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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
Teen Gamefest
Tue, Jan 21, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Join us for video and board games!
Teen Gaming
Wed, Jan 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! Games and snacks provided. Ages 12-18.
Teen & Tween: DIY Checker Board
Wed, Jan 22, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
January's craft projects is using duck tape to make your own portable checkers game. Designed for teens and tweens (ages 10-15). We will provide all the supplies you need to be crafty.
This event is full
Virtual Livestream Author Talk with Amanda Montell - Bestselling Author of The Age of Magical Overthinking
Thu, Jan 23, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Amanda Montell about The Age of Magical Overthinking, and Modern Irrationality.
Teen Volunteering Advisory Board
Thu, Jan 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens (ages 10-17) are invited to help shape programming for Tweens & Teens while earning volunteer hours. In January we will be discussing plans for a Book club, Escape Room and Take & Make Kits.
Kids Chess Open Play: Ages 6-18
Sat, Jan 25, 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!
Bingo at the Library!
Sat, Jan 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.
Teen Advisory Board & Game Night
Mon, Jan 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. We'll brainstorm and discuss ways to improve teen programs.
Cancelled
Teen Book Tea
Mon, Jan 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster
Teens, let's spill about books! Each month we'll read and talk about a different book. In January we are reading Invisible Son by Kim Johnson. Pick up books @ Munster Branch.
Teen Advisory Board, LEGO®, and Board Game Night
Mon, Jan 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, Jan 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Homeschoolers, come hang with your peers! Educational and social opportunities will be available.
Virtual Livestream Author Talk with Seth Fishman - Vice President and Literary Agent at The Gernert Company
Tue, Jan 28, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Seth Fishman about working with an agent and the beginning stages of the publishing process.
Teen: Adventurers Wanted!
Tue, Jan 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 Game Night
Wed, Jan 29, 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 & Tween Anime Club
Wed, Jan 29, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens (ages 10 to 15) are invited to watch episodes from an anime series. We'll also have art supplies along with a craft on hand if you want to draw, sketch, or get creative. Snacks will be provided.
This event is full
Teen Tea Crafting
Thu, Jan 30, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Teens (ages 12-18), begin your journey as tea master as you create your own tea blend of choice! You decide what to make, but do your best - other participants will taste-test at the end!
Stitch'n Time
Sat, Feb 01, 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, Feb 01, 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
Mon, Feb 03, 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, Feb 03, 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: Love Bugs
Wed, Feb 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will learn to make a love bug craft using pom poms, googly eyes, foam, and more! Ages 12-18. Registration required.
Teens & Tweens: Fun with Food - Appetizers
Wed, Feb 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens & Tweens (ages 10-15) will be taken on a Food Adventure. In February, we will focus on appetizers.To ensure there is enough supplies and to address food allergies, registration is required.
This event is full
Teen Poetry Slam
Thu, Feb 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
We invite teens to explore and write poetry, collaborate with others, and perform your original works. Whether you're new to poetry or a seasoned writer, come share your voice!
Teen Craft: No-Bake Chocolate Truffles
Thu, Feb 06, 5:30pm - 6:45pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Come by to make and package no-bake chocolate truffles. You can give them away as a gift or eat them yourself - we won't tell!
Teen: 3D Pen Crafts Challenge
Mon, Feb 10, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Take turns using a 3D pen to craft a larger design. Each participant will have a chance to work on the design. For ages 12-18.
Teen Candy Grams
Mon, Feb 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will learn to make candy grams they can gift to friends/family or keep for themselves! Ages 12-18. Registration required.
Teen: Talking About Books
Mon, Feb 10, 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 and Tween: Minecraft Meet-Up
Tue, Feb 11, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Come play Minecraft, uninterrupted, on our Raspberry Pi computers! For ages 8-18.
Teen Alphabet Club - GSA/LGBTQ+ Teens Support and Discussion Group
Tue, Feb 11, 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.
Livestream Author Talk with Waubgeshig Rice - Author of Moon of the Turning Leaves
Tue, Feb 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Waubgeshig Rice about Moon of the Turning Leaves and Dystopian Tropes.
Teen Gaming
Wed, Feb 12, 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 Rock Art
Wed, Feb 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Paint, design, and decorate your very own rocks with vibrant colors, intricate patterns, or whatever your imagination allows. Teens, join us to express yourself and make keepsakes to take home!
Teen Cartoon School
Wed, Feb 12, 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
Thu, Feb 13, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens (ages 12-17) are invited to become part of the Teen Advisory Board.We will be discussing plans for a Book club and Summer Reading. Help shape programming at the branch and earn volunteer hours.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Thu, Feb 13, 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!
Teen and Tween Speedcubing: Ages 8-17 - Advanced Rubik's Cube
Fri, Feb 14, 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!
Livestream Author Talk with Lee Hawkins - Author of I Am Nobody's Slave
Tue, Feb 18, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Lee Hawkins about I Am Nobody's Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free.
Teen Gamefest
Tue, Feb 18, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Join us for video and board games!
Teen Artsy Evenings
Tue, Feb 18, 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 & Tween Game Night
Wed, Feb 19, 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 10-17.
See all events