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LCPL: Beyond Books

Library Services

What can the library do for you?

How about help you learn to use your electronic devices? Or help you track down your great-great-great-aunt? We can recommend a good book, and get it to you for free. We can talk to your students about research, we can help them do that research, and we can give them a place to work on school projects. ¿No hablas Inglés? We can help with that, too. Basically, there's no end to what a library can do for you if you use it!

And, did we mention - all of the services mentioned above and most of the ones below are provided to our patrons completely free.

Puzzle Exchange

Take a puzzle, leave a puzzle! Available at Cedar Lake, Dyer-Schererville, Griffith-Calumet Twp, Hobart, and St. John branches. Puzzles with no missing pieces only, please!

Seed Libraries

Find seed libraries at Cedar Lake, Highland, Hobart, and Lake Station-New Chicago. Take a seed to plant in your yard; as you harvest, consider saving seeds to return to the library!

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Children in LCPL school districts under the age of 5 are eligible to receive one free book every month! Learn More...

Talking Books & Braille Library

Free library service to Indiana residents who cannot use standard printed materials. Learn more...

The Libratory

A place to explore, create, experiment, and digitize. Specializing in quick, easy photoscanning - grab your box of old photos and make an appointment today! Learn More...

Public Meeting Rooms

Need a space for your group to meet? How about a smaller room for studying? All of our locations have meeting rooms available to the public! Learn More...

Scan/Fax Capability

Scan photos and documents and send them to your phone, USB, Google Drive, and more! Learn more...

Outreach

We speak to schools, rotary groups, historical societies, community groups and more about how the library's resources can help with specific projects. Call your branch to schedule a talk for your group!

Genealogy

Use library resources to trace your roots. We have online databases that patrons can access for free, as well as local records in our Indiana Room at Merrillville branch. Learn more...

Reader's Advisory

We'll help you, personally, find a book you'll like. Seriously, we're really good at this. Just ask. You can also use our pre-made suggestions and tools for finding books.

Proctoring

Every branch offers proctoring services for open book, closed book, and online exams. Contact your branch to schedule an exam.

Research Specialists

There's no source more reliable than a librarian. We'll find you answers you can trust from reputable sources. Ask us anything online, in person, or over the phone.

English as a Second Language

If you'd like to improve your English speaking, reading, and writing skills, we can help with classes geared to every skill level. We also offer classes for those about to attempt the U.S. Citizenship Exam. Learn more...

Interlibrary Loan

If we don't have a book you're looking for in our collection, we'll get it for you from another library and bring it to the branch of your choice for you to check out - and no, there is no cost to you. Learn more...

Library Tours & Group Visits

Set up a library tour or group visit by calling your branch. This is especially helpful for students who need to learn to use the library for class projects. If you plan to bring a large group, please call ahead of time so that we can prepare space! Learn more...

Public Computers

Our public PCs come equipped with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software in addition to Internet access and printing. Anyone with a library card can use them!

Classes/Programs

From early literacy classes to crafting classes, there's no end to what you can learn at the library. We have programs and classes for all ages, from newborn infants to senior citizens, all free with your library card. Learn more...

What More Could You Want?

Have you got a service in mind that you wish the library provided? Are you not sure if we can help with something specific? Just ask! You can fill out our Ask a Librarian form or give us a call. All feedback, suggestions, and questions are appreciated.

Upcoming Events
Mon, Aug 11, 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, Aug 11, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
A homicide detective is called to help the family of a former murdered partner. He encounters a tangled web of family secrets in which a... more
A homicide detective is called to help the family of a former murdered partner. He encounters a tangled web of family secrets in which a killer with nothing to lose is waiting to take another life.

Mon, Aug 11, 3:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
The leftover books from the Friends Fall Book Sale will be available for nonprofit organizations and teachers to pick up from 3:30 - 6pm.

Mon, Aug 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Upper Level
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Mon, Aug 11, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Join us as we use sea glass and stones to create a piece of art you can frame. Please register; supplies are limited.
This event is full

Mon, Aug 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Inviting teens, ages 12 - 18, to LEGO® and Board Game Night. Stop in to build your own LEGO® creation or pick a board game to play... more
Inviting teens, ages 12 - 18, to LEGO® and Board Game Night. Stop in to build your own LEGO® creation or pick a board game to play instead. Snacks will be provided. Registration required.

Tue, Aug 12, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

Tue, Aug 12, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville
The Friends of LCPL will host their bi-monthly meeting.

Tue, Aug 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Circle of Readers will be discussing Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson.

Tue, Aug 12, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Come play Minecraft, uninterrupted, on our Raspberry Pi computers! For ages 8-18.

Tue, Aug 12, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come and play in a game with one of our librarians as GM.

Tue, Aug 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Create faux stained glass designs on votive holders to create a nice fall ambiance when lit. Registration required. All Ability programs... more
Create faux stained glass designs on votive holders to create a nice fall ambiance when lit. Registration required. All Ability programs are geared to adults with special needs.
This event is full

Tue, Aug 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
We are proud to be hosting a support, education, & social space for LGBTQ+ teens & their allies. Teens (12-18) are welcome.

Wed, Aug 13, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Wed, Aug 13, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Misty De la Cruz of First Financial Bank will teach how to spot the signs of identity theft, how to protect yourself, and what to do if... more
Misty De la Cruz of First Financial Bank will teach how to spot the signs of identity theft, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you think your identity has been compromised.

Wed, Aug 13, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Upper Level
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Wed, Aug 13, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake Library - Public Tables
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or... more
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or bring along a project you're already working on! 

Wed, Aug 13, 5:30pm - 6:45pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join the Page Turners Book Discussion as we discuss The Widower's Tale by Julia Glass. Books are available at the circulation... more
Join the Page Turners Book Discussion as we discuss The Widower's Tale by Julia Glass. Books are available at the circulation desk. Please register.

Wed, Aug 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
This month we will be coloring our own puzzles! Space is limited. Registration is required for all attendees.

Wed, Aug 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Like to draw? Like comics and cartoons? Then this is the program for you! Join us on the second Wednesday of every month to learn new... more
Like to draw? Like comics and cartoons? Then this is the program for you! Join us on the second Wednesday of every month to learn new drawing techniques and make friends with your fellow cartoonists!

Thu, Aug 14, 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.

Thu, Aug 14, 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

Cancelled
Thu, Aug 14, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago
Don't have the space at home for your hobby? Bring it to our meeting room and have a whole rectangular table to work on (more if less... more
Don't have the space at home for your hobby? Bring it to our meeting room and have a whole rectangular table to work on (more if less people attend). This will be every 2nd Thursday for 2 hours.

Thu, Aug 14, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
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

Thu, Aug 14, 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

Thu, Aug 14, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Teens are invited to play in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign with one of our librarians as game master!
This event is full

Thu, Aug 14, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life... more
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (ages 14-18) are welcome.

Thu, Aug 14, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for our Thursday evening group of Adult Dungeons and Dragons! In this group, we'll work our way through the Curse of Strahd module.
This event is full

Fri, Aug 15, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Stop in anytime during these sessions to work on a provided puzzle, crossword, word search or coloring sheet. All supplies provides.... more
Stop in anytime during these sessions to work on a provided puzzle, crossword, word search or coloring sheet. All supplies provides. Coffee, tea, and water will be available.

Cancelled
Fri, Aug 15, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago
For seasoned players and beginners. Please bring your own set as on-site supplies are limited. Open play every third Friday.

Sat, Aug 16, 10:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Back by popular demand! Create unique and colorful decor by tying simple knots with yarn. All materials will be supplied. Space is... more
Back by popular demand! Create unique and colorful decor by tying simple knots with yarn. All materials will be supplied. Space is limited. All attendees must be 12 or older. Register online.

Sat, Aug 16, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own... more
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Sat, Aug 16, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Please join us for some board and card games. We'll also have a Nintendo Switch set up. Feel free to bring your own games too!

Mon, Aug 18, 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, Aug 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Upper Level
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Mon, Aug 18, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville
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!

Cancelled
Mon, Aug 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago
Join us at the library to design your own canvas tote bag. You can create your own design or examples will be provided. Supplies are... more
Join us at the library to design your own canvas tote bag. You can create your own design or examples will be provided. Supplies are limited. Registration is required. Ages 12-18.

Mon, Aug 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Come make a tissue paper kite. All ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Registration is required.

Mon, Aug 18, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Make a watercolor painting. Registration is required. All Ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs.

Tue, Aug 19, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room,Hobart Zoom Room
Our August 2025 book chat title is "All That Is Mine I Carry With Me" by William Landay. Pick up a copy at the Hobart Branch to chat!... more
Our August 2025 book chat title is "All That Is Mine I Carry With Me" by William Landay. Pick up a copy at the Hobart Branch to chat! Contact hobart@lcplin.org or (219) 942-2243 for more details.

Cancelled
Tue, Aug 19, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago
Take a time out every third Tuesday for some calming music, word puzzles, coloring sheets, & other relaxing activities.

Tue, Aug 19, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Join us for video and board games!

Tue, Aug 19, 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, Aug 19, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come in to the Library and enjoy some crafting!

Wed, Aug 20, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "Beyond That, the Sea" by Laura Spence-Ash. Books for this discussion can be... more
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "Beyond That, the Sea" by Laura Spence-Ash. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch a month prior to the event.

Wed, Aug 20, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Create your perfect resume with helpful resources and tips for those just getting started.

Wed, Aug 20, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Wed, Aug 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library for a cooking program that teaches kitchen skills, nutrition, and sustainability through interactive lessons and... more
Join us at the library for a cooking program that teaches kitchen skills, nutrition, and sustainability through interactive lessons and tasty food while promoting healthy eating and food science.

Wed, Aug 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Upper Level
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Wed, Aug 20, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake Library - Public Tables
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or... more
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or bring along a project you're already working on! 

Wed, Aug 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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.

Wed, Aug 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Teen Rainbow Club is a monthly social space for LGBTQIA+ teens & allies. Come for informal discussion, movies, snacks, and crafts.... more
Teen Rainbow Club is a monthly social space for LGBTQIA+ teens & allies. Come for informal discussion, movies, snacks, and crafts. Please register

Wed, Aug 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Casey McQuiston about The Pairing.

Wed, Aug 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us at the library for a fast-paced, fun, and creative workshop focused on the art of flash fiction!

Wed, Aug 20, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Join us for a discussion of "Being Henry" by Henry Winkler. Copies are available at the front desk.

Wed, Aug 20, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens (ages 12 to 17) are invited to watch episodes from an anime series. We'll also have art and craft supplies if you want to draw,... more
Teens (ages 12 to 17) are invited to watch episodes from an anime series. We'll also have art and craft supplies if you want to draw, sketch, or get creative. Snacks will be provided.