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English as a Second Language Citizenship Class Volunteer We Offer Level 1 These classes are for beginners who speak very little English or none at all. Level 2 These classes are for beginners who are ready for short conversations, some writing, grammar and reading in English. Level 3 These classes are for those who are ready for more conversation, discussion, and writing and reading in English. English Classes April 20 - June 25, Merrillville Branch. Join us Mondays & Thursdays from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Classes are free! Contact Information Call Melissa Melendez, Literacy & Outreach Librarian at 219-769-3541, ext. 337 for more information. Citizenship Classes When April 20 - June 17 Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30 - 11:30 AM Where Merrillville Branch, Lower-level meeting Room C Students will learn the necessary civics information needed for the citizenship test in Chicago at USCIS. Students will also improve their English language skills, to help them pass the reading, writing and speaking parts of the citizenship exam. Students taking this class must have at least intermediate (level 3) English speaking skills. Classes are free! Call Melissa Melendez, Literacy & Outreach Librarian at 219-769-3547 ext. 337 for more information. We Need Volunteers! Is English your first language? Would you like to share it? Do you love grammar? Join our volunteer team of teachers! Volunteer teachers commit to three 10-week sessions throughout the year (about 5 hours/week Mondays & Thursdays while class is in session). If you'd like to help out, give us a call at (219) 769-3541, ext 337. Thank you! Our ESL classes wouldn't be possible without you!

Ethics Policy Back to List Board of Trustees and Library Employee Ethics Policy The Lake County Public Library (LCPL) is dependent on the trust of its community to successfully achieve its mission. Therefore, it is crucial that all Board members and employees conduct business with the highest level of integrity avoiding any impropriety or the appearance of impropriety. Guiding Principles: Board members and employees will act according to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct; ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, procedures, and workplace rules of the Lake County Public Library; follow sound financial practices, including accurate financial reporting, processes to protect assets, and responsible fiscal management and internal controls; refrain from engaging in activities that conflict with their fiduciary, ethical, and legal obligations of LCPL; communicate ethical standards of conduct through instruction and example. Therefore: To preserve and uphold the Lake County Public Library’s reputation as an organization of unimpeachable integrity, each Board member and key employees will sign an Ethics and Conflict of Interest Statement. Compliance: If any Board member or the executive director appears to be in conflict of the "Guiding Principles" above, he or she will be asked to meet with the Board Executive Committee to discuss the issue. The Executive Committee will make a recommendation to the full Board based on their findings. Employees who are or appear to be in conflict with the "Guiding Principles" will be asked to meet with the director who will make a determination as to discipline or termination based on his or her findings. Back to List

St. John 219-365-5379 9450 Wicker Ave. St. John, IN 46373 Map Mon, Wed: 12:30 PM–8:30 PM Tues, Thurs: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM Fri, Sat: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Sunday: CLOSED The St. John Branch is conveniently located on US 41 (Wicker Avenue). Our beautiful building features a public meeting room and a private small group room. We offer events for all ages, from birth through adults, including early literacy programs, crafts, Makerspace classes, computer classes, movies, and much more! We also have a broad collection of print materials, internet computers, and free WiFi, as well as the ability to download and stream materials electronically. Our friendly staff is ready to help you enjoy your visit to our branch!

Bestseller Express Bestseller Express books are the newest, hottest books on our shelves. Just look for the rainbow Bestsellers Express sign to see what's in! It's called an "express" collection because the books are due back in 7 days instead of the regular two weeks. You can't renew items from this shelf and you can't place holds on them, either, so there are often copies of hot new titles with extremely long wait lists. If you spot one you've been waiting for on this shelf, it's your lucky day! Bestseller Express FAQs Can I still place a hold on bestselling titles? Yes! Sometimes a title may be in both the regular circulating collection and the Bestsellers Express collection. Holds are filled using books in the regular collection, while Bestsellers Express copies remain on the shelf for anyone lucky enough to spot them - it's always worthwhile to come in and take a look at the Bestsellers Express shelves if you're languishing at the end of a long holds line! Can I check out a Bestsellers Express book if I have a hold on the same title in the regular circulating collection? Yes, you may check out a Bestsellers Express book even if you already have a hold on a different copy of the same title. Your hold will then be cancelled to free the item up for another reader. What are the circulation rules for Bestsellers Express? • Limit: 2 Bestseller Express books • 7 day loan • No renewals • No transfers to family or friends • No holds • $1.00/day fine (max fine: $10) A copy of these rules can be found on the back and front cover of every Bestsellers Express book. You may return the books to any branch.

Cedar Lake 219-374-7121 10010 W 133rd Ave Cedar Lake, IN 46303 Map Mon, Wed: 12:30 PM–8:30 PM Tues, Thurs: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM Fri, Sat: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Sunday: CLOSED The Cedar Lake Branch of Lake County Public Library is known for its spacious, beautiful building, which opened to the public in May of 2006. At 20,000 square feet, this new building is the third largest branch in the library system and is located just to the east of the high school from the Hanover School Corporation on West 133rd Ave. We have three private small group rooms and a public meeting room that can accommodate up to 100 people. Every month we hold many preschool, toddler, infant, family and adult classes and events. From computer classes, to arts and crafts, to game night, we've got something for everyone, no matter your age!

Wireless Guidelines Back to List Guidelines For Use Of Wireless Internet Access The privilege of using the Library's Internet access may be revoked if you violate the Library’s Internet & Computer Use Policy. A copy of the policy is available on request. Display and Dissemination of Sexually Explicit Materials: Use of library computer resources to display or disseminate sexually explicit or sexually suggestive material (as defined per I.C. 35-49-2-1) in any Library building is prohibited. Headphones are required for audio. No speakers are permitted. The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its connections to Internet services. Internet access is allowed only to those who accept this agreement. By continuing past this point, you agree to follow Library policies and guidelines. If you disagree, log out now. Back to List

Munster 219-836-8450 8701 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN 46321 Map Mon–Thurs: 10:00 AM–8:30 PM Fri–Sat: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Sunday: CLOSED The Munster Branch is a convenient, vibrant community center and educational hot spot for residents in the Lake County Public Library District and surrounding areas. Our goal is to be an inviting place where the community looks forward to visiting and using the library's services with their friends and family. This year, over 147,000 people walked through our doors and received wonderful service from the Munster Library staff. Our library contains library materials for adults, teens and children along with ample seating, a meeting room, program room, WiFi access, public computers and small group rooms. We also provide a variety of programs for people of all ages in-house and at Munster schools. We take pride in our community by featuring and co-hosting programs with local non-profit organizations. Come visit us soon and let us know how we can be part of your life!

Meeting Rooms for Local Groups Prospective Meeting Room User Application Before you begin, please verify the following: At least one group member has a full access library card (you will need the number to complete this application.) Your organization is listed under Lake County in the Indiana Nonprofit Database . If you are not listed in the Indiana Nonprofit Database, please fill out a paper application , as we will need additional documentation. Your organization is in a Lake County Public Library district. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED How is your organization listed in the Indiana Nonprofit Database? The Indiana Nonprofit Database is located at http://www.stats.indiana.edu/nonprofit/inp.aspx What is your organization's legal mailing address and ZIP code? Mailing Address * Country/Region * Address * City * Zip / Postal code * What is your organization's mission statement? Mission statements are a summary of the aims and values of an organization * What is the maximum number of people who might attend one of your meetings? We need to make sure our meeting rooms can accommodate your group size * Contact's Name: Put the name of the person the library should contact when your application is approved Contact Person's Full Address (Not of organization headquarters) Contact Address * Country/Region * Address * City * Zip / Postal code * Contact's Phone Number, with area code: The contact person's phone number, not the phone number of the organization. Contact's Email Address This email address will only be used to contact you regarding meeting room reservations unless you have given explicit permission otherwise (such as by signing up for our newsletter or for library alerts) * Library Card Number Your library card cannot be expired and your account must be in good standing Please attach documentation demonstrating your nonprofit status: Letter from the IRS Certification from the Attorney General of the State of Indiana 501c Paperwork Organization's by-laws and officer list * Proof of Nonprofit Status Documents: Upload Files * I understand that misrepresentation of information provided in this application will lead to revocation of meeting room privileges and immediate cancellation of any dates booked for the organization. Submit If you cannot complete this form, please visit any of our branches for assistance. If you are part of an non-profit organization that would like to use one of the library's public meeting rooms please read the following guidelines. Then fill out the application below. You only need to fill out the application once. Library Board Policy Guidelines: Meetings are open to ALL people who wish to attend No fees or donations are to be collected or solicited for admission or participation in the meeting or event. Person responsible MUST be a resident cardholder in good standing with Lake County Public Library Note: The library does not allow buying, selling, or promotion of products or services. Library equipment is not available for meeting room use. Food and refreshment guidelines are available in our meeting room policy under Acceptable Use Guidelines . If you submit your application online, the organization's representative will be asked to verify the information and sign the application at first use of the room. Meeting Room Application

English & Reading Resources for students and teachers studying English and reading. Recommended Resources Get Started ABCmouse.com With 3,500+ interactive books, educational games, puzzles, and other learning activities, ABCmouse.com’s award-winning online curriculum is an invaluable resource for young learners (ages 2-6+). From Age of Learning, Inc. *Accessible only from Lake County Public Library's public computers, located at each of our branches. Get Started Author Talks Livestreamed chats with amazing authors! Submit your questions when you sign up to attend. New authors every month! See this month's authors. Get Started Dictionary of Literary Biography Reliable information on authors and their works in an easy to understand, engaging format, while placing writers in the larger perspective of literary history. Get Started EBSCO Research Databases Choose multiple databases to search at once. Offers a variety of topics, including literature and newspapers. Get Started EBSCO eBooks Find several databases dedicated to literature and reading, including some with recommended reading by grade level and reading lists for all ages. Get Started Gale Literary Sources Search for academic articles, essays, and topics about literature. Includes items from Literature Criticism Online, Literature Resource Center, Gale Virtual Reference Library, and more. Get Started Literature Criticism Online Browse articles about authors and their works, or browse by topic. Also includes a search engine that allows you to search for articles by year (helpful if you're required to have more recent sources!) Results from this resource are also included inﾠGale Literary Sources. Get Started NoveList Plus A powerful tool to help you find both fiction and nonfiction books and audiobooks based on what you enjoy. This database for all ages is searchable by keyword, author, genre, and even story elements like writing style and mood. Also offers author readalikes! Get Started Scribner Writers Online Original, scholar signed essays on the lives and works of authors from around the world from all time periods Get Started TeachingBooks Search for an author or book and get thousands of multimedia resources and lesson plans to enhance students' reading experiences. (viaﾠINSPIRE) Tutorial Get Started Twayne's Authors Online In-depth critical introductions to the lives and works of major writers of the world within the context of the time period in which they lived Get Started Virtual Author Talks Monthly live chats with some of your favorite authors! Participants will have the chance to ask questions. You can also explore the archive to watch past talks!ﾠSee this month's authors Get Started WilsonWeb Play Index A catalog for plays and textbooks/articles about plays. This database does not contain full text, but will direct you to the appropriate book.

Sharing books with children is important, but the WAY we share them is just as important! Research has suggested different ways of sharing a book that can help parents and caregivers teach early literacy skills in various and engaging ways. Dialogic Reading is a fun way to share books with your younger preschooler of two or three years. What is Dialogic Reading? Dialogic Reading (or Hear and Say Reading) is using the pictures in a book to talk with your child. You will usually use Dialogic Reading with a book you have already shared with your child. It's a fun and different way of sharing books—and their pictures. Dialogic Reading Let's Try It! Ask close-ended questions while looking at the pictures in the book. You can ask them to point to something on the page, or name an object. Yes-or-no questions work well too. Example: Point to a picture of something on the page and say: "What's this?" or "What's this called?" Follow up with questions that build on the first one. Example: If your child names the item "Truck," you might ask: "What color is the truck?" or "What's this part of the truck called?" When your child answers a question, repeat what they say and add a little to it. Example: "Yes, that's the truck - the big red dump truck!" If your child can't answer, go ahead and answer - but then encourage your child to repeat what you have said. Follow your child's interests. Example: If your child shows particular interest in something in a picture (by pointing or talking about it, for example), ask questions about that thing and encourage your child to talk! Always keep it fun - like a game! You can try reading one page and talking about the pictures on the next. Be sure to give plenty of praise. When your child is older, you can use more open-ended questions to engage in dialogic reading. Example: "What is happening?" "How do you think she feels?" "Why?" "Have you ever felt that way?" Parents can tie what is happening in the picture to events in the childs life: "Do you remember when...?" Then talk about it! All of this talk surrounds the pictures in the book - not necessarily the story. The pictures become vehicles for give-and-take conversations between parent and child. Adults should allow the child at least 5 seconds to respond before prompting or responding for the child. Add extra descriptive words to the response, too, and then prompt the child again with an observation or question. Keep the conversation going, but always keep it fun! The Best Books for Dialogic Reading: Have a simple story that is not too long. Have clear pictures that show action and detail. Have pictures that are familiar and interesting to your child. Guidelines from Storytimes for Everyone by Saroj Ghoting (www.earlylit.net) Cows in the Kitchen by June Crebbin Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann Bedtime for Monsters by Ed Vere Oliver Finds His Way by Phyllis Root Ella Sarah Gets Dressed by Margaret Chodos-Irvine There are, of course, many more. Ask your librarian for suggestions! Some Good Books for Dialogic Reading:

Resume Help Recommended Resources Guide for People with Disabilities Resume best practices, anti-discrimination laws, and more. Resume Generator An easy-to-use website for making quick, simple resumes.

Investment Policy Reviewed January 25th, 2018 Back to List I. Purpose The purpose of this investment policy (the “Policy”) is to set forth the investment objectives and parameters for the management of public funds of the Lake County Public Library (the “Library”). This Policy is designed to safeguard funds on behalf of the Library, to assure the availability of funds when needed, and provide a competitive investment return. II. Scope This Policy applies to the investment of all funds of the Library. The Library may consolidate fund balances to increase investment earnings and to increase efficiencies with regard to investment pricing, banking fees and administration. III. General Objectives The primary objectives, in priority order, of investment activities shall be safety, liquidity, and return: 1. Safety Safety of principal is the foremost objective of the investment program. Investments shall be undertaken in a manner that seeks to ensure the preservation of capital. The objective will be to minimize credit risk and interest rate risk. a. Credit Risk - The Library will minimize credit risk, which is the risk of loss due to the failure of the security issuer or backer, by limiting investments to the types of securities listed in Section VI of this Policy. b. Interest Rate Risk - The Library will minimize interest rate risk, which is the risk that the market value of securities in the portfolio will fall due to changes in market interest rates, by structuring the investment portfolio so that securities mature to meet cash requirements for ongoing operations, thereby avoiding the need to sell securities prior to maturity. 2. Liquidity The investment portfolio shall remain sufficiently liquid to meet all operating requirements that may be reasonably anticipated. This is accomplished by structuring the portfolio so that securities mature concurrent with cash needs to meet anticipated demands. Furthermore, since all possible cash demands cannot be anticipated, a portion of the portfolio may be placed in money market mutual funds or government investment pools which offer same day liquidity for short-term funds. 3. Return The investment portfolio shall be designed with the objective of attaining a market rate of return throughout budgetary and economic cycles, taking into account the investment risk constraints and liquidity needs. Return on investment is of secondary importance compared to the safety and liquidity objectives described above. The core of investments is limited to relatively low risk securities in anticipation of earning a fair return relative to the risk being assumed. IV. Standards of Care 1. Delegation of Authority The Assistant Director-Finance & Operations, hereinafter referred to as the Investment Officer, shall be responsible to oversee the day-to-day management of the Library’s investments. Should the Library elect to select an outside investment advisor, such advisor or firm must be registered under the Investment Advisor’s Act of 1940. 2. Prudence The standard of prudence to be used by the Investment Officer shall be the "prudent person" standard and shall be applied in the context of managing all funds of the Library. The "prudent person" standard states that, "Investments shall be made with judgment and care, under circumstances then prevailing, which persons of prudence, discretion and intelligence exercise in the management of their own affairs, not for speculation, but for investment, considering the probable safety of their capital as well as the probable income to be derived." 3. Ethics and Conflicts of Interest The Investment Officer and employees involved in the investment process shall refrain from personal business activity that could conflict with the proper execution and management of the investment program, or that could impair their ability to make impartial decisions. The Investment Officer and employees shall disclose any material interests in financial institutions with which they conduct business. They shall further disclose any personal financial/investment positions that could be related to the performance of the investment portfolio. V. Authorized Financial Institutions and Broker/Dealers 1. Authorized Financial Institutions and Broker/Dealers A list will be maintained of local financial institutions that are approved depositories for the receipt of public funds according to the Indiana State Board for Depositories. The Library may pass a resolution pursuant to IC 5-13-9-5 expanding the list of approved financial institutions to include all Indiana depositories approved for the receipt of public funds according to the Indiana State Board for Depositories. In addition, the Library will only use broker/dealers that meet the following requirements: Primary dealers or regional dealers that qualify under Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Rule 15C3-1 (uniform net capital rule); Capital of no less than $10,000,000; Registered as a dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; A member of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD); Proof of state registration VI. Suitable and Authorized Investments Consistent with Indiana Code 5-13-9, the following investments will be permitted by this Policy: (1) Securities backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Treasury or fully guaranteed by the United States and issued by any of the following: (A) The United States Treasury. (B) A federal agency. (C) A federal instrumentality. (D) A federal government sponsored enterprise. (2) Securities fully guaranteed and issued by any of the following: (A) A federal agency. (B) A federal instrumentality. (C) A federal government sponsored enterprise. (3) Municipal securities issued by an Indiana local governmental entity, a quasi-governmental entity related to the state, or a unit of government, municipal corporation, or special taxing district in Indiana, if the issuer has not defaulted on any of the issuer's obligations within the twenty (20) years preceding the date of the purchase in accordance with IC 5-13-9-2. (4) Money market mutual funds rated AAAm, or its equivalent, by Standard and Poor’s Corporation or Aaa, or its equivalent, by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. in accordance with IC 5-13-9-2.5. (5) Repurchase agreements in accordance with IC 5-13-9-3. (6) Transaction accounts, certificates of deposit and deposit accounts issued or offered by a designated depository of the Library’s political subdivision. The Investment Officer making a deposit in a certificate of deposit shall obtain quotes from each designated depository in accordance with IC 5-13-9-4. (7) Certificates of deposit authorized by a resolution of the Library in accordance with IC 5-13- 9-5 and 5-13-9-5.3. (8) Local government investment pools in accordance with IC 5-13-9-11. Consistent with Indiana Code 36-1-7, the Library may pass a resolution to enter into interlocal cooperation agreements for the joint exercise of powers, including the investment of public funds. VII. Investment Parameters 1. Maximum Maturities The Library’s investments must have a stated final maturity of not more than two years pursuant to IC 5-13-9-5.6. Because of inherent difficulties in accurately forecasting cash flow requirements, a portion of the Library’s funds should be continuously invested in readily available funds such as bank transaction accounts, local government investment pools, money market funds, or overnight repurchase agreements to ensure that appropriate liquidity is maintained to meet ongoing obligations. The Library may adopt an ordinance, pursuant to IC 5-13-9-5.7, authorizing its Investment Officer to make investments having a stated final maturity that is more than two (2) years but not more than five (5) years after the date of purchase. The total investments of the Library with maturities of two (2) to five (5) years outstanding at the time of purchase may not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of its total portfolio of public funds invested, including balances in transaction accounts. Such ordinance expires on the date on which this Policy expires, which may not exceed four (4) years. 2. Competitive Bids The Investment Officer or its designee shall obtain competitive bids for investment with financial institutions in accordance with IC 5-13-9-4. The Investment Officer or its designee shall obtain bids from at least two brokers or financial institutions on all purchases of investment instruments on the secondary market. Overnight sweep investment instruments shall not be subject to this section. VIII. Reporting During the annual meeting required by IC 5-13-7-6 of The Board of Finance of the Library, the Investment Officer shall make a written report to the board summarizing the Library’s investments during the previous calendar year. The report must contain the name of each financial institution, government agency or instrumentality, or other person with whom the political subdivision invested money during the previous calendar year. The Board of Finance shall review the report and review the overall investment policy of the Library. IX. Policy Considerations 1. Adoption and Expiration This Policy shall be adopted by the Library at a public meeting and shall expire four (4) years from the date of adoption in accordance with IC 5-13-9-5.7. 2. Exemption Any investment currently held that does not meet the guidelines of this Policy shall be exempted from the requirements of this Policy. At maturity or liquidation, such monies shall be reinvested only as provided by this Policy. 3. Amendments This Policy shall be reviewed periodically. Any changes must be approved by the Investment Officer and any other appropriate authority. Back to List Approved January 22nd 2015 Reviewed January 28th 2016 Reviewed January 26th 2017 Reviewed January 25th, 2018