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Photos of teen and adult activities: crochet, books, craft supplies, computer work

Something to Do

While Staying Home

Stuck at home? We're here to make it a little better, because teens and adults need enrichment just as much as kids do.

This page will be updated periodically with new activities!

Just Added:

Check here for the newest activities just added to the page!

Virtual Puzzle: Summer Reading Adventure

Skip To:

Virtual Escape Room

Video Guides: Crafts & Activities

Genealogy Corner

Read This: LCPL Staff Picks

Virtual Jigsaw Puzzles

Other Things to Do (printables and more)

Virtual Escape Room

Can you make it to the end?

Tests of the Worthy Chapter 1: Trial of Cunning and Insight

Tests of the Worthy Chapter 2: Trial of Strength

 

Video Guides: Crafts & Activities

Check out our playlist of crafts and how-tos (designed specially to be done with materials you probably have at home - no need to run to the craft store). We've included some tutorials on how to use our lesser-known online collections, as well!

Virtual Jigsaw Puzzles

Tip: To make the puzzles more challenging, click the rotate icon when you first open them! Or, click the grid icon to give the puzzle more (or less!) pieces.

 Purple Trees at Merrillville Branch

Sign and books Practice Shelf Care

Gnome on top of a stack of gardening books Gnome Sweet Gnome

Black tote with neon green handles. Books are popping out the top LCPL Bag O' Books

A terrier reading the book Ivan the Terrier Ivan the Terrier

The Reader statue wearing a red mask Mask Up Hoosiers!

A bronze frog sitting cross legged under a rainbow with books on meditation, coping, and being happy Peace, Love, & Books

An open book sitting on a tray in the grass with a vase of purple flowers, a teapot, a cracker and cheese plate, and a mug that says bookmarks are for quitters Bookmarks are for Quitters

Two stormtroopers behind a library desk. One is on the phone, the other is offering a book for his inspection These are Not the Books You're Looking For

The display case at lake station new chicago branch with paper decorations of books and paper letters spelling Our Books Missed You Our Books Missed You

A book lying open on a table with two stacks of books in front of it, and beyond that library shelves filled with books So Many Books

Display case filled with paper cut out decorations: Balloons, letters spelling Glad You're Back, bookworms, and books Glad You're Back

A white dog wearing glasses sitting on an old school desk with an open book. Books are Fun

A dog wearing glasses reading a book at an old timey school desk No, You Can't Borrow My Book

A 3D owl made of the pages of a discarded book Bookworm Owl

A young man sits at a picnic table reading under a large tree with splendid orange, yellow, and green leaves. Many leaves already litter the ground around him. Take a Break

R2D2 pushes a star wars book into a book drop outside Munster Branch R2D2 Returns Books

A waypointing sign showing destinations like Camelot, Who-ville, Panem, The Shire Your Next Adventure

Funny DVDs like Shazam, Rookie of the Year, and Skate Kitchen set on fake snow with snowflakes in the background Chase Away the Winter Blues

Bronze statue of two children reading on a bench Reading Statue

A small brown and white dog looking at the children's book Harry the Dirty Dog Harry Reads

Image of Bernie Sanders from the 2021 inauguration sitting with crossed arms and legs and very large mittens. Text reads Get Your Mittens on a good book. Get Your Mittens on a Good Book

A lamp in the shape of an open book, its pages glowing. It sits on top of a DVD called Enlighten Up, a book called Think by Guy P Harrison, and a book called The Dark Side of the Enlightenment by John Fleming Enlightenment

A chess board mid-game with chess instructional books stood up behind the board, one open on the corner. The novel The Queen's Gambit with the Netflix adaptation cover is in the foreground  The Queen's Gambit

The brick wall above a short bookshelf is decorated with a paper cut out of a large popcorn bag and scattered popcorn pieces. Letters spell out Pop into the library and check out a good movie  Movie Time

A row of ducks on a ledge - a few rubber ducks, a ceramic one, and in the middle Rosella wearing a face mask that looks like a duck bill  Ducks in a Row

Photo of the branch taken from a low angle with flowering plants large in the foreground  A Beautiful Day at Lake Station-New Chicago Branch

Photo of people standing at different levels on stairs holding signs that say we heart our library  We Love Our Library

Photo of a bulletin board decorated with paper ocean cut outs  Check Out the Ocean

Photo of a bulletin board decorated with tropical forest trees and animal cut outs  Check Out the Tropical Forest

Display case with a map and settings of books marked with pins and yarn  Reading Can Take You Everywhere

Woman taking many books from a shelf  I Have No Shelf Control

Stack of books with a library card on top  Library Card Sign Up Month

A brown and white dog sits among stacks and stacks of books  Perdy's Collection

Wooden shelves stocked wtih horrow books and decorated with a black cat and flying bats. There is caution tape over the front  Cats, Bats, and Books

A bulletin board with flyers for genealogy tools and events  Genealogy Offerings

A display of books all with red covers  Warm Up to a Good Book

The New Release DVD section at Merrillville  New Releases

The Giraffe sculpture from the children's department  Cecily the Giraffe

Four library workers posing with mustaches attached to the front of their face masks  We Mustache You to Solve This

A book open on a table with its center pages folded in to resemble a heart  I Heart Books

A book with several pages folded in such a way that it looks like a heart is popping out  Book Heart

The exterior of Merrillville Branch taken from a distance  Merrillville Branch

Book spines arranged in a rainbow by color on a shelf with a stuffed cat  Rainbow Books

A huge brigantine made of paper and cardboard sitting atop a bookshelf  Sail into Summer Reading

A small typewriter paperweight. The paper in it says Help. Stacks of books stretch out behind it  Need Some Help Choosing?

Huge stacks of cardboard book boxes and a round table full of books  The Big Book Sale

A library staff member holds up an old book about Dimetrodon and mimics the reptile's open mouthed grinning expression  Mimicking Dimetrodon

A large display case holding colorful dia de los muertos decorations  Día de los Muertos

Cookbooks for soup  National Soup Month

a person lying sprawled underneath many many books  Buried in Books

Chair and book with wordcloud about libraries on the wall  A Library Corner

A bushy hydrangea plant  Hydrangeas at Dyer-Schererville

An American flag made out of red white and blue book spines  Red, White, and Books

A book lying open with a pair of reading glasses on top  Reading

Many books open to show their pages  Hoosier Books

A duck puppet wearing a backpack full of books  Ducky Goes Back to School

A cat sleeping on its back in front of a book shelf  Catnap by the Books

A large crocheted bulbasaur with a witch hat and some ceramic pumpkins next to a book titled Pokemon Crochet  Crafty Crochet

A scarecrow and some decorative pumpkins surrounding the Williams Sonoma Kitchen Library Book for Thanksgiving  Happy Thanksgiving

DVD boxes labeled Oscar Winning International Films, the many faces of keanu reeves, and western collection  Binge Boxes

Books standing in a circle, spines inward, shot from above  Book Circle

Book Index to the Prerogative of Ireland, How to Trace your Irish Ancestors, and Story of the Irish Race draped with a four leaf clover scarf  Irish Genealogy

Old illustration of Merrillville Branch when it had the white paneling and yellow tower  Merrillville's New Addition

Display case filled with postcards from around the world, an old typewriter, and vintage travel paraphernalia   Summer Reading Adventure

Book growing a treeGenealogy Corner

Brushing up on your family history? We can help.

Online Genealogy Research Tools

How to Find Genealogy Webinars During Quarantine

Using City Directories for Genealogy (Video) 

Read This!

LCPL staff picks for teens and adults


Want more?

Try our Reader's Advisory Tumblr!

Upcoming Events
Jumanji - Family Movie Monday
Mon, Jul 29, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Families are welcome to bring a picnic-style lunch and enjoy a movie at the library each Monday during Summer Reading. Rated PG; 105... more
Families are welcome to bring a picnic-style lunch and enjoy a movie at the library each Monday during Summer Reading. Rated PG; 105 minute runtime.
Migration - Sensory Friendly Family Movie
Mon, Jul 29, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Bring the whole family! The room will be lighter, the volume will be lower, and audience members can move around, talk, and sing. Snacks... more
Bring the whole family! The room will be lighter, the volume will be lower, and audience members can move around, talk, and sing. Snacks are welcome! Rated PG; 87 minute runtime.
Teens & Tweens Roller Coaster Build
Mon, Jul 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Teens & Tweens (9-17 years old) try to build the tallest, fastest, coolest roller coaster with miscellaneous recycled materials and... more
Teens & Tweens (9-17 years old) try to build the tallest, fastest, coolest roller coaster with miscellaneous recycled materials and building supplies. Please register.
This event is full
The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
Mon, Jul 29, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Book Buddies will be discussing "The Reading List" by Sara Nisha Adams.
LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)
Mon, Jul 29, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program 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.
This event is full
Adventure Journaling
Mon, Jul 29, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Record your summer of adventures by journaling! You can submit (2) photos to hobart@lcplin.org the week prior, and we will print them in... more
Record your summer of adventures by journaling! You can submit (2) photos to hobart@lcplin.org the week prior, and we will print them in color for you to add that personal touch.
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Tue, Jul 30, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.
This event is full
Purdue Extension: Alzheimer's Awareness
Tue, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us for a series of informative sessions about Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia with the Purdue Extension.
Livestream Author Talk with Dan Santat - Bestselling Author of A First Time For Everything
Tue, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories... more
Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels. The event will be shown on a large screen.
Virtual: Livestream Author Talk with Dan Santat - Bestselling Author of A First Time for Everything
Tue, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Online
Join a livestream chat with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels.
Teen Crafternoons
Tue, Jul 30, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us every other Tuesday to try out a new craft or art project, June 4 - July 30! All supplies provided. Please register.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Tue, Jul 30, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
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
Schererville Fire Department: Be Prepared to Get Wet!
Wed, Jul 31, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Branch - East Parking Lot
Come out and join us for our end of summer event!
Off the Hook
Wed, Jul 31, 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.
Rescheduled
Livestream Author Talk with Dan Santat - Bestselling Author of A First Time For Everything
Wed, Jul 31, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
New date Tuesday, July 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville
Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories... more
Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels. The event will be shown on a large screen.
Indiana Dunes National Park: Ages 6-12
Wed, Jul 31, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
This program will focus on the Indiana Dunes National park's plants, animals and general ecology. Children will learn about the natural... more
This program will focus on the Indiana Dunes National park's plants, animals and general ecology. Children will learn about the natural world not so far from us and what park rangers do.
End of Summer Reading Open House!
Wed, Jul 31, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room,Meeting Room A
Join us as we say goodbye to Summer Reading 2024 with games, crafts and refreshments (including ice cream!) Registration is required.
Crochet @ Your Library
Wed, Jul 31, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake - 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!
Teen: Adventure of the Week
Wed, Jul 31, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Adventurers wanted! Join us for summer role-playing sessions featuring perilous quests, intrepid evil, and an unforgettable journey.
Crafters' Gathering
Thu, Aug 01, 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 in this twice-monthly club.
Thursday Threaders
Thu, Aug 01, 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.
Simply Lies by David Baldacci - Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club
Thu, Aug 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of Simply Lies, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for August. Pick up a copy at the... more
Join the discussion of Simply Lies, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for August. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Thu, Aug 01, 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
Dungeons and Dragons for Adults
Thu, Aug 01, 6:00pm - 8:15pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
D&D comes to the Munster Branch Library! Join our campaign for Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk and get to the bottom of what... more
D&D comes to the Munster Branch Library! Join our campaign for Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk and get to the bottom of what is plaguing the town of Phandalin.
This event is full
Stitch'n Time
Sat, Aug 03, 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... more
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.
Acrylic Painting (FEE)
Sat, Aug 03, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials.... more
Create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials. Class begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.
Yoga & Breathing
Sat, Aug 03, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Children's Program 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.
Internet Safety (Grades 3--5) - With Parents/Guardians
Sat, Aug 03, 10:00am - 10:45am
Highland - Meeting Room A
US Secret Service presents: NCMEC's NetSmartz. This program is designed to educate parents and children in grades 3-5 about online... more
US Secret Service presents: NCMEC's NetSmartz. This program is designed to educate parents and children in grades 3-5 about online safety and responsible use of the internet.
Operation Safe Kids: Live Scan Child ID
Sat, Aug 03, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Operation Safe Kids presents the “Live scan Child ID”, a document containing a photograph, digitized inkless fingerprints, and vital... more
Operation Safe Kids presents the “Live scan Child ID”, a document containing a photograph, digitized inkless fingerprints, and vital identification information. Parents will leave with this card.
Teen Board Game League
Sat, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
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!
Performance by Joe Rauen - Sponsored by the LCPL Foundation
Sat, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large 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... more
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! Check out his website: joerauen.com
Family Game Day
Sat, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Children of all ages and their families are invited to come play a variety of board games, card games and Switch video games will be... more
Children of all ages and their families are invited to come play a variety of board games, card games and Switch video games will be available. Snacks provided.
This event is full
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Mon, Aug 05, 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
Fatherhood (2021) - Movie Monday
Mon, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Come and enjoy this afternoon movie with us! Popcorn and snacks will be served. Seating is limited. Registration is required.
Arthur the King
Mon, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
An unbreakable bond is forged between a pro adventure racer and a street dog. Runtime: 107 mins Rating: PG-13
Teen Advisory Board
Mon, Aug 05, 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.... more
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, Aug 05, 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... more
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: Back to School
Mon, Aug 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Choose from several crafts to help decorate your locker and get ready for the return to school. Ages 12 – 18. Space is limited.... more
Choose from several crafts to help decorate your locker and get ready for the return to school. Ages 12 – 18. Space is limited. Registration required.
Travel Film: Portugal
Tue, Aug 06, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join us for this month's travel film about Portugal. Runtime: 52 mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Tue, Aug 06, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
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
Teen Alphabet Club - GSA/LGBTQ+ Teens & Allies Support and Discussion Group
Tue, Aug 06, 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.
See all events