Summer reading season is officially underway, and we’re thrilled to see so many community members already diving into this year’s Color Our World theme! Our programs celebrating reading, art, and creativity are in full swing, with activities and events happening for all ages throughout the summer.
Haven’t Grabbed Your Guide Yet?
If you haven’t picked up a copy of our Summer Reading Program Guide yet, there’s still plenty of time to join the fun! Inside, discover all the exciting activities, events, and reading challenges we have happening throughout the summer for ALL AGES.
Get Your Copy:
Visit either of our library locations to pick up a printed guide
Civil War Stories, returning to Buckley Homestead on Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Central Time).
This immersive day of living history is presented by Lake County Parks in partnership with the Crown Point Community Library, Lake County Historical Society, and Northwest Indiana Civil War Roundtable, with funding provided by Indiana Humanities.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, this year’s History Speaks is bigger and better—featuring expanded programming, additional guest speakers, more interactive exhibits, and new family-friendly activities.
Visitors of all ages are invited to:
Meet Civil War reenactors and learn from their live demonstrations
Engage with historical interpreters like Abraham Lincoln & Ulysses S. Grant
Enjoy dramatic readings of Ambrose Bierce stories by local storyteller Grant Fitch
Explore exhibits like “Faces of the Civil War” and “Walk in a Soldier’s Boots”
Try fun kids activities like felt quilting and a visit to the Jr. Cadet Challenge Course
Visit with local authors, learn from historical educators, and explore the beautiful Buckley Homestead
Cool off with a bottle of Sarsaparilla and grab a bite from local food vendors
Presentations throughout the day will highlight both well-known and under-told stories of the Civil War, including explorations of wartime faith, daring missions, and connections to contemporary history.
Highlights of the scheduled events include:
10:30 AM – Opening Flag Ceremony by the Marine Corps League
11:00 AM & 2:00 PM – Theatrical performances of Ambrose Bierce stories by Grant Fitch
12:30 PM – A presentation on Civil War quilts by Dr. Dickerson
Throughout the day – Speaker series under the Civil War Roundtable Tent, historical silhouettes, and hands-on experiences
Admission is free and no registration is required—just show up ready to explore.
Step Back in Time: Jackie Kennedy Comes to Life at Crown Point Library
History will come alive at the Crown Point Library next month as the Friends of the Library present “An Evening with Jackie Kennedy,” a living history performance by renowned historical performer Leslie Goddard, Ph.D.,
An Evening with Jackie Kennedy
On Thursday, May 29, at 6 p.m., audiences will have the rare opportunity to experience an intimate portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy just one year after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. This poignant performance transports viewers to 1964, a time when the former First Lady was grappling with overwhelming media attention and uncertainty about her future. Through Goddard’s masterful portrayal, attendees will hear Jackie’s reflections on her marriage to JFK, her passionate efforts to restore the White House, her advocacy for the arts, and her ongoing struggle for privacy during an intensely public life.
About the Performer
Leslie Goddard is no stranger to bringing historical figures to life. As a historian, author, and accomplished performer, Goddard has established herself as one of the premier living history actors in the country. Her extensively researched performances offer not just entertainment, but genuine historical insight into the lives of remarkable women throughout American history.
Goddard’s attention to detail—from mannerisms and speech patterns to costume elements—creates an experience that many audience members describe as truly feeling like they’ve met these historical figures in person.
Event Details
This fundraiser is presented by the Friends of the Crown Point Library. Proceeds from this event will help support library programs, services, and items not generally covered in the library’s regular operating budget.
Where: Crown Point Library, 122 N. Main Street, Crown Point Ticket Prices:
$15 for Friends of the Library members
$25 for non-members
Tickets can be purchased at the Crown Point Library circulation desk. Cash or checks payable to “Friends of CPCL” are accepted.
For more information, contact (219) 663-0270, or email cpclfriends@gmail.com
Coming Together for Our Youth: A Community Forum on Youth Mental Health
In today’s rapidly changing world, the mental health of our children and teens has become a critical concern for families, educators, and communities. The Crown Point Library is proud to partner with the Crown Point Rotary Club to address these challenges head-on with an upcoming Community Forum on Promoting Youth Mental Health.
Why This Matters
Recent studies have shown alarming increases in anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges among young people. The growing influence of social media and easier access to harmful substances have created significant challenges affecting youth mental health.
Crown Point Library Director Julie Wendorf shares, “Our library serves as more than just a place for books—we’re a community hub for information and support. This forum aligns perfectly with our mission to provide resources that strengthen our community.”
What to Expect
The Community Forum will take place on Thursday, May 1 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Crown Point Library. The evening includes:
Resource Tables & Networking (6:00 – 6:30 p.m.): Connect with local organizations providing youth support services while enjoying light refreshments.
Expert Presentations (6:30 – 8:00 p.m.):
Mental Health Struggles Facing Today’s Youth with Erica Rios-Corbin and Halie Gonlag, MSW/LSWs serving as Lake County Crisis Intervention Team Coordinators
Impact of Social Media on Children presented by Natalie Lukich, LMHC/Therapist from Crown Counseling Services
Illicit Drug Awareness and Prevention with Patty Stovall, Founder/Executive Director of Sounds of Sarah
Each presentation will include practical tools and strategies for supporting young people, along with Q&A opportunities.
Who Should Attend?
This forum is designed for anyone who plays a role in the lives of children and teens:
Parents and grandparents
Teachers and school staff
Youth group leaders
Coaches and activity directors
Mental health professionals
Community members concerned about youth mental health
Registration Information
The event is free to attend, but registration is requested.
The Crown Point Rotary Club and Crown Point Library share a commitment to strengthening our community through education and outreach. This forum represents the first in what we hope will become an ongoing series addressing youth mental health needs.
We hope you’ll join us for this important event. Together, we can better support the mental health needs of the young people who depend on us.
For more information, contact the Crown Point Library at (219) 306-4593.
On behalf of the Crown Point Community Library (CPCL) and its Board of Trustees, I wish to share with you a significant development affecting both your hometown library and libraries nationwide.
On Friday, March 14, the White House issued an executive order calling for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the nation’s only federal agency for America’s libraries. This executive order will defund an independent federal agency charged with providing financial support for books, databases, digitization programs, resource sharing, and training for library workers everywhere. ILMS represents just 0.0046% of the federal budget, yet its return on that investment is enormous.
The Crown Point Community Library typically remains neutral on political matters, as our mission is rooted in a strong commitment to impartiality. The Library is dedicated to empowering and enriching our community by ensuring equitable access to information and fostering lifelong learning experiences. Our initiatives encompass cultivating early literacy in our youngest visitors, supporting students, providing resources for workforce development and entrepreneurs, and offering activities designed to alleviate senior loneliness.
IMLS funding makes it possible for the Crown Point Community Library to provide access to the Indiana Digital Library via the Libby App. In 2024, The Library experienced a 45% increase in eMaterial circulation as our community members checked out over 110,852 digital eBooks, eAudio, and eMagazines at no cost. Our community also benefits from statewide resource sharing that enables the library to borrow and transport resources, via Inter Library Loans, we don’t have in our collection from other Hoosier libraries, maximizing valuable tax dollars. Many of the library’s databases are provided via INSPIRE by the Indiana State Library made possible by IMLS funding. These databases include those that provide resources for students of all ages doing research, individuals needing workforce development and access to free testing and certification aids, and for individuals doing genealogy explorations to name but a few of the resources included in INSPIRE.
To effectively oppose this threat to library services, I encourage you to:
Sign the petition by EveryLibrary: Join others in opposing the executive order targeting IMLS by adding your name to the petition.
Share information: Inform family and friends about this issue and encourage them to support public libraries. Share how your public library enriches your quality of life.
I deeply appreciate our community’s unwavering support for the library and thank you for your continued commitment. Feel free to contact me with any questions, at jwendorf@crownpointlibrary.org or ask for me at the front desk at the Crown Point location.
Julie Wendorf Library Director, Crown Point Community Library President, Indiana Library Federation
The Library is thrilled to partner with Crown Point Community School Corporation for the One District One Book initiative! This year, elementary school students are diving into Just Harriet, and we’re here to make the experience even more exciting with enrichment programs designed to bring the story to life!
From interactive activities to creative discussions, there’s something for every young reader to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance their reading journey!
At the Crown Point Community Library, partnerships are more than just collaborations—they are pathways to building a stronger, more connected community. The library’s dedication to these efforts was recognized on a grand scale at the Indiana Library Federation (ILF) Annual Conference, held in November 2024, where it received the prestigious ILF Collaboration Award. This accolade recognizes organizations and individuals that have significantly contributed to promoting library services through impactful community, regional, or statewide collaborations.
By teaming up with various organizations, the library has been able to offer innovative programs and services that make a tangible difference. These partnerships include:
City of Crown Point: Enriching the community with events like Movies in the Park, the Tour of Lights, and the Walk the Dog Historical Walking Tour.
Crown Point Community School Corporation (CPCSC): Supporting early learning initiatives such as the Birth to School Program and projects funded by the Lilly Endowment Grant.
Town of Winfield: Hosting beloved events like the Harvest Festival and the StoryWalk at Randolph Park.
Crown Point Lions Club: Enhancing the children’s library with an interactive play area and a communication board.
Crown Point Rotary: Bringing the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program to life for young readers.
Crown Point Community Foundation: Funding key projects, including an outreach van, a book bike, and the relocation of the Adult Learning Center.
Lake County Parks and Recreation Department: Co-hosting unique events such as History Speaks Civil War Stories and nature walks.
Crossroads Chamber of Commerce: Strengthening ties with the business community and earning recognition as Nonprofit of the Year in 2023.
Since becoming Director in 2018, Library Director, Julie Wendorf has led the library with a forward-thinking approach that emphasizes collaboration and outreach. Her vision has not only strengthened existing partnerships but also opened doors to new opportunities for growth and innovation.
From left: Cindy Baumeister, Winfield Branch Supervisor, JacobDavis, IT Specialist, Erika Wagner, AdultPrograming & Outreach Librarian, and JulieWendorf, Library Director.
The library’s annual Preschool Preview Night is on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the library’s meeting rooms. This event offers parents and caregivers a wonderful opportunity to explore local preschool options and gather valuable information to prepare their little ones for this important milestone.
The event is free and open to the public, ensuring that all families in the community can take advantage of this valuable resource. Representatives from a variety of local preschool programs will be available to share details about their offerings, answer questions, and provide helpful resources for parents.
Whether your child is starting preschool for the first time or you’re searching for a program that best fits your family’s needs, this event provides a welcoming and informative environment to guide your decision-making process.
Event Details:
What: Annual Preschool Preview Night
When: Monday, February 3, 2025, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Where: Crown Point Library Meeting Rooms
Cost: Free
Schools interested in participating in our preview event can contact Alissa at 219.306.8069 or email awilliams@crownpointlibrary.org.
Model Train Show at Crown Point Community Library Invites Train Collectors and Enthusiasts for a Four-Day Event
Model train collectors, enthusiasts, and families of all ages are invited to the Crown Point Community Library for a spectacular four-day model train show running from December 5 – 8, 2024. This free event promises a journey into the world of model trains, offering both entertainment and educational insights for attendees.
Event Schedule:
Thursday, December 5: 5 – 7 p.m.
Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 8: 1 – 4 p.m.
Guests will enjoy a variety of train layouts and displays, showcasing different gauges and unique designs provided by Roundtoit Train Club, CP Train Stop, Lionel Model Train Club, and the Illiana Garden Railway Society. The event is not only a treat for train lovers but also an educational opportunity for beginners and collectors alike to learn about model train construction, restoration, and proper care for their collection.
Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. Don’t miss this chance to discover the world of model trains and connect with fellow enthusiasts in the community.
Our November Library Program Guide is available now! Copies are available at both library locations or click the image below to view the digital version.
Summer reading season is officially underway, and we’re thrilled to see so many community members already diving into this year’s Color Our World theme! Our programs celebrating reading, art, and creativity are in full swing, with activities and events happening for all ages throughout the summer.
Step Back in Time: Jackie Kennedy Comes to Life at Crown Point Library
The Library is thrilled to partner with Crown Point Community School Corporation for the One District One Book initiative! This year, elementary school students are diving into Just Harriet, and we’re here to make the experience even more exciting with enrichment programs designed to bring the story to life!
The library’s annual Preschool Preview Night is on 
Model Train Show at Crown Point Community Library Invites Train Collectors and Enthusiasts for a Four-Day Event
