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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 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 - Children's Program 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.
This event is full
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, 1:00pm - 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!
Teen Summer Volunteer Orientation
Wed, May 14, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Teens (ages 12-17) who want to volunteer with the library over the summer will learn about the Summer Reading Program and receive training for summer volunteering.
Teen Anime Hangout
Wed, May 14, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Teens, are you a fan of anime or manga? Need an excuse to watch and talk about it more often? Then register for Anime Hangout where we'll view the anime you want. Refreshments and snacks provided.
Livestream Author Talk with Liann Zhang - Author of Julie Chan is Dead
Wed, May 14, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Liann Zhang about her book Julie Chan is Dead.
Teen Cartoon School
Wed, May 14, 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!
Cancelled
Teen Advisory Board
Wed, May 14, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp
Teens (ages 10-18) are invited to join the Teen Advisory Board to help shape Teen programming while earning volunteer hours. Teens will continue work on stations for the Escape Room.
Yoga & Breathing
Sat, May 17, 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 Summer Volunteer Orientation
Sat, May 17, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Teens (ages 12-17) who want to volunteer with the library over the summer will learn about the Summer Reading Program and receive training for summer volunteering. 
Teen Advisory Board & Game Night
Mon, May 19, 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 Summer Volunteer Orientation
Mon, May 19, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens, ages 11 to 17, can earn volunteer hours during our Summer Reading Program! Attend a training meeting for details. Teens must attend ONE meeting. Please register.
Teen Gamefest
Tue, May 20, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Join us for video and board games!
Teen Tuesday - Beeswax Candle Making
Tue, May 20, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come in to the Library and enjoy some crafting!
Teen Artsy Evenings
Tue, May 20, 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.
Livestream Author Talk with Rachelle Bergstein - Author of The Genius of Judy
Wed, May 21, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Rachelle Bergstein about her book the Genius of Judy.
Teen Chef Academy - Food for Thought
Wed, May 21, 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 Volunteer Orientation
Wed, May 21, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come in to learn about our volunteer opportunities and complete the required paperwork!
Teen Anime
Wed, May 21, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens (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.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Thu, May 22, 10:30am - 5:00pm
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: Fencing Showcase with the NWI Fencing Club!
Thu, May 22, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
En garde! Members from the NWI Fencing Club will demonstrate techniques for Olympic-style fencing. Attendees will be able to learn about this historical sport and see it first-hand!
Bingo at the Library!
Sat, May 24, 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.
This event is full
Homeschool Hangout (Grades K-12)
Tue, May 27, 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, May 27, 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, May 27, 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 Gaming
Wed, May 28, 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, May 28, 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 Summer Volunteer Orientation
Wed, May 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens, ages 11 to 17, can earn volunteer hours during our Summer Reading Program! Attend a training meeting for details. Teens must attend ONE meeting. Please register.
Teen Game Night
Wed, May 28, 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 & Xbox will be available with games. Registration is required. For ages 10 - 18.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Thu, May 29, 10:30am - 5:00pm
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 Volunteer Orientation
Thu, May 29, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come in to learn about our volunteer opportunities and complete the required paperwork!
Creative Arts Summit
Sat, May 31, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville Branch Library - Main Level
The 4th annual Creative Arts Summit is closing out springtime this year with a showcase of local artists and creators! Come see what our community has to offer!!
Teen: Glow-In-The-Dark Party
Mon, Jun 02, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Celebrate the start of LCPL's Summer Reading Program with a glow-in-the-dark party! Activities include: video games, glow-in-the-dark paint, karaoke, and board games. Snacks provided. For ages 12-18.
Teen Anime Club
Mon, Jun 02, 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 Paint Palette Cookies
Mon, Jun 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will learn to create cookies that look like a paint palette! Ages 12-18. Registration required.
Teen: Let's Paint Birdhouses
Mon, Jun 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Pick from several styles of wooden birdhouses to paint and decorate. All supplies and snacks will be provided. Teens ages 12 – 18. Registration required.
See all events