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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 Movie: Wicked
Sat, Jun 14, 1:00pm - 3:45pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Teens, defy gravity and join us to watch Wicked. Singing encouraged! Popcorn and lemonade will be provided. For ages 12-18.
Teen Game: Escape the Room Mystery Board Game
Mon, Jun 16, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Complete different puzzles and unlock new clues to solve the "Mystery at the Stargazer's Manor." For ages 12-18.
This event is full
Teen: “Stained Glass” Jars with Sharpies
Mon, Jun 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
We will supply the glass jars, sharpies, and snacks. You supply the design. Teens ages 12 – 18. Supplies are limited. Registration required.
Teen Crafternoons: Book Art Chandeliers
Tue, Jun 17, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Pop in for a recycling craft project where we'll be taking old paperback books and turning them into hanging art chandeliers. All materials provided. Teens (ages 12-18) are welcome.
Teen Gamefest
Tue, Jun 17, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Join us for video and board games!
Teen Tuesday - Tessellation
Tue, Jun 17, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Come in to the Library and enjoy some crafting!
Teen Artsy Evenings
Tue, Jun 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.
This event is full
Teen Craft: Diamond Art Bookmark
Wed, Jun 18, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to make a diamond art bookmark. You can choose between 10 different designs. All supplies will be provided. Supplies are limited. Registration is required. Ages 12-18.
Teen Chef Academy
Wed, Jun 18, 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 Rainbow Club
Wed, Jun 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, movies, snacks, and crafts. Please register
Teen Anime Club
Wed, Jun 18, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Children (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.  
Teen & Tween Meet the Cube - Rubik's Cube for Beginners
Fri, Jun 20, 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, Jun 21, 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
60 Second Challenge
Mon, Jun 23, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
How fast are you? Test your skill by seeing if you can beat our challenges in less than 60 seconds. First through third place will go on our leader board. Compete all summer for a grand prize.
Teen: Color Our World with Flowers - Make Your Own Bouquet
Mon, Jun 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Teens are invited to join us for an evening of floral arranging. All supplies will be provided. Space and supplies are limited, so please register in advance.
Teen: Adventurers Wanted!
Tue, Jun 24, 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, Jun 24, 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!
Color Poetry for Kids! (Grades 4 - 8)
Wed, Jun 25, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Author and poet Januarie York will lead this poetry workshop for kids. Afterward, all poems will be compiled in an online, digital magazine format available for download. Registration required.
Teen Gaming
Wed, Jun 25, 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.
Teens & Tweens: Benjamin Harrison Escape Room - Ages 10-17
Wed, Jun 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens are invited to an escape room experience where they will need to find the artwork of President Benjamin Harrison. Kit designed by the Young Readers Center at the Indiana State Library.
Entry Level Photo Editing With Paint.NET
Wed, Jun 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Staff Meeting Room
Learn entry level photo editing skills with the free software Paint.NET.
This event is full
Teen & Tween Open Play Chess: Ages 6-18
Sat, Jun 28, 10:00am - 11:00am
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!
Rescheduled
Teen & Tween Open Play Chess: Ages 6-18
Sat, Jun 28, 10:00am - 12:00pm
New date Saturday, June 28, 10:00am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville
Children are welcome to come and play chess in our meeting room! Chess boards will be provided if you don't have one!
Teen Tie Dyeing
Sat, Jun 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will learn how to tie dye! You must bring your own 100% white cotton t-shirt. Event will be outside, weather permitting. Ages 12-18. Registration required.
Bingo at the Library!
Sat, Jun 28, 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
Teen: LEGO® and Board Game Afternoon
Sat, Jun 28, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Stop in to build your own LEGO® creation or pick a board game to play instead. A Nintendo Switch will also be available to play. Snacks will be provided. Registration required. Ages 12 - 18.
Family Game Day
Mon, Jun 30, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us for Family Game Day! Play one of our many board games or our Nintendo Switch. All games are provided. Bring your friends and family to join in on the fun! All ages are welcome.
Teen: Mario Kart
Mon, Jun 30, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Ready - set - race! Players can compete at Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch. If you have Joycon controllers, bring them! For ages 12-18.
Incredible Bats: Animals Around the World
Tue, Jul 01, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Children and their families will enjoy 15 different animals including: a bat, fox, sugar glider, turtle, parrot, snake, tarantula and many more!
Teen Crafternoons: Slime
Tue, Jul 01, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us to make slime in your color of choice!
Teen Tuesday - Lucky Stars
Tue, Jul 01, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Come in to the Library and enjoy some crafting!
Teen Craft: Polymer Clay Miniature
Wed, Jul 02, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to make a polymer clay miniature. You can create your own design or examples will be provided. Supplies are limited. Registration is required. Ages 12-18.
Teen Fun with Food: Fourth of July Treats
Wed, Jul 02, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens & tweens (ages 10-17) will be taken on a food adventure. In July, we will be making Fourth of July Treats.To ensure there are enough supplies and to address allergies,registration is required.
This event is full
Stitch'n Time
Sat, Jul 05, 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.
Yoga & Breathing
Sat, Jul 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.
60 Second Challenge
Mon, Jul 07, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
How fast are you? Test your skill by seeing if you can beat our challenges in less than 60 seconds. First through third place will go on our leader board. Compete all summer for a grand prize.
Teen & Tween Summer of STEAM: Robotics
Mon, Jul 07, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Come join us for some fun experimenting with technology and playing around with robotics!
Teen Craft: Hanging Yarn Art
Mon, Jul 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Using lengths of yarn and a stick, teens will create a unique decoration. All supplies and snacks will be provided. Teens 12 – 18. Space is limited. Registration required.
Teen Anime Club
Mon, Jul 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.
Tween & Teen: Minecraft Meetup
Tue, Jul 08, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Come play Minecraft, uninterrupted, on our Raspberry Pi computers! For ages 8-18.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Tue, Jul 08, 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, Jul 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.
Teen Gaming
Wed, Jul 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 Build an Escape Room Workshop: Ages 10 - 17
Wed, Jul 09, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us for an exciting opportunity where young minds, ages 10-17, can unleash their creativity and sharpen their deduction skills by helping to create an immersive Escape Room experience!
Teen Advisory Board
Wed, Jul 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Children's Program 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 Cartoon School
Wed, Jul 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 Craft: DIY Phone Amplifier
Thu, Jul 10, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Create an amplifier for your cellphone speaker using common household items. Please be advised we will be using sharp cutting utensils in this project.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Thu, Jul 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!
This event is full
Teen Craft: Heat-Shrink Jewelry & Keychains
Thu, Jul 10, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Escape the heat & enjoy the AC and bake some heat-shrink designs for jewelry or keychains instead. Supplies provided. For ages 12-18. Registration is required.
Teen & Tween Speedcubing: Ages 8-17 - Advanced Rubik's Cube
Fri, Jul 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!
Teen Movie: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Sat, Jul 12, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Teens, drop by to watch Spiderman: Into the Spider-verse! Part 2 (Spiderman: Across the Spider-verse) will be shown July 19th. Popcorn and lemonade provided. For ages 12-18.
See all events