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Learning and Research Center

Your library card gives you free access to hundreds of online databases and learning tools! Want to learn a new language? Trying to research a major purchase? Need the forms and legal documents to get your business off the ground? Look no further. 

Featured Database: Weiss Financial Ratings

Weiss Financial Ratings offers powerful tools to help you protect your finances, invest wisely, grow your wealth, and learn more about your finances. Learn the basics of financial literacy, like creating and sticking to a budget, or branch out into more complex tasks, like exploring stocks and mutual funds. Get Started or View Tutorial

Weiss Financial Ratings

Upcoming Events
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth-24 Months
Thu, Dec 01, 10:15am - 10:45am
St. John - Children's Program Room
A 30 minute storytime for children ages Birth-24 months, with their caregiver(s). We will sing songs, read books, bounce, wiggle, and move!
This event is full
Crafters' Gathering
Thu, Dec 01, 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.
Storytime: Ages 4-6
Thu, Dec 01, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a take home craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-6.
Thursday Threaders
Thu, Dec 01, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the... more
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the company of others.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth to 23 Months
Thu, Dec 01, 10:30am - 10:50am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Babies and their caregivers will participate in stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and music activities designed to enhance... more
Babies and their caregivers will participate in stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and music activities designed to enhance important pre-literacy skills.
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Thu, Dec 01, 11:00am - 11:30am
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.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Thu, Dec 01, 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
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages 0-24 Months
Thu, Dec 01, 11:15am - 11:45am
St. John - Children's Program Room
A 30 minute storytime for children ages Birth-24 months, with their caregiver(s). We will sing songs, read books, bounce, wiggle, and move!
This event is full
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Thu, Dec 01, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
Toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver will participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities... more
Toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver will participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help to develop important pre-literacy skills.
This event is full
Library Social Hour
Thu, Dec 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
If you are new to the area or a life-long resident then join us for coffee, activities and conversation every 1st Thursday of the month.... more
If you are new to the area or a life-long resident then join us for coffee, activities and conversation every 1st Thursday of the month. Catch up with old friends and meet new ones!
The Holdout by Graham Moore - Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club
Thu, Dec 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of The Holdout, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for December. Pick up a copy at the... more
Join the discussion of The Holdout, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for December. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.
Free Holiday Photo Shoot
Thu, Dec 01, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Children's Department - Basement Back Lobby
For the holidays, we are offering each family in our community the opportunity to come get a holiday photo taken in front of our green... more
For the holidays, we are offering each family in our community the opportunity to come get a holiday photo taken in front of our green screen. Two (2) photos per family.
Power Paws For Kids
Thu, Dec 01, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Children's area
Children of all ages and reading levels will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.... more
Children of all ages and reading levels will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer. Registration of all attendees is required.
Introduction to Tabletop Role Playing Games
Thu, Dec 01, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Introduction to Tabletop Role Playing Games
Pajama Storytime
Thu, Dec 01, 6:30pm - 6:50pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us for bedtime stories and lullabies so you can leave the library relaxed and ready for bedtime. Wear your jammies and get ready to... more
Join us for bedtime stories and lullabies so you can leave the library relaxed and ready for bedtime. Wear your jammies and get ready to *yawn* read.
Family Storytime: Ages Birth - 6
Sat, Dec 03, 10:00am - 10:30am
St. John - Children's Program Room
A 30 minute storytime for children ages Birth - 6 and their family. We will read books, sing songs, and take home a craft!
This event is full
Acrylic Painting: SRP (FEE)
Sat, Dec 03, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials.... more
Create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials. Class begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.
This event is full
Stitch'n Time
Sat, Dec 03, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Bring your current projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) for an opportunity to chat and create! Other attendees... more
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.
Card Crafting
Sat, Dec 03, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Card making class for adults. Class size is limited to 6 participants. Registration is required. $5 cash fee paid at time of class... more
Card making class for adults. Class size is limited to 6 participants. Registration is required. $5 cash fee paid at time of class covers all materials to make one card and a treat holder.
Crafty Adults: Mini Coffee To-Go Cup Ornament
Sat, Dec 03, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Create mini coffee to-go cup ornaments! Registration is required.
White Christmas (1954) - Movie Monday
Mon, Dec 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Come and enjoy this holiday movie with us! Seating is limited. Registration is required.
Teen Advisory Board
Mon, Dec 05, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Enjoy refreshments and meet new people.... more
Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Enjoy refreshments and meet new people. Grades 6-12. Please register.
Teen NWI Chess Club
Mon, Dec 05, 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.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Mon, Dec 05, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #1
Receive individualized instruction in basic computer skills.
This event is full
Teen Advisory Board
Mon, Dec 05, 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 12 - 18 can attend. Zoom available.
Teen Anime Club
Mon, Dec 05, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Are you a fan of anime or manga? Come to the Lake Station-New Chicago's Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch and to discuss your... more
Are you a fan of anime or manga? Come to the Lake Station-New Chicago's Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch and to discuss your favorite manga. Ages 12-18.
TEEN Advisory Board
Mon, Dec 05, 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. Ages... more
Teens are invited to help the Highland branch create projects and programs that you would like to attend. Snacks will be provided. Ages 12 – 18. Please register.
Storytime: Ages 4-6
Tue, Dec 06, 10:15am - 10:45am
St. John - Children's Program Room
A 30 minute program for children, ages 4-6 and their caregiver(s). We will read books, sing songs, and take home a craft!
This event is full
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Tue, Dec 06, 10:30am - 10:50am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that teach early... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that teach early literacy skills.
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Tue, Dec 06, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming 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.
This event is full
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 months
Tue, Dec 06, 10:30am - 10:50am
Munster - Children's Program Room
This 20-minute lap-sit program uses songs and rhymes to foster language development.
This event is full
Storytime: Ages 4-5
Tue, Dec 06, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an emphasis on important... more
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, Dec 06, 11:30am - 11:50am
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft. Registration Required.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Tue, Dec 06, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life... more
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. 1hr37min, PG.
Afternoon BINGO
Tue, Dec 06, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
You can also play the LCPL catalog BINGO game all month long. Learn more and get BINGO sheets at the Lake Station-New Chicago Display... more
You can also play the LCPL catalog BINGO game all month long. Learn more and get BINGO sheets at the Lake Station-New Chicago Display Case during the month of December.
LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)
Tue, Dec 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Highland - 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.
Canceled
Yoga & Breathing
Tue, Dec 06, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Munster
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.
Canceled
An Afternoon of Scrabble
Wed, Dec 07, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp Branch - Public Table
Folks of all ages are invited to a fun afternoon of Scrabble. Increase your vocabulary while having a great time! Bring a friend!
Off the Hook
Wed, Dec 07, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your favorite yarn or thread project and enjoy some great company while you create! All crafters and crafts are welcome!
Create Your Own Greeting Card
Wed, Dec 07, 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. This class costs $15 to... more
The Basement Bunch with Debbie Rodriguez will be hosting a series of classes on how to make greeting cards. This class costs $15 to attend and includes all necessary materials.
Home School Hangout
Wed, Dec 07, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
A space for kids that are home schooled where they can meet other kids and bond over various activities.
DIY Wrapping Paper and Gift Tags (Grades K-6)
Wed, Dec 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Kids in grades K-6 can decorate their own wrapping paper and gift tags to use for gifting this holiday season!
Crochet @ Your Library
Wed, Dec 07, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake - Cedar Lake Public Tables
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!
LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)
Wed, Dec 07, 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.
Family Storytime: Ages 2-6
Wed, Dec 07, 5:00pm - 5:20pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Toddler and preschool aged children and their caregivers are invited to an early literacy storytime filled with books, songs, and rhymes.
Create Your Own Greeting Card
Wed, Dec 07, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
The Basement Bunch with Debbie Rodriguez will be hosting a series of classes on how to make greeting cards. This class costs $15 to... more
The Basement Bunch with Debbie Rodriguez will be hosting a series of classes on how to make greeting cards. This class costs $15 to attend and includes all necessary materials.
Pajama Storytime
Wed, Dec 07, 6:30pm - 6:50pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Come in your PJs and join us for bedtime stories and lullabies!
Thursday Threaders
Thu, Dec 08, 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.
Travel Film: American Winter
Thu, Dec 08, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Explore scenes and memories from American history, including the Music Makers Museum, the Texas Gulf Coast, Annie Oakley, Smokey the... more
Explore scenes and memories from American history, including the Music Makers Museum, the Texas Gulf Coast, Annie Oakley, Smokey the Bear, and the Snow Banks at the Banks. Please Register.
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Thu, Dec 08, 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
Ask Us About Genealogy - Genealogy Research Help Sessions
Thu, Dec 08, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Genealogy Room
Ask library staff for help with basic genealogy questions and local genealogy research. We can only provide general research guidance... more
Ask library staff for help with basic genealogy questions and local genealogy research. We can only provide general research guidance for brick wall questions.
Storytime: Ages 4-6
Thu, Dec 08, 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a take home craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-6.
Mother Goose On The Loose: Ages Birth to 21 Months
Thu, Dec 08, 4:00pm - 4:20pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Babies and their caregivers are invited to an evening program where participants will hear stories, do finger plays, sing songs, and... more
Babies and their caregivers are invited to an evening program where participants will hear stories, do finger plays, sing songs, and take part in other pre-literacy activities.
Winter DIY Craft Fair (PreK-12)
Thu, Dec 08, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Need a gift to give for the holidays? Make one! Come to our Winter Craft Fair and make a gift to give to a family member or friend.... more
Need a gift to give for the holidays? Make one! Come to our Winter Craft Fair and make a gift to give to a family member or friend. (PreK must me accompanied by an 18+ adult.)
Teen Wrapped Reads - Volunteer Opportunity!
Thu, Dec 08, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Teens, help us select and wrap books to feature on our Wrapped Reads displays for children, teens, and adults for the month of December.... more
Teens, help us select and wrap books to feature on our Wrapped Reads displays for children, teens, and adults for the month of December. Earn volunteer hours while you wrap!
Adult Craft Night: Gnomes
Thu, Dec 08, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
It's the final adult craft night at Munster for the year! Learn how to create winter gnomes that are bundled up for the cold!
Speedcubing
Fri, Dec 09, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us as we speed solve Rubik's Cube puzzles. All skill levels are welcome. Rubik's Cubes are supplied.
Crochet Class
Sat, Dec 10, 10:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Learn simple crochet stitches to create a dish cloth. Bring a skein of worsted weight cotton yarn and a size H crochet hook. Space is... more
Learn simple crochet stitches to create a dish cloth. Bring a skein of worsted weight cotton yarn and a size H crochet hook. Space is limited, so registration is required.
Building Blocks to Literacy
Sat, Dec 10, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Kids ages 6 months through 3 years old and their caregivers will enjoy interacting at various block play stations. Registration for all... more
Kids ages 6 months through 3 years old and their caregivers will enjoy interacting at various block play stations. Registration for all children & adults attending is required.
Virtual Family Storytime
Sat, Dec 10, 12:00pm - 12:20pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Griffith-Calumet Zoom Room
Young children and their caregivers are invited to participate in a family story time via zoom. Please register with an email to take part.
International Film: My Little Sister
Sat, Dec 10, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
International Film Series. Adults only. German, French, English with English subtitles. 100 Minutes. Registration required.
Free Holiday Photo Shoot
Sat, Dec 10, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Children's Department - Basement Back Lobby
For the holidays, we are offering each family in our community the opportunity to come get a holiday photo taken in front of our green... more
For the holidays, we are offering each family in our community the opportunity to come get a holiday photo taken in front of our green screen. Two (2) photos per family.
STEAM: Gingerbread House Building for Families
Sat, Dec 10, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Families are invited to join us for a fun holiday activity! Each family will work together to build and decorate their own gingerbread... more
Families are invited to join us for a fun holiday activity! Each family will work together to build and decorate their own gingerbread house. Please Register In Advance
This event is full
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