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Calendar reminder - don't forget when your items are due!

Fines & Fees at Lake County Public Library

Overdue fines do not apply to most items!

We are pleased to say that less than 2% of our items become overdue. Thank you! 

Other fines and fees exist at the library to help ensure that everyone gets the items they want in a timely fashion.

Cards carrying fines or fees will not be able to access the digital library, including Hoopla, Kanopy, and Libby. Here are the most common fines and fees:

Printing: $0.05/page

Overdue Fines: 
We are predominantly fine-free! Most items do not accrue daily overdue fines and will only generate a fine if lost (see Lost Item Fee below).

Only the following items will still accrue overdue fines to ensure their timely return:

  • Bestseller Express
  • Interlibrary Loan
  • Book Club to Go Kits
  • Video Game Consoles
  • Video Games 
Daily Fine: $1.00 (max $10.00)

If overdue fines are preventing you from using the library, please let us know so we can help.

Lost Item (aka Replacement Cost) Fee:
A lost item is any item that has been overdue for more than 14 days or is reported lost by the borrower. The fee is the original retail price at the time of purchase.

Lost items may not be replaced by the patron in lieu of paying the fee. However, if the item is later found, we are happy to reimburse the lost item fee minus any overdue charges.

A lost item on your record will prevent you from checking out additional items until the fee is paid or the item is returned.


Refunds:

Patrons pay for lost library materials in order to have a library account in good standing. If the library items are found and returned in good condition, a refund may be issued. Refunds, minus any outstanding charges, are processed within 4 to 6 weeks.

Any payments for interlibrary loan items (materials from other library systems) are not refundable.

Upcoming Events
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Cancelled
Sat, Nov 22, 10:00am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville
Children are welcome to come and play chess in our meeting room. This is an open play session, no instruction will be given. Chess... more
Children are welcome to come and play chess in our meeting room. This is an open play session, no instruction will be given. Chess boards will be provided if you don't have one!

Sat, Nov 22, 11:00am - 11:45am
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Let the wild rumpus start! Bring your little wild things for an afternoon of fun and chaos inspired by Maurice Sendak’s classic Where... more
Let the wild rumpus start! Bring your little wild things for an afternoon of fun and chaos inspired by Maurice Sendak’s classic Where the Wild Things Are.

Sat, Nov 22, 11:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Sat, Nov 22, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Highland Neighbors for Sustainability is dedicated to helping people make green choices, especially for the holidays! Join Cathy Perrin... more
Highland Neighbors for Sustainability is dedicated to helping people make green choices, especially for the holidays! Join Cathy Perrin to learn about eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas!

Sat, Nov 22, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to play Bingo! All ages are welcome to play. Winners will be able to choose from a variety of small prizes.... more
Join us at the library to play Bingo! All ages are welcome to play. Winners will be able to choose from a variety of small prizes. Please register.

Mon, Nov 24, 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, Nov 24, 1:00pm - 1:40pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Join us for a storytime for kids 4-5 years old, featuring stories, music and craft, that help develop early literacy skills. Attendees... more
Join us for a storytime for kids 4-5 years old, featuring stories, music and craft, that help develop early literacy skills. Attendees must register.

Mon, Nov 24, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
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, Nov 24, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Stop by for different themed activities to get you in the spirit for the final season of Stranger Things! For ages 10 and up.

Mon, Nov 24, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us as we discuss The Caretaker by Ron Rash. In 1950's North Carolina, a lonely caretaker is charged with caring his best friend's... more
Join us as we discuss The Caretaker by Ron Rash. In 1950's North Carolina, a lonely caretaker is charged with caring his best friend's young wife while is conscripted to serve overseas.

Mon, Nov 24, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - 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

Mon, Nov 24, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you, all while earning... more
The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you, all while earning volunteer hours!

Mon, Nov 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
A monthly program featuring activities in the area of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math with different activity/ theme... more
A monthly program featuring activities in the area of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math with different activity/ theme each program.

Mon, Nov 24, 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

Mon, Nov 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project.

Mon, Nov 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to make a fall garland. We will use fabric, felt and yarn to make the garland. Registration is required. All... more
Join us at the library to make a fall garland. We will use fabric, felt and yarn to make the garland. Registration is required. All supplies provided. Ages 12-18.

Mon, Nov 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Come learn about Cheyenne moccasins, the premiere makers of moccasins. We will discuss their history, as well as how they were built and... more
Come learn about Cheyenne moccasins, the premiere makers of moccasins. We will discuss their history, as well as how they were built and why they were built that way.

Mon, Nov 24, 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... more
Join us for this monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?". Will we "Escape the Room" in the "Secret of Dr. Gravely's Retreat"?

Tue, Nov 25, 10:30am - 11:15am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, & music that teach early literacy... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, & music that teach early literacy skills. In person craft time will follow the storytime.
This event is full

Tue, Nov 25, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Children will have fun developing early literary skills as they enjoy stories, songs, crafts and more.

Tue, Nov 25, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - 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.

Tue, Nov 25, 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

Tue, Nov 25, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

Tue, Nov 25, 10:30am - 11:30am
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Homeschoolers, come hang with your peers! Educational and social opportunities will be available.

Tue, Nov 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Parents and caregivers of children, ages birth to 23 months, are welcome to chat with one another and enjoy a refreshment while children... more
Parents and caregivers of children, ages birth to 23 months, are welcome to chat with one another and enjoy a refreshment while children explore with books and puzzles! Registration is required.

Tue, Nov 25, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Come play some board games with us! We will have a Nintendo Wii setup as well. All ability programs are geared towards adults with... more
Come play some board games with us! We will have a Nintendo Wii setup as well. All ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Registration is required.

Tue, Nov 25, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program for babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, filled with rhymes,... more
This is a storytime program for babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Nov 25, 11:30am - 11:50am
Griffith-Calumet Twp - 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

Tue, Nov 25, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room D
All skill levels are welcome to play a game of Euchre, aka the Midwest's favorite card game!

Tue, Nov 25, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the Fact or Fiction Book Club in discussing "She Come By It Natural" by Sarah Smarsh. Copies are available at the Highland Branch.

Tue, Nov 25, 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

Tue, Nov 25, 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. 

Tue, Nov 25, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
Meeting of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees

Wed, Nov 26, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room D
Dr. Kalyani Gopal (PhD, clinical psychology) will teach evidence-based positive parenting skills. Participants will receive a parenting... more
Dr. Kalyani Gopal (PhD, clinical psychology) will teach evidence-based positive parenting skills. Participants will receive a parenting certificate upon completion of all six sessions.

Wed, Nov 26, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Wed, Nov 26, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
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!

Wed, Nov 26, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii and board games! All games are provided or you can bring your... more
Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii and board games! All games are provided or you can bring your own games to play. Ages 12-18.

Wed, Nov 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - 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.

Rescheduled
Wed, Nov 26, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
New date Wednesday, November 26, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Hobart
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!

Fri, Nov 28, 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.

Fri, Nov 28, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Participants may stop in anytime between 2-3 pm to take festive photos in front of our green screen to share with family and friends. **... more
Participants may stop in anytime between 2-3 pm to take festive photos in front of our green screen to share with family and friends. ** Green clothing will not appear in the green screen photos.

Mon, Dec 01, 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.

Mon, Dec 01, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Musical adaptation of Alice Walker's novel about the life-long struggles of an African American woman living in the south during the... more
Musical adaptation of Alice Walker's novel about the life-long struggles of an African American woman living in the south during the early 1900s. Runtime:140 mins. Rated: PG-13.

Mon, Dec 01, 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.

Cancelled
Mon, Dec 01, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Merrillville
Challenge what you think you know about dementia in this eye-opening presentation that separates fact from fiction.

Mon, Dec 01, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - 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.

Mon, Dec 01, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the Lake Station-New Chicago Library to make a variety of festive ornaments. All supplies will be provided. Registration is... more
Join us at the Lake Station-New Chicago Library to make a variety of festive ornaments. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required. Ages 12-18.

Mon, Dec 01, 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

Mon, Dec 01, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
What is a silent book club? A social gathering for readers. There is no assigned reading. Bring your own book or borrow one of ours. All... more
What is a silent book club? A social gathering for readers. There is no assigned reading. Bring your own book or borrow one of ours. All readers 18+ are welcome.

Mon, Dec 01, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join us to create personalized holiday gifts for loved ones! Registration is required.
This event is full