Indiana state legislation, Senate Bill 8 (SB 8), has passed through the Senate and will now be considered by the Indiana House of Representatives. I wanted to share with you its impact on public libraries, and what this could mean for the Crown Point and Winfield communities we serve.
Public libraries are a public service; they do not operate for profit. The Crown Point Community Library relies on public funding, primarily from property taxes, to provide access to information, educational resources, and opportunities many in our community would not otherwise have. With the passage of SEA 1 in 2025, public library funding sourced from property taxes has already been significantly reduced. The addition of SB 8 places our ability to sustain, maintain, and grow services at further risk. SB 8 could risk the remaining library funding.
The Current System
For decades, the Crown Point Community Library’s Board of Trustees has served as the official fiscal and governing body of the library. Board members are appointed by elected local officials (School Board, Lake County Council, and Lake County Commissioners), and strict state statutory protections are in place to ensure every tax dollar is used legally, ethically, and transparently. Currently, Trustees adopt library budgets within the prescribed limits, and must receive approval from our elected fiscal authority to issue bonds, spend funds outside our operating budget from library savings, or any budget increase above the state-established growth quotient.
What SB 8 Changes
New Thresholds: Currently, the state allows the Library’s Board of Trustees to grow the library’s spendable budget by 4.0% for 2026.
Binding Reviews:Under SB 8, if the library proposes a budget increase of 2.0% or more, it would trigger a mandatory “binding review” from our fiscal oversight body, the Lake County Council.
Risk to Library Budget Sustainability:SB 8 does not include existing statutory protections that cap budget reductions at 10% during a binding review, exposing libraries to potentially severe and unlimited cuts that threaten long-term financial sustainability and essential services.
Why This Matters
Simply stated, SB 8 would significantly limit the library’s ability to plan responsibly, maintain our buildings, respond to community growth, and even maintain current services. The Crown Point Community Library strives to support our growing communities with reliable, forward-looking services, and additional financial instability would make that mission far more difficult.
Let your elected officials know why the library matters to you by writing a message on one of the provided postcards, and our library director will hand-deliver them on February 3 at the Indiana Library Federation’s Statehouse Day.
Stop by the library and write a message on the provided postcards for Senator Rick Niemeyer and State Representative Julie Olthoff.
Your voice matters. Personal stories are powerful in helping elected officials understand the real impact of library funding decisions.
Drop your postcard in the box provided or return your postcard to the library by January 31.
The Library Director will hand-deliver all postcards on February 3 during the Indiana Library Federation’s Statehouse Day.
Libraries help families every day. From storytimes and school support to access to books, technology, and community programs, libraries are essential to daily life in our community. Right now, Indiana libraries—including Crown Point Library and our Winfield Branch—are facing significant funding challenges due to state budget cuts, federal funding uncertainty, and new legislation that reduces local property tax revenue. These changes threaten essential library services that communities rely on every day.
Why This Matters
Recent funding cuts and proposed legislation at the state and federal levels are creating uncertainty for libraries across Indiana. While changes may not be visible right away, they affect how libraries plan for the future and sustain the services our community relies on.
If funding challenges continue, libraries could face:
Fewer programs for all ages
Reduced access to popular library resources
Shorter hours and fewer staff
Less collaboration with community organizations and partners
Indiana Libraries At Risk: Funding & Policy Impacts
Key Funding Impacts
State Budget Cuts
Major reductions to the Indiana State Library budget undermine statewide support and shared services.
Elimination of State Funding
INSPIRE Databases: State funding eliminated this budget line, putting education and research resources at risk.
Internet Connectivity: State funding cut, shifting rising internet costs to local library budgets.
Federal Funding Uncertainty
Potential elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) threatens:
Statewide library resources
Early Literacy Programs
State funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was cut, so the program now relies on fundraising to keep free books available for children ages 0–5 in Indiana.
Legislative Impacts
Property Tax Reductions (SEA 1)
New property tax legislation is projected to reduce public library funding by millions statewide by 2026.
Shift to Local Budget Control
Proposed legislation (SB4/SB8) moves approval of some library funding to county councils, creating uncertainty and requiring libraries to repeatedly justify core services.
What This Means for Communities
If these trends continue, libraries may be forced to:
Reduce hours
Cut staff
Limit access to ebooks, streaming, and databases
Reduce programs, outreach, and early literacy services
Smaller and rural libraries will be hit hardest, increasing inequities in access to education, technology, and community resources.
We’re excited to introduce Lucky Day, a new collection at the Crown Point location. It is replacing the former 7 Day Express books. Lucky Day features today’s most popular bestsellers, recent fiction favorites, and select nonfiction titles—perfect for readers who don’t want to wait.
Lucky Day books check out for 14 days, with a limit of three titles per card. Please note that renewals are not available for this collection.
The Crown Point Library invites families and early childhood educators to its Annual Preschool Preview Night on Monday, February 2, 2025, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the library’s meeting rooms. This free community event helps families explore local preschool options and feel confident as they prepare their children for this important milestone.
Preschool Preview Night brings together parents, caregivers, and representatives from local preschool programs in one convenient setting. Families will have the opportunity to ask questions, compare programs, and gather helpful resources to support their preschool decision-making process.
The event is free and open to the public, making it accessible to all families in the community.
Calling All Preschools
Local preschools are invited to participate in Preschool Preview Night by hosting an information table and meeting directly with families who are actively seeking early learning options. This event provides a valuable opportunity for preschools to showcase their programs, share enrollment information, and build connections within the community.
Preschools interested in participating should contact the Children’s Library to reserve space:
The Crown Point Library is pleased to continue hosting the Northwest Indiana Civil War Roundtable monthly meetings. Each month, they feature a free lecture by knowledgeable speakers who explore the far-reaching impact of the Civil War, from iconic battlefields to places well beyond the continental United States.
All lectures are free and open to the public. Registration is appreciated at crownpointlibrary.org/events or by calling (219) 306-4593.
For more information about the Northwest Indiana Civil War Roundtable, contact Steve Rudzinski at (219) 293-1606 or rudzinski6@sbcglobal.net.
2026 Winter Lecture Schedule
Leading the Way—Preserving the Gettysburg Battlefield Sunday, January 11 | 2 p.m. | Crown Point Library Presented by Chuck Rebesco Although Gettysburg was not the first battlefield designated as a national military park, it was the site of the nation’s earliest efforts at preservation. This presentation examines how the park was established, its growth over time, and why it remains one of the most detailed and well-preserved battlefields in the country.
Summer of 1863: The Army of Northern Virginia at Gettysburg Sunday, February 8 | 2 p.m. | Crown Point Library Presented by Tom Rock Tom Rock, a retired U.S. history teacher and longtime participant in National Park Service interpretive living history programs, examines the Army of Northern Virginia during the pivotal summer of 1863. This lecture offers insight into leadership, strategy, and the challenges faced during the Gettysburg Campaign.
Aloha Oe! Hawaii in the Civil War Sunday, March 8 | 2 p.m. | Crown Point Library Presented by Bruce Allardice The Civil War’s influence reached far beyond the mainland United States. In this engaging presentation, Professor Bruce Allardice explores how the conflict affected the then-independent nation of Hawaii, offering a virtual tour of its unique Civil War–era history.
The Crown Point Community Library is excited to partner with the Center for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE) to bring Senior Planet from AARP to our community. These free educational programs are designed specifically for adults ages 60 and older and focus on practical topics such as technology, civic engagement, health, and aging well.
Senior Planet programs empower older adults to stay connected, informed, and confident in a rapidly changing digital world. Whether you want to make your voice heard in government or explore new technology that can help you live independently, these sessions offer clear guidance in a welcoming environment.
Upcoming Programs
Senior Planet: Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers Tuesday, January 13 | 2 – 3:15 p.m. Learn how online tools can help you stay informed and engaged in the democratic process. This session explores several non-partisan websites that allow you to identify your elected officials, access their contact information, track how they vote on legislation, and share your opinions on issues that matter to you.
Technology for Aging in Place Tuesday, February 10 | 2 – 3:15 p.m. Discover how today’s technology can support independence and peace of mind at home. This program covers home assistants, smart appliances, and wearable devices that can help manage health, save time and money, and enhance safety. Best practices for protecting your privacy and security will also be discussed.
Registration
All Senior Planet programs are free, but registration is required. Register by calling (219) 980-6907 or online at go.iu.edu/3AVG.
Join us at the Crown Point Community Library and take advantage of these engaging opportunities to learn, connect, and thrive.
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.
