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Principles of Access/Circulation Policy

Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Lake County Public Library - 11/22/71

Purpose

The mission of the Lake County Public Library (LCPL) is to provide the highest quality informational, educational, cultural, and recreational resources and services to residents of all ages in the Lake County Public Library District.

Principles of Access

The principles of access to library materials are embodied and expressed in the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights and its Interpretations and its Freedom to Read Statement, which have been adopted by the Trustees of the Lake County Public Library.

The Board of Trustees has established policies that foster the widest possible access to the library’s materials and services. Access will not be denied or abridged because of religious, racial, social, economic, or political status; or because of mental, emotional, or physical condition; age; or sexual orientation. The Library abides by the Americans with Disabilities Act and will endeavor to make reasonable accommodation to provide access to library materials for people with impairments.

Residents of the LCPL district are eligible for full access cards. Per IC 36-12-2-25 limited access cards are provided to any eligible individuals. The director is responsible for determining the borrowing limits, circulation rules, and guidelines for both full access and limited access cards.

The use of the library may be denied for due cause. Such cause may be failure to return library materials or to pay penalties, destruction of library property, disturbance of other patrons, or any other illegal, disruptive, or objectionable conduct on library premises.

Rights of Library Users

It is the policy of the Board of Trustees of the Lake County Public Library to insure, so far as possible, the privacy of the users of its service and not to make any inquiries into the purposes for which a patron requests information or books.

Library circulation records are for the sole purpose of protecting public property and are not to be used either directly or indirectly to identify the types of materials used by individual library patrons. Under no circumstances shall the library staff answer to a third party about what a patron of the library is reading or calling for from the library’s collections.

Furthermore, such records shall not be made available to any agency of local, state or federal government except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, local, state or federal law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigatory power.

The Board of Trustees shall resist the enforcement of any such process, order, or subpoena until such time as a proper showing of good cause has been made in a court of competent jurisdiction. Moreover, any costs incurred by the library in any search through patron records, even under a court order, shall be chargeable to the agency demanding the search.

The library uses Google Analytics to analyze website and mobile app traffic. This data is aggregated and anonymized and may not be used to identify individual behaviors. Analytics data is subject to the same confidentiality as circulation records and may not be sold to third parties. For information on your privacy when using library computers, please see the Computer Use Policy.

Responsibilities of Library Users

Card holders are responsible for all materials borrowed or accessed through their card or the cards of children (under the age of 18) for whom they have assumed responsibility. Lost cards should be reported immediately; card holders are responsible for all materials on their card up to the time that they report the card as lost.

The LCPL Board of Trustees believes that parents are responsible for guiding their children’s use of library resources. Parents may choose to monitor or limit the library use of their own child. Standards applied by a child’s parents for that child shall not be imposed on anyone else’s child.

For information relating to fines and fees for full access library cards and lost, damaged or overdue material, refer to the Fines and Fees Policy adopted by the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees.

The Lake County Public Library is a member of a variety of resource sharing consortia that provide additional access to resources and services for cardholders. Rules for access to these materials are governed by the policies of individual consortia members and may vary.

Adopted 11/22/71
Revised 01/28/82
Revised 10/28/82
Revised 05/23/85
Revised 01/22/87
Revised 04/28/88
Revised 10/27/94
Revised 12/30/97
Revised 04/22/99
Revised 6/29/17
Revised 3/25/21

Upcoming Events
Sat, Feb 22, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Children are welcome to come and open play chess in our meeting room! Chess boards will be provided if you don't have one!
Registration is now closed

Sat, Feb 22, 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, Feb 22, 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.

Mon, Feb 24, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more... more
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more information.

Mon, Feb 24, 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, Feb 24, 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.

Mon, Feb 24, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us for a book discussion! Two siblings have been keeping a devastating secret about a tragic car accident they were in many years... more
Join us for a book discussion! Two siblings have been keeping a devastating secret about a tragic car accident they were in many years ago. Will the truth come out?

Mon, Feb 24, 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.

Mon, Feb 24, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free. Call... more
English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free. Call 219-769-3541 ext. 337 for more information.

Mon, Feb 24, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us for this monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?". We... more
Join us for this monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?". We will "Hunt a Killer" while solving "The Moon Summit Mystery"!

Mon, Feb 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Each month, we will explore a different component of art and do a corresponding activity.

Mon, Feb 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project.

Tue, Feb 25, 10:30am - 11:30am
Hobart - Programming Room
Homeschoolers, come hang with your peers! Educational and social opportunities will be available.  
This event is full

Tue, Feb 25, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming 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.
This event is full

Tue, Feb 25, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

Tue, Feb 25, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming 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, Feb 25, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Children will have fun developing early literary skills as they enjoy stories, songs, crafts and more.

Tue, Feb 25, 10:30am - 11:15am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, & music that teach early literacy... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, & music that teach early literacy skills. In person craft time will follow the storytime.
This event is full

Tue, Feb 25, 11:00am - 12:15pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us as we play some winter bingo and win some small prizes, while supplies last. All ability programs are geared towards adults with... more
Join us as we play some winter bingo and win some small prizes, while supplies last. All ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Ages 16 and over only. Registration required.

Tue, Feb 25, 11:00am - 11:30am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Parents and caregivers of children, birth - 23 months, are welcome to chat with one another and enjoy a refreshment while children... more
Parents and caregivers of children, birth - 23 months, are welcome to chat with one another and enjoy a refreshment while children explore with books and puzzles! Registration is required.

Tue, Feb 25, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program for babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, filled with rhymes,... more
This is a storytime program for babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Feb 25, 11:30am - 11:50am
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming 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, Feb 25, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the Fact or Fiction Book Club in discussing "Circe" by Madeline Miller. Copies are available at the Highland Branch.

Tue, Feb 25, 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, Feb 25, 4:00pm - 5:15pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Have you seen people playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and want to try it yourself? We will be playing the fantasy RPG "Dragonbane",... more
Have you seen people playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and want to try it yourself? We will be playing the fantasy RPG "Dragonbane", a game similar to D&D. Beginners are welcome. For ages 12-18.

Wed, Feb 26, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming 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.

Wed, Feb 26, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more... more
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more information.

Wed, Feb 26, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our storytime for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Toys will be available for... more
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our storytime for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Toys will be available for children to play. Storytime attendance is not required.

Wed, Feb 26, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in on the conversation!

Wed, Feb 26, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Homeschool children are invited to attend a program exploring a STEAM topic each session. The only requirement is imagination and... more
Homeschool children are invited to attend a program exploring a STEAM topic each session. The only requirement is imagination and registration!

Wed, Feb 26, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii and board games! Games and snacks provided. Ages 12-18.

Wed, Feb 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Teens, test your price guessing skills and compete for a chance to win big. Along the way, you might even learn a thing or two about the... more
Teens, test your price guessing skills and compete for a chance to win big. Along the way, you might even learn a thing or two about the price of everyday items. Enjoy free snacks and refreshments!

Wed, Feb 26, 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, Feb 26, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Have questions about performing genealogy searches? Want to brush up on some of your techniques? Join our latest session with... more
Have questions about performing genealogy searches? Want to brush up on some of your techniques? Join our latest session with Genealogist Herb Smith as he takes your questions.

Wed, Feb 26, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us for a game night for the grown ups. We will have various board games and the Nintendo Switch/Wii. You can also bring your own!

Wed, Feb 26, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - The Libratory
Walk through the 3D printing process at the Library, including printing your own take home token!
This event is full

Wed, Feb 26, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Youth (ages 10-17) are invited to watch episodes from an anime series. We'll also have art supplies along with a craft on hand if you... more
Youth (ages 10-17) 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, Feb 27, 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, Feb 27, 10:30am - 11:30am
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join us for this small group class all about learning the basics of the internet! You must bring your own device. Registration required.

Thu, Feb 27, 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, Feb 27, 11:15am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "Hang the Moon" by Jeannette Walls. Books for this discussion can be picked up at... more
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "Hang the Moon" by Jeannette Walls. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch.

Thu, Feb 27, 1:30pm - 2:15pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Join us for a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and an in person craft that teach pre-reading/reading skills.... more
Join us for a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and an in person craft that teach pre-reading/reading skills. This program is for kids 4-6 years of age and their caregivers.

Thu, Feb 27, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion of Katherine Center's "Hello Stranger". Copies are available at the Munster branch.

Thu, Feb 27, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us for an hour to read, drink tea, and (if you want) chat about reading.

Thu, Feb 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Inviting teens, ages 12 - 18, to LEGO® and Board Game afternoon. Stop in to build your own LEGO® creation, play a board game, or... more
Inviting teens, ages 12 - 18, to LEGO® and Board Game afternoon. Stop in to build your own LEGO® creation, play a board game, or Nintendo switch game. Snacks will be provided. Registration required.

Thu, Feb 27, 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.

Thu, Feb 27, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
Meeting of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees

Thu, Feb 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Tweens, ages 10-12, are invited to come to the library to hangout with gaming systems, board games, and light snacks!

Thu, Feb 27, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free. Call... more
English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free. Call 219-769-3541 ext. 337 for more information.

Thu, Feb 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Learn how to create funky clay pot toadstools at our next adult craft night! All supplies will be provided.
This event is full

Fri, Feb 28, 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.

Fri, Feb 28, 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 for all ages.

Sat, Mar 01, 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.

Sat, Mar 01, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Larry Acheff Gallery
Dan McNeil talks about his 40-year media career covering sports and the Chicago Bears. His book, "I Bear Witness," is your locker room... more
Dan McNeil talks about his 40-year media career covering sports and the Chicago Bears. His book, "I Bear Witness," is your locker room pass to four decades of triumph, travail and tragedy.

Sat, Mar 01, 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.

Sat, Mar 01, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Learn how to play Mah Jongg at the library or join the group if you already know the rules. Beginners are welcome! Please register. Ages... more
Learn how to play Mah Jongg at the library or join the group if you already know the rules. Beginners are welcome! Please register. Ages 18 and older.

Sat, Mar 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Game on! Bring friends and choose from an assortment of board games or Nintendo Switch games.

Sat, Mar 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
The husband-and-wife sleuthing team of Nick and Nora Charles investigate the disappearance of an inventor who later is implicated in the... more
The husband-and-wife sleuthing team of Nick and Nora Charles investigate the disappearance of an inventor who later is implicated in the murder of his secretary. Runtime: 93 Minutes; rated: TV-G.

Sat, Mar 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Dan McNeil talks about his 40-year media career covering sports and the Chicago Bears. His book, "I Bear Witness," is your locker room... more
Dan McNeil talks about his 40-year media career covering sports and the Chicago Bears. His book, "I Bear Witness," is your locker room pass to four decades of triumph, travail and tragedy.

Mon, Mar 03, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more... more
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more information.

Mon, Mar 03, 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, Mar 03, 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.

Mon, Mar 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
A stunt man has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his... more
A stunt man has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job. Runtime: 114 minutes; rated PG-13.

Mon, Mar 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - 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. 

Mon, Mar 03, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! Children and their families are invited to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday by enjoying silly stories, crafts,... more
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! Children and their families are invited to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday by enjoying silly stories, crafts, games, and a fun take-home snack.

Mon, Mar 03, 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.

Mon, Mar 03, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free. Call... more
English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free. Call 219-769-3541 ext. 337 for more information.

Mon, Mar 03, 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.

Mon, Mar 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Teens will create a shamrock wreath using only paper, glue, and ribbon. All materials (and snacks) will be provided. Ages 12 – 17.... more
Teens will create a shamrock wreath using only paper, glue, and ribbon. All materials (and snacks) will be provided. Ages 12 – 17. Registration required