Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees

Board meetings are held monthly at 4:30 PM 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. See the full schedule of 2025 board meetings.

President
Sean Conley
Appointed by
Lake County Commissioners
October 18, 2023
Term expires
June 30, 2026

Vice President
Martha (Marti) Ross
Appointed by
Lake County Council
July 11, 2023
Term expires
July 11, 2027

Secretary
Molly Dunscombe
Appointed by
Merrillville School Board
January 15, 2022
Term expires
January 15, 2026

New Appointment By
Lake County Commissioners

To Be Announced

Charman Shields-Williamson
Appointed by
Merrillville School Board
October 31, 2024
Term expires
October 30, 2028

Alice Hunt-Lounges
Appointed by
The Nine School Boards of Lake County
July 26, 2022
Term expires
July 25, 2026

Michael (Mike) McIntyre
Appointed by
Lake County Council
July 15, 2021
Term expires
July 25, 2025

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

Meeting Minutes

2025:

January 2025 Board of Finance

2024:

May 9, 2024 Special Meeting

January 2024 Board of Finance

Upcoming Events

Community Art Paper Tiles

Thu, Jul 31, 10:00am - 5:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

All ages are welcome to decorate a paper tile that will be used in a community art project. An assortment of art supplies will be... more

All ages are welcome to decorate a paper tile that will be used in a community art project. An assortment of art supplies will be available. Drop in any time between 10-5. No registration necessary.

Preschool Playdate: Ages 4-5

Thu, Jul 31, 10:30am - 11:30am

Highland - Children's Programming Room

Children ages 4-5, with caregivers, will interact at various play stations. Playing helps children learn language, literacy, social, and... more

Children ages 4-5, with caregivers, will interact at various play stations. Playing helps children learn language, literacy, social, and other skills. Play also nurtures creativity. Please register.

This event is full

Thursday Threaders

Thu, Jul 31, 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.

Schererville Fire Department Visit - End of Summer Reading Celebration

Thu, Jul 31, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Dyer-Schererville Branch Library - East Parking Lot

Explore a real fire truck and beat the heat with the spray from the Schererville Fire Department's tallest and biggest hose. Bring a... more

Explore a real fire truck and beat the heat with the spray from the Schererville Fire Department's tallest and biggest hose. Bring a towel and wear your swimsuit!

Tie Dye Event: Ages 6 & Older

Thu, Jul 31, 11:00am - 1:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Branch - Patio Area

Ages 6 and older can bring a plain white, pre-washed, cotton article of clothing , and maybe an adult to help. Come in during the 2 hour... more

Ages 6 and older can bring a plain white, pre-washed, cotton article of clothing , and maybe an adult to help. Come in during the 2 hour window.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Thu, Jul 31, 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

AARP Smart Driver Course (FEE)

Thu, Jul 31, 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Learn driving techniques, proven safety strategies, new traffic laws and rules of the road. Class fee is $20 for AARP members & $25 for... more

Learn driving techniques, proven safety strategies, new traffic laws and rules of the road. Class fee is $20 for AARP members & $25 for non-members.

Livestream Author Talk with Pria Anand - Author of The Mind Electric

Thu, Jul 31, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1

Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Pria Anand about The Mind Electric.

Cancelled

Minecraft Party

Thu, Jul 31, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago

If you're up for some Minecraft fun join us for some building, exploring, and maybe even a little competition. Bring your friends, bring... more

If you're up for some Minecraft fun join us for some building, exploring, and maybe even a little competition. Bring your friends, bring your creativity, and let's make some awesome memories!

Cancelled

Reading Hour

Thu, Jul 31, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago

Every last Thursday, meet for an hour to read, drink tea or coffee, and have casual conversations about reading.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology - Everyday Technology Help Appointment

Thu, Jul 31, 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

Teddy Bear Sleepover Weekend

Fri, Aug 01, 9:00am - 5:00pm

Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room

Drop off your favorite teddy bear or stuffy and let them spend the weekend in the library!

Monsters, Inc. - Film Friday

Fri, Aug 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Join us for a different family film each Friday. Snacks will be provided too!

Stitch'n Time

Sat, Aug 02, 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.

Yoga & Breathing

Sat, Aug 02, 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.

Reading to the Dogs - Love on a Leash

Sat, Aug 02, 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.

Craft and Chat

Sat, Aug 02, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room C

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.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Aug 04, 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.

Proof (2005) - Movie Monday

Mon, Aug 04, 2:00pm - 3:45pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

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

Here - Feature Film

Mon, Aug 04, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Here is an original film about multiple families and a special place they inhabit. The story travels through generations, capturing the... more

Here is an original film about multiple families and a special place they inhabit. The story travels through generations, capturing the most relatable of human experiences.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Aug 04, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Merrillville Branch - Upper Level

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.

Monday Night Adult D&D

Mon, Aug 04, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Steel yourself for the rest of the week with Monday Night Adult D&D! We'll be following 5e rules and will be running the Out of the... more

Steel yourself for the rest of the week with Monday Night Adult D&D! We'll be following 5e rules and will be running the Out of the Abyss campaign. Beginners and experienced players welcome!

This event is full

Travel Film: Athens

Tue, Aug 05, 10:30am - 11:30am

St. John - Children's Program Room

Join us for this month's travel film about Athens. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Livestream Author Talk with Jay Falk - Author of The Bird Book

Tue, Aug 05, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1

Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Jay Falk about The Bird Book.

Think First & Stay Safe: Body Safety Program (Grades 3-5)

Tue, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Age-appropriate, research-based safety lessons. Questions? Call Fair Haven's Jennifer Potter at (219) 961-4357. All adults attending... more

Age-appropriate, research-based safety lessons. Questions? Call Fair Haven's Jennifer Potter at (219) 961-4357. All adults attending must be accompanied by a child. All children must be with an adult.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology - Everyday Technology Help Appointment

Tue, Aug 05, 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.

Rescheduled

Teen Tuesday - Fidget Star

Tue, Aug 05, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

New date Tuesday, August 19, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Munster

Come in to the Library and enjoy some crafting!

Cancelled

Teen Tuesday - Fidget Star

Tue, Aug 05, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville

Come in to the Library and enjoy some crafting!

Teen College & Career Summer Workshops with Coates Inc.

Tue, Aug 05, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life... more

Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (ages 14-18) are welcome.

Off the Hook

Wed, Aug 06, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Writing Wednesday - Flash Fiction

Wed, Aug 06, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Join us at the library for a fun and creative workshop focused on the art of flash fiction!

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Wed, Aug 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Merrillville Branch - Upper Level

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.

Crochet @ Your Library

Wed, Aug 06, 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Cedar Lake Library - 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!

Cancelled

Dungeons and Dragons for Adults

Wed, Aug 06, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Merrillville

Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us 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 the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the adventure! Seats are limited, so registration is required.

Cancelled

LEGO® Night for Grown Ups

Wed, Aug 06, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Lake Station-New Chicago

Come to the library to use our LEGO® blocks to build what you want.

Thursday Threaders

Thu, Aug 07, 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, Aug 07, 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.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Thu, Aug 07, 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.

Better the Blood by Michael Bennett - Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club

Thu, Aug 07, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Join the discussion of Better the Blood, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for August. Pick up a copy at the... more

Join the discussion of Better the Blood, 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 - Everyday Technology Help Appointment

Thu, Aug 07, 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.

Friends Annual Book Sale-Friends Pre-Sale

Thu, Aug 07, 4:00pm - 7:00pm

New venue Merrillville - Meeting Room A

The Friends Pre-Sale is from 4-7pm. You can pay to become a Friends Member at the door. Thousands of books, dvds, and cds are available... more

The Friends Pre-Sale is from 4-7pm. You can pay to become a Friends Member at the door. Thousands of books, dvds, and cds are available at fantastic prices!

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

Thu, Aug 07, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Join us on a family friendly, Dungeons and Dragons, campaign for preteens. We'll be referencing Heroes of Sol'an, 5th edition, for this... more

Join us on a family friendly, Dungeons and Dragons, campaign for preteens. We'll be referencing Heroes of Sol'an, 5th edition, for this adventure. New players are welcome.

Teen College & Career Summer Workshops with Coates Inc.

Thu, Aug 07, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life... more

Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (ages 14-18) are welcome.

Adult Dungeons and Dragons

Thu, Aug 07, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Join us for our Thursday evening group of Adult Dungeons and Dragons! In this group, we'll work our way through the Curse of Strahd module.

This event is full

Friends Annual Book Sale

Fri, Aug 08, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

The Friends Book Sale is open to anyone interested in browsing through thousands of books, dvds, and cds-- all at fantastic prices!

Mahjong Open Play: Ages 18 & Over

Fri, Aug 08, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

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

Join an open play Mahjong session; there is no instructor but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you... more

Join an open play Mahjong session; there is no instructor but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you have one! On-hand gaming supplies are limited. Ages 18 & over.

This event is full

Storytime at Woodland Park

Sat, Aug 09, 9:00am - 9:30am

Woodland Park - 1215 E 45th Ave

Young children and their families are invited to join us at Woodland Park for a storytime with books, songs, rhymes, and a guided tour... more

Young children and their families are invited to join us at Woodland Park for a storytime with books, songs, rhymes, and a guided tour through the on-site Story Walk.

Friends Annual Book Sale

Sat, Aug 09, 9:30am - 4:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

The Friends Book Sale is open to anyone interested in browsing through thousands of books, dvds, and cds-- all at fantastic prices!

Keep Me In Stitches

Sat, Aug 09, 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.

Going Old School! Childhood Ditties and Creative Play - Highland Arts Walk Workshops

Sat, Aug 09, 11:00am - 2:00pm

Highland - Children's Programming Room,Meeting Room A

Join the Highland Arts Council for an exciting experience filled with fun and engaging games during the Highland Arts Walk Workshops!

See all events