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Friends of the Lake County Public Library

We are an independent, nonprofit citizens' organization dedicated to assisting in the development of the Lake County Public Library into one of the finest community libraries.

For example, did you know that LCPL's Summer Reading events wouldn't happen if it wasn't for the Friends of the Library? The Friends support LCPL events by covering supply costs and speaker fees so we're able to hold amazing programs and invite presenters to the library - which helps everyone in Lake County learn new things and expand their horizons!

Fellowship with other library Friends

Raise funds in support of the library

Invest in Lake County Public Library's future

Encourage gifts, endowments, and memorials

Nurture knowledge of the library

Develop library services & special community programs

Stimulate public support

Support the Friends

There are many ways you can support the Friends of the Library and Summer Reading!

Visit the book sale room or the sale racks at the branches. We also hold an annual book sale with many more items. All proceeds from these sales go to the Friends.

And of course you can always join the Friends!

Join the Friends!

Why We Need You:

  • LCPL's Summer Reading Challenge is 100% funded by the Friends of the Library! The Friends wisely use membership fees and donations to sponsor fun programs and classes, as well as prizes.

  • The FRIENDS sponsor LCPL's 1000 Books Before Kindergarten reading challenge.

  • FRIENDS contribute to the acquisition of books, video and audio materials, equipment, and other library materials for the entire community.

  • The FRIENDS, by spreading knowledge of the Library, will enlarge its place in Lake County's cultural, civic, scientific and business life, and increase its daily use in the community.

  • FRIENDS encourage gifts of books and special collections to the Lake County Public Library which would be lost to the public were it not for your support.

Being a FRIEND Has Benefits!

Your FRIENDS organization runs an in-house Book Sale Room, open five days a week. Our annual book sales enrich library resources and secure library equipment for purposes of public use and enjoyment. Friends get early access to the annual Fall Book Sale!

Membership dues to the FRIENDS, as well as monetary gifts and book contributions, are deductible for income tax purposes.

Another -- more personal -- benefit of being a FRIEND, is the opportunity to meet other Lake County Public Library patrons who are equally interested in supporting the Library.

The quality of our Library depends on your participation. Your support will ensure continued quality library service.

Be a FRIEND and Join Today!!

If you would like to be a FRIEND, stop by the library to pick up the membership form or download the form and mail it to:

Lake County Public Library
1919 W 81st Ave
Merrillville, Indiana
46410

2023 Friends Officers

President:
  Kathy Mikulich
Vice President:
  Teresa Tressler
Secretary:
   Jennifer LeRose
Treasurer:
   Jennifer Burnison

Download the Membership Form

Upcoming Events
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months
Wed, May 22, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - 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.
Citizenship Classes
Wed, May 22, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
This class aims to help adults prepare to take the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS office.
Caregiver & Coffee Hour
Wed, May 22, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Children's Department
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our storytime for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Storytime attendance is... more
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our storytime for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Storytime attendance is not required.
Off the Hook
Wed, May 22, 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.
Healthy Living for the Brain and Body
Wed, May 22, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Learn the best healthy living practices for your brain and body. This is a part of the Purdue Extension Alzheimer's Awareness series. ... more
Learn the best healthy living practices for your brain and body. This is a part of the Purdue Extension Alzheimer's Awareness series. Registration required.
Teen Gaming
Wed, May 22, 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.
Crochet @ Your Library
Wed, May 22, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
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!
Financial Literacy Classes - Hosted by Misty De La Cruz of First Financial Bank
Wed, May 22, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Learn about financial literacy during these three class sessions featuring Misty De La Cruz from First Financial Bank.
Teen Summer Reading Volunteer Training
Wed, May 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Teens, 11 to 17 years old, can earn volunteer hours during our Summer Reading Program! Attend one of the training meetings for more... more
Teens, 11 to 17 years old, can earn volunteer hours during our Summer Reading Program! Attend one of the training meetings for more details. Please register.
Teen Summer Reading Volunteer Training
Wed, May 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Teens, ages 11-17, can earn volunteer hours by helping out during our summer reading program! Attend one of our training sessions to... more
Teens, ages 11-17, can earn volunteer hours by helping out during our summer reading program! Attend one of our training sessions to sign up and learn how you can help! Please register.
Teen Butterfly Bookmarks
Wed, May 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will create their own bookmark shaped like a butterfly! Ages 12-18. Registration is required.
Thursday Threaders
Thu, May 23, 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.
All Ability: Hangout
Thu, May 23, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Meeting Room A
All Ability: Hangout is a program designed for adults with special needs. Each session we will read picture books and do an activity... more
All Ability: Hangout is a program designed for adults with special needs. Each session we will read picture books and do an activity centered around a theme. Caretakers must stay in the room.
Sensory Storytime: Session 1
Thu, May 23, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us as we read a story and enjoy sensory supporting stations of play. Space is limited. Please register every child and adult attending.
This event is full
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Thu, May 23, 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.
A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell - Munster Book Discussion
Thu, May 23, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion of Sonia Purnell's "A Woman of No Importance." Copies are available at the Munster branch.
Sensory Storytime: Session 2
Thu, May 23, 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us as we read a story and enjoy sensory supporting stations of play. Space is limited. Please register every child and adult attending.
Teen Gaming
Thu, May 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
A selection of board games (and snacks!) will be provided for you and fellow teens to play. A Nintendo Switch will be available with... more
A selection of board games (and snacks!) will be provided for you and fellow teens to play. A Nintendo Switch will be available with multiple games. Registration is required. Ages 12 - 18
Teen Summer Volunteer Training
Thu, May 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Teens (11-17 years old) can earn volunteer hours this summer! If you are unable to attend this training but would like to volunteer call... more
Teens (11-17 years old) can earn volunteer hours this summer! If you are unable to attend this training but would like to volunteer call (219) 962-2409 to schedule a 1-on-1 training session.
Board Meeting
Thu, May 23, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
Meeting of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees
Teen: Salsa Scramble
Thu, May 23, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Taste-test some different brands of salsa in honor of National Salsa Month!
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Thu, May 23, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
English classes are for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free.
Canceled
LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)
Thu, May 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville
Children may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be photographed and... more
Children may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be photographed and displayed on the next month's flyer!
Air-Dry Clay Crafts
Thu, May 23, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Join us at the library to create a clay craft using air-dry clay.
This event is full
PJ Storytime
Thu, May 23, 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us for bedtime stories and songs. Wear your favorite pajamas and sing along to some lullabies. PJs are encouraged but not required.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Fri, May 24, 9:00am - 3:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a comprehensive course using a blended model with about 2 hours of online coursework to be finished... more
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a comprehensive course using a blended model with about 2 hours of online coursework to be finished BEFORE the class. Registration is required and will end on May 20.
Registration is now closed
Rescheduled
Upcycle Crafts: Button Art
Fri, May 24, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
New date Friday, May 10, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Merrillville
Come make easy and beautiful art using buttons and cereal boxes.
Comfort Reading with a Dog - LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs
Fri, May 24, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart Branch - Children's Area
Meet and read to a local LCC K-9 comfort dog and its handler. LCC K-9 comfort dogs show kindness and calm to people throughout the... more
Meet and read to a local LCC K-9 comfort dog and its handler. LCC K-9 comfort dogs show kindness and calm to people throughout the community and beyond, making them excellent listeners.
Power Paws for Kids
Sat, May 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
In this program children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.
Kids Chess Open Play: Ages 6-18
Sat, May 25, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
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!
The Awful Truth
Sat, May 25, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
A married couple begins divorce proceedings, while they each try to undermine each other's attempts to find new romance. Runtime: 91... more
A married couple begins divorce proceedings, while they each try to undermine each other's attempts to find new romance. Runtime: 91 minutes.
Teen Summer Reading Volunteer Orientation
Sat, May 25, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room A
Teens ages 14 years old & up who wish to volunteer during the summer will receive training. Parents are not required to attend but all... more
Teens ages 14 years old & up who wish to volunteer during the summer will receive training. Parents are not required to attend but all volunteers must have an application & waiver signed by a parent.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months
Tue, May 28, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - 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 4-6
Tue, May 28, 10:30am - 11:15am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
In this program, children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months
Tue, May 28, 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, music,... 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 support early literacy skills.
This event is full
Paint'n Time
Tue, May 28, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Tue, May 28, 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.
New Parent Meet Up
Tue, May 28, 11:00am - 11:30am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Parents and caregivers of children, birth-23 months, are welcome to chat with one another and enjoy a refreshment while children explore... more
Parents and caregivers of children, birth-23 months, are welcome to chat with one another and enjoy a refreshment while children explore with books and puzzles! Registration is required.
Coffee & Coloring
Tue, May 28, 11:00am - 12:30pm
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.
Teen Summer Reading Volunteer Orientation
Tue, May 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Teens, ages 14 - 17, who wish to volunteer during the summer will receive training. Parents are not required to attend but all... more
Teens, ages 14 - 17, who wish to volunteer during the summer will receive training. Parents are not required to attend but all volunteers must have an application signed by a parent.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months 
Tue, May 28, 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, music,... 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 4-6
Tue, May 28, 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.
The River of Doubt by Candice Millard - Fact or Fiction Book Club
Tue, May 28, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the Fact or Fiction Book Club in discussing "The River of Doubt" by Candice Millard. Copies are available at the Highland Branch.
Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini - Virtual Between the Lines Book Discussion
Tue, May 28, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Dyer-Schererville Zoom Room
The Virtual Between the Lines Book Club reads "Switchboard Soldiers" by Jennifer Chiaverini. Books for this discussion can be picked up... more
The Virtual Between the Lines Book Club reads "Switchboard Soldiers" by Jennifer Chiaverini. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch a month prior to the event
Teen: Adventurers Wanted!
Tue, May 28, 4:00pm - 5:15pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Have you seen people playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and want to try it yourself? We will be playing the fantasy RPG "Dragonbane",... more
Have you seen people playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and want to try it yourself? We will be playing the fantasy RPG "Dragonbane", a game similar to D&D. Beginners are welcome. For ages 12-18.
LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)
Tue, May 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
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.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Tue, May 28, 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
Calumet Astronomical Society
Tue, May 28, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join the Calumet Astronomical Society to learn about various topics on the cosmos!
Citizenship Classes
Wed, May 29, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
This class aims to help adults prepare to take the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS office.
Off the Hook
Wed, May 29, 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.
Crochet @ Your Library
Wed, May 29, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
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!
Canceled
Teen Advisory Board
Wed, May 29, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Merrillville
Assist librarians to make the library your space. Improve activities and programs and earn volunteer hours!
Grown Up Game Night
Wed, May 29, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us for a game night for the grown ups. We will have board games and the Nintendo Wii and Switch.
Teen Summer Reading Volunteer Orientation
Wed, May 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Teens, ages 14 - 17, who wish to volunteer during the summer will receive training. Parents are not required to attend but all... more
Teens, ages 14 - 17, who wish to volunteer during the summer will receive training. Parents are not required to attend but all volunteers must have an application signed by a parent.
Thursday Threaders
Thu, May 30, 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.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Thu, May 30, 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.
Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini - Between the Lines Book Discussion
Thu, May 30, 11:15am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The Between the Lines Book Club reads "Switchboard Soldiers" by Jennifer Chiaverini. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the... more
The Between the Lines Book Club reads "Switchboard Soldiers" by Jennifer Chiaverini. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch a month prior to the event.
Genealogy Class: Burial Information - Websites and Strategy
Thu, May 30, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A,Merrillville Zoom Room
This class will cover websites that provide access to burials in cemeteries. Learn strategies and tools to uncover death and burial... more
This class will cover websites that provide access to burials in cemeteries. Learn strategies and tools to uncover death and burial information to enhance your genealogy research.
Teen Summer Reading Volunteer Training
Thu, May 30, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Teens, 11 to 17 years old, can earn volunteer hours during our Summer Reading Program! Attend one of the training meetings for more... more
Teens, 11 to 17 years old, can earn volunteer hours during our Summer Reading Program! Attend one of the training meetings for more details. Please register.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Thu, May 30, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
English classes are for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free.
Air-Dry Clay Crafts
Thu, May 30, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Join us at the library to create a clay craft using air-dry clay.
Adult Craft Night: Tie Dye
Thu, May 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Create tie dye shirts with us during our next adult craft night! Dye will be provided, but you must provide your own white 100% cotton... more
Create tie dye shirts with us during our next adult craft night! Dye will be provided, but you must provide your own white 100% cotton t-shirt. This time we'll learn how to make the bulls-eye pattern.
This event is full
Teen Summer Reading Volunteer Orientation
Fri, May 31, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room A
Teens ages 14 years old & up who wish to volunteer during the summer will receive training. Parents are not required to attend but all... more
Teens ages 14 years old & up who wish to volunteer during the summer will receive training. Parents are not required to attend but all volunteers must have an application & waiver signed by a parent.
See all events