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.
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 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.Â
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.
