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LCPL: Beyond Books

Library Services

What can the library do for you?

How about help you learn to use your electronic devices? Or help you track down your great-great-great-aunt? We can recommend a good book, and get it to you for free. We can talk to your students about research, we can help them do that research, and we can give them a place to work on school projects. ¿No hablas Inglés? We can help with that, too. Basically, there's no end to what a library can do for you if you use it!

And, did we mention - all of the services mentioned above and most of the ones below are provided to our patrons completely free.

Puzzle Exchange

Take a puzzle, leave a puzzle! Available at Cedar Lake, Dyer-Schererville, Griffith-Calumet Twp, Hobart, and St. John branches. Puzzles with no missing pieces only, please!

Seed Libraries

Find seed libraries at Cedar Lake, Highland, Hobart, and Lake Station-New Chicago. Take a seed to plant in your yard; as you harvest, consider saving seeds to return to the library!

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Children in LCPL school districts under the age of 5 are eligible to receive one free book every month! Learn More...

Talking Books & Braille Library

Free library service to Indiana residents who cannot use standard printed materials. Learn more...

The Libratory

A place to explore, create, experiment, and digitize. Specializing in quick, easy photoscanning - grab your box of old photos and make an appointment today! Learn More...

Public Meeting Rooms

Need a space for your group to meet? How about a smaller room for studying? All of our locations have meeting rooms available to the public! Learn More...

Scan/Fax Capability

Scan photos and documents and send them to your phone, USB, Google Drive, and more! Learn more...

Outreach

We speak to schools, rotary groups, historical societies, community groups and more about how the library's resources can help with specific projects. Call your branch to schedule a talk for your group!

Genealogy

Use library resources to trace your roots. We have online databases that patrons can access for free, as well as local records in our Indiana Room at Merrillville branch. Learn more...

Reader's Advisory

We'll help you, personally, find a book you'll like. Seriously, we're really good at this. Just ask. You can also use our pre-made suggestions and tools for finding books.

Proctoring

Every branch offers proctoring services for open book, closed book, and online exams. Contact your branch to schedule an exam.

Research Specialists

There's no source more reliable than a librarian. We'll find you answers you can trust from reputable sources. Ask us anything online, in person, or over the phone.

English as a Second Language

If you'd like to improve your English speaking, reading, and writing skills, we can help with classes geared to every skill level. We also offer classes for those about to attempt the U.S. Citizenship Exam. Learn more...

Interlibrary Loan

If we don't have a book you're looking for in our collection, we'll get it for you from another library and bring it to the branch of your choice for you to check out - and no, there is no cost to you. Learn more...

Library Tours & Group Visits

Set up a library tour or group visit by calling your branch. This is especially helpful for students who need to learn to use the library for class projects. If you plan to bring a large group, please call ahead of time so that we can prepare space! Learn more...

Public Computers

Our public PCs come equipped with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software in addition to Internet access and printing. Anyone with a library card can use them!

Classes/Programs

From early literacy classes to crafting classes, there's no end to what you can learn at the library. We have programs and classes for all ages, from newborn infants to senior citizens, all free with your library card. Learn more...

What More Could You Want?

Have you got a service in mind that you wish the library provided? Are you not sure if we can help with something specific? Just ask! You can fill out our Ask a Librarian form or give us a call. All feedback, suggestions, and questions are appreciated.

Upcoming Events
Mon, Aug 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

Mon, Aug 25, 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, Aug 25, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Lucy is able to share her love of books with her students, including The Clock Island Book series. She wins a contest to stay on the... more
Lucy is able to share her love of books with her students, including The Clock Island Book series. She wins a contest to stay on the author's private island but he has some surprises up his sleeve.

Mon, Aug 25, 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, Aug 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Teens are invited to help the Highland branch create projects and programs that you would like to attend. Ages 12 – 18.

Mon, Aug 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us for this monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?".... more
Join us for this monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?". This month we'll play a classic game of Clue!
This event is full

Tue, Aug 26, 10:30am - 11:30am
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Homeschoolers, come hang with your peers! Educational and social opportunities will be available.
This event is full

Tue, Aug 26, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

Tue, Aug 26, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us as we play bingo and win some small prizes, while supplies last. All ability programs are geared towards adults with special... more
Join us as we play bingo and win some small prizes, while supplies last. All ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Registration required.
This event is full

Tue, Aug 26, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the Fact or Fiction Book Club in discussing "Weyward" by Emilia Hart. Copies are available at the Highland Branch.

Tue, Aug 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.
This event is full

Tue, Aug 26, 4:00pm - 5:15pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Have you seen people playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and want to try it yourself? We will be playing the fantasy RPG "Dragonbane",... 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. 

Tue, Aug 26, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Have you ever thought Dungeons & Dragons seemed like a cool game, but it should take place in space? If so, StarFinder is the game for... more
Have you ever thought Dungeons & Dragons seemed like a cool game, but it should take place in space? If so, StarFinder is the game for you! Come and enjoy Paizo's ttrpg space adventure game!

Cancelled
Tue, Aug 26, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life... more
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (ages 14-18) are welcome.

Tue, Aug 26, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join the Calumet Astronomical Society to learn about various cosmic topics!

Wed, Aug 27, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Wed, Aug 27, 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, Aug 27, 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, Aug 27, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Teens are welcome to join us for an evening of gaming, board games, and puzzles! Test your skills and get ready for a night of great... more
Teens are welcome to join us for an evening of gaming, board games, and puzzles! Test your skills and get ready for a night of great vibes and unforgettable moments!

Cancelled
Wed, Aug 27, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago
Join us for a game night for the grown ups. We will have various board games and the Nintendo Switch/Wii. You can also bring your own!

Wed, Aug 27, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Learn more about genealogy with genealogist Herb Smith! We'll discuss the latest techniques to trace your family history, advances in... more
Learn more about genealogy with genealogist Herb Smith! We'll discuss the latest techniques to trace your family history, advances in genealogical technology, and more.

Wed, Aug 27, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
A selection of board games (and snacks!) will be provided for you and fellow teens to play. A Nintendo Switch and XBox will be available... more
A selection of board games (and snacks!) will be provided for you and fellow teens to play. A Nintendo Switch and XBox will be available with multiple games. Registration is required. For ages 10-18.

Thu, Aug 28, 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, Aug 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join us for this small group class all about learning library apps. You must bring your own device. Registration required.

Thu, Aug 28, 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

Rescheduled
Thu, Aug 28, 11:15am - 12:30pm
New date Wednesday, August 20, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "Beyond That, the Sea" by Laura Spence-Ash. Books for this discussion can be... more
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "Beyond That, the Sea" by Laura Spence-Ash. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch a month prior to the event.

Thu, Aug 28, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Dr. Tasha Eurich about Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos.

Thu, Aug 28, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Our speaker will be Mike Hall from the Lake County Public Library Libratory. Tour and learn about the services offered through The... more
Our speaker will be Mike Hall from the Lake County Public Library Libratory. Tour and learn about the services offered through The Libratory. https://www.lcplin.org/libratory

Thu, Aug 28, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion of Colleen Oakley's "The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise". Copies are available at... more
Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion of Colleen Oakley's "The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise". Copies are available at the Munster branch.

Cancelled
Thu, Aug 28, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago
Every last Thursday, meet for an hour to read, drink tea or coffee, and casual conversation about reading.

Thu, Aug 28, 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, Aug 28, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
Meeting of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees

Cancelled
Thu, Aug 28, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life... more
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (ages 14-18) are welcome.

Tue, Sep 02, 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.

Tue, Sep 02, 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, Sep 02, 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, Sep 02, 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, Sep 02, 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, Sep 02, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Children's Program Room
Join us for this month's travel film about California. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Tue, Sep 02, 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, Sep 02, 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, Sep 02, 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 required.

Tue, Sep 02, 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, Sep 02, 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, Sep 02, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Come in to the library and enjoy some crafting!

Wed, Sep 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Wed, Sep 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Explore writing about milestones and memories in short, powerful micro memoirs.

Wed, Sep 03, 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.

Cancelled
Wed, Sep 03, 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.

Wed, Sep 03, 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, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Hannah Nicole Maehrer about Accomplice to the Villain, and the Assistant to the... more
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Hannah Nicole Maehrer about Accomplice to the Villain, and the Assistant to the Villain series.

Wed, Sep 03, 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, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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.
This event is full

Wed, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens can earn volunteer hours by making decorations and displays for TeenTober, a nationwide celebration of teens every... more
Teens can earn volunteer hours by making decorations and displays for TeenTober, a nationwide celebration of teens every October! Grades 6-12. Snacks will be provided. Registration required.