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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: Irish Genealogy

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

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
Teen Financial Literacy Classes - Hosted by Misty De La Cruz of First Financial Bank
Fri, Apr 26, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Learn about financial literacy during these three class sessions featuring Misty De La Cruz from First Financial Bank.
Building Blocks to Literacy
Fri, Apr 26, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Children and their caregivers will enjoy interacting at various block play stations for an hour of block play and learning.
Comfort Reading with a Dog - LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs
Fri, Apr 26, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart Branch - 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.
Power Paws for Kids
Sat, Apr 27, 11:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
In this program children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.
Bingo at the Library!
Sat, Apr 27, 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 books for a prize.
Saturday "Night" Trivia
Sat, Apr 27, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us for a trivia competition! Work in teams or individually to answer general knowledge, history, and pop culture questions to... more
Join us for a trivia competition! Work in teams or individually to answer general knowledge, history, and pop culture questions to become a Library Trivia CHAMPION!!! Please register.
Citizenship Class
Mon, Apr 29, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
This program aims to help adults prepare to pass the Citizenship test in Chicago-USCIS.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Awareness - Presented by Linda Curley and the Alzheimer’s Association
Mon, Apr 29, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
A series of four programs hosted by Linda Curely of Purdue University designed to help with early detection, support, and assistance for... more
A series of four programs hosted by Linda Curely of Purdue University designed to help with early detection, support, and assistance for those with Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Mon, Apr 29, 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
Storytime: Ages 4-5
Mon, Apr 29, 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Join us for a storytime for kids 4-5 years old, featuring stories, music and craft, that help develop early literacy skills. Attendees... more
Join us for a storytime for kids 4-5 years old, featuring stories, music and craft, that help develop early literacy skills. Attendees must register.
Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn - Book Buddies
Mon, Apr 29, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
A group of older women are looking to retire from an elite network of assassins but before they can retire, they find out that they are... more
A group of older women are looking to retire from an elite network of assassins but before they can retire, they find out that they are marked for death.
Teen Advisory Board - Game Night
Mon, Apr 29, 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... more
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.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Mon, Apr 29, 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.
Grown Up Game Night
Mon, Apr 29, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us for a game night for the grown ups. We will have board games and the Nintendo Switch. Every last Monday of the month.
Financial Literacy Month - Centier to You
Mon, Apr 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
April is Financial Literacy Month! Centier Bank associates will be offering a series of four classes on: 1) Budgeting & Savings, 2)... more
April is Financial Literacy Month! Centier Bank associates will be offering a series of four classes on: 1) Budgeting & Savings, 2) Credit & Paying Down Debt, 3) Homeownership, and 4) Retirement.
Teen: LEGO® and Board Game Night
Mon, Apr 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Inviting teens, ages 12 - 18, to LEGO® and Board Game Night. Stop in to build your own LEGO® creation or pick a board game to play... more
Inviting teens, ages 12 - 18, to LEGO® and Board Game Night. Stop in to build your own LEGO® creation or pick a board game to play instead. Snacks will be provided. Registration required.
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Tue, Apr 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
Toddler Spring Play Date
Tue, Apr 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come celebrate springtime with a toddler play date. Toys and games such as bowling, toss across and mini golf will be available for... more
Come celebrate springtime with a toddler play date. Toys and games such as bowling, toss across and mini golf will be available for children ages birth to three years old and their caregivers.
This event is full
Family Storytime
Tue, Apr 30, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Stories, fingerplays, music, related activities and a craft are all included this this storytime for children and their family members.
Coffee & Coloring
Tue, Apr 30, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Relax via this coloring for adults open session. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea while getting creative with no pressure for... more
Relax via this coloring for adults open session. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea while getting creative with no pressure for perfection. Coloring materials provided.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Tue, Apr 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
Munster Lecture Series: Presidential Powers - Presented by Yu Ouyang, Assoc Prof of Political Science
Tue, Apr 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Learn about how and why presidents use directives like executive orders to create and impact public policy from Associate Professor Yu... more
Learn about how and why presidents use directives like executive orders to create and impact public policy from Associate Professor Yu Ouyang of Purdue Northwest.
Cutting the Cord
Tue, Apr 30, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
During this session you will get some of the basics on what to expect when "cutting the cord" to cable. What are the pros and cons? What... more
During this session you will get some of the basics on what to expect when "cutting the cord" to cable. What are the pros and cons? What are some costs to expect? Please register.
This event is full
Citizenship Classes
Wed, May 01, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
This class aims to help adults prepare to take the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS office.
Off the Hook
Wed, May 01, 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.
Create Your Own Greeting Card
Wed, May 01, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
The Basement Bunch with Debbie Rodriguez will be hosting a series of classes on how to make greeting cards.
Crochet @ Your Library
Wed, May 01, 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!
Bilingual Storytime
Wed, May 01, 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Families can join for stories in Spanish and English!
Teen Advisory Board
Wed, May 01, 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.
Dungeons & Dragons for Adults
Wed, May 01, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us on the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the... more
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us on the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the adventure! Seats are limited, so registration is required.
This event is full
Art Club (Grades K-5)
Wed, May 01, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Each week, we will explore a different component of art and do a corresponding activity. This is a 6 week program; sign up for all or... more
Each week, we will explore a different component of art and do a corresponding activity. This is a 6 week program; sign up for all or choose individual sessions to attend.
This event is full
Crafters' Gathering
Thu, May 02, 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, May 02, 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.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months
Thu, May 02, 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.
Storytime: Ages 4-6
Thu, May 02, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that support pre-reading skills for kids 4 - 6.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Thu, May 02, 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.
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Thu, May 02, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that teach early literacy skills. Please register all attending.
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Thu, May 02, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
Program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities.... more
Program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help to develop important pre-literacy skills.
This event is full
Triple Cross by James Patterson - Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club
Thu, May 02, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of Triple Cross, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for May. Pick up a copy at the Highland... more
Join the discussion of Triple Cross, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for May. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.
PreTeen D&D Fantasy Quest: Ages: 8-12
Thu, May 02, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us on our journey: Heroes of Sol'an, 5th edition family friendly Dungeons and Dragons campaign for preteens. New players welcome.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Thu, May 02, 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.
Power Paws for Kids
Thu, May 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster Branch Library - Children's Area
In this program, children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer. Please register all... more
In this program, children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer. Please register all those planning to attend.
Stitch'n Time
Sat, May 04, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Join us with your current projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and create! Bring your own supplies, and... more
Join us with your current projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and create! Bring your own supplies, and other attendees would be happy to instruct on crochet as needed.
Keep Me In Stitches
Sat, May 04, 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.
Acrylic Painting (FEE)
Sat, May 04, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join us and create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all... more
Join us and 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, May 04, 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... more
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.
Hair Discrimination: Speaker Jantina Anderson
Sat, May 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Jantina Anderson will be speaking on race-based hair discrimination experienced by Black women and girls, and how it perpetuates racism.... more
Jantina Anderson will be speaking on race-based hair discrimination experienced by Black women and girls, and how it perpetuates racism. Anderson appears courtesy of a grant from Indiana Humanities.
Reading to the Dogs - Love on a Leash
Sat, May 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
In this program participants will get the opportunity to read to a therapy dog. Ages 6-11. Registration is required.
Star Wars Family Fun Event
Sat, May 04, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Come enjoy Star Wars with us! Watch a movie, make an origami Millennium Falcon, and decorate a cake pop Death Star! The first families... more
Come enjoy Star Wars with us! Watch a movie, make an origami Millennium Falcon, and decorate a cake pop Death Star! The first families to arrive will also receive a 3d printed Baby Yoda!
May the Fourth Be With You
Sat, May 04, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Come celebrate May the Fourth by viewing Solo: A Star Wars Story, make a Chewbacca craft, and other activity sheets. Snacks will be... more
Come celebrate May the Fourth by viewing Solo: A Star Wars Story, make a Chewbacca craft, and other activity sheets. Snacks will be provided.
See all events