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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:

Heartstopper: Volume Five
Breadcrumbs
I Was Born for This
The Hills of Estrella Roja
Delicates
We Are Not Free

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
Sat, Dec 07, 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.

Sat, Dec 07, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Like board games? So do we! Come on in and join us for a fun-filled game session. We provide the games...you provide the energy!

Tue, Dec 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Homeschool teens are invited to get together for fun activities. Each month we will explore a new topic. Please register.

Tue, Dec 10, 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.

Wed, Dec 11, 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! Games and snacks provided. Ages 12-18.

Wed, Dec 11, 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!
This event is full

Wed, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teen and Tweens (ages 10-18) are invited to attend Reindeer Games where they will have access to a Nintendo Switch, XBox One, and a variety of board games. Hot Cocoa and cookies will be served.

Thu, Dec 12, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join us to create personalized Holiday gifts for loved ones! Registration is required.

Thu, Dec 12, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Come and play in a game with one of our librarians as gm.

Thu, Dec 12, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Get into the winter spirit by crafting (and/or eating) a pretzel log cabin. Supplies (pretzels, candy, frosting, etc.) will be provided. For ages 12-18; registration required.

Fri, Dec 13, 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!

Sat, Dec 14, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us in welcoming Joe Rauen at the library! Joe will give a short presentation and then you can enjoy a musical performance. All ages are welcome!

Sat, Dec 14, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Teens, bring your holiday presents and stop by anytime between 3-4 pm on Dec. 14 and 21 to get help wrapping them! Select supplies will be provided. Please bring boxes to put the gifts in.

Mon, Dec 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will decorate some winter themed cookies using frosting, sprinkles, candy, and more! Ages 12-18. Registration is required.

Mon, Dec 16, 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. 

Tue, Dec 17, 10:30am - 11:30am
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Homeschoolers, come hang with your peers! Educational and social opportunities will be available.

Tue, Dec 17, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Come in and try Minecraft Pi. Register ahead of time as seats are limited. Recommended for ages 8 to 18.

Tue, Dec 17, 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.

Wed, Dec 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Teen Rainbow Club is a monthly social space for LGBTQIA+ teens & allies. Come for informal discussion, snacks, and crafts. Please register.

Wed, Dec 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens and Tweens (ages 10 to 18) are invited to come and upcycle old books by creating either a book folded angel or tree.

Thu, Dec 19, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Time to get messy! Use fingerpaints to make trees perfect for the winter season. For ages 12-18. Note: Please dress for the mess.

Thu, Dec 19, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us to make your own ornament out of air dry clay! All supplies will be provided. Space is limited, please register in advance.

Sat, Dec 21, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Teens, bring your holiday presents and stop by anytime between 3-4 pm on Dec. 14 and 21 to get help wrapping them! Select supplies will be provided. Please bring boxes to put the gifts in.

Mon, Dec 23, 5:30pm - 7:15pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
You are invited to join us for a showing of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas starring Jim Carrey!

Mon, Dec 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room,Munster Zoom Room
Teens, let's spill about books! Each month we'll read and talk about a different book. In December we are reading Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger Pick up books @ Munster Branch.

Thu, Dec 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens are invited to watch My Hero Academia from the beginning. We'll also have art supplies along with a craft on hand if you get creative. Snacks will be provided.

Sat, Dec 28, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Children are welcome to come and play chess in our meeting room! Chess boards will be provided if you don't have one!

Mon, Dec 30, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens & Tweens (ages 10 to 18) are invited to see a screening of Inside Out 2. As Riley becomes a teenager, she has to make room for new emotions. Runtime: 100 minutes; rated PG. Snacks provided.

Mon, Dec 30, 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.

Sat, Jan 04, 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.