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.
Are you passionate about supporting your local library? The Friends of the Crown Point Library (FOCPL) are looking for new Board members to join our team! We have several openings and welcome members to apply.
If you have enthusiasm, a few hours to spare, and a desire to make a difference, we need you! In addition to filling Officer positions, we’re also seeking members with fresh ideas to help support the Library through fundraising, programs, and outreach services.
FOCPL is a group of dedicated volunteers who work together to enhance the services and programs of the Crown Point Library. Our mission is to promote the enjoyment of the Library and raise funds for initiatives that go beyond the regular operating budget. Established in 1983, FOCPL is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Interested in learning more? Join us for a special evening meeting on Tuesday, November 12, at 6 p.m. to discover how you can get involved and help support your Library through the Friends! The meeting will take place in the Internet Café at the Crown Point location.
The Crown Point Library is proud to host an exciting new art exhibit by the Diversified Art Visionaries (DAVe), a collective of talented local artists. This exhibit will showcase artwork from over twenty artists, featuring various mediums, styles, and creative expressions.
The public is invited to attend the opening reception on Wednesday, October 16, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. This event will provide an opportunity to meet the artists, explore the diverse artwork, and enjoy light refreshments.
The exhibit will remain on display at the library until the end of the year, offering visitors plenty of time to experience the unique talent and creativity of the Diversified Art Visionaries.
About DAVe
The Diversified Art Visionaries (DAVe) is a 501c3 non-profit group that was initially started at the request of Dyer town members. The group is comprised of volunteers who are both artists and art enthusiasts, and their mission is to enrich the community by developing an enthusiastic environment that supports the arts.
This past summer, residents of all ages embarked on exciting adventures with our Summer Reading program! Running from June 1 to July 31, the program was designed to make learning fun, engaging, and inclusive for everyone.
We offered a variety of activities to spark curiosity and creativity. Participants explored local history, tried their hands at crafting, and even discovered new recipes, ensuring that there was something for everyone to enjoy.
We’d like to extend a big thank you to all our summer readers, community partners, and sponsors for supporting this year’s Summer Reading program.
The Crown Point Community Library, in partnership with the Crossroads Chamber of Commerce, is excited to invite the public to celebrate the new StoryWalk® at Randolph Street Park, located at 11900 Randolph Street, Winfield, Indiana.
The event will take place on Thursday, September 12, 2024, and begins at 10:30 a.m. with afun and interactive story time led by library staff, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Representatives from the Crown Point Community Library, Crossroads Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, and Town of Winfield will officially unveil the StoryWalk® at Randolph Street Park.
“This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when organizations within our community collaborate,” said Julie Wendorf, Library Director. “Thanks to the generous gift from the Lakes of Four Seasons Lions Club, we can promote literacy with outdoor activity, offering a unique and engaging experience for families in the Winfield community. Special thanks to the Town of Winfield for providing the perfect location and Winfield Public Works for installing the signs.
The StoryWalk® consists of 20 signs around the pond, each displaying a page from a children’s picture book. The book will change seasonally.
This event is free and open to the public. Families, educators, and community members of all ages can attend. We hope to see you there!
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
