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100 Books Before Graduation

Welcome to LCPL's 100 Books before Graduation reading challenge! Here's how to join.

The goal of this program is for students in grades 6-12 to read 100 books before graduating high school.

Students who participate in the program will receive prizes as they read. Prizes will be awarded after reading 25, 50, 75, and 100 books.

Most importantly, it is our hope that you will expand your critical thinking, vocabulary, and empathy, and increase test scores along the way!

Looking for a good read? Our teen librarians recommend:

Punching Bag
Defiant
Redemptor
Lights
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Fence, Vol. 4: Rivals

How to Participate

Just like our Summer Reading Program, you will register and keep track of your books using ReadSquared.

Register for 100 Books before Graduation

Prefer to keep track on your phone?

Books can be from home, the library, or wherever you get your books! Fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, audiobooks, it all counts!

May we suggest a lovely read from our digital collection? It's easy to access with the digital access card you got from your school!

Not sure what to read? Check out our list of librarian-recommended books!

You can also send in a Surprise Bag request and receive a stack of personalized recommendations from one of our Teen Librarians.

Any questions? Ask us!

Prizes!

You get a prize every 25 books you log, up to 100.

25 Books: A bookmark, a sticker, and a free book coupon

50 Books: Exclusive 100 Books Club pin and a free book coupon

75 Books: A small prize (ex: a keychain or fidget toy) and a free book coupon

100 Books: The coveted 100 Books Before Graduation graduate pin, $5 3D print voucher for use in the Libratory, and - you guessed it - a free book coupon

Examples of the buttons, small prizes, and bookmarks that say things like Boom, Nailed it, and ON point

Upcoming Teen Events
Teen Gamefest
Tue, Sep 16, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Join us for video and board games!
Teen Tuesday - Cat Toy
Tue, Sep 16, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Come in to the library and enjoy some crafting!
Livestream Author Talk with Gabe Henry - Author of Enough is Enuf
Wed, Sep 17, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Gabe Henry about Enough is Enuf.
Teen Chef Academy
Wed, Sep 17, 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 tasty food while promoting healthy eating and food science.
Fun with Food - After School Snacks
Wed, Sep 17, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens & Tweens (ages 10-17) will be taken on a food adventure. We will be making after school snacks. To ensure there is enough supplies and to address food allergies, registration is required
This event is full
Teen Rainbow Club
Wed, Sep 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Teen Rainbow Club is a monthly social space for LGBTQIA+ teens & allies. Come for informal discussion, movies, snacks, and crafts. Please register
Teen and Tween Meet the Cube: Ages 7-15 - Rubik's Cube for Beginners
Fri, Sep 19, 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 the first layer of the Rubik's Cube.
Yoga & Breathing
Sat, Sep 20, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.
This event is full
Teen: Adventurers Wanted!
Tue, Sep 23, 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", a game similar to D&D. Beginners are welcome. For ages 12-18. 
Teen StarFinder
Tue, Sep 23, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Have you ever thought Dungeons & Dragons seemed like a cool game, but it should take place in space? If so, StarFinder is the game for you! Come and enjoy Paizo's ttrpg space adventure game!
Teen Cooking: Microwave Meals
Tue, Sep 23, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Microwaves aren't just for reheating food...learn how to make different recipes using simple supplies and a microwave! All supplies provided; registration required. For ages 12-18.
Cancelled
Teen Gaming
Wed, Sep 24, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago
Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii and board games! All games are provided or you can bring your own games to play. Ages 12-18.
Teen Game Night
Wed, Sep 24, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Teens are welcome to join us for an evening of gaming, board games, and puzzles! Test your skills and get ready for a night of great vibes and unforgettable moments!
Teen Anime Club
Wed, Sep 24, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Youth (ages 12 to 17) are invited to watch episodes from an anime series. We'll also have art and craft supplies if you want to draw, sketch, or get creative. Snacks will be provided.
Cancelled
Teen & Tween Open Play Chess: Ages 6-18
Sat, Sep 27, 10:00am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville
Children are welcome to come and play chess in our meeting room. This is an open play session, no instruction will be given. Chess boards will be provided if you don't have one!
Cancelled
Yoga & Breathing
Sat, Sep 27, 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 mat to class.
Teen Advisory Board & Game Night
Mon, Sep 29, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you, all while earning volunteer hours!
Teen Advisory Board, LEGO®, and Board Game Night
Mon, Sep 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Inviting teens, ages 12-18, to TAB, LEGO®, and Board Game Night. Play games and help plan upcoming teen programs for the Highland branch. Registration required. Snacks will be provided. 
Teen Tuesday - Bookmarks
Tue, Sep 30, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come in to the library and enjoy some crafting!
Teens Volunteer: Shelf Talkers
Wed, Oct 01, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens can earn volunteer hours by writing short recommendations for books, movies, and video games to display in the teen area! Light refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12. Registration required.
Fun with Food
Wed, Oct 01, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens & Tweens (ages 10-17) will be taken on a Food Adventure. We will be making Fall-inspired treats. To ensure there is enough supplies and to address food allergies, registration is required.
Livestream Author Talk with Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key - Professionals from the Smithsonian Museum
Thu, Oct 02, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key about Nuestra América, a book highlighting inspiring stories of Latinos throughout history.
Teen: DIY Vintage Ghost Painting
Thu, Oct 02, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Get out your paint brushes and prepare to be haunted! We'll be improving vintage paintings by adding ghosts to the landscape. All supplies provided. Registration required.
Stitch'n Time
Sat, Oct 04, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
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.
Cancelled
Yoga & Breathing
Sat, Oct 04, 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 mat to class.
Teen Craft: Haunted Houses
Mon, Oct 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Teens, ages 12 - 18, can join to make and decorate cardboard haunted houses. Supplies are limited. Registration is required.
Tween & Teen: Minecraft Meetup
Tue, Oct 07, 3:30pm - 4:45pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Come play Minecraft on our Raspberry Pi computers and Nintendo Switch! For ages 8-18.
Teen Tuesday - Paper Jack-O-Lanterns
Tue, Oct 07, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Come in to the library and enjoy some crafting!
Teen: Book Bingo + Genre Swap - Horror Books
Tue, Oct 07, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Interested in horror movies? Like being scared? Want to share your favorite books and games that make you terrified? Come by to learn more about the horror genre and get some recs! Plus book bingo!
Teen Cartoon School
Wed, Oct 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Like to draw? Like comics and cartoons? Then this is the program for you! Join us on the second Wednesday of every month to learn new drawing techniques and make friends with your fellow cartoonists!
Teen Advisory Board & Game Night
Wed, Oct 08, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens (ages 12-17) are invited to become part of the Teen Advisory board. To plan for a future gaming tournament, video and board games will be used. Attendees can earn volunteer hours.
Teen & Tween Homeschool Hangout: STEM Edition
Thu, Oct 09, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Youth (ages 10-17) are invited to register and attend this event where we will be doing various STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Thu, Oct 09, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
New venue Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Teens are invited to play in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign with one of our librarians as game master!
This event is full
Livestream Author Talk with Leigh Bardugo - Bestselling Author of Six of Crows
Thu, Oct 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Leigh Bardugo about Six of Crows, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the book's publishing.
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.
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.
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.
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 tasty food while promoting healthy eating and food science.
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 the supplies you need to be crafty.
See all events