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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:

Punching Bag
Defiant
Redemptor
Lights
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Fence, Vol. 4: Rivals

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
Teen Advisory Board
Mon, Aug 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Teens are invited to help the Highland branch create projects and programs that you would like to attend. Ages 12 – 18.
Homeschool Hangout (Grades K-12)
Tue, Aug 26, 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
Teen: Adventurers Wanted!
Tue, Aug 26, 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. 
Teen StarFinder
Tue, Aug 26, 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 you! Come and enjoy Paizo's ttrpg space adventure game!
Cancelled
Teen College & Career Summer Workshops with Coates Inc.
Tue, Aug 26, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (ages 14-18) are welcome.
Teen Game Night
Wed, Aug 27, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
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 vibes and unforgettable moments!
Teen Gaming Night
Wed, Aug 27, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
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 and XBox will be available with multiple games. Registration is required. For ages 10-18.
Livestream Author Talk with Dr. Tasha Eurich - Bestselling Author of Shatterproof
Thu, Aug 28, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Dr. Tasha Eurich about Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos.
Cancelled
Teen College & Career Summer Workshops with Coates Inc.
Thu, Aug 28, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (ages 14-18) are welcome.
Teen Tuesday - Suncatchers
Tue, Sep 02, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Come in to the library and enjoy some crafting!
Livestream Author Talk with Hannah Nicole Maehrer - Bestselling Author of the Assistant to the Villain Series
Wed, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Hannah Nicole Maehrer about Accomplice to the Villain, and the Assistant to the Villain series.
Teens Volunteer: TeenTober Prep
Wed, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens can earn volunteer hours by making decorations and displays for TeenTober, a nationwide celebration of teens every October! Grades 6-12. Snacks will be provided. Registration required.
Stitch'n Time
Sat, Sep 06, 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.
Tween & Teen: Minecraft Meetup
Tue, Sep 09, 3:40pm - 4:40pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Come play Minecraft, on our Raspberry Pi computers or Nintendo Switch! For ages 8-18.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Tue, Sep 09, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come and play in a game with one of our librarians as GM.
Teen Alphabet Club - GSA/LGBTQ+ Teens Support and Discussion Group
Tue, Sep 09, 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.
Livestream Author Talk with Jefferson Fisher - Author of The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More
Wed, Sep 10, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Jefferson Fisher about The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More.
Teen Cartoon School
Wed, Sep 10, 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!
Teen Advisory Board & Game Night
Wed, Sep 10, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens (ages 12-17) are invited to become part of the Teen Advisory board. In September, we will be gaming using various board and video games to plan for a future gaming tournament. Snacks provided.
Teen & Tween Homeschool Hangout: STEM Edition
Thu, Sep 11, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Youth (ages 10-17) are invited to register and attend this event where we will be doing various STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Thu, Sep 11, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room D
Teens are invited to play in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign with one of our librarians as game master!
This event is full
Teen Craft: Magnetic Slime
Thu, Sep 11, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Slime? Cool. Magnetic slime? Even better! Learn how to make your own magnetic slime from scratch. Supplies provided. If you have your own strong magnet, bring it! For ages 12-18.
Teen and Tween Speedcubing: Ages 8-17 - Advanced Rubik's Cube
Fri, Sep 12, 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!
Rescheduled
Yoga & Breathing
Sat, Sep 13, 10:00am - 11:00am
New date Saturday, September 20, 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 mat to class.
Radical Joy: An Expressive Writing Workshop - Highland Arts Walk Workshop
Sat, Sep 13, 11:00am - 12:20pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Get creative with the Highland Arts Council for a fun creative writing session as part of the Highland Art Walk Workshops!  
Radical Joy: An Expressive Writing Workshop - Highland Arts Walk Workshop
Sat, Sep 13, 12:30pm - 1:50pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Get creative with the Highland Arts Council for a fun creative writing session as part of the Highland Art Walk Workshops!  
Teen: Research 101
Mon, Sep 15, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
School's back in session, and those papers are being assigned. Come to this information session to learn some tips on finding valid resources and see what the library has to offer!
Teen Craft: Painted Wind Chimes
Mon, Sep 15, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Teens, ages 12 - 18, can join us to make and paint ice cream shaped wind chimes. Supplies are limited. Registration is required.
Teen Donut Decorating
Mon, Sep 15, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens can decorate some donuts using frosting, sprinkles, and more! Ages 12-18. Registration required.
Teen Gamefest
Tue, Sep 16, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Join us for video and board games!
Teen Tuesday - Cat Toy
Tue, Sep 16, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Come in to the library and enjoy some crafting!
Livestream Author Talk with Gabe Henry - Author of Enough is Enuf
Wed, Sep 17, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Gabe Henry about Enough is Enuf.
Teen Chef Academy
Wed, Sep 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us at the library for a cooking program that teaches kitchen skills, nutrition, and sustainability through interactive lessons and tasty food while promoting healthy eating and food science.
Teen Rainbow Club
Wed, Sep 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Teen Rainbow Club is a monthly social space for LGBTQIA+ teens & allies. Come for informal discussion, movies, snacks, and crafts. Please register
Fun with Food - After School Snacks
Wed, Sep 17, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens & Tweens (ages 10-17) will be taken on a food adventure. We will be making after school snacks. To ensure there is enough supplies and to address food allergies, registration is required
Teen and Tween Meet the Cube: Ages 7-15 - Rubik's Cube for Beginners
Fri, Sep 19, 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.
Yoga & Breathing
Sat, Sep 20, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.
This event is full
Teen: Adventurers Wanted!
Tue, Sep 23, 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. 
Teen StarFinder
Tue, Sep 23, 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 you! Come and enjoy Paizo's ttrpg space adventure game!
Teen Cooking: Microwave Meals
Tue, Sep 23, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Microwaves aren't just for reheating food...learn how to make different recipes using simple supplies and a microwave! All supplies provided; registration required. For ages 12-18.
See all events