Buying from our book sales is a great way to support the library!

Support the Library

Did you know our Summer Reading Program for adults, children, and teens, is 100% funded by contributions? The same is true for many of our amazing programs, classes, and events, especially children's programs that foster literacy.

We invite you to be a part of a long tradition of supporting the library and enhancing the many services we offer. A donation to the library is an investment in your community!

The library is supported in a major way by two groups: the Friends and the Foundation. Monetary contributions to these groups have the most visible impact on our library - and of course, you can also contribute your time become an active participant in either!

Friends of LCPL

The Friends of the Lake County Public Library operate our booksale room and contribute to the acquisition of library materials. They also are responsible for funding Summer Reading Program activities! Learn more about how you can help.

The LCPL Foundation

The Foundation sponsors our annual Read-a-Thon as well as the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge, which helps kids prepare for Kindergarten. They also use their funds to provide books and materials above and beyond what would be available through the library's traditional tax-based funding. Learn more or make a donation.

Other Ways to Support the Library

➣Visit Our Booksale Room

Each of our locations has a sale rack, but the Merrillville branch has a full booksale room. You never know what you might find, and proceeds from sales benefit the library! Not interested in buying more books, music, and movies? You can also help us by donating some of your old ones. Learn More...

➣Shop at Amazon.com

When you go to Amazon from this link, a portion of what you pay comes right back to the library and into our materials budget. Learn more...

➣Support a Read-a-Thon Participant

Every year, the Foundation Board sponsors the annual Read-a-Thon, during which young readers collect pledges to benefit the library. Keep an eye on the Foundation Events page for the next Read-a-Thon dates!

➣Volunteer

Give the gift of your time! Call your library for more information on how you can donate your time and talent. Adults who volunteer 100 hours of their time and teens who volunteer 50 hours are eligible for special privilege gold or silver library cards. Learn More...

➣Donate Through the Legacy Foundation

Monetary donations to LCPL through the Legacy Foundation are used to directly support our educational initiatives. We may also use donations to continue expanding our collection of books, movies, music, and other materials so that people can engage in self-guided study. Donate now!

➣Make a Memorial Donation or Gift

Give a lasting and thoughtful tribute to your family or a loved one by making a monetary contribution to the Lake County Public Library. Download the gift form (PDF).

Upcoming Events

Cancelled

Teen & Tween Open Play Chess: Ages 6-18

Sat, Nov 22, 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!

Wild Rumpus: Ages 2-6 - Celebrating Picture Book Month

Sat, Nov 22, 11:00am - 11:45am

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room

Let the wild rumpus start! Bring your little wild things for an afternoon of fun and chaos inspired by Maurice Sendak’s classic Where... more

Let the wild rumpus start! Bring your little wild things for an afternoon of fun and chaos inspired by Maurice Sendak’s classic Where the Wild Things Are.

Power Paws for Kids

Sat, Nov 22, 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.

Zero Waste Gift Wrapping - Sponsored by the Highland Neighbors for Sustainability

Sat, Nov 22, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Highland Neighbors for Sustainability is dedicated to helping people make green choices, especially for the holidays! Join Cathy Perrin... more

Highland Neighbors for Sustainability is dedicated to helping people make green choices, especially for the holidays! Join Cathy Perrin to learn about eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas!

Bingo at the Library!

Sat, Nov 22, 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.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Nov 24, 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

Storytime: Ages 4-5

Mon, Nov 24, 1:00pm - 1:40pm

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.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Nov 24, 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

Tween & Teen: Stranger Things Release Celebration

Mon, Nov 24, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

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

Stop by for different themed activities to get you in the spirit for the final season of Stranger Things! For ages 10 and up.

The Caretaker by Ron Rash - Book Buddies

Mon, Nov 24, 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Join us as we discuss The Caretaker by Ron Rash. In 1950's North Carolina, a lonely caretaker is charged with caring his best friend's... more

Join us as we discuss The Caretaker by Ron Rash. In 1950's North Carolina, a lonely caretaker is charged with caring his best friend's young wife while is conscripted to serve overseas.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Nov 24, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Merrillville - 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

Teen Advisory Board & Game Night

Mon, Nov 24, 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!

STEAM Club (Grades K-6)

Mon, Nov 24, 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.

Monday Night Adult D&D

Mon, Nov 24, 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

LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)

Mon, Nov 24, 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 Craft: Fall Garland

Mon, Nov 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

Join us at the library to make a fall garland. We will use fabric, felt and yarn to make the garland. Registration is required. All... more

Join us at the library to make a fall garland. We will use fabric, felt and yarn to make the garland. Registration is required. All supplies provided. Ages 12-18.

Characteristics of Cheyenne Moccasins

Mon, Nov 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A

Come learn about Cheyenne moccasins, the premiere makers of moccasins. We will discuss their history, as well as how they were built and... more

Come learn about Cheyenne moccasins, the premiere makers of moccasins. We will discuss their history, as well as how they were built and why they were built that way.

Whodunit? Adult Mystery Club

Mon, Nov 24, 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... more

Join us for this monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?". Will we "Escape the Room" in the "Secret of Dr. Gravely's Retreat"?

Storytime: Ages 2-3

Tue, Nov 25, 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

Storytime: Ages 4-5

Tue, Nov 25, 10:30am - 11:30am

Merrillville - Children's Programming Room

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

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Nov 25, 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.

Mother Goose On The Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Nov 25, 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

Paint'n Time

Tue, Nov 25, 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, Nov 25, 10:30am - 11:30am

Hobart - Large Meeting Room

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

New Parent & Caregiver Meet Up

Tue, Nov 25, 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.

All Ability: Gaming

Tue, Nov 25, 11:00am - 12:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Come play some board games with us! We will have a Nintendo Wii setup as well. All ability programs are geared towards adults with... more

Come play some board games with us! We will have a Nintendo Wii setup as well. All ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Registration is required.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Nov 25, 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.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months

Tue, Nov 25, 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

Afternoon Euchre

Tue, Nov 25, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room D

All skill levels are welcome to play a game of Euchre, aka the Midwest's favorite card game!

She Come By It Natural by Sarah Smarsh - Fact or Fiction Book Club

Tue, Nov 25, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Join the Fact or Fiction Book Club in discussing "She Come By It Natural" by Sarah Smarsh. Copies are available at the Highland Branch.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Tue, Nov 25, 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

Teen: Adventurers Wanted!

Tue, Nov 25, 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.

Board Meeting

Tue, Nov 25, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Merrillville - Board Room

Meeting of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees

Positive Parenting Classes with Safe CHR - Co-sponsored with Dr. Kalyani Gopal

Wed, Nov 26, 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Merrillville - Meeting Room D

Dr. Kalyani Gopal (PhD, clinical psychology) will teach evidence-based positive parenting skills. Participants will receive a parenting... more

Dr. Kalyani Gopal (PhD, clinical psychology) will teach evidence-based positive parenting skills. Participants will receive a parenting certificate upon completion of all six sessions.

Off the Hook

Wed, Nov 26, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

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

Teen Game Night

Wed, Nov 26, 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Hobart - Large Meeting Room

Teens are welcome to join us for an evening of gaming, board games, and puzzles! Test your skills and get ready for a night of great... more

Teens are welcome to join us for an evening of gaming, board games, and puzzles! Test your skills and get ready for a night of great vibes and unforgettable moments!

Teen Gaming

Wed, Nov 26, 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii and board games! All games are provided or you can bring your... more

Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii and board games! All games are provided or you can bring your own games to play. Ages 12-18.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Wed, Nov 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Merrillville - 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.

Rescheduled

Teen Game Night

Wed, Nov 26, 5:00pm - 6:30pm

New date Wednesday, November 26, 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Hobart

Teens are welcome to join us for an evening of gaming, board games, and puzzles! Test your skills and get ready for a night of great... more

Teens are welcome to join us for an evening of gaming, board games, and puzzles! Test your skills and get ready for a night of great vibes and unforgettable moments!

Mahjong Open Play: Ages 18 & Over

Fri, Nov 28, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

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

Join an open play Mahjong session; there is NO INSTRUCTOR but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you... more

Join an open play Mahjong session; there is NO INSTRUCTOR but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you have one! On-hand gaming supplies are limited. Ages 18 & over.

Season's Greetings - Holiday Photo Shoot

Fri, Nov 28, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room

Participants may stop in anytime between 2-3 pm to take festive photos in front of our green screen to share with family and friends. **... more

Participants may stop in anytime between 2-3 pm to take festive photos in front of our green screen to share with family and friends. ** Green clothing will not appear in the green screen photos.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, 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.

The Color Purple - Feature Film

Mon, Dec 01, 2:00pm - 4:30pm

Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room

Musical adaptation of Alice Walker's novel about the life-long struggles of an African American woman living in the south during the... more

Musical adaptation of Alice Walker's novel about the life-long struggles of an African American woman living in the south during the early 1900s. Runtime:140 mins. Rated: PG-13.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) - Movie Monday

Mon, Dec 01, 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.

Cancelled

Dementia Stigma and Misconceptions - Understanding Dementia: A CoAction Learning Series

Mon, Dec 01, 2:30pm - 3:30pm

Merrillville

Challenge what you think you know about dementia in this eye-opening presentation that separates fact from fiction.

One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology

Mon, Dec 01, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Merrillville - 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 Craft: Festive Ornaments

Mon, Dec 01, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room

Join us at the Lake Station-New Chicago Library to make a variety of festive ornaments. All supplies will be provided. Registration is... more

Join us at the Lake Station-New Chicago Library to make a variety of festive ornaments. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required. Ages 12-18.

Monday Night Adult D&D

Mon, Dec 01, 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

Mama Just Wants to Read - A Silent Book Club

Mon, Dec 01, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

St. John - Large Meeting Room

What is a silent book club? A social gathering for readers. There is no assigned reading. Bring your own book or borrow one of ours. All... more

What is a silent book club? A social gathering for readers. There is no assigned reading. Bring your own book or borrow one of ours. All readers 18+ are welcome.

Craft Your Own Holiday Gift!

Mon, Dec 01, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Highland - Meeting Room A

Join us to create personalized holiday gifts for loved ones! Registration is required.

This event is full

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