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Indiana Public Library Access Card

A PLAC card allows residents of Indiana to borrow library materials from libraries outside of their home district in the state of Indiana.

Cost: $65.00 cash. The money collected for this library card is sent to the state of Indiana and is used to reimburse public libraries loaning library materials to non-residents.

You can get a PLAC at any Indiana library and may borrow materials from any branch of the Lake County Public Library as long as your home library card is in good standing. Purchasing the card from Lake County Public Library must be done at the Merrillville Branch

Your home library is the library district in which you reside. All of your library taxes go to your home library district.

If your home library is participating in Statewide Borrowing, you do not need to purchase a PLAC card.
If you prefer having full borrowing privileges with the Lake County Public Library and its nine branches, you can purchase an LCPL Full Access Card instead of a PLAC card.

What's My Library District?

If you live in:

Beverly Shores
Boone Grove
Hebron
Kouts
Portage
Valparaiso
Wheeler

Lakes of the Four Seasons (Porter County Side)

Your home library district is Porter County.

Communities in Lake County Public Library Districts:

Black Oak
unincorporated Calumet Township
Cedar Lake/Hanover Township
Dyer
Griffith
Highland
Hobart (Lake County side)
Lake Station
Merrillville
Munster
unincorporated Ross Township
Schererville
St. John
unincorporated St. John Township
New Chicago

Other Library Districts in Lake County

The Crown Point, East Chicago, Gary, Hammond, Lowell, and Whiting Public Libraries have arranged local agreements with the Lake County Public Library to fund reciprocal borrowing library cards for their residents. They do not need a PLAC to borrow at Lake County Public Library.

Upcoming Events

Comfort Reading With a Dog - LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs

Fri, Nov 22, 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.

Power Paws for Kids

Sat, Nov 23, 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.

Mushing Through Alaska! - Sponsored by the LCPL Foundation

Sat, Nov 23, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Learn what it's like to be a musher - meet three-time participant in the 1000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, Karen Land, and her... more

Learn what it's like to be a musher - meet three-time participant in the 1000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, Karen Land, and her Alaskan husky, Noggin! Space is limited, registration is a must.

Performance by Joe Rauen - Sponsored by the LCPL Foundation

Sat, Nov 23, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Come enjoy an engaging, funny, memorable concert by musician Joe Rauen! Rauen creates and plays one of a kind instruments made out of... more

Come enjoy an engaging, funny, memorable concert by musician Joe Rauen! Rauen creates and plays one of a kind instruments made out of household items!

This event is full

Adult Craft: Mini Holiday Village Cottages

Sat, Nov 23, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

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

Put a spin on the typical holiday village as you embellish your own DIY winter cottage. Registration is REQUIRED; materials are limited.... more

Put a spin on the typical holiday village as you embellish your own DIY winter cottage. Registration is REQUIRED; materials are limited. For ages 18 and over.

This event is full

Bingo at the Library!

Sat, Nov 23, 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.

This event is full

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Nov 25, 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

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston - Book Buddies

Mon, Nov 25, 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Join us for a book discussion! Clementine forms a plan to make sure her heart doesn't get broken. Will she be able to keep to that... more

Join us for a book discussion! Clementine forms a plan to make sure her heart doesn't get broken. Will she be able to keep to that plan or will she fall for the mysterious man who enters her life?

Teen Advisory Board - Game Night

Mon, Nov 25, 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.

A Dickens Tale - Sponsored by the Lake County Public Library Foundation

Mon, Nov 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Experience Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" presented live in this two actor cast from Bright Star Children's Theater. All ages are... more

Experience Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" presented live in this two actor cast from Bright Star Children's Theater. All ages are invited! Please register.

Junk Journaling for Adults

Mon, Nov 25, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Join us as we turn our junk into journaling creations!

This event is full

LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)

Mon, Nov 25, 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.

Teen Book Tea

Mon, Nov 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room,Munster Zoom Room

Teens, let's spill about books! Each month we'll read and talk about a different book. In November we are reading Code Name Verity by... more

Teens, let's spill about books! Each month we'll read and talk about a different book. In November we are reading Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein. Pick up books @ Munster Branch.

Whodunit? Adult Mystery Club

Mon, Nov 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Hobart - Programming Room

Join us for this new monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?".... more

Join us for this new monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?". This month we will solve the "Mystery at Stargazer's Manor"!

Teen & Adult: Stitched Medicine Bags

Mon, Nov 25, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A

Join this beginner level class and learn to make a leather medicine bag. All supplies are provided.

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Nov 26, 10:15am - 11:00am

St. John - Large Meeting 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.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Nov 26, 10:30am - 10:50am

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.

This event is full

Paint'n Time

Tue, Nov 26, 10:30am - 1:30pm

Hobart - Large Meeting Room

Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

Storytime: Ages 4-5

Tue, Nov 26, 10:30am - 11:30am

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Join us for this storytime featuring books, songs, and a craft.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Nov 26, 10:30am - 11:00am

Highland - Children's Programming Room

Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed... more

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. Please register all attending.

This event is full

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Nov 26, 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

Homeschool Hangout (Grades K-12)

Tue, Nov 26, 10:30am - 11:30am

Hobart - Programming Room

Homeschoolers, come hang with your peers! Educational and social opportunities will be available.

New Parent & Cargiver Meet Up

Tue, Nov 26, 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 explore... 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.

Coffee & Coloring

Tue, Nov 26, 11:00am - 12:30pm

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.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Nov 26, 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.

The Code Breaker by Water Isaacson - Fact or Fiction Book Club

Tue, Nov 26, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Join the Fact or Fiction Book Club in discussing "The Code Breaker" by Walter Isaacson. Copies are available at the Highland Branch.

Teen: Adventurers Wanted!

Tue, Nov 26, 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.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Tue, Nov 26, 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.

Board Meeting

Tue, Nov 26, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Board Room

Meeting of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth – 23 Months

Wed, Nov 27, 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.

Caregivers & Coffee Hour

Wed, Nov 27, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our story time for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Toys will be available... more

Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our story time for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Toys will be available for children to play. Storytime attendance is not required.

Off the Hook

Wed, Nov 27, 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.

Teen Gaming

Wed, Nov 27, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

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.

Crochet @ Your Library

Wed, Nov 27, 3:30pm - 4:45pm

Cedar Lake

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!

Kids' Discovery Hour (Grades K-6)

Wed, Nov 27, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

St. John - Children's Program Room

Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include Lego, art projects, movies, and... more

Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include Lego, art projects, movies, and more! No registration required.

Rescheduled

Crochet @ Your Library

Wed, Nov 27, 4:30pm - 6:30pm

New date Wednesday, November 27, 3:30pm - 4:45pm

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!

Kids Chess Open Play: Ages 6-18

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

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

Children are welcome to come and play chess in our meeting room! Chess boards will be provided if you don't have one!

See all events