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).

Upcoming Events

Mahjong Open Play: Ages 18 & Over

Fri, Oct 10, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

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

Join an open play Mahjong session; there is NO INSTRUCTOR but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you... more

Join an open play Mahjong session; there is NO INSTRUCTOR but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you have one! On-hand gaming supplies are limited. Ages 18 & over.

Teen and Tween Speedcubing: Ages 8-17 - Advanced Rubik's Cube

Fri, Oct 10, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Hobart - Children's Program Room

Join us as we speed-solve the Rubik's Cube. Rubik's Cubes will be supplied at the program. Feel free to bring your own!

Craft Saturday: 3D Pumpkins

Sat, Oct 11, 10:00am - 12:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Paint a 3D wooden pumpkin to add to your fall decor! All materials will be provided. Space is limited. Registration is required.

This event is full

Building Blocks to Literacy: Ages 6 Months to 3 Years

Sat, Oct 11, 10:30am - 11:30am

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Various block stations will be set up for interactive play for children and their caregivers.

Storytime: Ages 4-6

Tue, Oct 14, 10:15am - 11:00am

St. John - Large Meeting Room

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

Medicare 101 with Cliff Havens

Tue, Oct 14, 10:30am - 12:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

Join Clifford Havens for an exploration of the current state of Medicare and understanding what the different options entail.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Oct 14, 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 help early literacy skills.

This event is full

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Oct 14, 10:30am - 11:00am

Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming 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.

This event is full

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Oct 14, 10:30am - 11:15am

Munster - Large Meeting 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

Storytime: Ages 4-5

Tue, Oct 14, 10:30am - 11:15am

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Children will have fun developing early literary skills as they enjoy stories, songs, crafts and more.

Paint'n Time

Tue, Oct 14, 10:30am - 1:30pm

Hobart - Large Meeting Room

Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Oct 14, 10:30am - 11:00am

Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room

Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to a storytime featuring age appropriate stories, fingerplays, and songs that teach early... more

Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to a storytime featuring age appropriate stories, fingerplays, and songs that teach early literacy skills.

Medicare Overview

Tue, Oct 14, 11:00am - 1:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

This overview offers a breakdown of Medicare, including Parts A, B, C, and D, eligibility, and enrollment basics.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Oct 14, 11:30am - 11:50am

Griffith-Calumet Twp - 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 help early literacy skills.

This event is full

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Oct 14, 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.

Friends of LCPL Meeting

Tue, Oct 14, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Merrillville - Board Room

The Friends of LCPL will host their bi-monthly meeting.

The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry - Circle of Readers Book Discussion

Tue, Oct 14, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Join our Circle of Readers as we discuss The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Tue, Oct 14, 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

Teen Dungeons & Dragons

Tue, Oct 14, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Come and play in a game with one of our librarians as GM.

This event is full

Teen Alphabet Club - GSA/LGBTQ+ Teens Support and Discussion Group

Tue, Oct 14, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

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.

All Ability Glue Resist Art: Ages 18 & Over

Tue, Oct 14, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

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

Create art using the glue resist method & your imagination. Some pre-glued projects will be available. Registration required. All... more

Create art using the glue resist method & your imagination. Some pre-glued projects will be available. Registration required. All Ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs.

Citizenship Class

Wed, Oct 15, 10:30am - 11:30am

Merrillville - Meeting Room C

Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more... more

Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more information.

Monthly Resume Workshop

Wed, Oct 15, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Create your perfect resume with helpful resources and tips for those just getting started.

A Haunting in Venice

Wed, Oct 15, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

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

When one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets. Rated: PG-13. Runtime: 104mins.

Off the Hook

Wed, Oct 15, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Wed, Oct 15, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

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

Kids Discovery Hour (Grades K-6)

Wed, Oct 15, 3:00pm - 4:30pm

St. John - Children's Program Room

Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include art projects, movies, science... more

Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include art projects, movies, science projects, games, and more! No registration required.

Storytime: Ages 4-5

Wed, Oct 15, 3:30pm - 4:00pm

Hobart - Children's Program Room

Children will have fun developing early literary skills as they enjoy stories, songs, crafts and more.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Wed, Oct 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Merrillville Branch - 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

Teen Chef Academy

Wed, Oct 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Hobart - Programming Room

Join us at the library for a cooking program that teaches kitchen skills, nutrition, and sustainability through interactive lessons and... more

Join us at the library for a cooking program that teaches kitchen skills, nutrition, and sustainability through interactive lessons and tasty food while promoting healthy eating and food science.

Crochet @ Your Library

Wed, Oct 15, 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Cedar Lake Library - 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!

Arts & Crafts for Adults: Autumn Scene Painting

Wed, Oct 15, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

Welcome Autumn by painting (choice of acrylic or watercolor) or coloring a selection of Autumn and Halloween landscapes.

Monster Bash

Wed, Oct 15, 6:00pm - 7:15pm

Munster Branch Library - Large Meeting Room

Join us for some Halloween family fun with spooky crafts, games and more! Costumes are encouraged!

This event is full

Photo Scanning and Archiving for Beginners

Wed, Oct 15, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Merrillville - The Libratory

Learn the basics of scanning and organizing your photos and historical documents from our Libratory staff.

Power Paws for Kids

Wed, Oct 15, 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.

Kids Club: Ages 6-12 - Halloween Candy Jars

Wed, Oct 15, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room

Come and create a Halloween candy jar! All supplies will be provided!

LEGO® Night

Wed, Oct 15, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room

Children and their families are invited to create and play with LEGO® in an hour of free play and fun. Finished creations will be... more

Children and their families are invited to create and play with LEGO® in an hour of free play and fun. Finished creations will be displayed in the library for the rest of the month!

Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward

Wed, Oct 15, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A

Join us for a discussion of "Last House on Needless Street" by Catriona Ward. Copies are available at the front desk.

Teen & Tween Crafting Hour - Modge Podge Pumpkins

Wed, Oct 15, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

October's craft projects is using Modge Podge to decorate faux pumpkins. Designed for teens and tweens ages 10-17. We will provide all... more

October's craft projects is using Modge Podge to decorate faux pumpkins. Designed for teens and tweens ages 10-17. We will provide all the supplies you need to be crafty.

This event is full

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Thu, Oct 16, 10:15am - 11:00am

St. John - Large Meeting 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.

Halloween Storytime: Ages 4-6

Thu, Oct 16, 10:30am - 11:15am

Highland - Children's Programming Room

A Halloween-themed storytime featuring not-too-scary stories, music, a craft and games for kids 4-6. Children may wear costumes if... more

A Halloween-themed storytime featuring not-too-scary stories, music, a craft and games for kids 4-6. Children may wear costumes if they wish. Please register each child and adult attending.

This event is full

Crafters Gathering

Thu, Oct 16, 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.

Thursday Threaders

Thu, Oct 16, 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.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Thu, Oct 16, 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.

Dracula - Classic Film

Thu, Oct 16, 10:30am - 12:00pm

St. John - Children's Program Room

Join us for this month's classic film, Dracula. Runtime: 1 hrs & 15 mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Medicare Workshop

Thu, Oct 16, 11:00am - 1:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

This overview offers a breakdown of Medicare, including Parts A, B, C, and D, eligibility, and enrollment basics.

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Thu, Oct 16, 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.

Anything BUT a Brush: Ages 2-5

Thu, Oct 16, 11:00am - 11:40am

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room

Toddlers are invited to create a painting without a brush. They will explore how cottons balls, feathers, and all sorts of other items... more

Toddlers are invited to create a painting without a brush. They will explore how cottons balls, feathers, and all sorts of other items can also be used to paint.

This event is full

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Thu, Oct 16, 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

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Thu, Oct 16, 11:30am - 12:30pm

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.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Thu, Oct 16, 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

Halloween Shindig: Ages 6-11

Thu, Oct 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Highland - Children's Programming Room

Children, ages 6-11 years old, may join us to play Halloween-themed games and make a craft. Costumes optional. Please register every... more

Children, ages 6-11 years old, may join us to play Halloween-themed games and make a craft. Costumes optional. Please register every child attending.

Spooky Stories and Slime: Ages 6-11

Thu, Oct 16, 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Enjoy spooky stories and make some funky slime to take home!

Medicare Workshop

Thu, Oct 16, 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

This overview offers a breakdown of Medicare, including Parts A, B, C, and D, eligibility, and enrollment basics.

Adult Craft Night: Foam Pumpkin Makeovers

Thu, Oct 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Come decorate foam pumpkins with us at our next adult craft night! All supplies will be provided!

This event is full

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Thu, Oct 16, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D

Free English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Call 219-769-3541... more

Free English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Call 219-769-3541 ext. 337 for more information.

Morning Mix: Ages 18 and Over - Jigsaw Puzzles, Coloring, Crosswords, & Word Searches

Fri, Oct 17, 10:00am - 12:00pm

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

Stop in anytime during these sessions to work on a provided puzzle, crossword, word search or coloring sheet. All supplies provides.... more

Stop in anytime during these sessions to work on a provided puzzle, crossword, word search or coloring sheet. All supplies provides. Coffee, tea, and water will be available.

Mah Jongg Meet Up - Open Play: Ages 18+

Fri, Oct 17, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

For seasoned players and beginners. Please bring your own set as on-site supplies are limited. Open play every third Friday.

Teen and Tween Meet the Cube: Ages 7-15

Fri, Oct 17, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Hobart - Children's Program Room

Join us as we explore the exciting world of Rubik's Cubes! In this fun hour-long session, you'll get the chance to learn how to solve... more

Join us as we explore the exciting world of Rubik's Cubes! In this fun hour-long session, you'll get the chance to learn how to solve the first layer of the Rubik's Cube.

Building Blocks to Literacy

Sat, Oct 18, 10:00am - 11:30am

Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room

Kids ages 6 months through 3 years old, and their caregivers, will enjoy interacting at various block play stations. Special blocks for... 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.

Cancelled

Yoga & Breathing

Sat, Oct 18, 10:00am - 11:00am

Munster

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.

Knitting & Crochet Club

Sat, Oct 18, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

Bring your yarn, hooks and needles from home and join us to knit and crochet with fellow crafters while working on your project without... more

Bring your yarn, hooks and needles from home and join us to knit and crochet with fellow crafters while working on your project without the interruptions of home. All are welcome.

Power Paws for Kids

Sat, Oct 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Dyer-Schererville Branch - Children's department

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

Craft and Chat

Sat, Oct 18, 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.

ESL Conversation Club - English as a Second Language

Sat, Oct 18, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room C

English as a Second Language & Citizenship students will have a chance to practice English conversation and pronunciation in a relaxed... more

English as a Second Language & Citizenship students will have a chance to practice English conversation and pronunciation in a relaxed setting. Walk-ins welcome. For info call 219-769-3541 ext. 337.

See all events