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.
