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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
Family Game Day
Mon, Mar 24, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
All ages of children and their families are invited to come play a variety of board games and video games. Bring your favorite game from home, or try something new by playing one of ours.
Teen Lego Building
Mon, Mar 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Teens will enjoy snacks while completing Lego building challenges! Ages 12-18. Registration required.
Homeschool Hangout (Grades K-12)
Tue, Mar 25, 10:30am - 11:30am
Hobart - Programming Room
Homeschoolers, come hang with your peers! Educational and social opportunities will be available.  
Teen: Adventurers Wanted!
Tue, Mar 25, 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 Gaming
Wed, Mar 26, 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 Game Night
Wed, Mar 26, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Teens are welcome to join us for an evening of gaming tournaments, board games, and puzzles! Test your skills and get ready for a night of great vibes and unforgettable moments!
Teen: Badge-Button Making
Wed, Mar 26, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join in to make badge/pin-back buttons! Volunteer hours available to those who donate finished products back to the library! For ages 12-18.
Livestream Author Talk with Jennifer Weiner - Bestselling author of The Griffin Sister’s Greatest Hits
Wed, Mar 26, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Jennifer Weiner about The Griffin Sister’s Greatest Hits, and her other books.
Teen Game Night
Wed, Mar 26, 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.
Yoga & Breathing
Sat, Mar 29, 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.
Teen Advisory Board & Game Night
Mon, Mar 31, 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: Before You Hop In - Guinea Pig & Rabbit Care 101
Mon, Mar 31, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Library - Meeting Room
Learn the essentials of proper guinea pig and rabbit care with Moon Dog Farm! Teen volunteers will also help make enrichment toys for guinea pigs and rabbits to play with.
Teen Craft: CD Art - Pointillism
Mon, Mar 31, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to make a wall decoration made from a CD. We will be using the art technique: pointillism for this project. Supplies are limited. Registration is required. Ages 12-18.
Teen & Tween: Fun with Food
Wed, Apr 02, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens & Tweens (ages 10-17) will be taken on a Food Adventure. In April, we will be making Mason Jar Pies.To ensure there is enough supplies and to address food allergies, registration is required.
Livestream Author Talk with Jodi Picoult - Bestselling Author of By Any Other Name
Wed, Apr 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Jodi Picoult about their novel, By Any Other Name.
Teen Homeschool Hangout - STEM for Jr. High & High Schoolers
Thu, Apr 03, 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: Art with Buttons
Thu, Apr 03, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Teens, join us as we craft with buttons to make unique pictures! Supplies provided; if you have buttons, bring them! For ages 12-18.
Stitch'n Time
Sat, Apr 05, 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, Apr 05, 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.
Teen Gaming: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Sat, Apr 05, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Teens, choose your fighter and attack! Snacks provided. Other games may be available. Bring your Nintendo Switch joy-con controllers if you can!
Book Cover Redesign Contest - Celebrate National Library Week & 100yrs of The Great Gatsby
Mon, Apr 07, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Library - Circulation Desk or Info Desk
Drop off your redesigned book covers featuring "The Great Gatsby" to the Dyer-Schererville branch during open hours this week! A committee will judge & announce a winner on Monday, April 14th.
National Library Week: Favorite Book/Staff Member Match-up!
Mon, Apr 07, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Branch - Info Desk
Fill out the game card trying to match staff members to their favorite book! Submit completed cards to the box to be entered for a library swag bag prize!
National Library Week: Caption Contest!
Mon, Apr 07, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Information Desk
We're celebrating National Library Week with a caption contest! Stop by the Merrillville branch anytime between April 7 - April 12 to add your captions to our historical photos.
National Library Week: Create Your Own Story
Mon, Apr 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Come create your own story during National Library Week. Learn how to make your own book and create a story for it. Decorate it and make it your own.
Teen Advisory Board
Mon, Apr 07, 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, Apr 07, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting 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: Washi Tape
Mon, Apr 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Several craft projects will be available to complete using Washi Tape. Snacks will be provided. Designed for teens, ages 12 - 18. Registration is required.
Book Cover Redesign Contest - Celebrate National Library Week & 100yrs of The Great Gatsby
Tue, Apr 08, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Library - Circulation Desk or Info Desk
Drop off your redesigned book covers featuring "The Great Gatsby" to the Dyer-Schererville branch during open hours this week! A committee will judge & announce a winner on Monday, April 14th.
National Library Week: Caption Contest!
Tue, Apr 08, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Information Desk
We're celebrating National Library Week with a caption contest! Stop by the Merrillville branch anytime between April 7 - April 12 to add your captions to our historical photos.
National Library Week: Favorite Book/Staff Member Match-up!
Tue, Apr 08, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Branch - Info Desk
Fill out the game card trying to match staff members to their favorite book! Submit completed cards to the box to be entered for a library swag bag prize!
Livestream Author Talk with Matthew Fleming - Author of The Tree Book
Tue, Apr 08, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Matthew Fleming about The Tree Book: The Story, Science, and History of Trees.
Teen and Tween: Minecraft Meet-Up
Tue, Apr 08, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Come play Minecraft, uninterrupted, on our Raspberry Pi computers and Nintendo Switch! For ages 8-18.
Teen Craft Night - Come and Learn to Make Miniature Books!
Tue, Apr 08, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In honor of National Library Week, this week's craft will be making a miniature book!
Teen Alphabet Club - GSA/LGBTQ+ Teens Support and Discussion Group
Tue, Apr 08, 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.
National Library Week: Favorite Book/Staff Member Match-up!
Wed, Apr 09, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Branch - Info Desk
Fill out the game card trying to match staff members to their favorite book! Submit completed cards to the box to be entered for a library swag bag prize!
National Library Week: Caption Contest!
Wed, Apr 09, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Information Desk
We're celebrating National Library Week with a caption contest! Stop by the Merrillville branch anytime between April 7 - April 12 to add your captions to our historical photos.
Book Cover Redesign Contest - Celebrate National Library Week & 100yrs of The Great Gatsby
Wed, Apr 09, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Library - Circulation Desk or Info Desk
Drop off your redesigned book covers featuring "The Great Gatsby" to the Dyer-Schererville branch during open hours this week! A committee will judge & announce a winner on Monday, April 14th.
Drop-in Poetry Play: Ages 6-18 - National Library Week Celebration
Wed, Apr 09, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Come and celebrate National Library Week and National Poetry Month by creating a piece of poetry at our drop-in poetry event!
Teen Gaming
Wed, Apr 09, 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 Library Olympics
Wed, Apr 09, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Help celebrate National Library Week - compete in fun and whimsical challenges to show off your knowledge of the library! Participants are encouraged to be creative and bend the rules in these tasks.
Teen Cartoon School
Wed, Apr 09, 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
Wed, Apr 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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 Advisory Board (TAB)
Wed, Apr 09, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens (ages 10-18) are invited to become part of the Teen Advisory board. We will be discussing plans for an Escape Room and celebrate National Library week with a book folding craft.
National Library Week: Caption Contest!
Thu, Apr 10, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Information Desk
We're celebrating National Library Week with a caption contest! Stop by the Merrillville branch anytime between April 7 - April 12 to add your captions to our historical photos.
National Library Week: Favorite Book/Staff Member Match-up!
Thu, Apr 10, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Branch - Info Desk
Fill out the game card trying to match staff members to their favorite book! Submit completed cards to the box to be entered for a library swag bag prize!
Book Cover Redesign Contest - Celebrate National Library Week & 100yrs of The Great Gatsby
Thu, Apr 10, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Library - Circulation Desk or Info Desk
Drop off your redesigned book covers featuring "The Great Gatsby" to the Dyer-Schererville branch during open hours this week! A committee will judge & announce a winner on Monday, April 14th.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Thu, Apr 10, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room D
Teens are invited to play in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign with one of our librarians as game master!
National Library Week: Caption Contest!
Fri, Apr 11, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Information Desk
We're celebrating National Library Week with a caption contest! Stop by the Merrillville branch anytime between April 7 - April 12 to add your captions to our historical photos.
National Library Week: Favorite Book/Staff Member Match-up!
Fri, Apr 11, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Branch - Info Desk
Fill out the game card trying to match staff members to their favorite book! Submit completed cards to the box to be entered for a library swag bag prize!
Book Cover Redesign Contest - Celebrate National Library Week & 100yrs of The Great Gatsby
Fri, Apr 11, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Library - Circulation Desk or Info Desk
Drop off your redesigned book covers featuring "The Great Gatsby" to the Dyer-Schererville branch during open hours this week! A committee will judge & announce a winner on Monday, April 14th.
Teen and Tween Speedcubing: Ages 8-17 - Advanced Rubik's Cube
Fri, Apr 11, 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!
National Library Week: Caption Contest!
Sat, Apr 12, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Information Desk
We're celebrating National Library Week with a caption contest! Stop by the Merrillville branch anytime between April 7 - April 12 to add your captions to our historical photos.
National Library Week: Favorite Book/Staff Member Match-up!
Sat, Apr 12, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Branch - Info Desk
Fill out the game card trying to match staff members to their favorite book! Submit completed cards to the box to be entered for a library swag bag prize!
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.
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.
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.
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!
See all events