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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
Sat, Jun 28, 10:00am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Children are welcome to come and play chess in our meeting room! Chess boards will be provided if you don't have one!

Rescheduled
Sat, Jun 28, 10:00am - 12:00pm
New date Saturday, June 28, 10:00am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville
Children are welcome to come and play chess in our meeting room! Chess boards will be provided if you don't have one!

Sat, Jun 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will learn how to tie dye! You must bring your own 100% white cotton t-shirt. Event will be outside, weather permitting. Ages... more
Teens will learn how to tie dye! You must bring your own 100% white cotton t-shirt. Event will be outside, weather permitting. Ages 12-18. Registration required.

Sat, Jun 28, 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.
This event is full

Sat, Jun 28, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Stop in to build your own LEGO® creation or pick a board game to play instead. A Nintendo Switch will also be available to play. Snacks... more
Stop in to build your own LEGO® creation or pick a board game to play instead. A Nintendo Switch will also be available to play. Snacks will be provided. Registration required. Ages 12 - 18.

Cancelled
Mon, Jun 30, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville
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, Jun 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Staff from the Lake County Solid Waste Management District will visit us to demonstrate how to make a craft from reusable materials.... more
Staff from the Lake County Solid Waste Management District will visit us to demonstrate how to make a craft from reusable materials. Pleases register so we have enough supplies.

Mon, Jun 30, 1:30pm - 3:15pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Bring the whole family! The room will be lighter, the volume will be lower, and audience members can move around, talk, and sing. Snacks... more
Bring the whole family! The room will be lighter, the volume will be lower, and audience members can move around, talk, and sing. Snacks are welcome! Rated PG; 92 minute runtime.

Mon, Jun 30, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Ready - set - race! Players can compete at Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch. If you have Joycon controllers, bring them! For ages 12-18.

Mon, Jun 30, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us for Family Game Day! Play one of our many board games or our Nintendo Switch. All games are provided. Bring your friends and... more
Join us for Family Game Day! Play one of our many board games or our Nintendo Switch. All games are provided. Bring your friends and family to join in on the fun! All ages are welcome.

Mon, Jun 30, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch Library - 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, Jun 30, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
A woman discovers a rare book that has connections to her past, which leads her to find long-held secrets about her family.

Tue, Jul 01, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.

Tue, Jul 01, 10:15am - 10:45am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.
This event is full

Tue, Jul 01, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Children's Program Room
Join us for this month's travel film about Spain. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Tue, Jul 01, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending. Registration opens June 1st.
This event is full

Tue, Jul 01, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books,... more
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Jul 01, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.

Tue, Jul 01, 11:00am - 11:30am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Jul 01, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
A great way to connect with other baby and toddler caregivers. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while children play with toys provided.... more
A great way to connect with other baby and toddler caregivers. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while children play with toys provided. Story time attendance is not required.

Tue, Jul 01, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an... more
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an emphasis on important early pre-reading skills.

Tue, Jul 01, 11:30am - 11:50am
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
In this program, toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft. Registration is... more
In this program, toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft. Registration is required.
This event is full

Tue, Jul 01, 12:00pm - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Children, ages 2-5, are invited to join us in the Children's Programming Room to play with unique toys and socialize.

Tue, Jul 01, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Students will play an environmentally-themed BINGO and learn how they can help protect their environment. Small prizes will be awarded.

Tue, Jul 01, 1:00pm - 2:15pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this introductory lecture, we’ll review how ads target us online, how to limit tracking, where to find browser settings and... more
In this introductory lecture, we’ll review how ads target us online, how to limit tracking, where to find browser settings and extensions to better control how our information is shared.

Tue, Jul 01, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Children and their families will enjoy 15 different animals including: a bat, fox, sugar glider, turtle, parrot, snake, tarantula and... more
Children and their families will enjoy 15 different animals including: a bat, fox, sugar glider, turtle, parrot, snake, tarantula and many more!
This event is full

Tue, Jul 01, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us to make slime in your color of choice!

Tue, Jul 01, 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.

Tue, Jul 01, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Come in to the Library and enjoy some crafting!

Cancelled
Wed, Jul 02, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Munster
Be Heart Smart is a multi-session, lecture-based program for individuals who want to learn more about preventing heart disease by making... more
Be Heart Smart is a multi-session, lecture-based program for individuals who want to learn more about preventing heart disease by making heart-healthy lifestyle changes.

Wed, Jul 02, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Wed, Jul 02, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
School-age children will play an environmentally-themed BINGO and learn how they can help protect their environment. Small prizes will... more
School-age children will play an environmentally-themed BINGO and learn how they can help protect their environment. Small prizes will be awarded.

Wed, Jul 02, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Incorporate journaling into your self-care routine. Creative prompts tie in to the summer reading theme.

Wed, Jul 02, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Kids will be playing a traditional Bingo game using environmental pictures and phrases.

Wed, Jul 02, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Children, ages 6-11, will use shells, sponges, recycled materials and various craft supplies to make a beautiful coral reef creation.... more
Children, ages 6-11, will use shells, sponges, recycled materials and various craft supplies to make a beautiful coral reef creation. Wear old clothes you can get messy. Registration required.
This event is full

Wed, Jul 02, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
School age children will create a different masterpiece each week highlighting a different famous artist or art style.
This event is full

Wed, Jul 02, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to make a polymer clay miniature. You can create your own design or examples will be provided. Supplies are... more
Join us at the library to make a polymer clay miniature. You can create your own design or examples will be provided. Supplies are limited. Registration is required. Ages 12-18.

Wed, Jul 02, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
We will be creating art like Michelangelo, Warhol, and other master artists!

Wed, Jul 02, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch Library - 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, Jul 02, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake Branch - 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, Jul 02, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens & tweens (ages 10-17) will be taken on a food adventure. In July, we will be making Fourth of July Treats.To ensure there are... more
Teens & tweens (ages 10-17) will be taken on a food adventure. In July, we will be making Fourth of July Treats.To ensure there are enough supplies and to address allergies,registration is required.
This event is full

Wed, Jul 02, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the... more
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the adventure! Seats are limited, so registration is required.
This event is full

Wed, Jul 02, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Come to the Lake Station-New Chicago branch to use our LEGO® blocks to build what you want. Every 1st Wednesday.

Thu, Jul 03, 10:00am - 11:30am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Preschoolers and their families are invited to play with an assortment of blocks and learn how this activity fosters development.

Thu, Jul 03, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas... more
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas with other crafters during this program.  

Thu, Jul 03, 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, Jul 03, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that promote pre-reading skills for kids 4-6. Registration opens June 1st. 
This event is full

Thu, Jul 03, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
For this storytime babies and toddlers will participate in stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and music activities designed to... more
For this storytime babies and toddlers will participate in stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and music activities designed to enhance important pre-literacy skills.

Cancelled
Thu, Jul 03, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville
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.

Thu, Jul 03, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Thu, Jul 03, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
Program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities.... more
Program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help to develop important pre-literacy skills.

Thu, Jul 03, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Preschoolers and their families are invited to play with an assortment of blocks and learn how this activity fosters development.

Sat, Jul 05, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Adults and teens, please join us with your projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and stitch! Bring your... more
Adults and teens, please join us with your projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and stitch! Bring your supplies, and other attendees can instruct on crochet as needed.

Sat, Jul 05, 10:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Create a work of art using various art supplies and assigned prompts. All materials will be provided. Space is limited. Register online.

Sat, Jul 05, 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.

Mon, Jul 07, 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, Jul 07, 1:30pm - 3:15pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Bring the whole family! The room will be lighter, the volume will be lower, and audience members can move around, talk, and sing. Snacks... more
Bring the whole family! The room will be lighter, the volume will be lower, and audience members can move around, talk, and sing. Snacks are welcome! Rated PG; 100 minute runtime.

Mon, Jul 07, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
The tale of Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power and Glinda,... more
The tale of Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power and Glinda, a popular young woman, who has yet to discover her true heart.

Mon, Jul 07, 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.

Mon, Jul 07, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
How fast are you? Test your skill by seeing if you can beat our challenges in less than 60 seconds. First through third place will go on... more
How fast are you? Test your skill by seeing if you can beat our challenges in less than 60 seconds. First through third place will go on our leader board. Compete all summer for a grand prize.

Mon, Jul 07, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Sing, dance, and act out scenes with the family Madrigal in our interactive event. Remember: we don't talk about Bruno.

Mon, Jul 07, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Come join us for some fun experimenting with technology and playing around with robotics!
This event is full

Mon, Jul 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be... more
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be displayed in the library until the next LEGO® Club meeting. 

Mon, Jul 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch Library - 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, Jul 07, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Are you a fan of anime or manga? If so, come to our monthly Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch. We watch 3-4 episodes of your... more
Are you a fan of anime or manga? If so, come to our monthly Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch. We watch 3-4 episodes of your choosing each month. Ages 12-18.

Mon, Jul 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Using lengths of yarn and a stick, teens will create a unique decoration. All supplies and snacks will be provided. Teens 12 – 18.... more
Using lengths of yarn and a stick, teens will create a unique decoration. All supplies and snacks will be provided. Teens 12 – 18. Space is limited. Registration required.

Mon, Jul 07, 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