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Friends of the Lake County Public Library

We are an independent, nonprofit citizens' organization dedicated to assisting in the development of the Lake County Public Library into one of the finest community libraries.

For example, did you know that LCPL's Summer Reading events wouldn't happen if it wasn't for the Friends of the Library? The Friends support LCPL events by covering supply costs and speaker fees so we're able to hold amazing programs and invite presenters to the library - which helps everyone in Lake County learn new things and expand their horizons!

Fellowship with other library Friends

Raise funds in support of the library

Invest in Lake County Public Library's future

Encourage gifts, endowments, and memorials

Nurture knowledge of the library

Develop library services & special community programs

Stimulate public support

Support the Friends

There are many ways you can support the Friends of the Library and Summer Reading!

Visit the book sale room or the sale racks at the branches. We also hold an annual book sale with many more items. All proceeds from these sales go to the Friends.

And of course you can always join the Friends!

Join the Friends!

Why We Need You:

  • LCPL's Summer Reading Challenge is 100% funded by the Friends of the Library! The Friends wisely use membership fees and donations to sponsor fun programs and classes, as well as prizes.

  • The FRIENDS sponsor LCPL's 1000 Books Before Kindergarten reading challenge.

  • FRIENDS contribute to the acquisition of books, video and audio materials, equipment, and other library materials for the entire community.

  • The FRIENDS, by spreading knowledge of the Library, will enlarge its place in Lake County's cultural, civic, scientific and business life, and increase its daily use in the community.

  • FRIENDS encourage gifts of books and special collections to the Lake County Public Library which would be lost to the public were it not for your support.

Being a FRIEND Has Benefits!

Your FRIENDS organization runs an in-house Book Sale Room, open five days a week. Our annual book sales enrich library resources and secure library equipment for purposes of public use and enjoyment. Friends get early access to the annual Fall Book Sale!

Membership dues to the FRIENDS, as well as monetary gifts and book contributions, are deductible for income tax purposes.

Another -- more personal -- benefit of being a FRIEND, is the opportunity to meet other Lake County Public Library patrons who are equally interested in supporting the Library.

The quality of our Library depends on your participation. Your support will ensure continued quality library service.

Be a FRIEND and Join Today!!

If you would like to be a FRIEND, stop by the library to pick up the membership form or download the form and mail it to:

Lake County Public Library
1919 W 81st Ave
Merrillville, Indiana
46410

2025 Friends Officers

President:
  Kathy Mikulich
Vice President:
  Teresa Tressler
Secretary:
   Gayle Krekovich
Treasurer:
   Jennifer Burnison

Download the Membership Form

Upcoming Events
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Thursday Threaders
Thu, Dec 18, 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.
The 39 Steps - Classic Film
Thu, Dec 18, 10:30am - 12:00pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Join us for this month's classic film, The 39 Steps. Runtime: 1 hr & 26 mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months
Thu, Dec 18, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
For this storytime babies and toddlers will participate in stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and music activities designed to... more
For this storytime babies and toddlers will participate in stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and music activities designed to enhance important pre-literacy skills.
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Thu, Dec 18, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program 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.
Cancelled
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Thu, Dec 18, 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.
Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen - Between the Lines Book Discussion
Thu, Dec 18, 11:15am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "Other Birds" by Sarah Addison Allen. Books for this discussion can be picked up... more
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "Other Birds" by Sarah Addison Allen. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch a month prior to the event.
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Thu, Dec 18, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
Program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities.... more
Program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help to develop important pre-literacy skills.
This event is full
No Strangers Here by Carlene O'Conner - Munster Book Discussion
Thu, Dec 18, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
New venue Munster - Children's Program Room
Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion of Carlene O'Conner's "No Strangers Here". Copies are available at the Munster branch.
Reading Hour
Thu, Dec 18, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Meet for an hour to read, drink tea or coffee, and casual conversation about reading.
Cancelled
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Thu, Dec 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
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.
Adult Craft Night: Terracotta Snowman
Thu, Dec 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Learn how to make a terracotta snowman in our next adult craft night! All supplies will be provided.
This event is full
Teen: Happy Holiday Cards for Aviva Memory Care
Thu, Dec 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join the library in writing and decorating cards for residents at Aviva Merrillville Memory Care for the holiday season!
Polar Express PJ Party
Thu, Dec 18, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Families are invited to wear their PJs and enjoy our hot cocoa bar as we show The Polar Express on the big screen. PJs are encouraged... more
Families are invited to wear their PJs and enjoy our hot cocoa bar as we show The Polar Express on the big screen. PJs are encouraged but not required.
Morning Mix: Ages 18 and Over - Jigsaw Puzzles, Coloring, Crosswords, & Word Searches
Fri, Dec 19, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Stop in anytime during these sessions to work on a provided puzzle, crossword, word search or coloring sheet. All supplies provides.... more
Stop in anytime during these sessions to work on a provided puzzle, crossword, word search or coloring sheet. All supplies provides. Coffee, tea, and water will be available.
Mahjong Meet Up - Open Play: Ages 18+
Fri, Dec 19, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
For seasoned players and beginners. On-site supplies are limited, it is recommended that you bring your own set. Open play Mahjong is... more
For seasoned players and beginners. On-site supplies are limited, it is recommended that you bring your own set. Open play Mahjong is every third Friday.
Teen and Tween Meet the Cube: Ages 7-15 - Rubik's Cube for Beginners
Fri, Dec 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... more
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.
Comfort Reading With a Dog - LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs
Fri, Dec 19, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart Branch - 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 for all ages.
Building Blocks to Literacy
Sat, Dec 20, 10:00am - 11:30am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Kids ages 6 months through 3 years old, and their caregivers, will enjoy interacting at various block play stations. Special blocks for... more
Kids ages 6 months through 3 years old, and their caregivers, will enjoy interacting at various block play stations. Special blocks for older kids will also be available on high tables.
Knitting & Crochet Club
Sat, Dec 20, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Bring your yarn, hooks and needles from home and join us to knit and crochet with fellow crafters while working on your project without... more
Bring your yarn, hooks and needles from home and join us to knit and crochet with fellow crafters while working on your project without the interruptions of home. All are welcome.
Cancelled
Yoga & Breathing
Sat, Dec 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... more
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.
Power Paws for Kids
Sat, Dec 20, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Branch - Children's department
Children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.
Craft and Chat
Sat, Dec 20, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Bring your craft projects from home and join us to chat with fellow crafters while working on your project without the interruptions of... more
Bring your craft projects from home and join us to chat with fellow crafters while working on your project without the interruptions of home. All are welcome.
Cancelled
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Mon, Dec 22, 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.
Reindeer Games
Mon, Dec 22, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Compete in a series of fast-paced games and activities that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit!
Storytime: Ages 4-5
Mon, Dec 22, 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, Dec 22, 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.
Teen Cooking: Gingerbread Cookies
Mon, Dec 22, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The holidays are here! Whether you celebrate or not, it's hard to say no to cookies. Teens, come by to make gingerbread men from... more
The holidays are here! Whether you celebrate or not, it's hard to say no to cookies. Teens, come by to make gingerbread men from scratch! We'll decorate sugar cookies while they bake.
This event is full
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Mon, Dec 22, 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.
LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)
Mon, Dec 22, 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.
Whodunit? Adult Mystery Club
Mon, Dec 22, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room,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 solve the "Murder in the North Pole"?
STEAM Club (Grades K-6)
Mon, Dec 22, 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.
Paint'n Time
Tue, Dec 23, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!
Storytime: Ages 4-5
Tue, Dec 23, 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.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months
Tue, Dec 23, 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
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months
Tue, Dec 23, 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.
Laugh for Your Health - Presented by Laugh with Kathy
Tue, Dec 23, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Join Kathy, a Certified Laughter Leader-Expert, for this 8-week series to relieve mental and physical discomfort by laughing!
Tuesday Time Out
Tue, Dec 23, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Take a time out this fourth Tuesday from holiday planning for some calming music, word puzzles, coloring sheets, & other relaxing... more
Take a time out this fourth Tuesday from holiday planning for some calming music, word puzzles, coloring sheets, & other relaxing activities.
Teen: Adventurers Wanted!
Tue, Dec 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",... 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. 
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Tue, Dec 23, 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.
Mahjong Open Play: Ages 18 & Over
Fri, Dec 26, 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.
Bingo at the Library!
Sat, Dec 27, 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.
See all events