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a Universe of Stories

Summer Reading 2019: A Universe of Stories

Begins In: 1d 15h 9m 3s

June 1 - July 31

Sign up at your branch starting June 1! This year's theme is "A Universe of Stories," so all summer long we'll be hosting some out-of-this-world events and classes for kids, teens, and adults! These events are made possible by our awesome Friends of LCPL group.

Check Out the Calendar

And of course, we have some stellar prizes procided by the amazing LCPL Foundation. This year, every branch will have a drawing for a $50 gift card that you can enter along with our usual system-wide drawing for grand prizes! And of course, reading a certain number of pages will earn you other, smaller prizes along the way. Read on to learn more!

Skip to Children's Rules - Skip to Teen Rules - Skip to Adult Rules - Skip to the PRIZES!

(Looking for local school reading lists for this summer? Check here!)

Explore the universe through books!

Children's Summer Reading

Children can count their pages whether they're reading or being read to! They'll earn a prize or raffle ticket every 300 pages.

300 pages

• Railcats game ticket
• grand prize raffle ticket
• branch prize raffle ticket

600 pages

• LCPL book bag
• grand prize raffle ticket

900 pages

• free book
• grand prize raffle ticket

1200 pages

• LCPL water bottle
• grand prize raffle ticket

And for every 300 pages read after that, they'll get another grand prize raffle ticket.

Upcoming Events

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Jul 23, 10:00am - 10:45am

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that teach early... more

Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that teach early literacy skills.

This event is full

School Age Explorers -- Stories and Art - (Grades 1 & Up)

Tue, Jul 23, 10:30am - 11:30am

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Children who have completed kindergarten and older will explore the universe through stories and art.

Storytime: Ages 4-6

Tue, Jul 23, 10:30am - 11:30am

St. John - Children's Program Room

Children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.

Memory Care for Seniors

Tue, Jul 23, 10:30am - 11:30am

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Join us for this informative program about caring for seniors and their memories. Learn signs that could point toward memory problems,... more

Join us for this informative program about caring for seniors and their memories. Learn signs that could point toward memory problems, such as Alzheimer's and dementia. Please register.

Storytime in the Park

Tue, Jul 23, 11:00am - 11:30am

Riverview Park

Join us at Riverview park for stories, songs, and games!

Canceled

Storytime: Ages Birth - 6

Tue, Jul 23, 11:00am - 11:45am

Lake Station-New Chicago

Families are invited to join us for a 45-minute story time. We will read books, sing songs, and do fun activities!

Storytime: Ages 4-5

Tue, Jul 23, 11:15am - 12:00pm

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids ages 4-5.

This event is full

Craft and Chat

Tue, Jul 23, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room

Bring your projects and join us. Chat with fellow crafters and work on your project without the interruptions of home. All are welcome.

Free Blood Pressure Screening

Tue, Jul 23, 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Foyer

A Representative from NorthShore Health Center will be offering free blood pressure screenings in the foyer. First come, first served.

Storytime: Ages 4-6

Tue, Jul 23, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

St. John - Children's Program Room

Children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.

Indiana Dunes Presents Animals of the Dunes

Tue, Jul 23, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Hobart - Large Meeting Room

This program will focus on the animals that live in the Indiana Dunes National Park. Park Ranger Kip Walton will bring animals furs to... more

This program will focus on the animals that live in the Indiana Dunes National Park. Park Ranger Kip Walton will bring animals furs to see and touch along with a live animal.

Wii Gaming for Adults

Tue, Jul 23, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Adults can try all kinds of sports activities on the Nintendo Wii including bowling, golf, archery, racing, and more! Wii is easy to... more

Adults can try all kinds of sports activities on the Nintendo Wii including bowling, golf, archery, racing, and more! Wii is easy to learn, and lots of fun! Registration required.

Teen: Green Screen Fun

Tue, Jul 23, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

Join us for green screen fun at the library! You will be able to write your own skits and perform, while learning how to use the green... more

Join us for green screen fun at the library! You will be able to write your own skits and perform, while learning how to use the green screen technology. Please register. Ages 10-18.

Teen "Mars" Rock Painting

Tue, Jul 23, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)

Back by Popular Demand! Rocks and paints provided, just bring your creativity! Registration required.

Registration is now closed

Teen: Alien Entity

Tue, Jul 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A

In this card game you are planetary researchers trying to escape a hostile planet. One member of the team is an alien entity and will... more

In this card game you are planetary researchers trying to escape a hostile planet. One member of the team is an alien entity and will sabotage the researchers as they try to contact mission control.

Out of This World Karaoke Kids!

Tue, Jul 23, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Kids and their families will sing karaoke, eat snacks and have fun!

CHESS and GO CLUBS

Tue, Jul 23, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

Play a friendly game of Chess or Go.

LGBTQ Teens & Allies Time

Tue, Jul 23, 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Together with PFLAGCP-NWI, we are hosting a social, support, education, & networking space for LGBTQ+ teens & their allies. Teens... more

Together with PFLAGCP-NWI, we are hosting a social, support, education, & networking space for LGBTQ+ teens & their allies. Teens (12-18) are welcome. Parents/guardians can meet concurrently.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 months

Wed, Jul 24, 10:30am - 11:00am

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room

Children birth - 23 mos. old, accompanied by an adult caregiver, will enjoy this 30 min. lap-sit program. Songs, stories, finger plays... more

Children birth - 23 mos. old, accompanied by an adult caregiver, will enjoy this 30 min. lap-sit program. Songs, stories, finger plays and rhymes will encourage interaction and language development.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 months

Wed, Jul 24, 10:30am - 11:00am

Munster - Children's Program Room

Learn new ways to play with your baby (birth to 23 months), while stimulating mental growth. Please register all attendees so we may... more

Learn new ways to play with your baby (birth to 23 months), while stimulating mental growth. Please register all attendees so we may be able to count you in our attendance.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth-23 months

Wed, Jul 24, 10:30am - 11:00am

St. John - Children's Program Room

This half hour lap-sit program uses songs and rhymes to foster language development.

Storytime: Ages 4-6

Wed, Jul 24, 10:30am - 11:30am

Highland - Children's Programming Room

Storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-6.

This event is full

Labor Basics

Wed, Jul 24, 10:30am - 12:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room

An experienced labor nurse will help expectant parents prepare for labor by providing education and advice on the labor experience. She... more

An experienced labor nurse will help expectant parents prepare for labor by providing education and advice on the labor experience. She will help parents feel prepared for the birth of their baby.

Space Jam

Wed, Jul 24, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

Enjoy a movie during summer break. Bring the whole family! Rated PG ; 88 minutes Snacks are welcome (clear drinks only)! *Children under... more

Enjoy a movie during summer break. Bring the whole family! Rated PG ; 88 minutes Snacks are welcome (clear drinks only)! *Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult 18+.

Off the Hook

Wed, Jul 24, 12:30pm - 2:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Bring your favorite yarn or thread project and enjoy some great company while you create! All crafters are welcome, no matter what craft... more

Bring your favorite yarn or thread project and enjoy some great company while you create! All crafters are welcome, no matter what craft you enjoy!

Indiana Dunes National Park - Presented by Park Ranger Kipton Walton

Wed, Jul 24, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A

This school aged program will focus on the Indiana Dunes National park's plants, animals and general ecology. Children will learn about... more

This school aged program will focus on the Indiana Dunes National park's plants, animals and general ecology. Children will learn about the natural world not so far from us and what park rangers do.

Engineering with NIPSCO for Kids

Wed, Jul 24, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

This program for kids in 1st through 6th grade will introduce kids to engineering concepts through a presentation and fun hands on... more

This program for kids in 1st through 6th grade will introduce kids to engineering concepts through a presentation and fun hands on activities.

Travel Film: Canary Islands

Wed, Jul 24, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Explore: Puerto Mogan, Puerto Rico, Tenerife, Palmitos Park, Santa Cruz Maspalomas, Las Teresitas, Playa del Ingles, Candelaria, Gran... more

Explore: Puerto Mogan, Puerto Rico, Tenerife, Palmitos Park, Santa Cruz Maspalomas, Las Teresitas, Playa del Ingles, Candelaria, Gran Canaria

Teen MakerStation: Robot Space Race

Wed, Jul 24, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Hobart - Large Meeting Room

Teens will construct a space obstacle course. Then they will code and operate the Dash and Sphero BOLT 'bots in a race through the course.

Wii Gaming for Adults

Wed, Jul 24, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Adults can try all kinds of sports activities on the Nintendo Wii including bowling, golf, archery, racing, and more! Wii is easy to... more

Adults can try all kinds of sports activities on the Nintendo Wii including bowling, golf, archery, racing, and more! Wii is easy to learn, and lots of fun! Registration required.

Teen: Escape Room Challenge

Wed, Jul 24, 6:00pm - 6:45pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Ages 11 and up will have to find clues around the room to solve the puzzle to escape the room.

This event is full

Teen Game On

Wed, Jul 24, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Eat snacks while playing video and board games.

Teen Game Fest

Wed, Jul 24, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A

Play Wii games, jam out on Guitar Hero or many other games!

Teen Book Reviews

Wed, Jul 24, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Learn how to write a book review while enjoying snacks and sharing your top picks from this year.

Flight of the Navigator

Wed, Jul 24, 6:30pm - 8:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Join us for this month's Classic Film selection: Flight of the Navigator. Rated PG. Run time: 90 minutes. Refreshments will be... more

Join us for this month's Classic Film selection: Flight of the Navigator. Rated PG. Run time: 90 minutes. Refreshments will be served. Registration is required.

Teen: Escape Room Challenge

Wed, Jul 24, 7:00pm - 7:45pm

Munster Branch - Large Meeting Room

Ages 11 and up will have to find clues around the room to solve the puzzle to escape the room.

This event is full

The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story - Between the Lines Book Club

Wed, Jul 24, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)

The Between the Lines Book Club reads "The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit" by Michael Finkel.... more

The Between the Lines Book Club reads "The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit" by Michael Finkel. Books can be picked up at the circ desk a month before the event.

The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story - Between the Lines Book Club

Thu, Jul 25, 10:15am - 11:30am

Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)

The Between the Lines Book Club reads "The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit" by Michael Finkel.... more

The Between the Lines Book Club reads "The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit" by Michael Finkel. Books can be picked up at the circ desk a month before the event.

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Thu, Jul 25, 10:30am - 11:15am

Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room

Toddlers 2 and 3 years of age accompanied by a caregiver will participate in stories, finger plays, music activities, crafts, and more.... more

Toddlers 2 and 3 years of age accompanied by a caregiver will participate in stories, finger plays, music activities, crafts, and more. Activities will help to develop important pre-literacy skills.

Flight of the Navigator

Thu, Jul 25, 10:30am - 12:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Join us for this month's Classic Film selection: Flight of the Navigator. Rated PG. Run time: 90 minutes. Refreshments will be... more

Join us for this month's Classic Film selection: Flight of the Navigator. Rated PG. Run time: 90 minutes. Refreshments will be served. Registration is required.

Thursday Threaders

Thu, Jul 25, 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.

Code Girls by Liza Mundy

Thu, Jul 25, 1:30pm - 3:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion, copies are available at the Munster branch. The untold story of the American women... more

Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion, copies are available at the Munster branch. The untold story of the American women who cracked German and Japanese code to help win World War II.

Animals of the Night

Thu, Jul 25, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Come see animals at the library! Humane Indiana rehabilitates wildlife, and they will be sending some of their nocturnal animals for... more

Come see animals at the library! Humane Indiana rehabilitates wildlife, and they will be sending some of their nocturnal animals for this special event. Which ones? Just wait and see!

LEGO® Indy 500: Ages 6-11

Thu, Jul 25, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Build a LEGO® race car, check it's performance on the track, tweak it to your satisfaction, then race the other cars!

Schererville Fire Department

Thu, Jul 25, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Dyer/Schererville Library: East parking lot

Explore a real fire truck and beat the heat with the spray from the Schererville Fire Department's tallest and biggest hose. Bring a... more

Explore a real fire truck and beat the heat with the spray from the Schererville Fire Department's tallest and biggest hose. Bring a towel and wear your swimsuit.

LEGO® (Grades K-6)

Thu, Jul 25, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Children in grades K-6 will have fun making their own unique LEGO® creations. The only requirement is imagination!

Teen Arts & Crafts - Constellation Sewing Cards

Thu, Jul 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Learn how to hand sew designs of several star constellations on cardstock paper! Easy and simple to make for friends and family! Ages... more

Learn how to hand sew designs of several star constellations on cardstock paper! Easy and simple to make for friends and family! Ages 11-18. Must register.

School Age Explorers - STEAM (Grades 1 & up)

Thu, Jul 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Children who have completed kindergarten and older will explore the universe using STEAM techniques.

LEGO® (Grades K-6)

Thu, Jul 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room

Children in grades K-6 are invited to join us for one hour of LEGO® building. Bring your friends, but please leave your own LEGOS® at... more

Children in grades K-6 are invited to join us for one hour of LEGO® building. Bring your friends, but please leave your own LEGOS® at home.

Glow In The Dark Family Dance Party (All Ages)

Thu, Jul 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Kids and their families are invited for an evening of glow in the dark dancing and fun. One glow stick per child will be provided. ... more

Kids and their families are invited for an evening of glow in the dark dancing and fun. One glow stick per child will be provided. Lemonade and snacks will be provided.

Midnight in the Bright Ideas Bookstore by Matthew Sullivan

Thu, Jul 25, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Join our Once Upon a Crime mystery book discussion. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

See all events

Teen Summer Reading

Our summer reading program wouldn't be possible without our teen volunteers! Even if you're not volunteering this year, though, you can still read to earn prizes.

300 pages	• Railcats game ticket • grand prize raffle ticket • branch prize raffle ticket
600 pages	• LCPL book bag • grand prize raffle ticket
900 pages	• free book from our book sale • grand prize raffle ticket
1200 pages	• LCPL water bottle • grand prize raffle ticket

And for every 300 pages you read after that, you'll get another grand prize raffle ticket.

Adult Summer Reading

Why should kids have all the fun? Whether you're reading to others or reading for yourself, your pages count.

Books arranged as a cityscape against a solar system backdrop

300 pages	• grand prize raffle ticket • branch prize raffle ticket
600 pages	• grand prize raffle ticket
900 pages	• grand prize raffle ticket
1200 pages	• 3 free books from our book sale

And for every 300 pages you read after that, you'll get another grand prize raffle ticket.