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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

2023 Friends Officers

President:
  Kathy Mikulich
Vice President:
  Teresa Tressler
Secretary:
   Jennifer LeRose
Treasurer:
   Jennifer Burnison

Download the Membership Form

Upcoming Events
Comfort Reading With a Dog - LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs
Fri, Nov 22, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart Branch Library - 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.
Power Paws for Kids
Sat, Nov 23, 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.
Mushing Through Alaska! - Sponsored by the LCPL Foundation
Sat, Nov 23, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Learn what it's like to be a musher - meet three-time participant in the 1000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, Karen Land, and her... more
Learn what it's like to be a musher - meet three-time participant in the 1000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, Karen Land, and her Alaskan husky, Noggin! Space is limited, registration is a must.
Performance by Joe Rauen - Sponsored by the LCPL Foundation
Sat, Nov 23, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come enjoy an engaging, funny, memorable concert by musician Joe Rauen! Rauen creates and plays one of a kind instruments made out of... more
Come enjoy an engaging, funny, memorable concert by musician Joe Rauen! Rauen creates and plays one of a kind instruments made out of household items!
This event is full
Adult Craft: Mini Holiday Village Cottages
Sat, Nov 23, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Put a spin on the typical holiday village as you embellish your own DIY winter cottage. Registration is REQUIRED; materials are limited.... more
Put a spin on the typical holiday village as you embellish your own DIY winter cottage. Registration is REQUIRED; materials are limited. For ages 18 and over.
This event is full
Bingo at the Library!
Sat, Nov 23, 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.
This event is full
One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
Mon, Nov 25, 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
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston - Book Buddies
Mon, Nov 25, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us for a book discussion! Clementine forms a plan to make sure her heart doesn't get broken. Will she be able to keep to that... more
Join us for a book discussion! Clementine forms a plan to make sure her heart doesn't get broken. Will she be able to keep to that plan or will she fall for the mysterious man who enters her life?
Teen Advisory Board - Game Night
Mon, Nov 25, 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. We'll brainstorm and... more
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.
A Dickens Tale - Sponsored by the Lake County Public Library Foundation
Mon, Nov 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Experience Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" presented live in this two actor cast from Bright Star Children's Theater. All ages are... more
Experience Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" presented live in this two actor cast from Bright Star Children's Theater. All ages are invited! Please register.
Junk Journaling for Adults
Mon, Nov 25, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us as we turn our junk into journaling creations!
This event is full
LEGO® Club (Grades K-5)
Mon, Nov 25, 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 Book Tea
Mon, Nov 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room,Munster Zoom Room
Teens, let's spill about books! Each month we'll read and talk about a different book. In November we are reading Code Name Verity by... more
Teens, let's spill about books! Each month we'll read and talk about a different book. In November we are reading Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein. Pick up books @ Munster Branch.
Whodunit? Adult Mystery Club
Mon, Nov 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us for this new monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?".... more
Join us for this new monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?". This month we will solve the "Mystery at Stargazer's Manor"!
Teen & Adult: Stitched Medicine Bags
Mon, Nov 25, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Join this beginner level class and learn to make a leather medicine bag. All supplies are provided.
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Tue, Nov 26, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that teach early literacy skills. Please register all attending.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months
Tue, Nov 26, 10:30am - 10:50am
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.
This event is full
Paint'n Time
Tue, Nov 26, 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, Nov 26, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us for this storytime featuring books, songs, and a craft.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months
Tue, Nov 26, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed... more
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills. Please register all attending.
This event is full
Storytime: Ages 2-3
Tue, Nov 26, 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
Homeschool Hangout (Grades K-12)
Tue, Nov 26, 10:30am - 11:30am
Hobart - Programming Room
Homeschoolers, come hang with your peers! Educational and social opportunities will be available.
New Parent & Cargiver Meet Up
Tue, Nov 26, 11:00am - 11:30am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Parents and caregivers of children, birth-23 months, are welcome to chat with one another and enjoy a refreshment while children explore... more
Parents and caregivers of children, birth-23 months, are welcome to chat with one another and enjoy a refreshment while children explore with books and puzzles! Registration is required.
Coffee & Coloring
Tue, Nov 26, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Relax via this coloring for adults open session. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea while getting creative with no pressure for... more
Relax via this coloring for adults open session. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea while getting creative with no pressure for perfection. Coloring materials provided.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth - 23 Months
Tue, Nov 26, 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.
The Code Breaker by Water Isaacson - Fact or Fiction Book Club
Tue, Nov 26, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the Fact or Fiction Book Club in discussing "The Code Breaker" by Walter Isaacson. Copies are available at the Highland Branch.
Teen: Adventurers Wanted!
Tue, Nov 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",... 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, Nov 26, 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.
Board Meeting
Tue, Nov 26, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
Meeting of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees
Mother Goose on the Loose: Ages Birth – 23 Months
Wed, Nov 27, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - 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.
Caregivers & Coffee Hour
Wed, Nov 27, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our story time for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Toys will be available... more
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our story time for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Toys will be available for children to play. Storytime attendance is not required.
Off the Hook
Wed, Nov 27, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the... more
Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the company every Wednesday! All crafts are welcome.
Teen Gaming
Wed, Nov 27, 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.
Crochet @ Your Library
Wed, Nov 27, 3:30pm - 4:45pm
Cedar Lake
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!
Kids' Discovery Hour (Grades K-6)
Wed, Nov 27, 3:30pm - 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 Lego, art projects, movies, and... more
Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include Lego, art projects, movies, and more! No registration required.
Rescheduled
Crochet @ Your Library
Wed, Nov 27, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
New date Wednesday, November 27, 3:30pm - 4:45pm
Cedar Lake - 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!
Kids Chess Open Play: Ages 6-18
Sat, Nov 30, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Children are welcome to come and play chess in our meeting room! Chess boards will be provided if you don't have one!
See all events