Science Kits

Learn more about the world around you! Science kits contain all the parts you need for fun experiments, plus questions to think about and suggestions for further reading.

Each kit comes in a box or backpack and checks out for one week. Take home a telescope, explore with a nature hike backpack, make a prediction with a weather forecasting kit, and more!

How to Reserve

Browse & Reserve a Kit

Borrowing Kits:

Kits are available to LCPL full access cardholders 18 years or older in good standing. You can borrow one kit at a time. Kits may be reserved up to 1 year in advance.

The borrower is responsible for ensuring that all parts of the kit are returned in the bag on time and in good condition. You will be asked to sign a waiver at the time of reservation.

Each kit is recommended for a certain age group but all kits should be used with adult supervision.

For more information, suggestions for new kits, or assistance using the myTurn reservation system, please give us a call at (219) 769-3541 or email us.

A backpack with a pair of binoculars, books on birds, insects, and animals, booklets specific to indiana wildlife, and an activity book

Upcoming Events

Medicare Open Enrollment Event with SHIP Counselors

Fri, Oct 24, 9:30am - 2:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A,Meeting Room B

Get free, impartial help comparing 2026 Medicare plans with a State Certified SHIP Counselor. Walk-ins are welcome. This event is... more

Get free, impartial help comparing 2026 Medicare plans with a State Certified SHIP Counselor. Walk-ins are welcome. This event is co-hosted by SHIP and Northshore Health Centers.

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

Fri, Oct 24, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Hobart Branch - 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.

Cancelled

Teen & Tween Open Play Chess: Ages 6-18

Sat, Oct 25, 10:00am - 11:00am

Dyer-Schererville

Children are welcome to come and play chess in our meeting room. This is an open play session, no instruction will be given. Chess... more

Children are welcome to come and play chess in our meeting room. This is an open play session, no instruction will be given. Chess boards will be provided if you don't have one!

Power Paws for Kids

Sat, Oct 25, 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.

Family-Friendly Haunted Library

Sat, Oct 25, 11:00am - 1:00pm

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

Boo! Children and parents, join us for a family-friendly haunted house!

To Kill a Mockingbird - Classic Film

Sat, Oct 25, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

A story of a widowed, morally upright lawyer defending a black man in 1930s Alabama. Meanwhile, his two young children become involved... more

A story of a widowed, morally upright lawyer defending a black man in 1930s Alabama. Meanwhile, his two young children become involved in a mystery involving the town pariah.

Bingo at the Library!

Sat, Oct 25, 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.... more

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. Please register.

Citizenship Class

Mon, Oct 27, 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.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Oct 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.

Storytime: Ages 4-5

Mon, Oct 27, 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.

A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls - Workshop Series Presented by CoAction

Mon, Oct 27, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

Do you worry about falling? Join us for a free workshop series designed to manage falls and increase activity levels! Registration with... more

Do you worry about falling? Join us for a free workshop series designed to manage falls and increase activity levels! Registration with CoAction required!

Please contact the library to register for this event.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Oct 27, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

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 Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin - Book Buddies

Mon, Oct 27, 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

The Music of Bees is about the power of friendship, compassion in the face of loss, and finding the courage to start over... more

The Music of Bees is about the power of friendship, compassion in the face of loss, and finding the courage to start over (at any age) when things don't turn out the way you expect.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Oct 27, 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.

Teen Advisory Board & Game Night

Mon, Oct 27, 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, all while earning... more

The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you, all while earning volunteer hours!

LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)

Mon, Oct 27, 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 Spooky Treats

Mon, Oct 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Teens will decorate some spooky cookies and enjoy a zombie themed punch! Registration required. Ages 12-18.

Whodunit? Adult Mystery Club

Mon, Oct 27, 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?".... more

Join us for this monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?". "Hunt a Killer" in the "Dead Below Deck" murder mystery.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Mon, Oct 27, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D

Free English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Call 219-769-3541... more

Free English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Call 219-769-3541 ext. 337 for more information.

STEAM Club (Grades K-6)

Mon, Oct 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room

A monthly program featuring activities in the area of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math with different activity/ theme... more

A monthly program featuring activities in the area of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math with different activity/ theme each program.

Teen Advisory Board, LEGO®, and Board Game Night

Mon, Oct 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Inviting teens, ages 12-18, to TAB, LEGO®, and Board Game Night. Play games and help plan upcoming teen programs for the Highland... more

Inviting teens, ages 12-18, to TAB, LEGO®, and Board Game Night. Play games and help plan upcoming teen programs for the Highland branch. Registration required. Snacks will be provided.

Monday Night Adult D&D

Mon, Oct 27, 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

Storytime: Ages 4-6

Tue, Oct 28, 10:15am - 11:00am

St. John - Large Meeting Room

Children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.

Storytime: Ages 4-5

Tue, Oct 28, 10:30am - 11:15am

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

Children will have fun developing early literary skills as they enjoy stories, songs, crafts and more.

Paint'n Time

Tue, Oct 28, 10:30am - 1:30pm

Hobart - Programming Room

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

Homeschool Hangout (Grades K-12)

Tue, Oct 28, 10:30am - 11:30am

Hobart - Large Meeting Room

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

This event is full

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Oct 28, 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

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Oct 28, 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.

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Oct 28, 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

All Ability: Bird Bingo

Tue, Oct 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Join us as we play bird bingo and win some small prizes, while supplies last. All ability programs are geared towards adults with... more

Join us as we play bird bingo and win some small prizes, while supplies last. All ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Registration required.

New Parent & Caregiver Meet Up

Tue, Oct 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room

Parents and caregivers of children, ages birth to 23 months, are welcome to chat with one another and enjoy a refreshment while children... more

Parents and caregivers of children, ages birth to 23 months, are welcome to chat with one another and enjoy a refreshment while children explore with books and puzzles! Registration is required.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Oct 28, 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.

This event is full

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Oct 28, 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 Old Place by Bobby Finger - Fact or Fiction Book Club

Tue, Oct 28, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Join the Fact or Fiction Book Club in discussing "The Old Place" by Bobby Finger. Copies are available at the Highland Branch.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Tue, Oct 28, 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.

Teen: Adventurers Wanted!

Tue, Oct 28, 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.

Teen StarFinder

Tue, Oct 28, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Have you ever thought Dungeons & Dragons seemed like a cool game, but it should take place in space? If so, StarFinder is the game for... more

Have you ever thought Dungeons & Dragons seemed like a cool game, but it should take place in space? If so, StarFinder is the game for you! Come and enjoy Paizo's ttrpg space adventure game!

Haunted Indiana: Ghosts and Legends of the Region - Presented by Bob Anderson, Host of Bob After Dark

Tue, Oct 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

Join Bob Anderson, host of WJOB podcast Bob After Dark, as he delves into the eerie and unexplained occurrences of Northwest Indiana.

Calumet Astronomical Society

Tue, Oct 28, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Join the Calumet Astronomical Society to learn about various cosmic topics!

Citizenship Class

Wed, Oct 29, 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.

Off the Hook

Wed, Oct 29, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

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

Livestream Author Talk with Philippa Gregory - Author of Boleyn Traitor

Wed, Oct 29, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1

Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Philippa Gregory about Boleyn Traitor.

Kids Discovery Hour (Grades K-6)

Wed, Oct 29, 3:00pm - 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 art projects, movies, science... more

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

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Wed, Oct 29, 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.

This event is full

Crochet @ Your Library

Wed, Oct 29, 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!

Halloween Spooktacular

Wed, Oct 29, 5:00pm - 6:30pm

Hobart - Children's Program Room,Large Meeting Room,Programming Room

Families can drop in for a fun and spooky time. Enjoy some music, activities, light refreshments, and more. And don’t forget to wear... more

Families can drop in for a fun and spooky time. Enjoy some music, activities, light refreshments, and more. And don’t forget to wear your costume!

This event is full

Halloween Party: All Ages

Wed, Oct 29, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

Join us at the Lake Station-New Chicago branch for a Halloween party with snacks, crafts, games, and green screen photos. All ages are... more

Join us at the Lake Station-New Chicago branch for a Halloween party with snacks, crafts, games, and green screen photos. All ages are welcome!

Genealogy 101 - Emigration and Immigration

Wed, Oct 29, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Munster - Large Meeting Room

Learn more about genealogy with genealogist Herb Smith! We'll discuss the latest techniques to trace your family history, advances in... more

Learn more about genealogy with genealogist Herb Smith! We'll discuss the latest techniques to trace your family history, advances in genealogical technology, and more.

Cancelled

Genealogy 101 - Q&A, Ancestry and Family Search, Other Tools and Forms

Wed, Oct 29, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Munster

Learn more about genealogy with genealogist Herb Smith! We'll discuss the latest techniques to trace your family history, advances in... more

Learn more about genealogy with genealogist Herb Smith! We'll discuss the latest techniques to trace your family history, advances in genealogical technology, and more.

Medicare 101

Wed, Oct 29, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room

Significant changes are coming to Medicare in 2026! Do you know what they are? Come to this Educational presentation to find out, and to... more

Significant changes are coming to Medicare in 2026! Do you know what they are? Come to this Educational presentation to find out, and to get answers you need to your other Medicare questions!

Smash Bros. Smack Down

Wed, Oct 29, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Enjoy some exciting Super Smash Brothers Ultimate matches with your fellow library patrons.

Thursday Threaders

Thu, Oct 30, 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.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Thu, Oct 30, 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

All The Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham - Between the Lines Book Discussion

Thu, Oct 30, 11:15am - 12:30pm

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

The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "All the Dangerous Things" by Stacy Willingham. Books for this discussion can be... more

The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "All the Dangerous Things" by Stacy Willingham. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch.

Genealogy Class: All Free for the Finding - Digging Up Family History for Free on the Internet

Thu, Oct 30, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A,Merrillville Zoom Room

This presentation is a sampling of the best, free websites for genealogy. Website subjects include general genealogy, Indiana,... more

This presentation is a sampling of the best, free websites for genealogy. Website subjects include general genealogy, Indiana, immigration, British and newspapers.

Beginning Crochet

Thu, Oct 30, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B

Learn the basics of crochet to get you started on a new project.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Thu, Oct 30, 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.

Silly Spooky Storytime: Ages 2-6

Thu, Oct 30, 4:00pm - 4:45pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room

Children and their caregivers are invited to join us for Halloween fun with books, songs, rhymes, and a craft! Costumes are encouraged.

This event is full

Halloween Ball: Ages 4 - 12

Thu, Oct 30, 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

Join us for a Halloween Ball. Wear your costume, have fun playing some games, and create a fun craft. At the end, we will have a parade... more

Join us for a Halloween Ball. Wear your costume, have fun playing some games, and create a fun craft. At the end, we will have a parade to show off our costumes.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Thu, Oct 30, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D

Free English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Call 219-769-3541... more

Free English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Call 219-769-3541 ext. 337 for more information.

Senior Planet: Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmaker - Hosted by IU's Center for Urban and Regional Excellence

Fri, Oct 31, 11:00am - 12:15pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room A

In this lecture, we will review several non-partisan websites that can help you identify your elected officials, understand how they... more

In this lecture, we will review several non-partisan websites that can help you identify your elected officials, understand how they vote on bills, and contact them about important issues.

Stitch'n Time

Sat, Nov 01, 9:30am - 12:30pm

Hobart - Children's Program 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.

Cancelled

Yoga & Breathing

Sat, Nov 01, 10:00am - 11:00am

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.

Keep Me In Stitches

Sat, Nov 01, 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.

Reading to the Dogs - Love on a Leash

Sat, Nov 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.

Newsies! - Movie + Craft (Ages 16 & Over)

Sat, Nov 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

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

We will design/decorate canvas totes as we watch Newsies! Runtime: 2hrs. Rated: PG.

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