In celebration of National Library Week 2026, the Crown Point Library invites the community to participate in our “Share the Joy” Postcard Campaign, inspired by this year’s theme: Find Your Joy.
There’s something special about the moments we experience at the library.
Maybe it’s the excitement of discovering a new book, the comfort of a quiet space, or the connection you feel during a program or event. Whatever it is, those moments matter—and this year, we’re inviting you to share them.
What Brings You Joy at the Library?
We’re asking our community to reflect on one simple question:
“I find joy at the library when…”
During National Library Week, patrons of all ages are invited to complete a postcard sharing what makes the library meaningful to them. Whether it’s a small moment or a lasting impact, your story helps tell the bigger story of how the library serves our community.
How to Participate
Getting involved is easy:
Visit the Crown Point Library or Winfield Branch during National Library Week
Stop by a “Share the Joy” station
Fill out a postcard with your response
Drop it in the collection box
It only takes a minute—but your words can make a lasting impact.
See Your Story on the Community Joy Wall
As postcards are collected, they will be displayed on our Community Joy Wall inside the library—a growing, visual celebration of the moments that matter most to our patrons.
Stop by to read inspiring messages from others, find connections, and see how our community comes together through shared experiences at the library.
Why Your Story Matters
Every response we receive helps highlight the real value of the library—not just as a place, but as a source of connection, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Your stories will help us:
Celebrate our community
Inspire others to visit and engage
Showcase the impact of library services
Selected responses may also be featured in:
Library displays
Social media
Newsletters and publications
A special community video
💛 Find your joy. Share your story. Celebrate your library.
If you love a great bargain and supporting your local library, mark your calendar. The Friends of the Crown Point Community Library’s annual Spring Book Sale is on April 23–24—and this year, there’s even more to explore.
Fill a Bag for $5
Browse a wide selection of gently used books, movies, and more. The best part? You can mix and match items and fill an entire bag for just $5 (bags provided).
Early Access for Members
Friends members get first pick during the exclusive preview on Thursday, April 23 from 9–10 a.m. Not a member yet? You can join at the door and start shopping early.
Don’t Miss the $1 Bag Sale
Come back Friday for the final hour (11 a.m.–12 p.m.) when bags are just $1—perfect for stocking up.
Bonus Surplus Sale
In addition to books and media, the Friends are offering a unique opportunity to purchase surplus library items, including chairs, small furniture, flooring, and more!
These items will be available in Meeting Room 3 during the sale. Important: Bring cash or check, and be ready to take your items home the same day—no holds or delivery.
An early preview of items will be posted the day before the sale.
For more information visit: https://crownpointlibrary.org/about/library-friends/
It may be hard to imagine now, but Indiana was once home to roaming herds of American bison.
By 1830, they were gone.
Even more striking—so was nearly all of their habitat. More than 99% of Indiana’s native prairie disappeared due to agriculture, development, and changing land use. For generations, this landscape—and the wildlife that depended on it—seemed lost for good.
But today, that story is changing.
At Kankakee Sands in northwest Indiana, a major restoration effort led by The Nature Conservancy has been quietly transforming the land for decades. What was once considered unusable farmland has become a thriving prairie ecosystem, with thousands of acres replanted with native species.
And in 2016, something remarkable happened: bison returned.
Starting with just 23 animals, the herd has grown to more than 90 and now roams over 1,100 acres. Their presence is more than symbolic—it’s essential. Bison are a keystone species, meaning their natural behaviors, from grazing to creating wallows, actively shape and strengthen the prairie ecosystem.
Want to learn more about this incredible conservation success story?
Join us at the Crown Point Community Library on Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m. for “ The Return of Indiana’s Bison.”
Guest speaker Mary Kay Emmrich, Bison Ranger at Kankakee Sands, will share insights into the restoration process, the role of bison, and what this means for the future of Indiana’s natural landscape.
Youth vaping remains a growing concern for families and communities. To help address this issue, the Crown Point Community Library invites you to attend CATCH My Breath: Empowering Youth to Live Vape-Free on Thursday, May 7 at 6 p.m.
This important program will provide insight into:
The dangers and health risks of vaping
Prevention strategies for families and educators
Tools to support youth in making vape-free choices
The evening will begin with an educational presentation and conclude with a panel discussion featuring local professionals with expertise in the legal, public health, and prevention fields.
Meet the Panel:
Judge Kent Jeffirs, Crown Point City Court Judge
Irene Boone-Phillips, Program Coordinator, Lake County Tobacco Prevention & Cessation Coalition
Amanda Morrison, Director of Prevention Services, Geminus Corporation/SAFE
This program is presented by the Crown Point Rotary Club in partnership with SAFE – Supporting Addiction Free Environments and the Crown Point Community Library as part of the Rotary Club’s Youth Mental Health Initiative, a community effort dedicated to supporting the well-being of young people through education and connection.
Who should attend? Parents, guardians, educators, and community members invested in youth health and wellness.
Event Details: Thursday, May 7 6 p.m. Crown Point Community Library, 122 N. Main Street
Something special happens at both library locations on the first Saturday of every month. Young readers have an opportunity to read to a patient, attentive listener by their side.
Not a teacher. Not a parent. A dog.
Read to the Dogs is a unique literacy program designed to help children build confidence and strengthen reading skills in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Through two valued partnerships, Power Paws for Kids, and Greyt Readers. Trained therapy dogs and their handlers visit the library to listen as children read aloud. These dogs are calm, friendly, and—most importantly—nonjudgmental.
That matters more than you might think. For many children, reading aloud can feel intimidating. Fear of making mistakes or being corrected can create anxiety and slow progress. But when a child reads to a dog, that pressure disappears. The experience becomes enjoyable, low-stress, and even fun.
As a result, children often:
Read more fluently
Gain confidence in their abilities
Develop a more positive attitude toward reading
Build stronger communication skills
Programs like Read to the Dogs reflect the Library’s commitment to creating welcoming, innovative learning environments for all ages. By meeting children where they are—and making reading joyful—we help lay the foundation for lifelong learning.
At its heart, this program is about connection: between a child and a story, a child and a listener, and ultimately, a child and their own growing confidence.
Mark your calendars and join us on the first Saturday of the month!
Some programs take on a life of their own — and at the Crown Point Community Library, Mah Jongg is one of them.
Since 2015, volunteers Vicky Klein and Cindy Beckman have led the library’s weekly American Mah Jongg program, quietly building something special long before the game became a national phenomenon. What started as an introduction to a beloved tile game has grown into one of our most vibrant community traditions: a Thursday afternoon gathering where regulars and newcomers alike find friendship, fun, and a genuine sense of belonging.
Why It Matters
The epidemic of senior loneliness is real, and public libraries are uniquely positioned to respond. Programs like Mah Jongg show how a simple, recurring gathering can become a lifeline — a reason to get out of the house, reconnect with friends, and meet new ones. Participants don’t just come to play; they come to be part of something. That’s the power of the library as a “third place” — a community hub that belongs to everyone.
How to Join
New to the game? No problem. Beginners are invited to drop in on the first Monday of each month at 1 p.m. in the Crown Point meeting rooms for an introduction to American Mah Jongg. From there, the regular Thursday group — friendly, welcoming, and always happy to see a new face — meets every Thursday at 1 p.m.
Prefer a different style of play? The Winfield Branch now offers Cantonese Mahjong every Wednesday at 1 p.m., bringing even more players into the fold.
Even More Ways to Connect
Mah Jongg is just one thread in a rich tapestry of adult programming at the Crown Point Community Library. Under the direction of Head of Information and Engagement Erika Wagner and Winfield Branch Manager Cindy Baumeister, both locations offer an ever-growing lineup that includes card crafting, knitting, crochet, bunco, cooking classes, crafting workshops, and several monthly book clubs.
Whether you come for the tiles, the yarn, or the conversation — there’s a place for you at the library.
Visit us at the Crown Point or Winfield Branch location to see the full calendar of programs at www.crownpointlibrary.org/events
The Crown Point Rotary Club has identified youth mental health as a key initiative and established a Youth Mental Health Committee to address the challenges facing today’s young people. As part of the Rotary’s ongoing Youth Mental Health Series, the Club is partnering with SAFE – Supporting Addiction Free Environments and the Crown Point Community Library to bring educational programming to the community.
Together, these organizations are working to educate, connect, and empower families through meaningful conversations about youth mental health.
On Thursday, March 5, the community is invited to attend a free screening of Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age at the Crown Point Community Library.
The documentary, created by physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston, explores how screen time, social media, video games, and digital technology impact children’s mental health, development, and relationships. Through personal stories and research-based insights, the film offers practical strategies to help families navigate the digital world in healthy and balanced ways.
Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the movie, as the film is designed to spark meaningful conversations between adults and youth.
Following the 59-minute screening, a live panel discussion will feature local professionals who work directly with youth and families in our community:
Ofc. Leslie Malerich – Crown Point Police Department Patrol Officer/School Resource Officer
Mary Rhee, LCSW – Licensed School Social Worker
Joshua Martin – Psychiatry Resident, Regional Health Systems
These panelists bring perspectives from law enforcement, school-based mental health services, and clinical psychiatry. The discussion will provide local context, practical guidance, and an opportunity for reflection following the film.
The screening of Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age is presented under a public performance license secured by SAFE – Supporting Addiction Free Environments, making this free community showing possible.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, March 5 Location: Crown Point Community Library, Meeting Rooms 2 & 3 Doors Open: 6:00 p.m. Screening: 6:15 p.m. (59 minutes) Panel Discussion: 7:15–7:45 p.m. Admission: Free
We invite parents, guardians, children, educators, and community members to join us for this important program as we continue building a supportive environment where every child can feel understood and thrive.
On Monday, March 2, at 6:00 p.m., the Crown Point Community Library invites the community to explore one of North America’s most extraordinary wildlife events: the annual crane migration.
Guest speaker Richard Katz, veterinarian and dedicated volunteer at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary, will present an in-depth look at the migration of more than one million cranes along a 70-mile stretch of the Platte River.
Each spring, Sandhill Cranes converge in Nebraska in breathtaking numbers, creating one of the largest wildlife gatherings on the continent. During this informative program, attendees will learn:
Why the Platte River is a critical migration stopover
The historical significance of the habitat
How conservation efforts have shaped the region
This presentation is ideal for bird watchers, outdoor enthusiasts, conservation supporters, and anyone interested in learning more about large-scale wildlife migration and habitat preservation.
Whether you have witnessed the migration in person or simply admire the natural world, this program offers a compelling look at the science, history, and conservation behind this remarkable phenomenon.
Each spring, the library proudly celebrates Youth Art Month, a national program that highlights the importance of arts education, by showcasing artwork created by local elementary students. The Elementary Art Show is a collaborative effort between the Crown Point Community School Corporation’s elementary art teachers and the Crown Point Community Library.
This annual exhibit provides a meaningful and affirming experience for young artists while offering the public an opportunity to engage with and celebrate student creativity. During February and March, artwork created by students in grades K–5 will be displayed in the Crown Point Library’s lobby display cases and art gallery.
February Exhibit Artwork from students at Eisenhower, Solon Robinson, and Jerry Ross Elementary Schools
March Exhibit Artwork from students at Lake Street, MacArthur, Winfield, and Timothy Ball Elementary Schools
Indiana is full of history—some of it well-known, and some nearly forgotten. On Monday, February 16 at 6 p.m., the Crown Point Community Library welcomes Joseph S. Pete, award-winning Indiana journalist and author, for a special discussion of his book Lost Treasures of Indiana.
Published in 2025, Lost Treasures of Indiana uncovers the stories behind the state’s nostalgic and lesser-known landmarks. From old amusement parks and classic drive-in theaters to beloved institutions like Market Square Arena and Mesker Park Zoo, Pete explores places that once defined communities and left lasting impressions on generations of Hoosiers.
The book also highlights some truly unique chapters of Indiana history—such as diving horses and the first “race” at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which famously featured balloons instead of cars. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Pete brings these forgotten moments back into the spotlight.
At this free program, attendees will hear directly from the author about his journey researching Indiana’s past, the stories that surprised him most, and why preserving local history matters. A question-and-answer session will follow.
Event Details: 📅 Monday, February 16 ⏰ 6 p.m. 📍 Crown Point Community Library 💲 Free (registration required)
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.
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
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 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.
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.
If you love a great bargain and supporting your local library, mark your calendar. The Friends of the Crown Point Community Library’s annual Spring Book Sale is on April 23–24—and this year, there’s even more to explore.
It may be hard to imagine now, but Indiana was once home to roaming herds of American bison.
Youth vaping remains a growing concern for families and communities. To help address this issue, the Crown Point Community Library invites you to attend 
