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LCPL: Beyond Books

Library Services

What can the library do for you?

How about help you learn to use your electronic devices? Or help you track down your great-great-great-aunt? We can recommend a good book, and get it to you for free. We can talk to your students about research, we can help them do that research, and we can give them a place to work on school projects. ¿No hablas Inglés? We can help with that, too. Basically, there's no end to what a library can do for you if you use it!

And, did we mention - all of the services mentioned above and most of the ones below are provided to our patrons completely free.

Puzzle Exchange

Take a puzzle, leave a puzzle! Available at Cedar Lake, Dyer-Schererville, Hobart, and St. John branches. Puzzles with no missing pieces only, please!

Seed Libraries

Find seed libraries at Cedar Lake, Highland, Hobart, and Lake Station-New Chicago. Take a seed to plant in your yard; as you harvest, consider saving seeds to return to the library!

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Children in LCPL school districts under the age of 5 are eligible to receive one free book every month! Learn More...

Talking Books & Braille Library

Free library service to Indiana residents who cannot use standard printed materials. Learn more...

The Libratory

A place to explore, create, experiment, and digitize. Specializing in quick, easy photoscanning - grab your box of old photos and make an appointment today! Learn More...

Public Meeting Rooms

Need a space for your group to meet? How about a smaller room for studying? All of our locations have meeting rooms available to the public! Learn More...

Scan/Fax Capability

Scan photos and documents and send them to your phone, USB, Google Drive, and more! Learn more...

Outreach

We speak to schools, rotary groups, historical societies, community groups and more about how the library's resources can help with specific projects. Call your branch to schedule a talk for your group!

Genealogy

Use library resources to trace your roots. We have online databases that patrons can access for free, as well as local records in our Indiana Room at Merrillville branch. Learn more...

Reader's Advisory

We'll help you, personally, find a book you'll like. Seriously, we're really good at this. Just ask. You can also use our pre-made suggestions and tools for finding books.

Proctoring

Every branch offers proctoring services for open book, closed book, and online exams. Contact your branch to schedule an exam.

Research Specialists

There's no source more reliable than a librarian. We'll find you answers you can trust from reputable sources. Ask us anything online, in person, or over the phone.

English as a Second Language

If you'd like to improve your English speaking, reading, and writing skills, we can help with classes geared to every skill level. We also offer classes for those about to attempt the U.S. Citizenship Exam. Learn more...

Interlibrary Loan

If we don't have a book you're looking for in our collection, we'll get it for you from another library and bring it to the branch of your choice for you to check out - and no, there is no cost to you. Learn more...

Library Tours & Group Visits

Set up a library tour or group visit by calling your branch. This is especially helpful for students who need to learn to use the library for class projects. If you plan to bring a large group, please call ahead of time so that we can prepare space! Learn more...

Public Computers

Our public PCs come equipped with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software in addition to Internet access and printing. Anyone with a library card can use them!

Classes/Programs

From early literacy classes to crafting classes, there's no end to what you can learn at the library. We have programs and classes for all ages, from newborn infants to senior citizens, all free with your library card. Learn more...

What More Could You Want?

Have you got a service in mind that you wish the library provided? Are you not sure if we can help with something specific? Just ask! You can fill out our Ask a Librarian form or give us a call. All feedback, suggestions, and questions are appreciated.

Upcoming Events
Mon, Dec 23, 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, Dec 23, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Compete in a series of fast-paced games and activities that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

Mon, Dec 23, 5:30pm - 7:15pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
You are invited to join us for a showing of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas starring Jim Carrey!

Mon, Dec 23, 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 December we are reading Etiquette & Espionage... more
Teens, let's spill about books! Each month we'll read and talk about a different book. In December we are reading Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger Pick up books @ Munster Branch.

Thu, Dec 26, 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, Dec 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens are invited to watch My Hero Academia from the beginning. We'll also have art supplies along with a craft on hand if you get... more
Teens are invited to watch My Hero Academia from the beginning. We'll also have art supplies along with a craft on hand if you get creative. Snacks will be provided.

Fri, Dec 27, 10:30am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Babies (ages birth to 23 months) and their caregivers can join us for an hour of play. Baby safe toys will be provided. Light... more
Babies (ages birth to 23 months) and their caregivers can join us for an hour of play. Baby safe toys will be provided. Light refreshments for caregivers.

Fri, Dec 27, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Come and play the ancient Chinese game of Mahjong at the library. This is an open play session, there is no instructor but other players... more
Come and play the ancient Chinese game of Mahjong at the library. This is an open play session, there is no instructor but other players may share tips/directions. Please register. Ages 18 & over.

Fri, Dec 27, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - 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.

Sat, Dec 28, 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!

Sat, Dec 28, 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, Dec 30, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens & Tweens (ages 10 to 18) are invited to see a screening of Inside Out 2. As Riley becomes a teenager, she has to make room for new... more
Teens & Tweens (ages 10 to 18) are invited to see a screening of Inside Out 2. As Riley becomes a teenager, she has to make room for new emotions. Runtime: 100 minutes; rated PG. Snacks provided.
This event is full

Mon, Dec 30, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
Meeting of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees

Mon, Dec 30, 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, Dec 30, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting 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 "Murder in the Laboratory"!

Tue, Dec 31, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us for an early New Year's Eve Celebration! We'll make a party hat, do the limbo, and gather to bring in the Noon Year together.

Tue, Dec 31, 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.

Tue, Dec 31, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Join us for a special storytime, for our friends who can't always make it to midnight, featuring songs, rhymes, and crafts.
This event is full