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An open book reading 1000 with stars!

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Ready for a fresh log sheet? Print it!

1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a nation-wide challenge that encourages parents and caregivers to regularly read aloud to kids. If you read just one book a day with your child, you'll reach the 1000 book goal in less than three years - but we know you'll read more than that!

LCPL's 1000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative is sponsored by the Friends of LCPL.

Why is reading with kids important?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, over 1 in 3 American kids start Kindergarten without the language skills they need to learn to read. In fact, the number of words a child knows going into Kindergarten is a predictor of their academic success. Reading out loud to your kids is an easy, fun way to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed in school.

More reasons reading out loud matters

How to Join In

Just print a log sheet and mark off a circle for every book you read with your child. You can color the circles in, put an X through them, use stickers... whatever you like!

When you get to the end of the row, you've read ten books. When you get to the end of the sheet you've read 100 books and it's time to start the next sheet!

No printer? Can't get to the library? We accept home-made log sheets as well as "official" logs for both new and continuing 1000 books readers.

You can keep a tally on a piece of scrap paper, put marbles in a jar, keep a count in a spreadsheet - whatever works for you.

When you can make it in to an LCPL location, just bring in your log sheets (or whatever you used to keep count) and we'll add them to your child's total. If you're new to the program we'll have you fill out a quick form to sign your child up and track their future progress, as well.

What Counts?

books falling

Everything! Library books, your own books, ebooks, print books - it all counts! Whatever you read together, it helps your child build pre-literacy skills.

There's also no limit on the number of times you can read and count a single book. Many kids enjoy repetition, and if they ask for the same book ten times in a row it counts each time you read it.

Oh yeah, don't forget the prizes!

Education is, of course, its own reward but we have a few incentives for our young readers, too.

Each completed log sheet is worth a prize. You can save up all your log sheets and hand them in at once to get a bunch of prizes, or you can bring them in one at a time.

Any questions? Feel free to ask a librarian!

Upcoming Events
Fri, Nov 15, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Stop in anytime during these sessions to work on a provided puzzle, crossword, word search or coloring sheet. All supplies provides.... more
Stop in anytime during these sessions to work on a provided puzzle, crossword, word search or coloring sheet. All supplies provides. Coffee, tea, and water will be available.

Fri, Nov 15, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Family healthcare providers will share information on services available to vision-impaired people, applying for services, and how to... more
Family healthcare providers will share information on services available to vision-impaired people, applying for services, and how to communicate with providers. Light refreshments will be served.

Fri, Nov 15, 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... more
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.

Sat, Nov 16, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Interested in any of the needle arts including knit, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us for an opportunity to chat and create.... more
Interested in any of the needle arts including knit, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us for an opportunity to chat and create. Please bring your own projects.

Sat, Nov 16, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for Yoga at the library! Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for... more
Join us for Yoga at the library! Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Sat, Nov 16, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Branch - Children's Area
Children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Sat, Nov 16, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Learn what it's like to be a musher - meet three-time participant in the 1000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, Karen Land, and her... more
Learn what it's like to be a musher - meet three-time participant in the 1000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, Karen Land, and her Alaskan husky, Noggin! Space is limited, registration is a must.

Sat, Nov 16, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Bring your craft projects from home and join us to chat with fellow crafters while working on your project without the interruptions of... more
Bring your craft projects from home and join us to chat with fellow crafters while working on your project without the interruptions of home. All are welcome.

Sat, Nov 16, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Make some music on Guitar Hero! Open for teens ages 12 to 18.

Mon, Nov 18, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Kids ages 4 & 5 are invited to this storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that teach pre-reading skills.

Mon, Nov 18, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Children, ages 2-3, are invited to this drop-in playtime where they can create with playdough clay and toys.

Mon, Nov 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Mon, Nov 18, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
WorkOne will be at the library to help patrons with job searching and they will provide tools, tips, and techniques you can utilize to... more
WorkOne will be at the library to help patrons with job searching and they will provide tools, tips, and techniques you can utilize to find the right opportunity for you.

Mon, Nov 18, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Kids (ages 7-12), put your driving skills to the test in a Mario Kart tournament!

Mon, Nov 18, 5:30pm - 8:15pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The "Exploring Asian-American Cinema" program will offer a monthly film series focused on showcasing and discussing popular works in... more
The "Exploring Asian-American Cinema" program will offer a monthly film series focused on showcasing and discussing popular works in Asian-American filmmaking. Please register. Titles listed below.

Mon, Nov 18, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
This is an adult program where participants will get to remember pastimes from childhood. Join us as we "etch a sketch" with this... more
This is an adult program where participants will get to remember pastimes from childhood. Join us as we "etch a sketch" with this nostalgic toy. Please register as supplies are limited.

Mon, Nov 18, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
English classes are for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free.

Mon, Nov 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will learn to create their own fluffy slime! Ages 12-18. Registration required.

Mon, Nov 18, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Join us for Creativity Club where we will explore different arts and crafts mediums, learn about artists, and make cool stuff together... more
Join us for Creativity Club where we will explore different arts and crafts mediums, learn about artists, and make cool stuff together like zines and comics. Space is limited so be sure to register.

Mon, Nov 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to paint a fall wooden craft. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required due to limited materials.... more
Join us at the library to paint a fall wooden craft. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required due to limited materials. For ages 12-18.

Mon, Nov 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us as we make a paper leaf mosaic! All ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Ages 16 and over only.... more
Join us as we make a paper leaf mosaic! All ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Ages 16 and over only. Registration required.

Mon, Nov 18, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Escape the distractions of home and join us for connection, conversation, and of course, reading. Not a book club - a reading party.

Mon, Nov 18, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Explore Japanese swordspersonship & learn about Japan's oldest surviving martial art & the Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu. Please... more
Explore Japanese swordspersonship & learn about Japan's oldest surviving martial art & the Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu. Please register.

Tue, Nov 19, 10:15am - 10:45am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Nov 19, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
This is a storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a take home craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-6.

Tue, Nov 19, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
4 and 5 year old children and their caregivers are invited to an early literacy storytime, featuring books, fingerplays, and songs that... more
4 and 5 year old children and their caregivers are invited to an early literacy storytime, featuring books, fingerplays, and songs that teach pre-reading skills and prepare children for school.

Tue, Nov 19, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that teach... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that teach early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Tue, Nov 19, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.

Tue, Nov 19, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register each child and adult.
This event is full

Tue, Nov 19, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books,... more
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Nov 19, 11:00am - 11:30am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Nov 19, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our story time for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Toys will be available... more
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our story time for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Toys will be available for children to play. Storytime attendance is not required.

Tue, Nov 19, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Hobart - Hobart Zoom Room,Programming Room
Our November 2024 book chat title is "Angels of the Pacific" by Elise Hooper. Pick up a copy at the Hobart Branch to chat! Contact... more
Our November 2024 book chat title is "Angels of the Pacific" by Elise Hooper. Pick up a copy at the Hobart Branch to chat! Contact hobart@lcplin.org or (219) 942-2243 for more details.

Tue, Nov 19, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an... more
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an emphasis on important early pre-reading skills.

Tue, Nov 19, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us for some calming music, word puzzles, coloring sheets, & other relaxing activities.

Tue, Nov 19, 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, Nov 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Tue, Nov 19, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join Councilor Jonathan Peterson for an update on what the Munster Council has been working on, pick up information on upcoming Town of... more
Join Councilor Jonathan Peterson for an update on what the Munster Council has been working on, pick up information on upcoming Town of Munster events, and ask questions about how the town works.

Tue, Nov 19, 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, Nov 20, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the... more
Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the company every Wednesday! All crafts are welcome.

Wed, Nov 20, 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
This fantasy musical film follows the story of Willy Wonka, the famous eccentric chocolatier, based on the character from Roald Dahl's... more
This fantasy musical film follows the story of Willy Wonka, the famous eccentric chocolatier, based on the character from Roald Dahl's novel. Rated PG; runtime 117 mins.

Wed, Nov 20, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Create your prefect resume with helpful resources and tips for those just getting started.

Wed, Nov 20, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include Lego, art projects, movies, and... more
Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include Lego, art projects, movies, and more! No registration required.

Wed, Nov 20, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us for this storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a take home craft that promote pre-reading skills for kids 4-5.

Wed, Nov 20, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Teens (ages 12-18), make a seasonal (or holiday!) wreath using scrap fabric! Please register.

Wed, Nov 20, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake - Public Tables
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or... more
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or bring along a project you're already working on!

Wed, Nov 20, 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, Nov 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Children and their families are invited to create and play with LEGO® in an hour of free play and fun. Finished creations will be... more
Children and their families are invited to create and play with LEGO® in an hour of free play and fun. Finished creations will be displayed in the library for the rest of the month!

Wed, Nov 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Come and enjoy a special visit from the Lake County Solid Waste Management District!

Wed, Nov 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Zoom
Join a livestream with Mona Susan Power as she chats about her newest novel A Council of Dolls. This conversation will highlight how her... more
Join a livestream with Mona Susan Power as she chats about her newest novel A Council of Dolls. This conversation will highlight how her work explores Native Rights and Native American culture.

Wed, Nov 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will learn to decorate cupcakes to look like a pie! Ages 12-18. Registration required.

Wed, Nov 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Wed, Nov 20, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Join us for a discussion of "Firekeeper's Daughter" by Angeline Boulley. Copies are available at the front desk.

Wed, Nov 20, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens 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,... more
Teens 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.  

Thu, Nov 21, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas... more
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas with other crafters during this program.

Thu, Nov 21, 10:30am - 12:30pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join us for this month's classic film, Vertigo. Runtime: 2 hrs 9 mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Thu, Nov 21, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the... more
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the company of others.

Thu, Nov 21, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This storytime features stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that promote pre-reading skills. Please register each child and adult... more
This storytime features stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that promote pre-reading skills. Please register each child and adult attending. Registration ends 24 hours before the storytime.

Thu, Nov 21, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Meeting Room A
All Ability: Hangout is a program designed for adults with special needs. Each session we will read picture books and do an activity... more
All Ability: Hangout is a program designed for adults with special needs. Each session we will read picture books and do an activity centered around a theme. Caretakers must stay in the room.

Thu, Nov 21, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
For this storytime babies and toddlers will participate in stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and music activities designed to... more
For this storytime babies and toddlers will participate in stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and music activities designed to enhance important pre-literacy skills.

Thu, Nov 21, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Thu, Nov 21, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us for this storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that... more
Join us for this storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Thu, Nov 21, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a program for toddlers ages 2 and 3, and a caregiver, where they can participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities.... more
This is a program for toddlers ages 2 and 3, and a caregiver, where they can participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help to develop important pre-literacy skills.
This event is full

Thu, Nov 21, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion of Jennifer Hillier's "Things We Do in the Dark". Copies are available at the Munster branch.

Thu, Nov 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Thu, Nov 21, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
English classes are for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free.

Thu, Nov 21, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be... more
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be displayed in the library until the next LEGO® Club meeting.
Registration opens Thursday, November 21 2024 at 6:00pm

Fri, Nov 22, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart Branch Library - Children's Area
Meet and read to a local LCC K-9 comfort dog and its handler. LCC K-9 comfort dogs show kindness and calm to people throughout the... more
Meet and read to a local LCC K-9 comfort dog and its handler. LCC K-9 comfort dogs show kindness and calm to people throughout the community and beyond, making them excellent listeners.

Sat, Nov 23, 11:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Sat, Nov 23, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come enjoy an engaging, funny, memorable concert by musician Joe Rauen! Rauen creates and plays one of a kind instruments made out of... more
Come enjoy an engaging, funny, memorable concert by musician Joe Rauen! Rauen creates and plays one of a kind instruments made out of household items!

Sat, Nov 23, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Put a spin on the typical holiday village as you embellish your own DIY winter cottage. Registration is REQUIRED; materials are limited.... more
Put a spin on the typical holiday village as you embellish your own DIY winter cottage. Registration is REQUIRED; materials are limited. For ages 18 and over.
This event is full

Sat, Nov 23, 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.