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A book with arms and legs crossing a finish line that reads WINNERThe 2024 LCPL Read-a-Thon

January 15 - February 26

This year, 839 students raised over $71,000! Amazing work, everyone!

The annual Library Foundation Read-a-Thon is not only exciting and fun for young readers, it's also important to the health of the library. Students pledge to read to raise money for both their library and their school. Readers can earn a ribbon, a trophy, or one of our special top prizes depending on how much they read!

Step 1: Sign Up

First, read the rules to make sure you know how to participate. Then you can sign up by picking up a reading log envelope from your school or at any of our branches.

After you collect your sponsor money, return the envelope with all of your contact information neatly filled out. If we don't have your school and contact info we won't know which school to share your pledges with or how to get your prize to you!

Step 2: Rally your sponsors

Ask parents, friends, and neighbors to pledge 5 cents or more per book you read. For example, if a sponsor pledges 10 cents per book and you read 10 books, they should give $1.

Step 3: Read, read, read!

Make sure you choose books at your reading level! Write the names of the books you read on the Book List Record. Parents, please initial next to each book completed.

Step 4: Collect pledges

Take the Book List Record back to your sponsors to show them the total number of books you have read! Use your book record envelope to collect pledges from your sponsors - you can pick up a book record either at your school or local library branch in January. 

2024 Read-A-Thon Sponsors

The Read-a-Thon is made possible with the help of a few generous sponsors!

centier bank logo

Purdue Federal Credit Union
First Merchants Bank Logo

Tech Credit Union is a 2020 Readathon Sponsor

If you'd like to become a Read-a-Thon sponsor, contact the library's Marketing Manager at 219-769-3541, ext. 315. 

Upcoming Events
Mon, Jul 29, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Families are welcome to bring a picnic-style lunch and enjoy a movie at the library each Monday during Summer Reading. Rated PG; 105... more
Families are welcome to bring a picnic-style lunch and enjoy a movie at the library each Monday during Summer Reading. Rated PG; 105 minute runtime.

Mon, Jul 29, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Bring the whole family! The room will be lighter, the volume will be lower, and audience members can move around, talk, and sing. Snacks... more
Bring the whole family! The room will be lighter, the volume will be lower, and audience members can move around, talk, and sing. Snacks are welcome! Rated PG; 87 minute runtime.

Mon, Jul 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Teens & Tweens (9-17 years old) try to build the tallest, fastest, coolest roller coaster with miscellaneous recycled materials and... more
Teens & Tweens (9-17 years old) try to build the tallest, fastest, coolest roller coaster with miscellaneous recycled materials and building supplies. Please register.
This event is full

Mon, Jul 29, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Book Buddies will be discussing "The Reading List" by Sara Nisha Adams.

Mon, Jul 29, 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.
This event is full

Mon, Jul 29, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Record your summer of adventures by journaling! You can submit (2) photos to hobart@lcplin.org the week prior, and we will print them in... more
Record your summer of adventures by journaling! You can submit (2) photos to hobart@lcplin.org the week prior, and we will print them in color for you to add that personal touch.

Tue, Jul 30, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.
This event is full

Tue, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us for a series of informative sessions about Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia with the Purdue Extension.

Tue, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories... more
Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels. The event will be shown on a large screen.

Tue, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Online
Join a livestream chat with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels.

Tue, Jul 30, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us every other Tuesday to try out a new craft or art project, June 4 - July 30! All supplies provided. Please register.

Tue, Jul 30, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
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

Wed, Jul 31, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Branch - East Parking Lot
Come out and join us for our end of summer event!

Wed, Jul 31, 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.

Rescheduled
Wed, Jul 31, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
New date Tuesday, July 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville
Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories... more
Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels. The event will be shown on a large screen.

Wed, Jul 31, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
This program will focus on the Indiana Dunes National park's plants, animals and general ecology. Children will learn about the natural... more
This program will focus on the Indiana Dunes National park's plants, animals and general ecology. Children will learn about the natural world not so far from us and what park rangers do.

Wed, Jul 31, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room,Meeting Room A
Join us as we say goodbye to Summer Reading 2024 with games, crafts and refreshments (including ice cream!) Registration is required.

Wed, Jul 31, 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!

Wed, Jul 31, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Adventurers wanted! Join us for summer role-playing sessions featuring perilous quests, intrepid evil, and an unforgettable journey.

Thu, Aug 01, 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 in this twice-monthly club.

Thu, Aug 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.

Thu, Aug 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of Simply Lies, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for August. Pick up a copy at the... more
Join the discussion of Simply Lies, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for August. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

Thu, Aug 01, 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

Thu, Aug 01, 6:00pm - 8:15pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
D&D comes to the Munster Branch Library! Join our campaign for Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk and get to the bottom of what... more
D&D comes to the Munster Branch Library! Join our campaign for Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk and get to the bottom of what is plaguing the town of Phandalin.
This event is full

Sat, Aug 03, 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, Aug 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.

Sat, Aug 03, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Children's Program Room
Join us for Yoga at the library! Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for... more
Join us for Yoga at the library! Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Sat, Aug 03, 10:00am - 10:45am
Highland - Meeting Room A
US Secret Service presents: NCMEC's NetSmartz. This program is designed to educate parents and children in grades 3-5 about online... more
US Secret Service presents: NCMEC's NetSmartz. This program is designed to educate parents and children in grades 3-5 about online safety and responsible use of the internet.

Sat, Aug 03, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Operation Safe Kids presents the “Live scan Child ID”, a document containing a photograph, digitized inkless fingerprints, and vital... more
Operation Safe Kids presents the “Live scan Child ID”, a document containing a photograph, digitized inkless fingerprints, and vital identification information. Parents will leave with this card.

Sat, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Like board games? So do we! Come on in and join us for a fun-filled game session. We provide the games...you provide the energy!

Sat, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us in welcoming Joe Rauen at the library! Joe will give a short presentation and then you can enjoy a musical performance. All ages... more
Join us in welcoming Joe Rauen at the library! Joe will give a short presentation and then you can enjoy a musical performance. All ages are welcome! Check out his website: joerauen.com

Sat, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Children of all ages and their families are invited to come play a variety of board games, card games and Switch video games will be... more
Children of all ages and their families are invited to come play a variety of board games, card games and Switch video games will be available. Snacks provided.
This event is full

Mon, Aug 05, 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, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
An unbreakable bond is forged between a pro adventure racer and a street dog. Runtime: 107 mins Rating: PG-13

Mon, Aug 05, 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, Aug 05, 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, Aug 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Choose from several crafts to help decorate your locker and get ready for the return to school. Ages 12 – 18. Space is limited.... more
Choose from several crafts to help decorate your locker and get ready for the return to school. Ages 12 – 18. Space is limited. Registration required.

Tue, Aug 06, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join us for this month's travel film about Portugal. Runtime: 52 mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Tue, Aug 06, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
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

Tue, Aug 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
We are proud to be hosting a support, education, & social space for LGBTQ+ teens & their allies. Teens (12-18) are welcome.