Buying from our book sales is a great way to support the library!

Support the Library

Did you know our Summer Reading Program for adults, children, and teens, is 100% funded by contributions? The same is true for many of our amazing programs, classes, and events, especially children's programs that foster literacy.

We invite you to be a part of a long tradition of supporting the library and enhancing the many services we offer. A donation to the library is an investment in your community!

The library is supported in a major way by two groups: the Friends and the Foundation. Monetary contributions to these groups have the most visible impact on our library - and of course, you can also contribute your time become an active participant in either!

Friends of LCPL

The Friends of the Lake County Public Library operate our booksale room and contribute to the acquisition of library materials. They also are responsible for funding Summer Reading Program activities! Learn more about how you can help.

The LCPL Foundation

The Foundation sponsors our annual Read-a-Thon as well as the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge, which helps kids prepare for Kindergarten. They also use their funds to provide books and materials above and beyond what would be available through the library's traditional tax-based funding. Learn more or make a donation.

Other Ways to Support the Library

➣Visit Our Booksale Room

Each of our locations has a sale rack, but the Merrillville branch has a full booksale room. You never know what you might find, and proceeds from sales benefit the library! Not interested in buying more books, music, and movies? You can also help us by donating some of your old ones. Learn More...

➣Shop at Amazon.com

When you go to Amazon from this link, a portion of what you pay comes right back to the library and into our materials budget. Learn more...

➣Support a Read-a-Thon Participant

Every year, the Foundation Board sponsors the annual Read-a-Thon, during which young readers collect pledges to benefit the library. Keep an eye on the Foundation Events page for the next Read-a-Thon dates!

➣Volunteer

Give the gift of your time! Call your library for more information on how you can donate your time and talent. Adults who volunteer 100 hours of their time and teens who volunteer 50 hours are eligible for special privilege gold or silver library cards. Learn More...

➣Donate Through the Legacy Foundation

Monetary donations to LCPL through the Legacy Foundation are used to directly support our educational initiatives. We may also use donations to continue expanding our collection of books, movies, music, and other materials so that people can engage in self-guided study. Donate now!

➣Make a Memorial Donation or Gift

Give a lasting and thoughtful tribute to your family or a loved one by making a monetary contribution to the Lake County Public Library. Download the gift form (PDF).

➣Make a General, One-Time Donation

Donate Now

Upcoming Events

Kids Chess Open Play: Ages 6-18

Sat, Jul 27, 10:00am - 12:00pm

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

Children are welcome to come and open play chess in our meeting room! Chess boards will be provided if you don't have one!

Registration is now closed

Reading to the Dogs - Love on a Leash

Sat, Jul 27, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Highland - Children's Programming Room

In this program participants will get the opportunity to read to a therapy dog. Ages 6-11. Registration is required.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) - An Adventure Movie Experience

Sat, Jul 27, 2:00pm - 4:50pm

Hobart - Programming Room

We will have an epic adventure watching this matinee film while munching on popcorn and candy and drinking coffee, lemonade, or water. ... more

We will have an epic adventure watching this matinee film while munching on popcorn and candy and drinking coffee, lemonade, or water. Rated PG-13; 170 minute runtime.

Jumanji - Family Movie Monday

Mon, Jul 29, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Families are welcome to bring a picnic-style lunch and enjoy a movie at the library each Monday during Summer Reading. Rated PG; 105... more

Families are welcome to bring a picnic-style lunch and enjoy a movie at the library each Monday during Summer Reading. Rated PG; 105 minute runtime.

Migration - Sensory Friendly Family Movie

Mon, Jul 29, 1:30pm - 3:00pm

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; 87 minute runtime.

Teens & Tweens Roller Coaster Build

Mon, Jul 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Teens & Tweens (9-17 years old) try to build the tallest, fastest, coolest roller coaster with miscellaneous recycled materials and... more

Teens & Tweens (9-17 years old) try to build the tallest, fastest, coolest roller coaster with miscellaneous recycled materials and building supplies. Please register.

This event is full

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams

Mon, Jul 29, 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Book Buddies will be discussing "The Reading List" by Sara Nisha Adams.

LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)

Mon, Jul 29, 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Hobart - Children's Program 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.

This event is full

Adventure Journaling

Mon, Jul 29, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Hobart - Programming Room

Record your summer of adventures by journaling! You can submit (2) photos to hobart@lcplin.org the week prior, and we will print them in... more

Record your summer of adventures by journaling! You can submit (2) photos to hobart@lcplin.org the week prior, and we will print them in color for you to add that personal touch.

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Jul 30, 10:15am - 11:00am

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.

This event is full

Purdue Extension: Alzheimer's Awareness

Tue, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Join us for a series of informative sessions about Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia with the Purdue Extension.

Livestream Author Talk with Dan Santat - Bestselling Author of A First Time For Everything

Tue, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories... more

Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels. The event will be shown on a large screen.

Virtual: Livestream Author Talk with Dan Santat - Bestselling Author of A First Time for Everything

Tue, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Online

Join a livestream chat with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels.

Teen Crafternoons

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

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Join us every other Tuesday to try out a new craft or art project, June 4 - July 30! All supplies provided. Please register.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Tue, Jul 30, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

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

Schererville Fire Department: Be Prepared to Get Wet!

Wed, Jul 31, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Dyer-Schererville Branch - East Parking Lot

Come out and join us for our end of summer event!

Off the Hook

Wed, Jul 31, 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.

Rescheduled

Livestream Author Talk with Dan Santat - Bestselling Author of A First Time For Everything

Wed, Jul 31, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

New date Tuesday, July 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Merrillville

Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories... more

Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels. The event will be shown on a large screen.

Indiana Dunes National Park: Ages 6-12

Wed, Jul 31, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A

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

This 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.

End of Summer Reading Open House!

Wed, Jul 31, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Highland - Children's Programming Room,Meeting Room A

Join us as we say goodbye to Summer Reading 2024 with games, crafts and refreshments (including ice cream!) Registration is required.

Crochet @ Your Library

Wed, Jul 31, 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!

Teen: Adventure of the Week

Wed, Jul 31, 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Hobart - Programming Room

Adventurers wanted! Join us for summer role-playing sessions featuring perilous quests, intrepid evil, and an unforgettable journey.

Crafters' Gathering

Thu, Aug 01, 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 in this twice-monthly club.

Thursday Threaders

Thu, Aug 01, 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.

Simply Lies by David Baldacci - Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club

Thu, Aug 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Join the discussion of Simply Lies, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for August. Pick up a copy at the... more

Join the discussion of Simply Lies, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for August. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Thu, Aug 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.

This event is full

Dungeons and Dragons for Adults

Thu, Aug 01, 6:00pm - 8:15pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

D&D comes to the Munster Branch Library! Join our campaign for Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk and get to the bottom of what... more

D&D comes to the Munster Branch Library! Join our campaign for Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk and get to the bottom of what is plaguing the town of Phandalin.

This event is full

Stitch'n Time

Sat, Aug 03, 9:30am - 12:30pm

Hobart - Programming 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.

Acrylic Painting (FEE)

Sat, Aug 03, 10:00am - 1:00pm

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

Create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials.... more

Create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials. Class begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.

Yoga & Breathing

Sat, Aug 03, 10:00am - 11:00am

Munster - Children's Program Room

Join us for Yoga at the library! Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for... more

Join us for Yoga at the library! Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Internet Safety (Grades 3--5) - With Parents/Guardians

Sat, Aug 03, 10:00am - 10:45am

Highland - Meeting Room A

US Secret Service presents: NCMEC's NetSmartz. This program is designed to educate parents and children in grades 3-5 about online... more

US Secret Service presents: NCMEC's NetSmartz. This program is designed to educate parents and children in grades 3-5 about online safety and responsible use of the internet.

Operation Safe Kids: Live Scan Child ID

Sat, Aug 03, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Operation Safe Kids presents the “Live scan Child ID”, a document containing a photograph, digitized inkless fingerprints, and vital... more

Operation Safe Kids presents the “Live scan Child ID”, a document containing a photograph, digitized inkless fingerprints, and vital identification information. Parents will leave with this card.

Teen Board Game League

Sat, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Like board games? So do we! Come on in and join us for a fun-filled game session. We provide the games...you provide the energy!

Performance by Joe Rauen - Sponsored by the LCPL Foundation

Sat, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

Join us in welcoming Joe Rauen at the library! Joe will give a short presentation and then you can enjoy a musical performance. All ages... more

Join us in welcoming Joe Rauen at the library! Joe will give a short presentation and then you can enjoy a musical performance. All ages are welcome! Check out his website: joerauen.com

Family Game Day

Sat, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Children of all ages and their families are invited to come play a variety of board games, card games and Switch video games will be... more

Children of all ages and their families are invited to come play a variety of board games, card games and Switch video games will be available. Snacks provided.

This event is full

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Aug 05, 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

Fatherhood (2021) - Movie Monday

Mon, Aug 05, 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.

Arthur the King

Mon, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

An unbreakable bond is forged between a pro adventure racer and a street dog. Runtime: 107 mins Rating: PG-13

Teen Advisory Board

Mon, Aug 05, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12.... more

Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12. Please register.

Teen Anime Club

Mon, Aug 05, 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.

Teen Craft: Back to School

Mon, Aug 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Choose from several crafts to help decorate your locker and get ready for the return to school. Ages 12 – 18. Space is limited.... more

Choose from several crafts to help decorate your locker and get ready for the return to school. Ages 12 – 18. Space is limited. Registration required.

See all events