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a Universe of Stories

Summer Reading 2019: A Universe of Stories

Summer Reading 2019 has ended! Thanks for reading with us - see you in 2020!

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, Dec 10, 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 teaches early... more

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

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 months

Tue, Dec 10, 10:30am - 11:00am

Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room

This half hour lap-sit program is for children ages birth to 23 months and their caregivers. We use songs, rhymes, and finger plays to... more

This half hour lap-sit program is for children ages birth to 23 months and their caregivers. We use songs, rhymes, and finger plays to encourage interaction and foster language development.

STEAM Club: Ages 3-6

Tue, Dec 10, 10:30am - 11:15am

Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A

Preschool children ages 3-6 are invited to explore easy, age appropriate science, technology, engineering, art, and math activities.

Storytime: Ages 4-6

Tue, Dec 10, 10:30am - 11:30am

St. John - Children's Program Room

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

Family, Food, and Fun

Tue, Dec 10, 11:00am - 11:30am

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

Families with children ages 2 and under are invited. Storytime activities for the family, a cooking and nutrition class for the parents,... more

Families with children ages 2 and under are invited. Storytime activities for the family, a cooking and nutrition class for the parents, a hot lunch and raffle prizes.

Storytime: Ages 4-5

Tue, Dec 10, 11:15am - 12:00pm

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

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

Friends Meeting

Tue, Dec 10, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Merrillville - Board Room

Bimonthly meeting for the Friends of LCPL.

Storytime: Ages 4-6

Tue, Dec 10, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

St. John - Children's Program Room

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

Griffith-Calumet Branch Home School Theater

Tue, Dec 10, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room

Five-week workshop for home school kids, 1st grade and up. Kids will learn theater terms and techniques, through games, exercises and... more

Five-week workshop for home school kids, 1st grade and up. Kids will learn theater terms and techniques, through games, exercises and skits. Space is limited, must register.

This event is full

Independent Film - Styx

Tue, Dec 10, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

A woman on a solo sailing trip comes across a sinking ship filled with refugees. From Germany. Run time 94 minutes.

Storytime: Ages 4-5

Tue, Dec 10, 1:30pm - 2:15pm

Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room

Picture books, flannel boards, puppets, songs, fingerplays and a craft bring language to life in this fun program.

Teen: Time Management and the Power of What You Think - Adulting for Teens Series

Tue, Dec 10, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Hobart - Large Meeting Room

Teens, join us as Life Skills Coach, Dawn Magagnotti, discusses time management skills, overcoming negative thinking, and how you can... more

Teens, join us as Life Skills Coach, Dawn Magagnotti, discusses time management skills, overcoming negative thinking, and how you can make positive thinking work for you.

Pajama Storytime

Tue, Dec 10, 6:00pm - 6:30pm

Hobart - Children's Program Room

Storytime for preschoolers and their families. Enjoy an evening storytime with books, finger plays, and music. Feel free to wear pajamas!

All Ability: Pine Cone Trees

Tue, Dec 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Create & decorate mini pine cone trees. Stand-alones or turn into an ornament! Registration Required! All Ability programs are geared... more

Create & decorate mini pine cone trees. Stand-alones or turn into an ornament! Registration Required! All Ability programs are geared especially for those with special needs but open to all.

Registration is now closed

Teen Art in the Evenings

Tue, Dec 10, 6:00pm - 7:15pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room C

Cubism (cont'd): We will be sketching a still-life in the style of cubism and painting. All supplies provided, but limited. Registration... more

Cubism (cont'd): We will be sketching a still-life in the style of cubism and painting. All supplies provided, but limited. Registration required. Ages 12-18.

Stamp Camp

Tue, Dec 10, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room A

Spend an hour expressing your creativity with Melissa of Stampin' Up. Materials fee of $5 paid at the time of class covers the cost of... more

Spend an hour expressing your creativity with Melissa of Stampin' Up. Materials fee of $5 paid at the time of class covers the cost of 2-3 rubber stamping projects. Bring your favorite adhesive.

Family Storytime

Tue, Dec 10, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Highland - Children's Programming Room

Stories, fingerplays, music, related activities and a craft are all included this this storytime for children and their family members.

Coffee & Coloring for Adults

Wed, Dec 11, 10:00am - 11:00am

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Relax via this coloring for adults open session. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee & tea while getting creative with no pressure for... more

Relax via this coloring for adults open session. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee & tea while getting creative with no pressure for perfection. Coloring materials provided.

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Wed, Dec 11, 10:15am - 10:45am

Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room

Children ages 2-3 years, along with their caregivers, will enjoy storytime, which involves 30 minutes of interactive rhymes, songs,... more

Children ages 2-3 years, along with their caregivers, will enjoy storytime, which involves 30 minutes of interactive rhymes, songs, stories and a craft.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 months

Wed, Dec 11, 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.

This event is full

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth-23 months

Wed, Dec 11, 10:30am - 11:00am

St. John - Children's Program Room

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

This event is full

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 months

Wed, Dec 11, 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.

Storytime: Ages 4-6

Wed, Dec 11, 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.

White Christmas (1954) - Coffee, Donuts, and a Movie

Wed, Dec 11, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

A successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont inn of their... more

A successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general. 120 minutes. (c. 1954). Not Rated

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Wed, Dec 11, 11:15am - 11:45am

Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room

Children ages 2-3 years, along with their caregivers, will enjoy storytime, which involves 30 minutes of interactive rhymes, songs,... more

Children ages 2-3 years, along with their caregivers, will enjoy storytime, which involves 30 minutes of interactive rhymes, songs, stories and a craft.

One-On-One Tech Help: Computer Help

Wed, Dec 11, 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Public Library Seating

Receive individualized instruction in basic computer skills.

This event is full

Off the Hook

Wed, Dec 11, 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!

Let's Learn STEM: Homeschool Edition (Grades K-6)

Wed, Dec 11, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A

This specially timed program will be provided for the school age homeschoolers in our community. All supplies will be provided. Space is... more

This specially timed program will be provided for the school age homeschoolers in our community. All supplies will be provided. Space is limited.

This event is full

Elf (2003)

Wed, Dec 11, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

After discovering he is a human, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole decides to travel to New York City to locate his real father.... more

After discovering he is a human, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole decides to travel to New York City to locate his real father. Rated PG. 97 min. (c. 2003).

Census 2020 Job Recruiting - Walk-ins Welcome

Wed, Dec 11, 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Quiet Study Room #3

Every Wednesday, in Quiet Study Room 3, 2020 Census recruiters will be available to help you apply for Census employment. Walk-ins are... more

Every Wednesday, in Quiet Study Room 3, 2020 Census recruiters will be available to help you apply for Census employment. Walk-ins are welcome!

Teen: Craft

Wed, Dec 11, 3:15pm - 4:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Come make a winter holiday craft.

LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)

Wed, Dec 11, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Highland - 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.

Crafternoon

Wed, Dec 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Hobart - Children's Program Room

School-age children are invited to the library for an hour of art and fun. All supplies will be provided. Space is limited. Please wear... more

School-age children are invited to the library for an hour of art and fun. All supplies will be provided. Space is limited. Please wear clothes you can get messy in.

Yoga & Breathing

Wed, Dec 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

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.

Frozen Family Fun

Wed, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room

All ages are invited to celebrate Frozen 2 with crafts and games! Kids are welcome to come dressed up as their favorite character.... more

All ages are invited to celebrate Frozen 2 with crafts and games! Kids are welcome to come dressed up as their favorite character. Registration is required.

Handmade Cards and Gift Tags

Wed, Dec 11, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Hobart - Large Meeting Room

'Tis the season to send greetings! Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or the new year, we'll have supplies and templates to... more

'Tis the season to send greetings! Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or the new year, we'll have supplies and templates to make them special. Join us for grown-up crafting fun!

Crepe Factor by Laura Childs

Wed, Dec 11, 6:30pm - 8:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Join the Page Turners as we discuss "Crepe Factor" by Laura Childs. Books can be picked up at the St. John Branch Library.

Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak - Between the Lines Book Club

Wed, Dec 11, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

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

The Between the Lines Book Club reads "Seven Days of Us" by Francesca Hornak. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the... more

The Between the Lines Book Club reads "Seven Days of Us" by Francesca Hornak. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the circulation desk a month prior to the event.

Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak - Between the Lines Book Club

Thu, Dec 12, 10:15am - 11:30am

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

The Between the Lines Book Club reads "Seven Days of Us" by Francesca Hornak. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the... more

The Between the Lines Book Club reads "Seven Days of Us" by Francesca Hornak. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the circulation desk a month prior to the event.

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Thu, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:00am

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.

Thursday Threaders

Thu, Dec 12, 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.

Nourish Your Entire Body

Thu, Dec 12, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

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

In a series of seven presentations, participants will explore how nutrition, exercise and other factors play important roles in the... more

In a series of seven presentations, participants will explore how nutrition, exercise and other factors play important roles in the health of your entire body.

Holiday Teatime, Stories & More

Thu, Dec 12, 1:30pm - 3:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Enjoy a library-style high tea while enjoying delightful stories told by Northwest Indiana Storytellers. Play holiday spirited games too!

Census 2020 Job Recruitment

Thu, Dec 12, 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Highland - Quiet Study Room

Every Thursday, in the Study Room, 2020 Census recruiters will be available to help you apply for Census employment. Walk-ins are welcome!

LEGO® (Grades K-6)

Thu, Dec 12, 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!

MakerStation: Try It Out! (Grades K-5)

Thu, Dec 12, 4:30pm - 5:30pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

School-age children are welcome to come try out different kinds of technology. We'll have circuitry, 3-D pens, and more! Registration... more

School-age children are welcome to come try out different kinds of technology. We'll have circuitry, 3-D pens, and more! Registration required.

This event is full

Power Paws For Kids

Thu, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Highland - Children's Programming Room

Children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

LEGO® (Grades K-6)

Thu, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Munster - Children's Program Room

Young LEGO® builders are invited to use their imagination and build with the library's LEGO® bricks. Please register all attendees... more

Young LEGO® builders are invited to use their imagination and build with the library's LEGO® bricks. Please register all attendees so we may be able to count you in our attendance.

Teen: Kawaii Crispy Treats

Thu, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Make crispy cereal treats then decorate them with kawaii faces. Registration required: seats are limited. Dietary/allergen questions:... more

Make crispy cereal treats then decorate them with kawaii faces. Registration required: seats are limited. Dietary/allergen questions: please contact the Griffith-Calumet Twp Branch.

LEGO® (Grades K-6)

Thu, Dec 12, 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.

Circle of Readers : Best of the Year!

Thu, Dec 12, 6:15pm - 8:15pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

Circle of Readers Book Discussion

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.