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History & Culture Resources for students and teachers studying history and culture. Recommended Resources Get Started AtoZ The USA Information about the United States, including capitals, cities, rivers, lakes, and the states. Get Started AtoZ The World Information about 176 countries for both students and travelers. Get Started AtoZ World Food Traditional recipes for 174 countries of the world in all course categories, plus cultural information regarding dining etiquette, daily meals, and more. Tutorial Get Started Black Life in America Comprehensive coverage of the African American experience from the early 18th century to the present day. Sourced from more than 19,000 American and global news sources, including over 400 current and historical Black publications. Tutorial Get Started National Geographic Virtual Library A complete archive of National Geographic magazine - every page of every issue. Get Started U.S. History inContext Presents different perspectives on historical issues side-by-side Get Started World History inContext Presents different perspectives on world issues side-by-side. Includes biographies of important world players and overviews of major historical eras.

Employment Find forms and documentation, local services and resources, and articles and skill building tools to help with your job search! You may also like our job search tools and tips , designed by our own experts here at LCPL. Recommended Resources Get Started Career Cruising Contains resources both for a career search and for a college search.ﾠ Tutorial Get Started Driving-Tests.org Everything you need to prepare to take your Indiana driving test! Contains FAQs and practice tests for cars, motorcycles, and CDL. Resources also available in Spanish! Get Started INSPIRE Free to Indiana residents: a searchable database of databases. Find hundreds of further resources for your research! Get Started LearningExpress Library Practice tests, tutorials, articles, and study materials to help you prepare for tests like the ACT and SAT, the GED, GMAT and LSAT, the U.S. citizenship exam, career and licensure exams, and more.ﾠ(Via INSPIRE) Tutorial Get Started Legal Forms Library (Gale) Find sample forms and actual forms available for use. Examples include adoption forms, parental consent forms, and general applications. Get Started Lynda.com/LinkedIn Learning A library of video courses taught by industry experts. Learn business, software, technology, and creative skills! Take courses in 3D animation, music production, marketing, programming languages, and more. Tutorial Get Started Mango Languages Learn a new language! Mango uses interactive lessons to teach practical conversation.ﾠ Tutorial Get Started NWI 211 Support for residents of Lake, Porter, Newton, Jasper, Starke, and Pulaski Counties. Find info on emergency food, health care, shelter, foreclosure assistance, and more. Or, dial 2-1-1 to speak with a trained specialist. Get Started Plunkett Research Online Research industry statistics and trends. This database contains very in-depth industry reports.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten The new and improved 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program is here! Sign Up New program features Online tracking through the ReadSquared app, just like Summer Reading! New paper logs if you still want to track that way - bigger and better than ever! Amazing new milestone prizes that'll help you build an at-home storytime kit! If you were already working your way toward 1000 books in the old program, don't worry - you won't lose your progress. Just enroll on ReadSquared and we'll take care of the rest! Already have a ReadSquared account from Summer Reading? Log in and click Enroll near your child's name to sign up for the new program. 1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a nation-wide challenge that encourages parents and caregivers to regularly read aloud to kids. If you read just one book a day with your child, you'll reach the 1000 book goal in less than three years - but we know you'll read more than that! LCPL's 1000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative is sponsored by the Friends of LCPL . Why is reading with kids important? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics , over 1 in 3 American kids start Kindergarten without the language skills they need to learn to read. In fact, the number of words a child knows going into Kindergarten is a predictor of their academic success. Reading out loud to your kids is an easy, fun way to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed in school. More reasons reading out loud matters Frequently Asked Questions How do I sign up? 1: Start counting the books you read to your child. 2: Enter the number on the ReadSquared (https://lcplin.readsquared.com/)app or website. Don't love the digital format? Stop by the library for an official pap 3: Collect your prizes!(https://vegapromoteweb.wixstudio.com/lake-county-public/1000-books-before-kindergarten?commonConfig=%7B%22host%22%3A%22STUDIO%22%2C%22brand%22%3A%22studio%22%2C%22branchId%22%3A%2200000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000%22%7D&configName=responsive&consent-policy=%7B%22func%22%3A1%2C%22anl%22%3A1%2C%22adv%22%3A0%2C%22dt3%22%3A0%2C%22ess%22%3A1%7D&ds=true&dsOrigin=studio&editorSessionId=8b290882-03bb-4ef4-acec-072df4df108d&enableScopes=true&esi=8b290882-03bb-4ef4-acec-072df4df108d&forceResponsive=true&isEdited=true&isSantaEditor=true&languages=&metaSiteId=c275e366-f685-430f-9c59-77d2905ceec6&referralInfo=sites-list-enterprise&questionId=5c16b454-bc69-4606-bb66-2e3961d1ccc5&appDefId=14c92d28-031e-7910-c9a8-a670011e062d#5c16b454-bc69-4606-bb66-2e3961d1ccc5) Your child will earn a prize for every 250 books read. As you read together, you'll build up your very own at-home storytime kit! New to ReadSquared? Start here.(https://lcplin.readsquared.com/Register.aspx) Already have ReadSquared from Summer Reading? Log in here,(https://lcplin.readsquared.com/Login.aspx) then click Enroll near your child's name to get started in 1000 Books. Need help? Drop us a line (https://www.lcplin.org/ask-a-librarian)or visit any of our branches (https://www.lcplin.org/locations)and we'll get you set up. What counts? Everything! Library books, your own books, ebooks, print books - it all counts! Whatever you read together, it helps your child build pre-literacy skills. There's also no limit on the number of times you can read and count a single book. Many kids enjoy repetition, and if they ask for the same book ten times in a row it counts each time you read it. Are there prizes? (Yes!) Education is, of course, its own reward but we have a few incentives for our young readers, too. Prizes are awarded for every 250 books read and are designed to help you build your own at-home storytime kit! https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b6bd57_4caded1536b74787a02bdf244343963e~mv2.png Prize 1 (250 books): Egg shaker Prize 2 (500 books): Colorful scarf and your name on the digital signs inside each branch Prize 3 (750 books): Rhythm stick Prize 4 (1000 books): Free book, your name on the digital signs, and a certificate of completion! Any questions? Feel free to ask a librarian!(https://www.lcplin.org/ask)

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library FAQ Donate School Disctricts Join the Imagination Library Lake County Public Library is pleased to bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to our school districts! Children under age five in every LCPL school district are eligible to participate. (Not in our school district? Another organization may support your area! Check Imagination Library availability for any location here .) You can apply online , print an application (PDF; for a more accessible option, apply online ), pick up an application at any LCPL branch, or give us a call at (219) 769-3541 ext. 308. Apply Online Donate What is Imagination Library? The Imagination Library provides one free book every month to children from birth to age four living in a supported school district. All parents have to do is apply and their eligible child will begin receiving a new book in the mail every month until they turn five. There are no fees, the books are delivered directly to the child's home, and the child gets to keep them forever. Why is this important? Studies show that children who grow up surrounded by books do better in school. The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, for example, found that reading aloud to children at a young age has a positive impact on brain development. The National Commission on Reading states that “The single most significant factor influencing a child's early educational success is an introduction to books and being read to at home prior to beginning school.” It's the LCPL Foundation's goal to give every child possible the advantage of having books and reading opportunities at home. Parents can get an Imagination Library application at any LCPL location . We made the paper! Read about the Imagination Library in the Chicago Tribune . Frequently Asked Questions How do I apply? You can pick up an application at your favorite LCPL branch, apply online,(https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/) or print an application here. (https://www.lcplin.org/_files/ugd/fcf8a0_4d2c060958044c8890948871bba7f547.pdf)Fill it out and return it to the library or scan it and email it to imagine@lcplin.org.(mailto:imagine@lcplin.org) You can also give us a call at (219) 769-3541 ext. 308 to complete an application over the phone. What books are included in the program? A current list of the books by age group is posted on the DPIL website.(https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/book-list/) How do I manage/make changes to my Imagination Library account? 3-5 business days after your application has been accepted, you'll receive an email from Imagination Library with log in instructions. Check your spam folder if you haven't gotten it! Here is the log in page.(https://imaginationlibrary.com/bos/) You can go here to check your child's status, update your mailing address and email, and see what books are set to be mailed each month and when. How long before my child starts receiving books? The first book will arrive generally within 8-12 weeks. Books are sent by Third Class mail. They are not sent on the same day each month. I think we missed a book delivery. If a child misses a book there are several steps to follow to track down the possible reasons. Start here. (https://support.imaginationlibrary.com/article/287-missed-books) DPIL does not mail replacement copies for missing or damaged books. Books are mailed throughout the month. After the mailing date it could take another 2-3 weeks before the book arrives at the child’s home. For BOS users, the mail dates can be found under Daily Operations>Books>Books Mailed. Support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library for LCPL Kids The Imagination Library is free to families because it is funded by the LCPL Foundation in partnership with the Imagination Library. The Imagination Library acquires the books at cost from Penguin Random House, and LCPL is only responsible for shipping fees. The LCPL Foundation has provided the seed money and pledged annual support for as many children as their budget allows. But as the program grows we will need your help to bring books into every child's home. You can donate by check at any LCPL location, or mail a check to 1919 W. 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410 Attn: Director's office. Please make checks out to LCPL Foundation. If you would like your donation to remain anonymous, just let us know! $156 supports one child for the duration of the program. Every dollar helps - and yes, your donation is tax deductible! Donation Tiers Our Sponsors Supported School Districts LCPL school districts include Griffith Hanover Highland Hobart Lake Central Lake Ridge Lake Station Merrillville Munster River Forest Not sure if you're eligible? Check your address here. Use the "Search by Address" tab and enter your home address to see which school district and library district you belong to. You can learn more about what districts are and are not part of the Lake County Public Library district here . Still have questions about school districts? Call us at (219) 769-3541 ext. 374.

Book Sale Room The Book Sale Room is located at the Merrillville branch and contains not only books, but movies and music as well! You never know what you might find if you look through our shelves. Hobart Branch also has a book sale room (open during branch hours) and all other locations have book sale racks! Look for the bright orange sign. Merrillville Branch Book Sale Room Hours Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Friday & Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Sunday CLOSED Pricing Adult Hardbacks $1.00 Juvenile Hardbacks $0.50 All Paperbacks $0.25 CDs $1.00 DVDs $1.00 Magazines $0.25 Cassettes $0.25 Puzzles $0.25 The Friends Annual Book Sale Will Return in 2026! The Friends of LCPL Annual Book Sale happens every year in August! While you're waiting for the big book sale, don't forget that each of the branches has book sale racks or rooms that are open year round. 2026 Friends Annual Book Sale Dates TBA More about Friends of LCPL

2026 LCPL Read-A-Thon January 12 - February 23 Last year, 942 students raised over $85,000, making 2025 our most successful Read-a-Thon ever! Let's see if we can top that this year! Envelopes will be passed out in participating schools in early January. If your school isn't participating, visit your local LCPL branch to join in. The annual Library Foundation Read-a-Thon is not only exciting and fun for young readers, it's also important to the health of the library. Students pledge to read to raise money for both their library and their school. Readers can earn a ribbon, a trophy, or one of our special top prizes depending on how much they read! Step 1: First, read the rules to make sure you know how to participate. Then you can sign up by picking up a reading log envelope from your school or at any of our branches. Envelopes will be passed out in participating schools in early January! After you collect your sponsor money, return the envelope with all of your contact information neatly filled out . If we don't have your school and contact info we won't know which school to share your pledges with or how to get your prize to you! Step 2: Ask parents, friends, and neighbors to pledge 5 cents or more per book you read. For example, if a sponsor pledges 10 cents per book and you read 10 books, they should give $1. Please don't use online giving platforms, such as GoFundMe, to collect pledges; it makes it difficult for the library to receive and accurately attribute the money to the correct child at the end of the Read-a-Thon. Step 3: Make sure you choose books at your reading level! Write the names of the books you read on the Book List Record (aka, the Read-a-Thon envelope). Parents, please initial next to each book completed. Step 4: Take the Book List Record back to your sponsors to show them the total number of books you have read! Use your book record envelope to collect pledges from your sponsors - you can pick up a book record either at your school or local library branch in January. The Read-a-Thon is made possible with the help of a few generous sponsors! 2026 Read-a-Thon Sponsors Centier Bank If you'd like to become a Read-a-Thon sponsor, contact the library's Marketing Manager at 219-769-3541, ext. 315.

Central Administration Building 219-769-3541 1919 West 81st Avenue Merrillville, IN 46410-5488 Map Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Saturday–Sunday: CLOSED

Early Literacy Every Child Ready to Read You can help your child succeed at reading long before they are ever ready to sound out words on their own. Here are some important practices you probably already do when you read a book or otherwise interact with your child: Talking Singing Reading Writing Playing Click each to learn more! When you practice these things with your child, you are teaching them six important skills: Print Awareness Noticing print everywhere Phonological Awareness Knowing sounds Narrative Skills Knowing how stories work Letter Knowledge Naming letters and their sounds Vocabulary Knowing lots of words Print Motivation Enjoying books What's the easiest way to start? Go to Mother Goose on the Loose (storytime for babies!) Sign up for 1000 Books Before Kindergarten and win a free book and other prizes! Sign up for Imagination Library and receive a free book in the mail every month! Watch Lakeshore Public Media's Building Blocks for a great look at why early literacy and learning - just what we practice with our programs here at LCPL - are so important for babies and children! This Month's Featured Reads! LCPL staff have selected these books because kids love them and they help build important pre-reading skills. Check them out today! Want more hand-picked kids' books? You can request a surprise bundle of kids' books for curbside pickup! Some Pets by Angela DiTerlizzi Skills Vocabulary Background Knowledge Practices Talking Playing Writing Extend the book with a paper pet collage ! Have a Look, Says Book by Richard Jackson Skills Phonological Awareness Letter Knowledge Practices Writing Reading Extend the book with your own texture book !

AbouT The Library Library Leadership Team The Lake County Public Library is led by a diverse team of people who use their individual strengths and talents to benefit the library. With many years of experience in the administration of library services, each offers something unique and valuable to the operation of our library system. Carol Daumer Gutjahr, Executive Director John Brock, Chief Financial Officer Roddretta Waxton, Deputy Director for Public Library Services Erika Stolarz, Director of Branch Services Branch Management Team Chris, Merrillville Branch Head Jon, Cedar Lake Branch Head Beth, Dyer-Schererville Branch Head Jane, Griffith-Calumet Twp Branch Head Heather, Highland Branch Head Jo, Hobart Branch Head Kate, Lake Station-New Chicago Branch Head Michael, Munster Branch Head Holly, St. John Branch Head Contact Us via Email Or write to us at 1919 West 81st Ave Merrillville, Indiana 46410 Reference question? Use our Ask a Librarian form. Friends of the Library Foundation Board Policies Suppport the Library More About the Library

Library cards are available at all locations! To Get Your Library Card: Complete an application form online . When you come to the library to borrow physical materials for the first time, present photo identification. If your photo ID has your current address, that's all you need. If not, please bring another piece of suitable identification . If you live in a different Indiana library district and your home library participates in the Statewide Borrowing Program , present your photo ID and current street address along with your home library card in good standing. If your home library is not on the list for Statewide Borrowing libraries, you may purchase a Full Access Card or a Public Library Access (PLAC) Card . Simply check with library staff for the best choice. Not sure what your home library district is? Give us a call or use the Ask a Librarian form. You are responsible for all items checked out on your card. Questions? Contact the Circulation Department at 219-769-3541, ext. 364. Types of Library Cards Full Access Card (Resident - You live in our library district (https://www.lcplin.org/library-districts)(or own property or a business located in our library district.) Not sure? Check our map (https://www.lcplin.org/library-districts)or enter your address here (https://gateway.ifionline.org/report_builder/)(use the Search by Address tab) to see which library district you pay taxes to. - You have priority access to materials at all 9 of our locations as well as full digital access (https://www.lcplin.org/stream)(ebooks, audiobooks, music, research databases, etc). - You have limited privileges at some other public libraries (https://www.lcplin.org/statewide-borrowing)in Lake County and other Indiana counties. Please check with staff for details. Limited Access Card (Reciprocal) • You live in a district which pays taxes to another library system, or you are a non-resident teacher or student, or your card has been issued to a business or institution, not to an individual. • You have limited borrowing privileges at the Lake County Public Library, but may subscribe to LCPL for full access.(https://www.lcplin.org/library-subscription) Here's how it works: • Upgrading costs $55/year • You get complete access to all of our materials • You can use our inter-library loan services and make purchase requests (https://www.lcplin.org/purchase-requests) Here's what you can borrow if you live in Hammond, Whiting, East Chicago, Gary, Crown Point, or Lowell OR elsewhere in Indiana with a library that participates in Statewide Borrowing: Here's what you can borrow if you don't live in our library district but teach or go to school here: If you're not sure which is your home library district, ch(https://www.lcplin.org/library-districts)eck our map (https://www.lcplin.org/library-districts)or enter your address here (https://gateway.ifionline.org/report_builder/)(use the Search by Address tab) to see which library district you pay taxes to. Gold or Silver Card Recognizing the importance of volunteers and their service, the Lake County Public Library presents special gold and silver volunteer library cards. These cards enable volunteers who have completed many hours of service at the library to check out more items at one time than normal cards. In addition, whereas most items are fine free for all at LCPL, even high-priority items (https://www.lcplin.org/fines)like video games or Bestseller Express books are fine free when checked out on a gold or silver card. Adult Gold Cards Volunteers (18 years or older) who complete 100 hours of service will earn a Gold Card. The Gold Card may only be used by the named cardholder and not by any other family member. Juvenile Silver Cards Juvenile volunteers (under the age of 18) who complete 50 hours of volunteer service will earn a Silver Card. The Silver Card may only be used by the named cardholder and not by any other family member. The card will expire on the 18th birthday of the cardholder but can be renewed annually as long as the volunteer is actively volunteering. The Silver cardholder has until their 21st birthday to earn the additional 50 volunteers hours to convert to a Gold card. Gold and Silver Cardholders' Responsibilities • Do not lend card to family members or friends. • Use your card (library purges all library cards after three years with no use). • Renew or return materials if you receive an overdue notice. • Pay for lost or damaged materials when you are billed. • Follow the Library's Code of Conduct.(https://www.lcplin.org/policies/conduct) Failure to follow the above could result in loss of your special library card privileges. Borrowing Privileges

3D Printing What do I need for 3D printing? A Lake County Public Library Full Access library card in good standing. Patrons under 14 must have an adult with a Full Access library card who agrees to pick up and pay for the print job. An .stl, .obj, or .thing file or the link to the item on Thingiverse.com.(https://www.thingiverse.com/) How do I request a 3D print? Send your 3D print request to lab@lcplin.org.(mailto:lab@lcplin.org) 3D print requests must include the following information: 1. First and Last Name: 2. Phone 3. Library Card # 4. Filament Color Choic 5. Print Resolution Choice 6. Amount of Infill Desired 7. An .stl, .obj, or .thing file or the link to the item on Thingiverse.com 8. Pick-up branch How much does it cost to make a 3D print? The library charges $0.10/gram When do I pay for my print? After you send in your request, you will receive an email letting you know how much the print will cost and asking for approval to charge your library account. Once we receive approval, we will charge your account with the cost of the print. Payment is due at time of pickup. • Charges of less than $5 must be paid in cash or by check at a LCPL branch. • Charges of $5 or more can be paid by card online. Will I have an opportunity to approve the cost of my print before it is processed? Yes. Library staff will notify you of the estimated cost of your print before it is printed. You will need to approve this cost before the library will send the request to the printer. What are the specifications of the 3D printer? The library has two 3D printers: the Dremel 3D45 and the BambuLab X1-Carbon. • Both have a single drive print head • The 3D45 can only use one filament at a time. • The X1-Carbon has an Automatic Material System to use up to four filaments at a time. • Both use 1.75mm filament • Both have a nozzle diameter 0.4mm • Heated glass bed (3D45) • Heated flex plate bed (X1-Carbon) • 3D45 max build volume: 255 x 155 x 170mm (10" x 6" x 6.7") • x1-Carbon max build volume:256 x 256 x 256mm (10" x 10" x 10") Can I bring in my own filament? No. The library does not allow patron-supplied filament. What types of filament does the library offer? The library offers PLA, ECO-ABS, regular ABS, and PETG filaments. What color options are available? ECO-ABS: black ABS: black PETG: translucent. PLA: black, white, brown, gray, green, blue, purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, silver, gold https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b6bd57_ee6db9211e864bea9a0c9a618a5fedf0~mv2.jpg What is print resolution and what options are available? 3D prints are created layer by layer. Print resolution determines how thin or thick each layer is. Thin layers will create more polished looking prints, while thicker layers will be more noticeable. The library offers: • Low Resolution (0.28mm) • Standard Resolution (0.2mm) • High Resolution (0.12mm) • Ultra Resolution (0.08mm) https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b6bd57_f340aed0423d4400bffa3ab339ea2b7a~mv2.jpg What is infill and what options are available? The level of infill determines if the printed object will be hollow or solid. Certain 3D models will require minimum amount of infill in order to print correctly. The options range from 0% to 100%, with 20% being our standard option. We currently do not offer gradual infill. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b6bd57_e99385e59827484ea393304c78e6def7~mv2.jpg Does the library have sample prints so I can see what each option looks like? Yes! Each of our branches have 3D printed swatches for the colors available. You can also visit the Libratory during its open hours to see sample prints with different amounts of infill. Will I be charged for support materials if the library adds them? Support materials will not be added without approval from the patron requesting the print. Library staff will notify you if they believe your print will benefit from support materials. You will also be given an estimate of the cost with and without support materials for comparison. If you approve the addition of support materials, you will be responsible for paying for the support materials in addition to the main print. How long does printing take? Prints can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Print time depends on the size of the object, the amount of infill, and the print resolution. To ensure fair access to the library's 3D printing services, prints with estimated print times longer than six hours will not be processed. Can I print in more than one color? Yes! If you would like to print a model with up to four colors please let our staff know in your request and they will schedule an appointment for you to digitally paint or assign the colors onto your 3D model in our slicing program. Please note that process of printing in multiple colors will increase the cost and time of the print. What happens if my request isn't printed properly? If there are errors in the final print, the patron is still responsible for paying for what was printed. Fees will only be waived or refunded for mechanical error. Does the library offer classes on how to create models for 3D printing? The library does not currently offer classes on creating models for 3D printing. Visit the Libratory page (https://www.lcplin.org/libratory)for some of our recommended courses and a list of other resources. You can also set up a one-on-one appointment with staff to go over your file with you to evaluate it for any possible errors which might occur during the printing process. Are 3D prints food-safe? It is not recommended to use 3D printed objects for food. We cannot guarantee the material or manufacturing process is food-safe. Can I pick up my print at any LCPL branch? Yes! Let us know where you would like to pick up your print, and we will send it out. Please remember to bring in the library card used to request the print when you come in to pick it up! How long do I have to pick up my print? You must pick up your print within two weeks from the time that we notify you that your print is ready. After two weeks, you will need to contact the Libratory to make other arrangements for pick up. If the print is not picked up within 30 days of the notification that it is ready for pick up, it becomes property of the Lake County Public Library. I have an idea for a design. Can you make it for me? No, the Libratory does not offer 3D modeling services. You will need to provide your own print-ready file (or a link to one). Can you copy and print an object for me? No, we cannot copy objects and print them. You will need to provide your own print-ready file (or a link to one).

What Is It? Statewide borrowing in Indiana is a reciprocal borrowing program that covers the entire state. What's reciprocal borrowing, you ask? It's an arrangement between libraries to allow patrons from one library system to check out materials from another library system. That's right: now with your LCPL card, you can visit libraries outside of Lake County and check out books - no additional cost, no waiting for us to transport the book to you. Which materials reciprocal borrowers are allowed to check out differs at each library. Some allow DVDs and other AV items in addition to books. If you've found an Indiana library that has the item you need, call first to make sure you can borrow it under the statewide borrowing program! When you do borrow an item from a different library, you're responsible for the item just as you are when you borrow from us. That means you have to pay any late fees - so make sure you check how long you get to keep an item. It might be different from our loan period! You also must return the item to the library system from which you borrowed it - please don't return items from Porter County Public Library to us! Statewide Borrowing How Do I Get Started? When you find a participating library that has an item you want to borrow, all you have to do is bring your Lake County Public Library card to that library (to prove you're a member in good standing) and they will issue you a reciprocal card. Reciprocal borrowers are sometimes given a different card design than resident borrowers. Here at Lake County Public Library, reciprocal borrowers and full access borrowers get the same card design. Once you have your card, you can check out whatever items that library includes under their reciprocal borrowing agreement. Isn't This Just ILL? ILL (or Inter-Library Loan) is a time-honored tradition amongst libraries. Through ILL, libraries are often able to acquire out-of-print or less-popular books from other libraries for a one-time loan. In order to do this, libraries literally box up the items and ship them to each other. If you've ever paid shipping on a lot of books, you know that this can be costly and that the shipping isn't the fastest! With reciprocal borrowing you can go and pick up the book yourself, exactly when you want it. You don't have to wait for us to process the order or for the book to ship. It's faster for you and cheaper for the library. Of course, Lake County Public Library will still offer ILL services! Learn more about ILL and purchase requests . Indiana Libraries Working Together for Indiana Readers What Libraries Can I Use? More info WESTCHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY More info PULASKI COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY More info PORTER COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM More info NORTH JUDSON-WAYNE TWP PUBLIC LIBRARY More info NEWTON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY More info MICHIGAN CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY More info LA PORTE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY More info JASPER COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY More info WHITING PUBLIC LIBRARY More info LOWELL PUBLIC LIBRARY More info HAMMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY More info GARY PUBLIC LIBRARY More info EAST CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY More info CROWN POINT COMMUNITY PUBLIC LIBRARY Other Indiana Libraries If you want to travel a bit further afield, here is a list of all other Indiana libraries participating in statewide borrowing . What about Reciprocal Borrowing at LCPL? Opening statewide reciprocal borrowing to our patrons means that Lake County Public Library is now also open to patrons of other Indiana libraries. But don't worry - this won't impact availability of materials. First, reciprocal borrowers at our library are limited to 50 physical items. They don't have access to our electronic resources, like ebooks and downloadable audiobooks. See the full list of reciprocal borrowing privileges . In addition, we've hosted reciprocal borrowers from other library systems in Lake County for years. Patrons from Hammond, East Chicago, Whiting, Lowell, Gary and Crown Point libraries can all borrow materials from us. While we are opening reciprocal borrowing to the entire state through this agreement, it actually won't expand our area of service that much since we already serve most of the people closest to us. The further away a person lives, the less likely they are to drive out to borrow books: they are more likely to be served by other, closer libraries that are also participating in this program.