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CHILD SAFETY POLICY

Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Lake County Public Library May 27, 2010

 The Board of Trustees of Lake County Public Library has adopted the following policy in order to provide for the safety, comfort and welfare of patrons of all ages, and to provide an atmosphere conducive to study and the appropriate use of the library’s services and facilities.

The primary purpose of the children’s area in the library is to provide a safe and comfortable place for children and their caregivers to enjoy the library together. The Library reserves the right to direct unaccompanied adults to other areas of the Library when their presence is not specifically tied to the use of materials in the youth areas.

  1. The library is not intended or licensed to be a daycare, after school care facility, summer camp or babysitting service. The library is not responsible for the care of unattended minors.

  2. Those unattended minors who do not abide by library rules and policies, or who exhibit unacceptable behavior, will be asked to leave, and/or call their parents for a ride home. If unable to reach their parents, or if a ride is unavailable, the children may be considered abandoned and the local police department will be called.

  3. Minors without a ride home at closing may be considered abandoned and the authorities called. Library staff are not authorized to provide transportation to children left at closing. The library is not responsible for minors without a ride home at closing.

  4. The library believes it is the right and responsibility of a parent or guardian to determine what is appropriate material in order to meet personal family standards and guidelines. Therefore, parents are encouraged to accompany their children and to select material with their children or review their children’s selections. The library is not responsible for a minor’s selection of library materials.

  5. All children under age 18 must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian, signed on the library permission form in the presence of a library employee, to check-out Digital Video Discs (DVDs). The library is not responsible for the content or appropriateness of any materials checked-out.

  6. All children under age 18 must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian, signed on the library permission form in the presence of a library employee, to access the Internet. The library is not responsible for the content or appropriateness of any materials accessed on the Internet.

  7. Adults who are using the Internet or other library services and programs must supervise or provide guidance and behavior control for minors accompanying them. The library reserves the right to prohibit Internet use, and/or ask the adults and minor children to leave if unacceptable behavior persists.

  8. Library policy requires the signature of a parent, legal guardian, or adult relative approving the application for a library card for anyone under the age of 18.

  9. The Library requires the parent or guardian of a minor child to be responsible for all overdue, lost or damaged materials and fines, fees and other debts accrued by a minor child.

  10. The Library will release circulation records of a minor child to a parent or guardian only upon presentation of the child’s library card or card number, or if the materials are lost, damaged or overdue. The reference questions of minor children will be considered privileged information as determined by state law and professional ethics.

    The Library is not responsible for any consequences of parents forfeiting their responsibilities.

General Public Library Child Safety Guidelines

Child Safety in Public Libraries

Lake County Public Library values children as evidenced in library materials, services and resources offered specifically for children.

Children and their safety are of great concern to Lake County Public Library.

We encourage families and their children to use our libraries, yet we also support parents’ or caregivers’ responsibility for their children’s safety and upbringing. Children, like all library patrons, are expected to behave appropriately. Parents and caregivers, not library staff, are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their children in the library. (see Library Rules of Conduct)

The following areas highlight public library safety for children:

  • Public Areas

    Anyone can enter and leave the building without supervision by the library staff. Parents and caregivers must be reminded that libraries are public places. In libraries, as in all public places, "stranger danger" is a real concern.

    Library staff cannot prevent children from interacting with or leaving the library with persons who are not appropriate caregivers.

    In any situation, parents or caregivers are influenced by various factors whether it is appropriate for a child to be alone in a library, unattended by a responsible caregiver. These factors include:

    • The child’s age, developmental level, social awareness and general health

    • The length of time the child is left unattended

    • How often the child is left alone

    • Whether the child knows how to contact a parent, neighbor, adult friend or relative, if necessary

    Library staff cannot verify the ages of children who come into the facility. If a well-behaved five-year-old plays quietly in a part of the library, staff may not notice that she is unattended. Also, depending on the circumstances, an eight-year-old may require less supervision than a 14-year-old or a disruptive adult.

  • Library Closings

    If the library is closing, at the regular time or in an emergency situation, and an unattended child is left at the library without transportation home, Library Staff will allow the child to call home to remind their parents to pick them up. If the child is unable to contact their parents, Library Staff will remain no longer than 15 minutes after closing. At that time, local law authorities will be contacted and the child will be placed in their care. Under no circumstances shall a staff member drive a child home.

    Exceptions to this policy occur when programming requires children to attend on their own. At these times, children should be brought to the meeting room door prior to the program and be met outside the door at its conclusion.

    Parents are responsible for the conduct of minor children (under 18 years of age) in the library or on library grounds, regardless of whether they accompany their children or not.

  • Library Materials

    In selecting books for children, the Library’s objective is to present a collection that satisfies the informational, recreational, and cultural reading needs and potentials of children from infancy through eighth grade. Books are included which meet the general demands of the majority of children along with books whose special qualities make them valuable to children with special needs, talents, problems, or interests. (see Selection Policy for Children’s Materials - Official Memos Available Upon Request)

    The library is not responsible for a minor’s selection of library materials. The library believes it is the right and responsibility of a parent or guardian to determine what is appropriate material in order to meet personal family standards and guidelines. Therefore, parents are encouraged to accompany their children and to select material with their children or review their children’s selections.

    Parents are encouraged to participate in their child’s choice of reading and in their literacy discovery adventures. Lake County Public Library endorses the Every Child Ready to Read program and offers programs and resources that are age appropriate for children.

  • Meeting Rooms

    Library meeting rooms are primarily used for library related activities and other events co-sponsored by the library.  These activities receive priority above other groups who wish to reserve a meeting room. In all cases, an adult Lake County Public Library cardholder in good standing must take responsibility for the group's use of the room, equipment and conduct of members by signing a reservation and use agreement.  He or she must be present at the library before staff will open the meeting room to the group, and he or she must be present throughout the scheduled meeting.

    Children and youth groups are required to use the meeting rooms under adult supervision. All meetings must be open to the public. Library programs will take precedence over all other activities.  (see Meeting Room Policy)

  • Private Tutoring

    Library premises are available for the use of members of the public to meet their needs in accessing information. As part of its educational mission, the library permits tutoring.

    Independent tutors are not sponsored by the library. All arrangements must be made between the tutor, student, and parents.

    It is preferred that the parent remain in the Library while the child is tutored. The Library assumes no responsibility for children left unattended.

    Use of Study Rooms: Photo Identification is required for Study Room registration.

    Tutors are asked to observe the following guidelines when tutoring in the Library:

    • Tutoring activities are to be confined to designated study areas.

    • Designated areas may not be available if needed for Library programs or activities.

    • Tutoring sessions must be kept as quiet as possible. The Library's policy regarding disruptive behavior applies. (see Library Rules of Conduct)

    • Group tutoring is discouraged.

    • Tutors are responsible for the behavior of the students.

    • Library staff will assist tutors and their students with available library resources.

    • Tutors and students must bring their own supplies. (see Private Tutoring Guidelines - Official Memo Available Upon Request)

  • Keeping Children Safe Online

    The responsibility for minors' use of computers and the Internet rests with their parents or guardians. The Library does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent) like public schools do. Library staff do not act in place of parents providing constant care and supervision of children using library computers.

    The Library provides training on computer basics and the Internet and recommends sites suitable for children, which are included on the Children's Department pages of the Library website.

    The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) is a federal law enacted by Congress to address concerns about access to offensive content over the Internet on school and library computers. At Lake county Public Library we address these concerns using visual observation by staff to the extent practical, and the use of filtering software. Due to the filtering software some sites may end up being blocked even though they contain no objectionable material. The library has established procedures to request unblocking of individual sites.

    The Library recommends that parents discuss the following rules for online safety with their children before permitting them to use the Internet. Lake County Public Library recommends parents and caregivers adhere to www.netsmartz.org guidelines.

    Recommended by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children:

    • I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parents' work address/telephone number, or the name and location of my school without my parents' permission.

    • I will tell my parents right away if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable.

    • I will never agree to get together with someone I "meet" online without first checking with my parents. If my parents agree to the meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and bring my mother or father along.

    • I will never send a person my picture or anything else without first checking with my parents.

    • I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do I will tell my parents right away so that they can contact the online service.

    • I will talk with my parents so that we can set up rules for going online. We will decide upon the time of day that I can be online, the length of time I can be online, and appropriate areas for me to visit. I will not access other areas or break these rules without their permission.

  • Computer Use Policy

Upcoming Events
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Mon, Oct 06, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
From the Alzheimer’s Association - this course covers basic information on the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, stages,... more
From the Alzheimer’s Association - this course covers basic information on the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, stages, risk factors, research and FDA-approved treatments.

Mon, Oct 06, 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.

Cancelled
Mon, Oct 06, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville
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.

Mon, Oct 06, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Certified nutritionist will provide FREE food and nutrition lessons for individuals and groups in our community.

Mon, Oct 06, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
The inspirational true story of Kurt Warner, who overcomes years of challenges to become a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and... more
The inspirational true story of Kurt Warner, who overcomes years of challenges to become a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. Runtime: 1hr52min. Rated PG.

Mon, Oct 06, 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.

Mon, Oct 06, 2:00pm - 4:15pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Come and enjoy this afternoon movie with us! Popcorn and snacks will be served. Seating is limited. Registration is required.

Mon, Oct 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be... more
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be displayed in the library until the next LEGO® Club meeting.
This event is full

Mon, Oct 06, 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

Mon, Oct 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Teens, ages 12 - 18, can join to make and decorate cardboard haunted houses. Supplies are limited. Registration is required.

Mon, Oct 06, 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

Mon, Oct 06, 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.

Mon, Oct 06, 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.

Tue, Oct 07, 10:15am - 10:45am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Oct 07, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.
This event is full

Tue, Oct 07, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register.
This event is full

Tue, Oct 07, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hobart - Children's Program 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.

Tue, Oct 07, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.

Tue, Oct 07, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Children's Program Room
Join us for this month's travel film about Bavaria. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Tue, Oct 07, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Baby, toddler and caregiver hour to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and toys!

Tue, Oct 07, 11:00am - 11:30am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Oct 07, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
In this program, toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft. Registration required.

Tue, Oct 07, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an... more
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an emphasis on important early pre-reading skills.

Tue, Oct 07, 12:00pm - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Children, ages 2-5, are invited to join us in the Children's Programming Room to play with unique toys and socialize.

Tue, Oct 07, 3:30pm - 4:45pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Come play Minecraft on our Raspberry Pi computers and Nintendo Switch! For ages 8-18.

Tue, Oct 07, 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.

Tue, Oct 07, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Children will learn about famous artists by creating similar masterpieces using a variety of art materials.

Tue, Oct 07, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Come in to the library and enjoy some crafting!

Tue, Oct 07, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Interested in horror movies? Like being scared? Want to share your favorite books and games that make you terrified? Come by to learn... more
Interested in horror movies? Like being scared? Want to share your favorite books and games that make you terrified? Come by to learn more about the horror genre and get some recs! Plus book bingo!

Wed, Oct 08, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
This story time program is filled with rhymes, books, music and movement designed to foster early literacy skills.

Wed, Oct 08, 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.

Wed, Oct 08, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Baby, toddler, and caregiver hour to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and toys!

Wed, Oct 08, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Wed, Oct 08, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Homeschool children are invited to attend a program exploring a STEAM topic each session. The only requirement is imagination and... more
Homeschool children are invited to attend a program exploring a STEAM topic each session. The only requirement is imagination and registration!

Wed, Oct 08, 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.

Wed, Oct 08, 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

Wed, Oct 08, 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! 

Wed, Oct 08, 5:30pm - 6:45pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join the Page Turners Book Discussion as we discuss Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister. Books are available at the circulation... more
Join the Page Turners Book Discussion as we discuss Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister. Books are available at the circulation desk. Please register.

Wed, Oct 08, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Come to the library to use our LEGO® blocks to build what you want!

Wed, Oct 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Children, in grades K-5, will create unique works of art while we learn about different art styles, mediums, and famous artists.
This event is full

Wed, Oct 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
This month we will be making smoking cauldron art prints! Space is limited. Registration is required for all attendees.

Wed, Oct 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Children's Area
Children and their families are invited to come and read to certified therapy dogs.

Wed, Oct 08, 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... more
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!

Wed, Oct 08, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens (ages 12-17) are invited to become part of the Teen Advisory board. To plan for a future gaming tournament, video and board games... more
Teens (ages 12-17) are invited to become part of the Teen Advisory board. To plan for a future gaming tournament, video and board games will be used. Attendees can earn volunteer hours.

Thu, Oct 09, 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, Oct 09, 10:30am - 11:30am
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.

Thu, Oct 09, 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

Thu, Oct 09, 11:15am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room A
The Real Reads book discussion group will read "Leadership in Turbulent Times" by Goodwin. Books for this discussion can be picked up at... more
The Real Reads book discussion group will read "Leadership in Turbulent Times" by Goodwin. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch a month prior to the event.

Thu, Oct 09, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Join us for a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and an in person craft that teach pre-reading/reading skills.... more
Join us for a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and an in person craft that teach pre-reading/reading skills. This program is for kids 4-6 years of age and their caregivers.
This event is full

Thu, Oct 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Learn the basics of crochet to get you started on a new project.

Thu, Oct 09, 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... more
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.

Thu, Oct 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Children (ages 6-11) may free build with the library's LEGO® bricks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be displayed in... more
Children (ages 6-11) may free build with the library's LEGO® bricks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be displayed in the library until the next LEGO® Club meeting. Please register.

Thu, Oct 09, 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

Thu, Oct 09, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
New venue Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Teens are invited to play in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign with one of our librarians as game master!
This event is full

Thu, Oct 09, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Learn how to make a beautiful star to hang in your room!

Thu, Oct 09, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for our Thursday evening group of Adult Dungeons and Dragons! In this group, we'll work our way through the Curse of Strahd module.

Thu, Oct 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Leigh Bardugo about Six of Crows, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the book's... more
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Leigh Bardugo about Six of Crows, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the book's publishing.

Thu, Oct 09, 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.

Fri, Oct 10, 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.

Fri, Oct 10, 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!

Sat, Oct 11, 10:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Paint a 3D wooden pumpkin to add to your fall decor! All materials will be provided. Space is limited. Registration is required.
This event is full

Sat, Oct 11, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Various block stations will be set up for interactive play for children and their caregivers.

Tue, Oct 14, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.

Tue, Oct 14, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Join Clifford Havens for an exploration of the current state of Medicare and understanding what the different options entail.

Tue, Oct 14, 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

Tue, Oct 14, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to a storytime featuring age appropriate stories, fingerplays, and songs that teach early... more
Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to a storytime featuring age appropriate stories, fingerplays, and songs that teach early literacy skills.

Tue, Oct 14, 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.

Tue, Oct 14, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

Tue, Oct 14, 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

Tue, Oct 14, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.
This event is full

Tue, Oct 14, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
This overview offers a breakdown of Medicare, including Parts A, B, C, and D, eligibility, and enrollment basics.

Tue, Oct 14, 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

Tue, Oct 14, 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.

Tue, Oct 14, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
The Friends of LCPL will host their bi-monthly meeting.

Tue, Oct 14, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join our Circle of Readers as we discuss The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry.

Tue, Oct 14, 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

Tue, Oct 14, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come and play in a game with one of our librarians as GM.

Tue, Oct 14, 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.

Tue, Oct 14, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Create art using the glue resist method & your imagination. Some pre-glued projects will be available. Registration required. All... more
Create art using the glue resist method & your imagination. Some pre-glued projects will be available. Registration required. All Ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs.