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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: Talking About Books
Mon, Apr 14, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Do you enjoy reading? If so, then join our book club where we will talk about the book that you are currently reading or finished reading. Snacks will be served. Ages 12 – 18. Registration required.
Teen Gamefest
Tue, Apr 15, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Join us for video and board games!
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Tue, Apr 15, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come and play in a game with one of our librarians as GM.
Teen Artsy Evenings
Tue, Apr 15, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us to learn about the selected art style/movement, and make your own artwork. All materials provided. Please register.
Teen Chef Academy
Wed, Apr 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting 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 Gaming Night
Wed, Apr 16, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
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 multiple games. Registration is required. For ages 10 - 18.
Teen and Tween Meet the Cube: Ages 7-15 - Rubik's Cube for Beginners
Fri, Apr 18, 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, Apr 19, 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 Craft: Suncatchers
Mon, Apr 21, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will learn to make a suncatcher using beads, sequins, and more! Ages 12-18. Registration required.
Teen Craft: Floral Painting
Mon, Apr 21, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to make a floral painting using acrylic paints. You can create your own design or an example will be provided. Supplies are limited. Registration is required. Ages 12-18.
Homeschool Hangout (Grades K-12)
Tue, Apr 22, 10:30am - 11:30am
Hobart - Programming Room
Homeschoolers, come hang with your peers! Educational and social opportunities will be available.
Teen: Adventurers Wanted!
Tue, Apr 22, 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 Blackout Poetry
Tue, Apr 22, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In honor of National Poetry Month, come to the library and make some blackout poetry!
Teen Craft: Cupcake Decorating
Tue, Apr 22, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Learn and practice different frosting and icing piping techniques. Will it be messy? Probably. Will it be tasty? Definitely!
Teen Gaming
Wed, Apr 23, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii and board games! Games and snacks provided. Ages 12-18.
Teen Rock Art
Wed, Apr 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Paint, design, and decorate your very own rocks with vibrant colors, intricate patterns, or whatever your imagination allows. Teens, join us to express yourself and make keepsakes to take home!
Teen Anime Club
Wed, Apr 23, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Youth (ages 10 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.
Livestream Author Talk with Gregg Hurwitz - Bestselling Author of Nemesis
Thu, Apr 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Gregg Hurwitz about his novel, Nemesis, and his life as a writer of suspenseful storytelling.
Bingo at the Library!
Sat, Apr 26, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to play Bingo! All ages are welcome to play. Winners will be able to choose from a variety of small prizes.
Teen Advisory Board & Game Night
Mon, Apr 28, 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. We'll brainstorm and discuss ways to improve teen programs.
Teen StarFinder
Tue, Apr 29, 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 Game Night
Wed, Apr 30, 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 Dessert Kabobs
Wed, Apr 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will make dessert kabobs using cake, donuts, fruit, and more! Ages 12-18. Registration required.
3D Printing with the Libratory - See and Learn How 3D Printing Works at the Library
Wed, Apr 30, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - The Libratory
Walk through the 3D printing process at the Library - including printing your own take home token!
This event is full
Teen Homeschool Hangout: STEM Edition
Thu, May 01, 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.
This event is full
Teen Craft: Dip Dye Paper
Thu, May 01, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Got leftover Easter egg dye? Come on by to use that and watercolors to dip-dye paper and paper towels!
Stitch'n Time
Sat, May 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 supplies, and other attendees can instruct on crochet as needed.
Yoga & Breathing
Sat, May 03, 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.
School Age Career Fair (Grades K-12)
Sat, May 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room,Large Meeting Room
Join us at the Lake Station-New Chicago Library to learn about the different careers in our community. Children can ask questions to the various vendors from bank tellers to policemen.
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope - May the Fourth be with You on the Third
Sat, May 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Come and see the original Star Wars movie: New Hope. Popcorn and space treats will be available.
Teen Gaming: Mario Kart
Sat, May 03, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Teens, join us to play Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch. Bring your own joy-con controllers if you have them!
Teen Volunteer Orientation
Mon, May 05, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come in to learn about our volunteer opportunities and complete the required paperwork!
Teen Advisory Board
Mon, May 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. Please register.
Teen Anime Club
Mon, May 05, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program 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 choosing each month. Ages 12-18.
Teen Craft: Flower bookmarks
Mon, May 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Teens, ages 12-18, will make a flower bookmark with flowers, sequins, glitter, and more. All supplies and snacks will be provided. Space is limited. Registration required.
Teen Tuesday - May Flowers Origami
Tue, May 06, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Come in to the Library and enjoy some crafting!
Livestream Author Talk with Dr. David Rosmarin - Author of Thriving with Anxiety
Wed, May 07, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Dr. David Rosmarin about his book Thriving with Anxiety.
Teen Gaming
Wed, May 07, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii and board games! Games and snacks provided. Ages 12-18.
Teen: Fun with Food
Wed, May 07, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens & tweens (ages 10-17) will be making street corn and chicken bowls. To ensure there is enough supplies and to address food allergies, registration is required.
Teen Advisory Board
Thu, May 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Join our Teen Advisory Board, where you’ll have the opportunity to brainstorm and share your ideas for new programs and events - building valuable skills for your résumé in the process.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Thu, May 08, 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
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Mon, May 12, 12:30pm - 4:00pm
Hobart Branch - Computer Area
Get personalized tech help at your local library! Our one-on-one sessions focus on building basic technology skills - from using devices to navigating online tools.
Please contact the library to register for this event.
Teen Book Club: Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
Mon, May 12, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Stop on by for our YA book discussion! This month we'll be reading Nimona by Noelle Stevenson. Pick up books starting April 7th at the Dyer-Schererville check-out desk.
Teen Advisory Board, LEGO®, and Board Game Night
Mon, May 12, 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 & Tween: Minecraft Meet-Up
Tue, May 13, 3:15pm - 4:35pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Come play Minecraft, uninterrupted, on our Raspberry Pi computers and Nintendo Switch! For ages 8-18.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Tue, May 13, 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, May 13, 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 Volunteer Orientation
Tue, May 13, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come in to learn about our volunteer opportunities and complete the required paperwork!
See all events