History buffs and curious minds alike have something special to look forward to this fall. The Northwest Indiana Civil War Roundtable resumes monthly meetings this fall, and each month will offer a fascinating presentation that promises to shed new light on America’s defining conflict.
Mark Your Calendars
All three lectures take place at Crown Point Library at 2 p.m. on their respective Sundays. While registration is appreciated through crownpointlibrary.org/events or by calling (219) 306-4593, walk-ins are welcome as space allows.
The Global Geo-Politics of the American Civil War Sunday, September 14 | 2 p.m.
Historian Steven Alban kicks off the series with an eye-opening exploration of the Civil War’s international dimensions. You might be surprised to learn which foreign powers secretly hoped for America’s division, or how British spies and Russian diplomatic maneuvering contributed to the conflict. Alban will also examine why Abraham Lincoln’s presidency faced opposition that went far beyond American borders.
The Underground Railroad in Northwest Indiana Sunday, October 19 | 2 p.m.
Our own backyard holds secrets that many locals have never heard. Presenter Serena Ard will reveal the hidden history of how Northwest Indiana played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad. This presentation goes beyond the familiar narratives to explore the specific people, places, and challenges that defined this secretive network in our region. You’ll also learn about current efforts to officially connect our area to the National Underground Railroad network.
Alpheus Williams: Union Brigadier Sunday, November 16 | 2 p.m.
Some Civil War figures deserve more recognition than history has given them. Ron Carlson will introduce you to Alpheus Williams, a Union officer who served throughout the entire conflict yet remains largely forgotten today. From the Second Battle of Manassas to Gettysburg, from the Atlanta Campaign to war’s end, Williams was there. Carlson draws from Williams’ personal letters to his daughters, offering an intimate look at leadership, sacrifice, and the human side of command during America’s bloodiest conflict.
For more information about the Northwest Indiana Civil War Roundtable, contact Steve Rudzinski at (219) 293-1606 or email rudzinski6@sbcglobal.net.
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and the Crown Point Community Library is joining libraries nationwide to remind everyone of the many benefits a library card provides. A library card is not only your ticket to books and movies—it’s also your key to free digital resources, educational tools, job search databases, and lifelong learning opportunities.
With a Crown Point Community Library card, you can:
Check out books, movies, and audiobooks
Download eBooks and eAudiobooks through the Libby app and the Indiana Digital Library
Access job and research databases
Support your child’s education with homework help and research resources
Enjoy engaging programs and activities for all ages
Win a Kindle in September In celebration of Library Card Sign-Up Month, every library cardholder who checks out materials during September will be entered into a drawing to win a Kindle Fire (Kid’s Edition or Regular). One entry will be given per visit, per cardholder.
Patrons who use the self-checkout machines can show their receipt at the Circulation Desk to receive their entry ticket. The winner will be drawn on Wednesday, October 1.
It all starts with a library card. Whether you’re learning a new skill, discovering a favorite author, or supporting your child’s academic success, the library is here to help you every step of the way.
Don’t miss out on the endless possibilities. Sign up for your Crown Point Community Library card today.
Students Luke and Stephanie accept the library’s Summer Reading Challenge Trophy, joined by (from left) Alissa Williams, Crown Point Library Youth Services Librarian; Kari Coder, Solon Robinson Librarian; Janna Carney, CPCS Media/Library Coordinator; Barb Merrill, Solon Robinson Principal; and Julie Wendorf, Crown Point Library Director.
This summer, the Crown Point Community Library celebrated a season filled with books, creativity, and community connection through the 2025 Summer Reading Program, Color Your World. From June to July, hundreds of children, teens, and adults participated in engaging programs that encouraged reading and exploration through art, music, science, cooking, and nature.
The program kicked off with a lively Fun Fair at Bulldog Park and continued with a full calendar of events, including outdoor storytimes, family movie nights, craft workshops, nature walks, teen activities, and more. Participants logged thousands of hours of reading, competed for the Summer Reading Championship Trophy, and enjoyed prizes made possible through the support of generous sponsors and community partners.
The success of this year’s program is a testament to the power of collaboration and the community’s shared love of learning. Together, we created a summer filled with imagination, discovery, and fun!
As we turn the page to a new school year, the library looks forward to continuing to support students, families, and lifelong learners with resources, programs, and services designed to inspire growth and success all year long.
The Rotary Club of Crown Point invites you to “Not My Kid,” a powerful and transformative evening that could change how you approach youth mental health and substance use prevention in our community.
About Our Featured Speaker
Stephen Hill isn’t just another motivational speaker – he’s a living testament to the power of recovery, resilience, and second chances. As a nationally recognized speaker, bestselling author, recovery coach, and defense attorney, Hill brings a unique perspective that combines personal experience with professional expertise.
Hill is the founder of Speak Sobriety and has shared his “Not My Kid” message with over 1,000 audiences across the country. His presentations aren’t just inspiring – they’re practical, offering real tools that parents, guardians, and community members can use to support the young people in their lives.
What You’ll Learn
This isn’t a typical lecture. Hill’s “Not My Kid” presentation is designed to:
Educate about mental health and substance use prevention through real-world experiences
Empower parents and guardians with practical coping strategies
Inspire hope and resilience in the face of challenges
Demonstrate how our choices create ripple effects that impact entire communities
Through his “Not My Kid” presentation and personal journey, Hill shows us that recovery is possible and that every person has the power to make a positive impact. The title itself challenges the common belief that addiction and mental health struggles only happen to “other people’s” children – reminding us that these issues can affect any family, and that understanding and preparation are our best defenses.
Why This Matters to Our Community
Mental health and substance use challenges don’t discriminate. They affect families across all economic, social, and cultural lines. By coming together as a community to learn and support one another, we create a stronger safety net for our young people.
This event is part of our free Promoting Youth Mental Health program series – an ongoing commitment to ensuring that every young person in Crown Point has access to the resources, support, and understanding they need to thrive.
Event Details You Need to Know
When: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:00 p.m.) Where: Crown Point Community Library, 122 N. Main Street, Crown Point, IN Cost: Absolutely FREE
How to Register
While walk-ins are welcome, we encourage registration to help us prepare adequate seating and materials:
The first 100 attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Hill’s acclaimed memoir, A Journey in Recovery: Speak Sobriety. This powerful book extends the impact of the evening, providing ongoing inspiration and practical guidance.
Our Community Partners
We’re grateful to partner with the Rotary Club of Crown Point and SAFE (Lake County Supporting Addiction Free Environments) to bring this important program to our community.
Who Should Attend?
This presentation is valuable for:
Parents and guardians
Educators and school staff
Healthcare professionals
Community leaders
Anyone who works with or cares about young people
Teens and young adults (with parent/guardian approval)
Join Us
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, September 24th, and plan to join us for what promises to be an unforgettable evening. Bring a friend, bring your family, and come ready to be inspired, educated, and empowered.
Together, we can create a community where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
Questions? Contact the Julie Wendorf at (219) 306-8071.
The Crown Point Community Library is excited to announce our first-ever Local Author Fair, taking place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Main Library.
This free, public event will showcase authors from across the region who write for all ages and across a variety of genres—from children’s books to adult fiction and non-fiction. Browse author tables, meet the writers, discover new reads, and support local voices. Many authors will have books available for purchase and signing. Whether you’re a lifelong reader, an aspiring writer, or just looking for a fun literary outing, the Local Author Fair is a great opportunity to connect with the creative community. Admission is free and open to all ages.
Local Authors: We Want You!
If you’re a local author interested in participating in the event, we’d love to hear from you! There is no fee to participate, and each selected author will be provided with one table to display and sell their books. Authors must commit to being present for the full event time.
The Local Author Fair will give writers an opportunity to:
Engage directly with readers of all ages
Showcase and sell their books
Network with fellow authors
Share their publishing journey with the community
Interested authors must register by September 1, 2025 using the following link: https://forms.gle/wgN7FDrAXoN9QLgy9. Space is limited. Authors will be notified by email whether they have been accepted or placed on the waitlist.
Celebrating Success: Crown Point Adult Learning Center Graduates 20 Students
The Crown Point Community Library recently had the honor of hosting a milestone event that perfectly embodies our mission of lifelong learning and community empowerment. On June 19, 2025, we celebrated our first formal graduation ceremony for the Crown Point Adult Learning Center, recognizing 20 dedicated students who earned their High School Equivalency (HSE) diplomas this year. This achievement represents the culmination of years of collaborative effort that began in 2016 when the library was awarded the BIG IDEA, BIG IMPACT grant from the Crown Point Community Foundation. This generous funding made it possible to relocate the Crown Point Adult Learning Center into the library in March 2017, complete with a dedicated instructional space. Working alongside our valued partners—the Center of Workforce Innovations, Grad219, and the Friends of the Crown Point Adult Learning Center—we’ve created a supportive environment where students can pursue their educational goals. Our programs serve a diverse community of learners, from those improving their English through our English Language Learners programming to students working toward their HSE diplomas.
Congratulations to the 20 graduates on this remarkable achievement! Through your hard work and determination, you’ve turned dreams into reality—demonstrating it’s never too late to reach your goals. The library is proud to partner with the Center in this important work and looks forward to supporting even more students on their life-changing educational journeys.
Interested in learning more about the Crown Point Adult Learning Center? Contact the library at (219) 306-4597 or visit us during regular hours to speak with our staff about available opportunities.
Crown Point Adult Learning Center – June 19,, 2025 – Graduation
Summer reading season is officially underway, and we’re thrilled to see so many community members already diving into this year’s Color Our World theme! Our programs celebrating reading, art, and creativity are in full swing, with activities and events happening for all ages throughout the summer.
Haven’t Grabbed Your Guide Yet?
If you haven’t picked up a copy of our Summer Reading Program Guide yet, there’s still plenty of time to join the fun! Inside, discover all the exciting activities, events, and reading challenges we have happening throughout the summer for ALL AGES.
Get Your Copy:
Visit either of our library locations to pick up a printed guide
Civil War Stories, returning to Buckley Homestead on Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Central Time).
This immersive day of living history is presented by Lake County Parks in partnership with the Crown Point Community Library, Lake County Historical Society, and Northwest Indiana Civil War Roundtable, with funding provided by Indiana Humanities.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, this year’s History Speaks is bigger and better—featuring expanded programming, additional guest speakers, more interactive exhibits, and new family-friendly activities.
Visitors of all ages are invited to:
Meet Civil War reenactors and learn from their live demonstrations
Engage with historical interpreters like Abraham Lincoln & Ulysses S. Grant
Enjoy dramatic readings of Ambrose Bierce stories by local storyteller Grant Fitch
Explore exhibits like “Faces of the Civil War” and “Walk in a Soldier’s Boots”
Try fun kids activities like felt quilting and a visit to the Jr. Cadet Challenge Course
Visit with local authors, learn from historical educators, and explore the beautiful Buckley Homestead
Cool off with a bottle of Sarsaparilla and grab a bite from local food vendors
Presentations throughout the day will highlight both well-known and under-told stories of the Civil War, including explorations of wartime faith, daring missions, and connections to contemporary history.
Highlights of the scheduled events include:
10:30 AM – Opening Flag Ceremony by the Marine Corps League
11:00 AM & 2:00 PM – Theatrical performances of Ambrose Bierce stories by Grant Fitch
12:30 PM – A presentation on Civil War quilts by Dr. Dickerson
Throughout the day – Speaker series under the Civil War Roundtable Tent, historical silhouettes, and hands-on experiences
Admission is free and no registration is required—just show up ready to explore.
Step Back in Time: Jackie Kennedy Comes to Life at Crown Point Library
History will come alive at the Crown Point Library next month as the Friends of the Library present “An Evening with Jackie Kennedy,” a living history performance by renowned historical performer Leslie Goddard, Ph.D.,
An Evening with Jackie Kennedy
On Thursday, May 29, at 6 p.m., audiences will have the rare opportunity to experience an intimate portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy just one year after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. This poignant performance transports viewers to 1964, a time when the former First Lady was grappling with overwhelming media attention and uncertainty about her future. Through Goddard’s masterful portrayal, attendees will hear Jackie’s reflections on her marriage to JFK, her passionate efforts to restore the White House, her advocacy for the arts, and her ongoing struggle for privacy during an intensely public life.
About the Performer
Leslie Goddard is no stranger to bringing historical figures to life. As a historian, author, and accomplished performer, Goddard has established herself as one of the premier living history actors in the country. Her extensively researched performances offer not just entertainment, but genuine historical insight into the lives of remarkable women throughout American history.
Goddard’s attention to detail—from mannerisms and speech patterns to costume elements—creates an experience that many audience members describe as truly feeling like they’ve met these historical figures in person.
Event Details
This fundraiser is presented by the Friends of the Crown Point Library. Proceeds from this event will help support library programs, services, and items not generally covered in the library’s regular operating budget.
Where: Crown Point Library, 122 N. Main Street, Crown Point Ticket Prices:
$15 for Friends of the Library members
$25 for non-members
Tickets can be purchased at the Crown Point Library circulation desk. Cash or checks payable to “Friends of CPCL” are accepted.
For more information, contact (219) 663-0270, or email cpclfriends@gmail.com
Coming Together for Our Youth: A Community Forum on Youth Mental Health
In today’s rapidly changing world, the mental health of our children and teens has become a critical concern for families, educators, and communities. The Crown Point Library is proud to partner with the Crown Point Rotary Club to address these challenges head-on with an upcoming Community Forum on Promoting Youth Mental Health.
Why This Matters
Recent studies have shown alarming increases in anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges among young people. The growing influence of social media and easier access to harmful substances have created significant challenges affecting youth mental health.
Crown Point Library Director Julie Wendorf shares, “Our library serves as more than just a place for books—we’re a community hub for information and support. This forum aligns perfectly with our mission to provide resources that strengthen our community.”
What to Expect
The Community Forum will take place on Thursday, May 1 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Crown Point Library. The evening includes:
Resource Tables & Networking (6:00 – 6:30 p.m.): Connect with local organizations providing youth support services while enjoying light refreshments.
Expert Presentations (6:30 – 8:00 p.m.):
Mental Health Struggles Facing Today’s Youth with Erica Rios-Corbin and Halie Gonlag, MSW/LSWs serving as Lake County Crisis Intervention Team Coordinators
Impact of Social Media on Children presented by Natalie Lukich, LMHC/Therapist from Crown Counseling Services
Illicit Drug Awareness and Prevention with Patty Stovall, Founder/Executive Director of Sounds of Sarah
Each presentation will include practical tools and strategies for supporting young people, along with Q&A opportunities.
Who Should Attend?
This forum is designed for anyone who plays a role in the lives of children and teens:
Parents and grandparents
Teachers and school staff
Youth group leaders
Coaches and activity directors
Mental health professionals
Community members concerned about youth mental health
Registration Information
The event is free to attend, but registration is requested.
The Crown Point Rotary Club and Crown Point Library share a commitment to strengthening our community through education and outreach. This forum represents the first in what we hope will become an ongoing series addressing youth mental health needs.
We hope you’ll join us for this important event. Together, we can better support the mental health needs of the young people who depend on us.
For more information, contact the Crown Point Library at (219) 306-4593.
Stephen Hill isn’t just another motivational speaker – he’s a living testament to the power of recovery, resilience, and second chances. As a nationally recognized speaker, bestselling author, recovery coach, and defense attorney, Hill brings a unique perspective that combines personal experience with professional expertise.
The Crown Point Community Library is excited to announce our first-ever Local Author Fair, taking place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Main Library.
Summer reading season is officially underway, and we’re thrilled to see so many community members already diving into this year’s Color Our World theme! Our programs celebrating reading, art, and creativity are in full swing, with activities and events happening for all ages throughout the summer.
Step Back in Time: Jackie Kennedy Comes to Life at Crown Point Library
