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Statewide Borrowing: Indiana Libraries Working Together for Indiana Readers

What Is It?

Patrons from one Indiana library can visit another

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!

Library card examples: red and green

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 usually given a different card than resident borrowers. Here at Lake County Public Library, reciprocal borrowers get a green card, while resident borrowers get a red one.

Once you have your card, you can check out whatever items that library includes under their reciprocal borrowing agreement.

Isn't This Just ILL?

Delivery of books between libraries

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.

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.

Upcoming Events
Fri, Dec 08, 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.

Fri, Dec 08, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Let's get festive & create a DIY Winter Luminary to take home! Registration required! Program is for adults 18 and over.

Fri, Dec 08, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us as we speed solve Rubik's Cube puzzles. All skill levels are welcome. Rubik's Cubes are supplied.

Sat, Dec 09, 10:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Decorate a small wreath and make a set of four holiday cards. All materials will be provided. Space is limited. Registration is required.
This event is full

Rescheduled
Sat, Dec 09, 10:00am - 12:00pm
New date Saturday, December 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp
Join us for a movie! A man trying to rise in his company, lets executives use his apartment for trysts, but complications and a romance... more
Join us for a movie! A man trying to rise in his company, lets executives use his apartment for trysts, but complications and a romance of his own ensue. Runtime 125 minutes.

Sat, Dec 09, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Kids ages 6 months through 3 years old, and their caregivers, will enjoy interacting at various block play stations. Special blocks... more
Kids ages 6 months through 3 years old, and their caregivers, will enjoy interacting at various block play stations. Special blocks for older kids will also be available on high tables.

Sat, Dec 09, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens, ages 12 to 18, will be instructed in painting on canvas with acrylic paint. Registration is required: seats are limited for this... more
Teens, ages 12 to 18, will be instructed in painting on canvas with acrylic paint. Registration is required: seats are limited for this small class.

Sat, Dec 09, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
In this program, Mrs. Claus will read stories to preschool-age children and help them make a festive craft!

Sat, Dec 09, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Long term residents of New Chicago & Lake Station will be invited to share their personal recollections of living in the area. The... more
Long term residents of New Chicago & Lake Station will be invited to share their personal recollections of living in the area. The public is invited to attend and participate.

Sat, Dec 09, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Families are invited to play Holiday Bingo with us! Prizes for all ages are available. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served.... more
Families are invited to play Holiday Bingo with us! Prizes for all ages are available. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Registration is required for all attendees. Registration closes Dec. 8.
This event is full

Sat, Dec 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us for a movie! A man trying to rise in his company, lets executives use his apartment for trysts, but complications and a romance... more
Join us for a movie! A man trying to rise in his company, lets executives use his apartment for trysts, but complications and a romance of his own ensue. Runtime 125 minutes.

Mon, Dec 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.

Mon, Dec 11, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband―and of the therapist... more
The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband―and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive.

Mon, Dec 11, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join us for an international film. Adults only. Bulgarian with English subtitles. 100 Minutes. Registration required.

Mon, Dec 11, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-5. The craft... more
This is a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-5. The craft will be done in house. Please plan accordingly.

Mon, Dec 11, 1:00pm - 1:40pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Join us for a storytime for kids 4-5 years old, featuring stories, music and craft, that help develop early literacy skills. Attendees... more
Join us for a storytime for kids 4-5 years old, featuring stories, music and craft, that help develop early literacy skills. Attendees must register.

Mon, Dec 11, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Children (completed grades K-5) are invited to free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project.

Mon, Dec 11, 5:30pm - 6:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program for preschoolers and their families. Enjoy an evening storytime with books, finger plays, and music. Feel... more
This is a storytime program for preschoolers and their families. Enjoy an evening storytime with books, finger plays, and music. Feel free to wear pajamas!

Mon, Dec 11, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room,Large Meeting Room
Join us as we spin yarn using a drop spindle and wool roving. Please register!

Mon, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room,Munster Zoom Room
Teens let's spill about books! Each month we'll read and talk about a different book. In December we're reading Truly Devious by Maureen... more
Teens let's spill about books! Each month we'll read and talk about a different book. In December we're reading Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson. Pick up @ Munster Branch.

Mon, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Create some ornaments using pipe cleaners, pom-poms, wrapping paper, and more! Ages 12-18. Registration required.

Tue, Dec 12, 10:15am - 10:45am
St. John - Children's Program Room
This is a 30 minute program for children, ages 4-6, and their caregiver(s). We will read books, sing songs, and take home a craft!

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Preschool-age children are invited to a 45 - 60 minute storytime session designed to foster pre-reading skills. Join us for books,... more
Preschool-age children are invited to a 45 - 60 minute storytime session designed to foster pre-reading skills. Join us for books, music, and an in-person craft!

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
For this storytime children 2 & 3 years of age, and their caregivers, are invited to a toddler storytime featuring age appropriate... more
For this storytime children 2 & 3 years of age, and their caregivers, are invited to a toddler storytime featuring age appropriate stories, fingerplays, and songs that teach early literacy skills.

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, and music that teach early... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, and music that teach early literacy skills. Includes in-house craft. Attendees must register.
This event is full

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:15am
Munster - Children's Program Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music that teach early literacy... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music that teach early literacy skills. In person craft time will follow the storytime.
This event is full

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books,... more
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to promote early literacy skills.
This event is full

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room,Large Meeting Room
Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

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

Tue, Dec 12, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, and movement designed to help... more
Babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Dec 12, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Homeschool teens get together for fun activities. Art, crafts, STEM, games - each month we'll do something different. In December we'll... more
Homeschool teens get together for fun activities. Art, crafts, STEM, games - each month we'll do something different. In December we'll make salt dough ornaments! Please Register.

Tue, Dec 12, 1:30pm - 2:15pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Join us for a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and an in person craft that teach pre-reading skills. This... more
Join us for a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and an in person craft that teach pre-reading skills. This program is for kids 4 to 6 years of age and their caregivers.

Tue, Dec 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join our Circle of Readers as they discuss Everything Beautiful in Its Time by Jenna Bush Hager.

Tue, Dec 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
The Friends of LCPL will host their bi-monthly meeting.

Tue, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join us and create a festive holiday or winter design for hanging. All Ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs.... more
Join us and create a festive holiday or winter design for hanging. All Ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Registration required.
This event is full

Tue, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
We are proud to be hosting a support, education, & social space for LGBTQ+ teens & their allies. Teens (12-18) are welcome.

Wed, Dec 13, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Babies, up to 23 months, and their families are invited to a 30-minute lap-sit program of rhymes, songs, knee bounces, and other... more
Babies, up to 23 months, and their families are invited to a 30-minute lap-sit program of rhymes, songs, knee bounces, and other activities designed to foster early child development.
This event is full

Wed, Dec 13, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Children's Department
Join your fellow caregivers after toddler and baby storytime for a cup of coffee and some conversation. Storytime attendance is not... more
Join your fellow caregivers after toddler and baby storytime for a cup of coffee and some conversation. Storytime attendance is not required.

Wed, Dec 13, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the... more
Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the company every Wednesday! All crafts are welcome.

Wed, Dec 13, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Homeschool children are invited to attend a program exploring a STEAM topic each session. The only requirement is imagination and... more
Homeschool children are invited to attend a program exploring a STEAM topic each session. The only requirement is imagination and registration!

Wed, Dec 13, 2:30pm - 3:15pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
This is a storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a take home craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-6.

Wed, Dec 13, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii and board games! We provide the games...you bring your friends... more
Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii and board games! We provide the games...you bring your friends to join in on the fun! Ages 12-18.

Wed, Dec 13, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake - Cedar Lake 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, Dec 13, 5:30pm - 6:45pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join the Page Turners as we discuss "The Secret, Book & Scone Society" by Ellery Adams. Books will be available at the St. John Branch... more
Join the Page Turners as we discuss "The Secret, Book & Scone Society" by Ellery Adams. Books will be available at the St. John Branch circulation desk.

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room D
Learn to paint miniatures for your favorite RPG or tabletop wargame! Bring your brushes if you have them. Basic materials and a... more
Learn to paint miniatures for your favorite RPG or tabletop wargame! Bring your brushes if you have them. Basic materials and a 3D-printed miniature will be provided.
This event is full

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens, ages 12 to 18, are welcome to bring their art or writing projects to work on and share with other teens. Supplies for making... more
Teens, ages 12 to 18, are welcome to bring their art or writing projects to work on and share with other teens. Supplies for making crafts will be provided. Please register.

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
This month we will be decorating mugs for Christmas. Space is limited. Registration is required for all attendees.
This event is full

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
New Chicago Parks and the 219 Project will present a play reading. All are welcome!

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville Library - Children's Department
All children and their families are invited to come and read to certified therapy dogs.

Thu, Dec 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, Dec 14, 10:30am - 12:00pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Join us for this month's classic film A Christmas Carol directed by Brian Desmond Hurst. Runtime: 1hr 26mins. Light refreshments will be... more
Join us for this month's classic film A Christmas Carol directed by Brian Desmond Hurst. Runtime: 1hr 26mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Thu, Dec 14, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Paper crafter Corie Kaz will be hosting a series of classes on how to make various paper crafts. This class costs $10.00 to attend and... more
Paper crafter Corie Kaz will be hosting a series of classes on how to make various paper crafts. This class costs $10.00 to attend and includes most necessary materials. Please bring your own glue.

Thu, Dec 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.

Thu, Dec 14, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room,Programming Room
Come on down to the library to play games on the Switch! We have Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, and more! Must... more
Come on down to the library to play games on the Switch! We have Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, and more! Must register! Ages 11-17. If you have your own joycons, bring them!

Thu, Dec 14, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
We will be transforming tissue boxes into mini holiday houses with construction paper, fabric, and other supplies on hand. Participants... more
We will be transforming tissue boxes into mini holiday houses with construction paper, fabric, and other supplies on hand. Participants will need to bring their own tissue box.

Thu, Dec 14, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come enjoy some hot chocolate, pine cone crafting and some holiday cheer! Special guest award-winning children's book author Kathleen... more
Come enjoy some hot chocolate, pine cone crafting and some holiday cheer! Special guest award-winning children's book author Kathleen Doherty will read her book!
This event is full

Sat, Dec 16, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Interested in any of the needle arts including knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us each month for an opportunity to chat... more
Interested in any of the needle arts including knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us each month for an opportunity to chat and create. Bring your own projects.

Sat, Dec 16, 11:00am - 12:00pm
DS: Children's Area - Children's Area
Children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Sat, Dec 16, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Bring your craft projects from home and join us to chat with fellow crafters while working on your project without the interruptions of... more
Bring your craft projects from home and join us to chat with fellow crafters while working on your project without the interruptions of home. All are welcome.