Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees

Board meetings are held on a monthly basis. See the full schedule of 2023 board meetings.

President
Lawrence (Larry) Acheff
Appointed by
Lake County Commissioners
July 1, 2021

Vice President
Charman Shields-Williamson
Appointed by
Merrillville School Board
October 31, 2020

Secretary
Molly Dunscombe
Appointed by
Merrillville School Board
January 15, 2022

Martha (Marti) Ross
Appointed by
Lake County Council
July 11, 2023

Michael (Mike) McIntyre
Appointed by
Lake County Council
July 15, 2021

Alice Hunt Lounges
Appointed by
The Nine School Boards of Lake County
July 26, 2022

About the Board of Trustees

The Lake County Public Library is governed by the Board of Trustees. The seven member board is responsible for library governance and policy. Trustees are appointed by the Lake County Commissioners, the Lake County Council, the Merrillville School Board and the Nine School Boards of Lake County.

The Board of Trustees meets monthly at 4:30pm on the fourth Thursday in the Administrative Building located at 1919 W 81st Ave. Merrillville, IN. In the event of a holiday or scheduling conflict, adjusted meeting dates will be reflected in the annual notice as well as on the library events calendar.

Email the Board of Trustees

Upcoming Events

Yoga & Breathing

Fri, Sep 29, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Join us for a yoga program. Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good... more

Join us for a yoga program. Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Adult Craft Time: Sunflowers

Fri, Sep 29, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)

Using fabric, canning lids and creativity, registered attendees will make the perfect decor ready to display for the fall season.... more

Using fabric, canning lids and creativity, registered attendees will make the perfect decor ready to display for the fall season. Registration required. Program is for adults, ages 18 and over.

This event is full

Resin Jewelry and Keychains

Sat, Sep 30, 10:00am - 12:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Join us and learn to create a piece of resin jewelry or keychain. All supplies will be provided. All attendees must be at least 18 years... more

Join us and learn to create a piece of resin jewelry or keychain. All supplies will be provided. All attendees must be at least 18 years old. Space is limited. Registration required.

This event is full

Yoga & Breathing

Sat, Sep 30, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Join us for a yoga program. Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good... more

Join us for a yoga program. Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Citizenship Class

Mon, Oct 02, 10:30am - 11:30am

Merrillville - Meeting Room C

This class will help prepare adults to pass the USCIS test. The class will cover the civics information with colorful reading materials.

International Film: Servants

Mon, Oct 02, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)

Join us for an international film. Adults only. Slovak with English subtitles. 81 Minutes. Registration required.

The Munsters

Mon, Oct 02, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Reboot of "The Munsters," that followed a family of monsters who moves from Transylvania to an American suburb. PG; 1hr49min

Knives Out (2019) - Movie Monday

Mon, Oct 02, 2:00pm - 4:15pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Come and enjoy this afternoon movie with us! Popcorn and snacks will be served. Seating is limited. Registration is required.

Glow in the Dark Window

Mon, Oct 02, 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Join us for a craft program. Kids will have fun building their own glow in the dark window!

Teen NWI Chess Club

Mon, Oct 02, 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Teens in 6th-12th grades are invited to join the NWI Chess Club. Please register and bring your own board.

Teen Advisory Board

Mon, Oct 02, 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.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Mon, Oct 02, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

English Classes are for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free.

Teen Advisory Board

Mon, Oct 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room,Munster Zoom Room

Teens get volunteer hours! Help plan programs and projects at the library. Interested teens, ages 11 - 17, can attend. Zoom available.

Teen Anime Club

Mon, Oct 02, 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 Advisory Board

Mon, Oct 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Teens are invited to help the Highland branch create projects and programs that you would like to attend. Snacks will be provided.... more

Teens are invited to help the Highland branch create projects and programs that you would like to attend. Snacks will be provided. Registration required. Ages 12 – 18.

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Oct 03, 10:15am - 10:45am

St. John - Children's Program Room

This is a 30 minute program for toddlers, ages 2-3, with their caregiver(s). We will read books, sing songs, and take home a craft!

Travel Film: Oregon

Tue, Oct 03, 10:30am - 11:30am

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Join us for this month's travel film about Oregon. Runtime: 60mins. Please register.

Medicare 101

Tue, Oct 03, 10:30am - 11:30am

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

Important changes are coming to Medicare in 2024. Do you know what they are? Come to a FREE Educational presentation at the Library to... more

Important changes are coming to Medicare in 2024. Do you know what they are? Come to a FREE Educational presentation at the Library to get the answers you need to your Medicare questions!

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Oct 03, 10:30am - 11:00am

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Children, ages 2-3, and their caregivers are invited to a 30 - 45 minute storytime session. Join us for books, music, and an in-person... more

Children, ages 2-3, and their caregivers are invited to a 30 - 45 minute storytime session. Join us for books, music, and an in-person craft, all designed to foster pre-reading skills.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Oct 03, 10:30am - 11:00am

Munster - Large Meeting Room

In this program babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and... more

In this program babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

This event is full

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Oct 03, 10:30am - 11:00am

Highland - Children's Programming Room

This is a storytime program for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft that... more

This is a storytime program 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.

This event is full

Caregivers & Coffee Hour

Tue, Oct 03, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Merrillville Branch - Children's Department

Join your fellow caregivers after toddler and baby storytime for a cup of coffee and some conversation. Storytime attendance is not... more

Join your fellow caregivers after toddler and baby storytime for a cup of coffee and some conversation. Storytime attendance is not required.

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Oct 03, 11:15am - 11:45am

St. John - Children's Program Room

This is a 30 minute program for toddlers, ages 2-3, with their caregiver(s). We will read books, sing songs, and take home a craft!

Storytime: Ages 4-5

Tue, Oct 03, 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.

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Oct 03, 11:30am - 11:50am

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room

In this program, toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft. Registration Required.

Wits Workout - Brain Fitness Program

Tue, Oct 03, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

In this program participants will learn engaging activities for aging adults that challenge thinking and help participants stay mentally... more

In this program participants will learn engaging activities for aging adults that challenge thinking and help participants stay mentally active.

Yoga & Breathing

Tue, Oct 03, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Join us for a yoga program. Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good... more

Join us for a yoga program. Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Medicare 101

Wed, Oct 04, 10:45am - 12:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Important changes are coming to Medicare in 2024. Come to a FREE Educational presentation at the Library to find out. Get the answers to... more

Important changes are coming to Medicare in 2024. Come to a FREE Educational presentation at the Library to find out. Get the answers to your other Medicare questions, as well!

Off the Hook

Wed, Oct 04, 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.

LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)

Wed, Oct 04, 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.

Crochet @ Your Library

Wed, Oct 04, 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!

Read and Chat

Wed, Oct 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

No time for assigned book clubs? Want to have casual discussions about what you're reading with fellow book lovers? Spend time in our... more

No time for assigned book clubs? Want to have casual discussions about what you're reading with fellow book lovers? Spend time in our large meeting room with snacks, books, and open-ended discussion.

All Ability: Beaded Spider Craft

Wed, Oct 04, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

This month we will be making a beaded spider for Halloween! Space is limited. Registration is required for all attendees.

Teen Gaming

Wed, Oct 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Teens, ages 12 to 18, are invited to play video games on the Nintendo Switch. We will have games available for the group to play. Please... more

Teens, ages 12 to 18, are invited to play video games on the Nintendo Switch. We will have games available for the group to play. Please register.

Teen Advisory Board - Teen Drawing

Wed, Oct 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Hobart - Programming Room,Children's Program Room

Earn volunteer hours while helping us plan teen programming and services. For grades 6-12. Also, bring your own art supplies to explore... more

Earn volunteer hours while helping us plan teen programming and services. For grades 6-12. Also, bring your own art supplies to explore your artistic side!

Art Club (Grades K-5)

Wed, Oct 04, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room

Each week will highlight a different artist - we will learn about their craft and try out their unique style for ourselves. 6 week... more

Each week will highlight a different artist - we will learn about their craft and try out their unique style for ourselves. 6 week program; sign up for all or choose individual sessions to attend

This event is full

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth-23 Months

Thu, Oct 05, 10:15am - 10:45am

St. John - Large Meeting Room

This is a 30 minute storytime for children ages Birth-24 months, with their caregiver(s). We will sing songs, read books, bounce,... more

This is a 30 minute storytime for children ages Birth-24 months, with their caregiver(s). We will sing songs, read books, bounce, wiggle, and move!

Thursday Threaders

Thu, Oct 05, 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.

Crafters' Gathering

Thu, Oct 05, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room A

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.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth to 23 Months

Thu, Oct 05, 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, Oct 05, 10:30am - 11:15am

Highland - Children's Programming Room

Storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft that promote pre-reading skills for kids 4-6. Please register... more

Storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft that promote pre-reading skills for kids 4-6. Please register yourself, then each child and additional adult as your guests.

Medicare 101

Thu, Oct 05, 10:45am - 11:45am

St. John - Children's Programming Room

What does Medicare cover? How much can I expect to pay? When and where should I apply? What are my options? What if I'm still working?... more

What does Medicare cover? How much can I expect to pay? When and where should I apply? What are my options? What if I'm still working? Join us and get the answers to these questions and more!

Homeschool Hangout (Grades K-5)

Thu, Oct 05, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room

Elementary aged homeschool students are invited to join us for a unique art or STEM project each month.

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Thu, Oct 05, 11:00am - 11:45am

Hobart - Children's Program Room

Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that teach... more

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.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth-23 Months

Thu, Oct 05, 11:15am - 11:45am

St. John - Children's Program Room

Join us for a storytime program. This half hour lap-sit program uses songs and rhymes to foster language development.

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Thu, Oct 05, 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.

Desert Star by Michael Connelly - Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club

Thu, Oct 05, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Join the discussion of Desert Star, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for October. Pick up a copy at the... more

Join the discussion of Desert Star, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for October. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

PreTeen D&D Fantasy Quest: Ages: 8-12

Thu, Oct 05, 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.

Teen Book vs. Movie - Hidden Figures

Thu, Oct 05, 5:30pm - 8:00pm

Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)

Join us for our first book vs. movie discussion! First, we will read "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly, then we will watch the... more

Join us for our first book vs. movie discussion! First, we will read "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly, then we will watch the 2016 film adaptation and discuss our thoughts on both.

Power Paws for Kids

Thu, Oct 05, 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.

Acrylic Painting (FEE)

Sat, Oct 07, 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.

Stitch'n Time

Sat, Oct 07, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Hobart - Children's Program Room

Join us and bring your current projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) for an opportunity to chat and create! Other... more

Join us and bring your current projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) for an opportunity to chat and create! Other attendees would be happy to instruct on crochet as needed.

Family Storytime

Sat, Oct 07, 10:00am - 10:30am

St. John - Children's Program Room

Children ages birth to 6 years old, and their families, are invited to join us for a 30-minute storytime with books, music, and fun!

Merrillville Fire Dep. EDITH House (Exit Drills in the Home)

Sat, Oct 07, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Merrillville Branch Library - South Parking Lot

October is Fire Prevention Month! Join us anytime between 10am and 12pm for an opportunity to go through the Merrillville Fire... more

October is Fire Prevention Month! Join us anytime between 10am and 12pm for an opportunity to go through the Merrillville Fire Department's E.D.I.T.H. (exit drills in the home) House.

Reading to the Dogs - Love on a Leash

Sat, Oct 07, 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.

Investing 101 With Edward Jones

Sat, Oct 07, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

This seminar explores how you can move toward your financial goals with Edward Jones' 10 Rules of the Road to investing.

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