiet Study Room
Every Thursday, in the Study Room, 2020 Census recruiters will be available to help you apply for Census employment. Walk-ins are welcome!
Minecraft Hour
Thu, Nov 21, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Come in and try Minecraft Pi. Play by yourself or with others. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Teen: Beginner Origami
Thu, Nov 21, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Learn some common origami folds then practice folding beginner models. Please register: seats are limited. Ages 11-18.
Teen Arts & Crafts - Perler Beads
Thu, Nov 21, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Every month, come to the library and make a different craft. This month we will be working with perler beads. All materials provided.... more
Every month, come to the library and make a different craft. This month we will be working with perler beads. All materials provided. Registration required.
One-On-One Tech Help: Computer Help
Thu, Nov 21, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Library Seating Area
Receive individualized instruction in basic computer skills.
Create an Artful Life: Acrylic Painting (Fee)
Thu, Nov 21, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Working with acrylics & canvas, participants will follow an example to create an original piece of art. A $20 cash fee covers all... more
Working with acrylics & canvas, participants will follow an example to create an original piece of art. A $20 cash fee covers all materials. Registration is required.
This event is full
LGBTQ Teens & Allies Time
Thu, Nov 21, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Together with PFLAGCP-NWI, we are hosting a social, support, education, & networking space for LGBTQ+ teens & their allies. Teens... more
Together with PFLAGCP-NWI, we are hosting a social, support, education, & networking space for LGBTQ+ teens & their allies. Teens (12-18) are welcome. Parents/guardians can meet concurrently.
Craft and Chat
Thu, Nov 21, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Bring your projects and join us. Chat with fellow crafters and work on your project without the interruptions of home. All are welcome.
The Night Visitors by Carol Goodman
Thu, Nov 21, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Join our Mystery Book Discussion Group, Once Upon a Crime as we discuss this new novel. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.
See all events