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100 Books Before Graduation

Welcome to LCPL's 100 Books before Graduation reading challenge! Here's how to join.

The goal of this program is for students in grades 6-12 to read 100 books before graduating high school.

Students who participate in the program will receive prizes as they read. Prizes will be awarded after reading 25, 50, 75, and 100 books.

Most importantly, it is our hope that you will expand your critical thinking, vocabulary, and empathy, and increase test scores along the way!

Looking for a good read? Our teen librarians recommend:

Heartstopper: Volume Five
Breadcrumbs
I Was Born for This
The Hills of Estrella Roja
Delicates
We Are Not Free

How to Participate

Just like our Summer Reading Program, you will register and keep track of your books using ReadSquared.

Register for 100 Books before Graduation

Prefer to keep track on your phone?

Books can be from home, the library, or wherever you get your books! Fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, audiobooks, it all counts!

May we suggest a lovely read from our digital collection? It's easy to access with the digital access card you got from your school!

Not sure what to read? Check out our list of librarian-recommended books!

You can also send in a Surprise Bag request and receive a stack of personalized recommendations from one of our Teen Librarians.

Any questions? Ask us!

Prizes!

You get a prize every 25 books you log, up to 100.

25 Books: A bookmark, a sticker, and a free book coupon

50 Books: Exclusive 100 Books Club pin and a free book coupon

75 Books: A small prize (ex: a keychain or fidget toy) and a free book coupon

100 Books: The coveted 100 Books Before Graduation graduate pin, $5 3D print voucher for use in the Libratory, and - you guessed it - a free book coupon

Examples of the buttons, small prizes, and bookmarks that say things like Boom, Nailed it, and ON point

Upcoming Teen Events
Morbid History With Lorrisa Julianus - Sponsored by the LCPL Foundation
Mon, Sep 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Morbid History presented by award-winning filmmaker Lorrisa Julianus. “Because you’re just more interesting when you’re dead!”
Study Hall at the Library
Tue, Sep 24, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.
Teen: Adventurers Wanted!
Tue, Sep 24, 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", a game similar to D&D. Beginners are welcome. For ages 12-18.
Hammered Dulcimer Performance by Paul Horgash - LCPL Foundation Sponsored Program
Tue, Sep 24, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Enjoy an evening of lively tunes from Paul Horgash featuring the hammered dulcimer. Please register each attendee.
Teen Gaming
Wed, Sep 25, 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.
Teen Craft: Leaf Painting
Wed, Sep 25, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Teens (ages 12-18) are invited to learn about different kinds of leaves and use them to paint! Bring any you find outside or use the ones our librarians have collected.
Entry Level Photo Editing With Paint.NET
Wed, Sep 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Staff Meeting Room
Interested in learning photo editing, but don't have any experience or the budget for expensive software? Join us to learn entry level photo editing skills with the free software Paint.NET.
Teens & Tweens Anime Club
Wed, Sep 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens and Tweens are invited to watch episodes from an anime series. We'll also have art supplies along with a craft on hand if you want to draw, sketch, or get creative. Snacks will be provided.
Study Hall at the Library
Thu, Sep 26, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.
Teen Thriller Thursday - Solve a Mystery: "The Case of the Unfortunate Acrobat"
Thu, Sep 26, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Come solve a one-shot fictional mystery, "The Case of the Unfortunate Acrobat"! For ages 12-18.
Teens & Tweens Gaming
Thu, Sep 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
A selection of board games (and snacks!) will be provided for you and fellow teens to play. A Nintendo Switch will be available with multiple games. Registration is required. For ages 10 - 18.
Cancelled
Kids Chess Open Play: Ages 6-18
Sat, Sep 28, 10:00am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville
Children are welcome to come and open play chess in our children's programming room! Chess boards can be provided if you don't have one!
Cancelled
Teen Advisory Board - Game Night
Mon, Sep 30, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville
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.
Teen Craft: Washi Tape
Mon, Sep 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Several craft projects will be available to complete using Washi Tape. Snacks will be provided. Designed for teens, ages 12 - 18. Registration is required.
Study Hall at the Library
Tue, Oct 01, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.
Teen Spooky Snack Mix
Wed, Oct 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will make their own spooky themed snack mix to keep or gift to friends/family! We’ll be using a variety of ingredients like pretzels, candy, chips, and more! Ages 12-18. Registration required.
Teens: Fun with Food - Ages 10-15
Wed, Oct 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Each month (usually the 1st Wednesday) tweens and teens (ages 10 to 15) will be taken on a Food Adventure. To ensure there is enough supplies and to address food allergies, registration is required.
Study Hall at the Library
Thu, Oct 03, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.
Teen Tourney: Mario Kart
Thu, Oct 03, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Teens (ages 12-18), put your (video game) combat skills to the test in a racing tournament! Snacks and prizes will be provided.
NANORIMO Prep Workshop With Larry Sweazy
Thu, Oct 03, 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room,Munster Zoom Room
The hardest part of writing a novel is finishing it. Fortunately, thanks to the Indiana Humanities' writing workshop grants, we're bringing in Indiana author Larry Sweazy to help us out.
Stitch'n Time
Sat, Oct 05, 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 supplies, and other attendees can instruct on crochet as needed.
Teen Advisory Board
Mon, Oct 07, 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. Please register.
Teen Anime Club
Mon, Oct 07, 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 choosing each month. Ages 12-18.
Teen Advisory Board
Mon, Oct 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room,Munster Zoom Room
Teens get volunteer hours! Help plan programs and projects at the library. Interested teens, ages 11 - 17, can attend. Zoom available. Please register.
Study Hall at the Library
Tue, Oct 08, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.
Teen Homeschool Hangout
Tue, Oct 08, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Homeschool teens are invited to get together for fun activities. Each month we will explore a new topic. Please register.
Tween and Teen: Minecraft Meet-Up
Tue, Oct 08, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Come play Minecraft, uninterrupted, on our Raspberry Pi computers! For ages 8-18.
Teen: Adventurers Wanted!
Tue, Oct 08, 4:00pm - 5:15pm
Cedar Lake
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 Alphabet Club - GSA/LGBTQ+ Teens & Allies Support and Discussion Group
Tue, Oct 08, 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.
Teen Gaming
Wed, Oct 09, 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.
Teen Cooking: Pop Culture - Pancake Art
Wed, Oct 09, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Teens, master the skill of pancake art! Recreate favorite characters or images, or create an avant-garde original! Participants must register. For ages 12-18.
Teen Cartoon School
Wed, Oct 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Like to draw? Like comics and cartoons? Then this is the program for you! Join us on the second Wednesday of every month to learn new drawing techniques and make friends with your fellow cartoonists!
This event is full
Study Hall at the Library
Thu, Oct 10, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.
Teen Advisory Board & Gaming Hour - Ages 10-18
Thu, Oct 10, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens (ages 10-18) are invited to join the Teen Advisory Board to help shape Teen programming while earning volunteer hours. After a brief meeting board games, a Switch, and snacks will be provided.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Thu, Oct 10, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Come and play in a game with one of our librarians as GM.
Speedcubing - Advanced Rubik's Cube
Fri, Oct 11, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us as we speed-solve the Rubik's Cube. Rubik's Cubes will be supplied at the program. Feel free to bring your own!
Study Hall at the Library
Tue, Oct 15, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.
Teen & Tween Minecraft Hour
Tue, Oct 15, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Come in and try Minecraft Pi. Register ahead of time as seats are limited. Recommended for ages 8 to 18.
Teen Artsy Evenings
Tue, Oct 15, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us to learn about the selected art style/movement, and make your own artwork. All materials provided. Please register.
Teen Rainbow Club
Wed, Oct 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Teen Rainbow Club is a monthly social space for LGBTQIA+ teens & allies. Come for informal discussion, snacks, and crafts. Please register.
Teen Craft: Spooky Clay Creations
Wed, Oct 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Teens will learn to make some cute, spooky creations using air dry clay! Ages 12-18. Registration required.
Teens: Crafting Hour - Ages 10-15
Wed, Oct 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Each month we will have different craft projects designed for teens and tweens (ages 10-15). We will provide all the supplies you need to be crafty.
Study Hall at the Library
Thu, Oct 17, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.
Teen Craft: Let's Make Slime!
Thu, Oct 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Come on by to make your own slime! Basic supplies will be provided. Bring additional mix-ins if you want! For ages 12-18.
Animals from Around the World: Presented by Incredible Bats - Sponsored by the LCPL Foundation
Fri, Oct 18, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to learn about animals from around the world. Incredible Bats will bring a variety of animals for this event. All ages welcome. Registration is required, due to limited space.
Meet the Cube - Rubik's Cube for Beginners
Fri, Oct 18, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us as we explore the exciting world of Rubik's Cubes! In this fun hour-long session, you'll get the chance to learn how to solve the first layer of the Rubik's Cube.
LCPL ComicFest!
Sat, Oct 19, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Lower Level
Free fun for all ages! From trivia contests to video games, artist alley, and a cosplay contest, show us your geek side. Costumes are highly encouraged.
The Great Boodini - Sponsored by the LCPL Foundation
Sat, Oct 19, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
SPECTACULAR SPOOKY FUN! The Great Boodini presents an all-ages Halloween Show featuring magic, juggling & spooky effects. This special event is sponsored by the LCPL Foundation. Registration required.
See all events