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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
Skip Upcoming Teen Events widget
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.
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.
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.
This event is full
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 the first layer of the Rubik's Cube.
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 mat to class.
Teen Craft: Fall Watercolor
Mon, Oct 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago
Join us at the library to make a watercolor painting with fall theme. Registration is required. All supplies provided. Ages 12-18.
Teen Craft: Spooky Party Poppers
Mon, Oct 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will learn to make spooky party poppers using paper rolls, tissue paper, and more! Registration required. Ages 12-18.
Teen Gamefest
Tue, Oct 21, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Join us for video and board games!
Teen Tuesday - Zentangle
Tue, Oct 21, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come in to the library and enjoy some crafting!
Teen Artsy Evenings
Tue, Oct 21, 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 Gaming
Wed, Oct 22, 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! All games are provided or you can bring your own games to play. Ages 12-18.
Teen Game Night
Wed, Oct 22, 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: Experience UIC - Presented by University of Illinois Chicago
Wed, Oct 22, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Think you can't afford college in Chicago? Think again! This presentation will center on UIC's many majors of study, as well as an exciting opportunity specifically for Lake County, Indiana residents.
Teen Rainbow Club
Wed, Oct 22, 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 Anime Club
Wed, Oct 22, 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, Oct 25, 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!
Bingo at the Library!
Sat, Oct 25, 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. Please register.
Teen Advisory Board & Game Night
Mon, Oct 27, 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 Spooky Treats
Mon, Oct 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will decorate some spooky cookies and enjoy a zombie themed punch! Registration required. Ages 12-18.
Teen Advisory Board, LEGO®, and Board Game Night
Mon, Oct 27, 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. 
Homeschool Hangout (Grades K-12)
Tue, Oct 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Homeschoolers, come hang with your peers! Educational and social opportunities will be available.
Teen: Adventurers Wanted!
Tue, Oct 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", a game similar to D&D. Beginners are welcome. For ages 12-18. 
Teen StarFinder
Tue, Oct 28, 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!
Livestream Author Talk with Philippa Gregory - Author of Boleyn Traitor
Wed, Oct 29, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Philippa Gregory about Boleyn Traitor.
Halloween Spooktacular
Wed, Oct 29, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room,Large Meeting Room,Programming Room
Families can drop in for a fun and spooky time. Enjoy some music, activities, light refreshments, and more. And don’t forget to wear your costume!
Halloween Party: All Ages
Wed, Oct 29, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the Lake Station-New Chicago branch for a Halloween party with snacks, crafts, games, and green screen photos. All ages are welcome!
Stitch'n Time
Sat, Nov 01, 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, Nov 01, 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.
See all events