All aboard! The Crown Point Community Library invites train enthusiasts of all ages to its Model Train Extravaganza on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
This annual family-friendly event transforms the library into a miniature wonderland of railroads, featuring intricate model layouts and displays from local train clubs and collectors, including the Roundtoit Train Club, CP Train Stop, Illiana Garden Railway Society, and Tyler’s Tender.
Visitors can explore a variety of scales and styles, watch trains wind through detailed landscapes, and meet hobbyists who love to share their knowledge and creativity. Whether you’re a lifelong collector or just curious about model railroading, this event offers something for everyone.
📅 When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 🕘 Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 📍 Where: Crown Point Community Library, 122 N. Main Street, Crown Point 🎟️ Admission: Free, open to all ages
All aboard for holiday fun!
Enter to win a Lionel Polar Express Train
Once again, Brian Speers, owner of CP Trains Stop, is on track to spread some cheer by donating a Lionel Polar Express Train for the library to raffle! From December 6 through December 15, during your visit to the library, stop by the front desk to enter to win. This is a free raffle, and the winner will be drawn on December 15.
Don’t forget to visitthe Children’s Library on the second floor to see the festive model train display, sponsored by the Roundtoit Train Club and CP Trians Stop. Kids can press a button to make the train move and whistle—a delightful experience for the whole family.
Monday, December 1 • 5–6 p.m. Crown Point Community Library
Do your children have toys they’ve outgrown but are still in great shape? Give those toys a second life—and bring home something “new-to-you”—at the Crown Point Community Library’s upcoming Toy Exchange! This community event is a fun, eco-friendly way to clear out the playroom before the holidays while helping other families discover new treasures.
How It Works
Families are invited to bring in up to five gently used toys to the Youth Services Desk between Monday, November 24 and Sunday, November 30. Please note: The Library will be closed on November 27 and 28 for Thanksgiving.
All donated toys will be organized for a special “shopping” event on Monday, December 1 from 5-6 p.m. During this time, families who donated toys can browse and select new-to-you items to take home. It’s a simple, joyful way to recycle beloved playthings and share with others in our community.
Toy Donation Guidelines
To ensure a safe, fun experience for all, please follow these guidelines when selecting toys to donate:
Please bring no more than 5 toys.
Toys must be clean, complete, and in working condition (no missing pieces).
We cannot accept cloth toys or toys designed to go in a child’s mouth (including teething items).
Great examples of acceptable items include:
Complete puzzles and games
Wooden toys
Toy sets
LEGO and building sets
Action figures
Construction toys
Educational toys
Physical activity toys
Why Participate?
The Toy Exchange is a wonderful way to:
Declutter before the holidays
Promote sustainable practices
Give gently used toys a second life
Find exciting new toys to bring home—at no cost
We hope you’ll join us for this festive, family-friendly event. For more information, please contact the Youth Services Department at (219) 306-8068.
Let’s spread joy and encourage reuse—one toy at a time!
The Crown Point Community School Corporation and the Crown Point Community Library are excited to hop into this year’s One District, One Book selection: Life According to Og the Frog by Betty Birney!
Students across all Crown Point elementary schools are receiving their own copy of this delightful novel, which follows classroom newcomer Og the Frog as he adjusts to life in Room 26. Between new friends, new routines, and the possibility of returning to the pond, Og’s world is full of big changes—and plenty of BING, BANG, BOING!
To bring Og’s story to life, the Library is offering a full month of programs celebrating frogs, creativity, poetry, art, and amphibious science fun. Families can choose from hands-on craft sessions, interactive learning programs, a book discussion, and even a live reptile and amphibian presentation.
Featured Programs Include:
Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles – Sat., Nov. 22 at 1 p.m.
Story & Crafts – Mon., Nov. 24 at 4:30 p.m.
Book Discussion – Mon., Dec. 1 at 4:30 p.m.
Poetry Playground – Thurs., Dec. 4 at 4:30 p.m.
Frogtastic Crafts – Sat., Dec. 6 at 11 a.m.
DIY Terrarium – Mon., Dec. 29 at 11 a.m.
Faux Stained Glass Frog Art – Tues., Dec. 30 at 11 a.m.
The Crown Point Community Library is joining the City of Crown Point’s Pink Friday celebration on Friday, November 21, from 4–8 p.m. Pink Friday is a local twist on the traditional Black Friday shopping experience—a fun evening dedicated to supporting small businesses and shopping local in downtown Crown Point!
As you sip, shop, and stroll through the square, stop by the Library to warm up and enjoy some special offerings designed just for the occasion:
💗 In the Library Lobby and meeting rooms:
Free hot chocolate and hot tea to keep you cozy
Make-and-take handcrafted bookmarks—a creative keepsake or thoughtful gift
Special Pink Book & Holiday Gift-Giving Book Displays featuring staff recommendations for your next great read or gift idea
Library Card Sign-Up Station—join your library community if you haven’t already!
“Give the Gift of Reading” table of books for sale by the Friends of the Library
Information on our Book Club Kits to Go, available for community book clubs to borrow
Public restrooms are available for visitors
Whether you’re downtown to shop, socialize, or soak up the festive atmosphere, we invite you to stop by, say hello, and discover all the ways your Library can be part of your holiday season.
The Crown Point Lions Club, in partnership with the Crown Point Community Public Library, invites students ages 11–13 to participate in the 2025-2026 Lions International Peace Poster Contest.
This year’s theme, “Together As One,” encourages youth to creatively share their vision of peace, unity, and collaboration through art.
Key Details:
Eligibility: Students ages 11, 12, or 13 on November 15, 2025
Deadline: Entries due by 5 p.m. on November 9, 2025, at the Crown Point Library
Judging Criteria: Originality, artistic merit, and expression of theme
Awards: Top three winners recognized locally; first-place poster advances to district judging
Award Presentation: November 18, 2025, at the Crown Point Library
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping nearly every aspect of modern life — from how we learn and work to how we access healthcare and interact with technology. To help the community better understand this evolving landscape, the Crown Point Community Library invites the public to attend “Navigating the AI Era: Challenges and Opportunities”, a panel discussion and Q&A featuring local experts.
The panel will explore the many ways AI is influencing education, healthcare, and the workplace, while also addressing the ethical and social questions it raises. Attendees will gain valuable insights into both the promise and the pitfalls of this fast-changing technology.
Panelists include:
Diana Smith, Director of Grants and Assessment, Crown Point Community School Corporation
Nicholas Casas, Assistant Librarian for Teaching and Learning, IU Northwest
Gagandeep Kaur, Assistant Professor of Nursing, IU Northwest
Stephanie Baranko Lincoln, Clinical Assistant Professor and RN to BSN Program Coordinator, IU Northwest
The discussion will be moderated by Cynthia O’Dell, Professor of Psychology at IU Northwest and Intern at the Crown Point Community Library.
This event is part of National Media Literacy Week, a nationwide initiative promoting critical thinking and digital literacy in today’s media environment.
New Parent Book Club: Building Stronger Families Together
We’re excited to announce our new Parent Book Club, launching this December with financial support from the Crown Point Rotary Club! This quarterly program is designed specifically for busy parents who want to grow as caregivers while connecting with their community.
What makes this book club special?
Family-friendly format with childcare built in
Carefully selected books focusing on child development and mental health
Quarterly meetings that fit busy schedules
Free book lending (20 copies available per selection)
Connection with like-minded parents in our community
First Meeting Details:Monday, December 8, 6:00 p.m. | Meeting Rooms 2 & 3
Book: “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt. Pick up your copy starting November 10 at the front desk at the Crown Point Library!
Bring the whole family: While parents discuss, children 0-5 can enjoy toys and activities in the same room, and children 6-12 can participate in “Yoga & Stories” in the meeting room next door.
This program represents our commitment to supporting families at every stage. Whether you’re navigating toddler challenges, school-age concerns, or teenage complexities, you’ll find relevant insights and supportive community.
Get ready for a MONSTER of a sale at the Friends of the Crown Point Library Fall Book Sale!
The friendly book-loving monster, Chompers, has been rumbling with hunger for great reads—and now’s your chance to feed your book monster too!
Join us for two days of amazing deals on gently used books, movies, and more—with something for every reader to devour.
Sale Dates & Hours
Thursday, October 23
Friends Only Preview: 9 – 10 a.m.
Public Sale: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, October 24
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. $1 Bag Sale during the final hour (11 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Throughout the sale, mix and match sale items for just $5 a bag!
The sale is held at the Crown Point Community Library, 122 N. Main Street.
This event also celebrates National Friends of Libraries Week (October 19–25) — the perfect time to show your support for the Friends, who help fund library programs, events, and special projects throughout the year.
Special October Membership Offer:
Join the Friends in October and be entered into a drawing to win a Lifetime Membership (a $150 value)! The winner will be announced on November 3, 2025. 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
Come shop, join, and support your library while stocking your shelves with new reads! Every purchase helps the Friends continue their mission to make the library even better for our community.
Get ready to mix, match, and munch on deals — feed your book monster at this MONSTER of a sale!
The Crown Point Community Library is excited to announce the lineup of talented writers who will be featured at our first-ever Local Author Fair on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Main Library.
This free event celebrates the creativity and stories of our community, offering readers the opportunity to connect directly with authors, explore a variety of genres, and discover their next great read. Many authors will have books available for purchase and signing.
Participating Authors:
A. Collett Farrar
Aimee Lekeberg
Andrew Francis
Aunbernique
Barbara Massey
Brady J. Sadler
Cheryl Wooten-Wilcox
Daniel Helpingstine
Elisabeth Garner
George and Denyse Buck
Heather Curlee Novak
Jeremy McShurley
Joanna Prototype
Joanne Hale
Joey B. Lax-Salinas
John Roy Mitchell
John W. Vander Velden
Joi White
Jori Vroom
Meg Ellen Grandfield
Nicole Sekuloski
P.J. Mack
Paula Evans
Peggy Archer
Sean D. Young
Sherry Fellores
Shifa Saltagi Safadi
Sarah Styf
Whether you love children’s stories, young adult adventures, memoirs, poetry, or adult fiction and non-fiction, there will be something for every reader to enjoy. Mark your calendar, bring a friend, and join us for a day of books, conversations, and community at the Local Author Fair!
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.
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, as well as 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 and library events as needed.
FUNDRAISE – Friends fundraising activities, such as Bunco for Books, literary luncheons, bus tripsand 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, 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
Or click the online donate button when using a credit card:
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.
Residents of Center Township and Winfield Township are eligible for a free Crown Point Community Library card.
You can apply in person at either library location or online through our website.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Adults (18 and older):
Bring a valid photo ID and proof of your current address.
Photo ID options: State-issued ID with current address, Passport, Military ID, Official School ID, or Matricula Consular
Proof of address: Rental agreement, utility bill, or checkbook showing your local address
Minors (17 and younger):
A parent or guardian must sign the application.
TEACHER CARDS
Teachers working in schools within the Crown Point Community Library service area apply for a Teacher Library Card. Please provide proof of current employment, such as a recent pay stub or an official school ID.
RECIPROCAL BORROWERS
The Crown Point Community Library card is honored at all Indiana libraries that participate in reciprocal borrowing, including many in Northwest Indiana.
You must be in good standing with our library before other libraries will issue you a reciprocal card.
Residents of the Lake County Public Library District can obtain a CPCL card with proper identification.
Patrons from other library districts may receive a CPCL card after completing an application and confirming their home library account is in good standing.
Note: Reciprocal borrowers have the same borrowing privileges as CPCL patrons, except for access to eBooks and downloadable audiobooks.
All aboard! The Crown Point Community Library invites train enthusiasts of all ages to its Model Train Extravaganza on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
The Crown Point Lions Club, in partnership with the Crown Point Community Public Library, invites students ages 11–13 to participate in the 2025-2026 Lions International Peace Poster Contest.
