Library Updates

Open Letter to the Community from Library Director Julie Wendorf

Posted by lclemons on 21 March 25

Dear Community Members:

On behalf of the Crown Point Community Library (CPCL) and its Board of Trustees, I wish to share with you a significant development affecting both your hometown library and libraries nationwide.

On Friday, March 14, the White House issued an executive order calling for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the nation’s only federal agency for America’s libraries. This executive order will defund an independent federal agency charged with providing financial support for books, databases, digitization programs, resource sharing, and training for library workers everywhere. ILMS represents just 0.0046% of the federal budget, yet its return on that investment is enormous.

The Crown Point Community Library typically remains neutral on political matters, as our mission is rooted in a strong commitment to impartiality. The Library is dedicated to empowering and enriching our community by ensuring equitable access to information and fostering lifelong learning experiences. Our initiatives encompass cultivating early literacy in our youngest visitors, supporting students, providing resources for workforce development and entrepreneurs, and offering activities designed to alleviate senior loneliness.

IMLS funding makes it possible for the Crown Point Community Library to provide access to the Indiana Digital Library via the Libby App. In 2024, The Library experienced a 45% increase in eMaterial circulation as our community members checked out over 110,852 digital eBooks, eAudio, and eMagazines at no cost. Our community also benefits from statewide resource sharing that enables the library to borrow and transport resources, via Inter Library Loans, we don’t have in our collection from other Hoosier libraries, maximizing valuable tax dollars. Many of the library’s databases are provided via INSPIRE by the Indiana State Library made possible by IMLS funding. These databases include those that provide resources for students of all ages doing research, individuals needing workforce development and access to free testing and certification aids, and for individuals doing genealogy explorations to name but a few of the resources included in INSPIRE.

To effectively oppose this threat to library services, I encourage you to:

Learn how this federal funding impacts Hoosiers: Help raise awareness by sharing this visual representation of the potential impacts.
Contact your federal senators and representatives: Express the importance of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and how its elimination would impact our community.
Sign the petition by EveryLibrary: Join others in opposing the executive order targeting IMLS by adding your name to the petition.
Share information: Inform family and friends about this issue and encourage them to support public libraries. Share how your public library enriches your quality of life.

I deeply appreciate our community’s unwavering support for the library and thank you for your continued commitment. Feel free to contact me with any questions, at jwendorf@crownpointlibrary.org or ask for me at the front desk at the Crown Point location.

Julie Wendorf
Library Director, Crown Point Community Library
President, Indiana Library Federation

Other resources: ILF 2025 Statement IMLS Funding Cuts

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Join Us for Special Programs with One District One Book!

Posted by lclemons on 12 March 25

The Library is thrilled to partner with Crown Point Community School Corporation for the One District One Book initiative! This year, elementary school students are diving into Just Harriet, and we’re here to make the experience even more exciting with enrichment programs designed to bring the story to life!

From interactive activities to creative discussions, there’s something for every young reader to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance their reading journey!

Check out our upcoming programs & register here: https://crownpointlibrary.org/events/

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Library Honored with Collaboration Award

Posted by lclemons on 17 January 25

At the Crown Point Community Library, partnerships are more than just collaborations—they are pathways to building a stronger, more connected community. The library’s dedication to these efforts was recognized on a grand scale at the Indiana Library Federation (ILF) Annual Conference, held in November 2024, where it received the prestigious ILF Collaboration Award. This accolade recognizes organizations and individuals that have significantly contributed to promoting library services through impactful community, regional, or statewide collaborations.

By teaming up with various organizations, the library has been able to offer innovative programs and services that make a tangible difference. These partnerships include:

City of Crown Point: Enriching the community with events like Movies in the Park, the Tour of Lights, and the Walk the Dog Historical Walking Tour.
Crown Point Community School Corporation (CPCSC): Supporting early learning initiatives such as the Birth to School Program and projects funded by the Lilly Endowment Grant.
Town of Winfield: Hosting beloved events like the Harvest Festival and the StoryWalk at Randolph Park.
Crown Point Lions Club: Enhancing the children’s library with an interactive play area and a communication board.
Crown Point Rotary: Bringing the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program to life for young readers.
Crown Point Community Foundation: Funding key projects, including an outreach van, a book bike, and the relocation of the Adult Learning Center.
Lake County Parks and Recreation Department: Co-hosting unique events such as History Speaks Civil War Stories and nature walks.
Crossroads Chamber of Commerce: Strengthening ties with the business community and earning recognition as Nonprofit of the Year in 2023.

Since becoming Director in 2018, Library Director, Julie Wendorf has led the library with a forward-thinking approach that emphasizes collaboration and outreach. Her vision has not only strengthened existing partnerships but also opened doors to new opportunities for growth and innovation.

From left: Cindy Baumeister, Winfield Branch Supervisor, JacobDavis, IT Specialist, Erika Wagner, AdultPrograming & Outreach Librarian, and JulieWendorf, Library Director.

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Prepare for Preschool at the Library’s Annual Preview Night

Posted by lclemons on 10 January 25

The library’s annual Preschool Preview Night is on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the library’s meeting rooms. This event offers parents and caregivers a wonderful opportunity to explore local preschool options and gather valuable information to prepare their little ones for this important milestone.

The event is free and open to the public, ensuring that all families in the community can take advantage of this valuable resource. Representatives from a variety of local preschool programs will be available to share details about their offerings, answer questions, and provide helpful resources for parents.

Whether your child is starting preschool for the first time or you’re searching for a program that best fits your family’s needs, this event provides a welcoming and informative environment to guide your decision-making process.

Event Details:

What: Annual Preschool Preview Night
When: Monday, February 3, 2025, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Where: Crown Point Library Meeting Rooms
Cost: Free

Schools interested in participating in our preview event can contact Alissa at 219.306.8069 or email awilliams@crownpointlibrary.org.

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Mission:

The Friends of the Crown Point Library’s mission is to enhance and promote the use and enjoyment of the library. They raise funds to support library programs, and services and to help fund items not generally covered in the library’s regular operating budget.

What we do:

As a Friend, you will play a critical role in your library’s and community’s success.

ADVOCATE – Friends are a voice for the Library on relevant, local, state, and national issues.

ENGAGE – Friends spread the word within the community, stimulating greater awareness of the Library and its resources.

SUPPORT – Friends volunteer at fundraising events, as well as, library events when needed.

FUNDRAISE – Friends fundraising activities, such as Bunco for Books, literary luncheons, bus trips and book sales generate revenue to fund items not generally covered in the Library’s budget, and to sponsor programs such as the summer and winter reading events, author talks, concerts, library book discussion groups, Book Baby Bags, and a variety of literacy outreach services.

Become a member:

Membership is open to all individuals and families who want involvement in the library. Members are encouraged to attend monthly meetings and to actively participate in book sales, and other events and projects. The membership year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. All dues are paid annually.

The membership dues are as follows:

Life – $150;
Family – $15;
Individual – $10

Membership forms are available at both library locations or you can download the membership form and return it to:

Friends of the Crown Point Library
122 N. Main Street
Crown Point, IN 46307

Make a donation in honor/memory of someone.

Meetings:

Curious to see what the Friends of the Library are doing? Attend a meeting! Meetings are held quarterly on the second Tuesday of the month, alternating times at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the meeting rooms at the Crown Point location.

2025 Meeting Dates:

February 11 at 10 a.m., May 13 at 6 p.m., September 9 at 6 p.m., December 9 at 10 a.m.

Download a copy of our 2025 Calendar of Activities

Contact Us:

Call: (219) 663-0270

Email: cpclfriends@gmail.com