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Purchase Requests & Interlibrary Loans

Please note that only Full Access patrons may use our Interlibrary Loan/Purchase Request service!

You may have 5 requests active at any one time (requests for digital materials do not count toward this total).

How to Place a Request

  1. Check our catalog first! (Looking for ebooks or downloadable audiobooks? Go here.)

  2. If the item you want is not in our catalog, click the Purchase Request/Interlibrary Loan link that appears at the top of your search results. (If you're on mobile, tap Search Options to find the Purchase Request/Interlibrary Loan link).

    Desktop:
    The Purchase Request link is located under the search bar in the catalog
    Mobile: where to find the purhcase request link on mobile

  3. In the window that opens, check the box next to OCLC WorldCat and click Set Databases.
    Select WorldCat to find a book not in our collection

  4. Click 'Go!' to run your search again. (Tip: Use "quotation marks" to search for an exact phrase and use the drop-down Search By menu to specify that you're looking for a title. When all else fails, search by ISBN!)
    Tips: Use quotation marks and the drop down menus to make a more specific search. When all else fails, try ISBN!

  5. When you find the title you were looking for, Click the "Place Request" button.
    Click Place Reqest when you find your title.

    If you're not already logged in, you will have to enter your library card and PIN.
    Please note: Requests can only be completed by Full Access card holders.
    If you are blocked from placing a request due to overdue items, please contact us - we want to help!

  6. If you can't find the item in the World Catalog, call us at (219) 769-3541 or use our 24/7 Ask a Librarian service. We'll help you out!

Following these steps works even if the item you need is out of print or very old - if we can't buy it for our collection, we'll find another library that will loan it to us!

Still Have Questions?

See our Interlibrary Loan & Purchase Request FAQs. If you need more help, you can always use our Ask a Librarian form - available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


Request eBooks & eAudiobooks

You can also request digital materials to add to the library's Overdrive/Libby collection using Notify Me tags! Here's how.

Some things to keep in mind: 

  • First, check our digital collection to see if we have the item. You should check both Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla

  • If the title is not available in EITHER collection, search for it in Overdrive/Libby and add a Notify Me tag to the title.
    Please note: If the title is available in Hoopla, we will not purchase it for Overdrive/Libby.

  • If we purchase the title, you'll be notified - but you won't be automatically added to the holds list. This is because you get unlimited Notify Me tags and we can't choose for you which titles you want to use your holds on!

  • Your tags are anonymous - we only see the number of tags on a title, not any information about you.

New at LCPL

Looking for something new? These titles have just hit our shelves!

Upcoming Events
Sat, Nov 02, 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... more
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.

Sat, Nov 02, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials.... more
Create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials. Class begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.

Sat, Nov 02, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for Yoga at the library! Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for... more
Join us for Yoga at the library! Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Sat, Nov 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
In this program, participants will get the opportunity to read to a therapy dog. Ages 6-11. Registration is required.

Sat, Nov 02, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Alfred Hitchcock directed this Oscar-winning Daphne du Maurier story of a marriage haunted by the aura of the husband's dead first wife.... more
Alfred Hitchcock directed this Oscar-winning Daphne du Maurier story of a marriage haunted by the aura of the husband's dead first wife. Runtime: 2 hours;10 mins.

Sat, Nov 02, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Celebrate the Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos and paint a sugar skull canvas painting. All supplies will be provided. Must Register.

Mon, Nov 04, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
This programs aims to help prepare adults to pass the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS.

Mon, Nov 04, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join us for music and fun. Miss Caitlin is a local music teacher and performer who loves sharing music with families!
This event is full

Mon, Nov 04, 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.

Mon, Nov 04, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
The famous archaeologist races against time to retrieve a legendary dial that can change the course of history. Runtime: 142 mins... more
The famous archaeologist races against time to retrieve a legendary dial that can change the course of history. Runtime: 142 mins Rating: PG-13

Mon, Nov 04, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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, Nov 04, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Teens will need to work together to discover practical solutions they can use to combat dangerous conditions. This escape room is... more
Teens will need to work together to discover practical solutions they can use to combat dangerous conditions. This escape room is presented by the Lake County Solid Waste Management District.

Mon, Nov 04, 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.

Mon, Nov 04, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12.... more
Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12. Please register.

Mon, Nov 04, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
English classes are for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free.

Mon, Nov 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Inviting teens, ages 12-18, to TAB, LEGO®, and Board Game Night. Play games and help plan upcoming teen programs for the Highland... more
Inviting teens, ages 12-18, to TAB, LEGO®, and Board Game Night. Play games and help plan upcoming teen programs for the Highland branch. Registration required. Snacks will be provided.

Mon, Nov 04, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Significant and unprecedented changes are coming to Medicare in 2025; are you ready? Come to a FREE educational presentation for answers to... more
Significant and unprecedented changes are coming to Medicare in 2025; are you ready? Come to a FREE educational presentation for answers to your Medicare questions! Please register.

Tue, Nov 05, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Children's Program Room
Join us for this month's travel film about New York. Runtime: 60 mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Tue, Nov 05, 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, Nov 05, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote... more
This is a 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 each child and adult.
This event is full

Tue, Nov 05, 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, Nov 05, 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.

Tue, Nov 05, 11:30am - 12:15pm
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, Nov 05, 11:30am - 11:50am
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 is... more
In this program, toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft. Registration is required.

Tue, Nov 05, 12:00pm - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Children, ages 2-4, are invited to join us in the Children's Programming Room to play with unique toys and socialize.

Tue, Nov 05, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Join us for a fun and educational afternoon playing Environmental BINGO! Participants will learn interesting environmental facts while... more
Join us for a fun and educational afternoon playing Environmental BINGO! Participants will learn interesting environmental facts while trying to fill their board. Small prizes will be awarded.

Tue, Nov 05, 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, Nov 05, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us on our journey! This is a family friendly Dungeons and Dragons campaign for preteens. We will be using Heroes of Sol'an - 5th... more
Join us on our journey! This is a family friendly Dungeons and Dragons campaign for preteens. We will be using Heroes of Sol'an - 5th edition. New players are welcome.

Wed, Nov 06, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
This program aims to prepare adults to take the Citizenship test in Chicago-USCIS. Intermediate English level is required.

Wed, Nov 06, 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.

Wed, Nov 06, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
The Basement Bunch with Debbie Rodriguez will be hosting a series of classes on how to make greeting cards.

Wed, Nov 06, 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.

Wed, Nov 06, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
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!

Wed, Nov 06, 5:30pm - 6:00pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Celebrate Picture Book Month by bringing along a stuffed animal for an evening filled with stories, songs, and fun! You can even let... more
Celebrate Picture Book Month by bringing along a stuffed animal for an evening filled with stories, songs, and fun! You can even let your stuffed friends stay overnight at the library!
This event is full

Wed, Nov 06, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the... more
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the adventure! Seats are limited, so registration is required.
This event is full

Wed, Nov 06, 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.... more
Teens get volunteer hours! Help plan programs and projects at the library. Interested teens, ages 11 - 17, can attend. Zoom available. Please register.

Wed, Nov 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will decorate a wood slice using paint and other craft supplies! Ages 12-18. Registration required.

Wed, Nov 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us as we use the new Charlie Cart to make vegetable stock. We will focus on cutting basics and sharing seasonal stories. Each... more
Join us as we use the new Charlie Cart to make vegetable stock. We will focus on cutting basics and sharing seasonal stories. Each participant will leave with their base stock. Please register.

Wed, Nov 06, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Tweens and teens (ages 10 to 15) are invited on a Food Adventure featuring Turkey Treats. To ensure there is enough supplies and to... more
Tweens and teens (ages 10 to 15) are invited on a Food Adventure featuring Turkey Treats. To ensure there is enough supplies and to address food allergies, registration is required. 

Thu, Nov 07, 10:15am - 10:45am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement. Please... more
Babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement. Please register all children and adults that will attend.

Thu, Nov 07, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas... more
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas with other crafters during this program.

Thu, Nov 07, 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, Nov 07, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This storytime features stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that promote pre-reading skills. Please register each child and adult... more
This storytime features stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that promote pre-reading skills. Please register each child and adult attending. Registration ends 24 hours before the storytime.
This event is full

Thu, Nov 07, 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.

Thu, Nov 07, 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, Nov 07, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us for this storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that... more
Join us for this 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.

Thu, Nov 07, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Elementary aged homeschool students are invited to join us for a unique art or STEM project each month.

Thu, Nov 07, 11:15am - 11:45am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement. Please... more
Babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement. Please register all children and adults that will attend.

Thu, Nov 07, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a program for toddlers ages 2 and 3, and a caregiver, where they can participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities.... more
This is a program for toddlers ages 2 and 3, and a caregiver, where they can participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help to develop important pre-literacy skills.
This event is full

Thu, Nov 07, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of I Will Find You, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for November. Pick up a copy at the... more
Join the discussion of I Will Find You, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for November. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

Thu, Nov 07, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Teens (ages 12-18), create your own tea blend to match to a character (or theme) of your choice! You decide what to make, but do your... more
Teens (ages 12-18), create your own tea blend to match to a character (or theme) of your choice! You decide what to make, but do your best - other participants will taste-test at the end!

Thu, Nov 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.

Thu, Nov 07, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
To celebrate National Picture Book Month, join us for a True Bluey party! There will be snacks, we will have games like Keepy Uppy, and... more
To celebrate National Picture Book Month, join us for a True Bluey party! There will be snacks, we will have games like Keepy Uppy, and crafts for the whole family. Come have fun with us.

Rescheduled
Thu, Nov 07, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
New date Tuesday, November 05, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville
Join us on our journey! This is a family friendly Dungeons and Dragons campaign for preteens. We will be using Heroes of Sol'an - 5th... more
Join us on our journey! This is a family friendly Dungeons and Dragons campaign for preteens. We will be using Heroes of Sol'an - 5th edition. New players are welcome.

Cancelled
Thu, Nov 07, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville
English classes are for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free.

Thu, Nov 07, 6:00pm - 8:15pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
D&D comes to the Munster Branch Library! Join our campaign for Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk and get to the bottom of what... more
D&D comes to the Munster Branch Library! Join our campaign for Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk and get to the bottom of what is plaguing the town of Phandalin.
This event is full

Thu, Nov 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Zoom
Join a livestream chat with Navajo Ranger, Milford Jr. as he discusses the chilling and insightful memoir of his investigations into... more
Join a livestream chat with Navajo Ranger, Milford Jr. as he discusses the chilling and insightful memoir of his investigations into bizarre cases of the paranormal and the unexplained in Navajoland.

Thu, Nov 07, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
This event is SOLD OUT! Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket - we look forward to seeing you on the 7th!

Thu, Nov 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster Branch Library - Children's area
In this program, children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Thu, Nov 07, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Teens (12-18), try your hands at painting in 3D. Paint a delicious piece of pie using textured paint on canvas.

Fri, Nov 08, 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, Nov 09, 10:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Learn to make a set of 4 cards, complete with a box - perfect for gift giving or keeping for yourself! All materials will be... more
Learn to make a set of 4 cards, complete with a box - perfect for gift giving or keeping for yourself! All materials will be provided. Space is limited. Registration is required.
This event is full

Sat, Nov 09, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - 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.

Sat, Nov 09, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Important changes are coming to Medicare in 2024. Come to a FREE educational presentation at the Library to find out what they are and... more
Important changes are coming to Medicare in 2024. Come to a FREE educational presentation at the Library to find out what they are and get the answers you need to all your Medicare questions! 

Sat, Nov 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Like board games? So do we! Come on in and join us for a fun-filled game session. We provide the games...you provide the energy!

Sat, Nov 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Children may join us for a Book Walk and win books as prizes!  A variety of picture books, board books, children's fiction and... more
Children may join us for a Book Walk and win books as prizes!  A variety of picture books, board books, children's fiction and non-fiction books will be available to choose from. Please register.  
This event is full

Sat, Nov 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Learn how to play Mah Jongg at the library or join the group if you already know the rules. Beginners are welcome! Please register. Ages... more
Learn how to play Mah Jongg at the library or join the group if you already know the rules. Beginners are welcome! Please register. Ages 18 and older.