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.
All aboard! The Crown Point Community Library invites train enthusiasts of all ages to its Model Train Extravaganza on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
This annual family-friendly event transforms the library into a miniature wonderland of railroads, featuring intricate model layouts and displays from local train clubs and collectors, including the Roundtoit Train Club, CP Train Stop, Illiana Garden Railway Society, and Tyler’s Tender.
Visitors can explore a variety of scales and styles, watch trains wind through detailed landscapes, and meet hobbyists who love to share their knowledge and creativity. Whether you’re a lifelong collector or just curious about model railroading, this event offers something for everyone.
📅 When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 🕘 Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 📍 Where: Crown Point Community Library, 122 N. Main Street, Crown Point 🎟️ Admission: Free, open to all ages
All aboard for holiday fun!
Enter to win a Lionel Polar Express Train
Once again, Brian Speers, owner of CP Trains Stop, is on track to spread some cheer by donating a Lionel Polar Express Train for the library to raffle! From December 6 through December 15, during your visit to the library, stop by the front desk to enter to win. This is a free raffle, and the winner will be drawn on December 15.
Don’t forget to visitthe Children’s Library on the second floor to see the festive model train display, sponsored by the Roundtoit Train Club and CP Trians Stop. Kids can press a button to make the train move and whistle—a delightful experience for the whole family.
Monday, December 1 • 5–6 p.m. Crown Point Community Library
Do your children have toys they’ve outgrown but are still in great shape? Give those toys a second life—and bring home something “new-to-you”—at the Crown Point Community Library’s upcoming Toy Exchange! This community event is a fun, eco-friendly way to clear out the playroom before the holidays while helping other families discover new treasures.
How It Works
Families are invited to bring in up to five gently used toys to the Youth Services Desk between Monday, November 24 and Sunday, November 30. Please note: The Library will be closed on November 27 and 28 for Thanksgiving.
All donated toys will be organized for a special “shopping” event on Monday, December 1 from 5-6 p.m. During this time, families who donated toys can browse and select new-to-you items to take home. It’s a simple, joyful way to recycle beloved playthings and share with others in our community.
Toy Donation Guidelines
To ensure a safe, fun experience for all, please follow these guidelines when selecting toys to donate:
Please bring no more than 5 toys.
Toys must be clean, complete, and in working condition (no missing pieces).
We cannot accept cloth toys or toys designed to go in a child’s mouth (including teething items).
Great examples of acceptable items include:
Complete puzzles and games
Wooden toys
Toy sets
LEGO and building sets
Action figures
Construction toys
Educational toys
Physical activity toys
Why Participate?
The Toy Exchange is a wonderful way to:
Declutter before the holidays
Promote sustainable practices
Give gently used toys a second life
Find exciting new toys to bring home—at no cost
We hope you’ll join us for this festive, family-friendly event. For more information, please contact the Youth Services Department at (219) 306-8068.
Let’s spread joy and encourage reuse—one toy at a time!
The Crown Point Community School Corporation and the Crown Point Community Library are excited to hop into this year’s One District, One Book selection: Life According to Og the Frog by Betty Birney!
Students across all Crown Point elementary schools are receiving their own copy of this delightful novel, which follows classroom newcomer Og the Frog as he adjusts to life in Room 26. Between new friends, new routines, and the possibility of returning to the pond, Og’s world is full of big changes—and plenty of BING, BANG, BOING!
To bring Og’s story to life, the Library is offering a full month of programs celebrating frogs, creativity, poetry, art, and amphibious science fun. Families can choose from hands-on craft sessions, interactive learning programs, a book discussion, and even a live reptile and amphibian presentation.
Featured Programs Include:
Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles – Sat., Nov. 22 at 1 p.m.
Story & Crafts – Mon., Nov. 24 at 4:30 p.m.
Book Discussion – Mon., Dec. 1 at 4:30 p.m.
Poetry Playground – Thurs., Dec. 4 at 4:30 p.m.
Frogtastic Crafts – Sat., Dec. 6 at 11 a.m.
DIY Terrarium – Mon., Dec. 29 at 11 a.m.
Faux Stained Glass Frog Art – Tues., Dec. 30 at 11 a.m.
The Crown Point Community Library is joining the City of Crown Point’s Pink Friday celebration on Friday, November 21, from 4–8 p.m. Pink Friday is a local twist on the traditional Black Friday shopping experience—a fun evening dedicated to supporting small businesses and shopping local in downtown Crown Point!
As you sip, shop, and stroll through the square, stop by the Library to warm up and enjoy some special offerings designed just for the occasion:
💗 In the Library Lobby and meeting rooms:
Free hot chocolate and hot tea to keep you cozy
Make-and-take handcrafted bookmarks—a creative keepsake or thoughtful gift
Special Pink Book & Holiday Gift-Giving Book Displays featuring staff recommendations for your next great read or gift idea
Library Card Sign-Up Station—join your library community if you haven’t already!
“Give the Gift of Reading” table of books for sale by the Friends of the Library
Information on our Book Club Kits to Go, available for community book clubs to borrow
Public restrooms are available for visitors
Whether you’re downtown to shop, socialize, or soak up the festive atmosphere, we invite you to stop by, say hello, and discover all the ways your Library can be part of your holiday season.
The Crown Point Lions Club, in partnership with the Crown Point Community Public Library, invites students ages 11–13 to participate in the 2025-2026 Lions International Peace Poster Contest.
This year’s theme, “Together As One,” encourages youth to creatively share their vision of peace, unity, and collaboration through art.
Key Details:
Eligibility: Students ages 11, 12, or 13 on November 15, 2025
Deadline: Entries due by 5 p.m. on November 9, 2025, at the Crown Point Library
Judging Criteria: Originality, artistic merit, and expression of theme
Awards: Top three winners recognized locally; first-place poster advances to district judging
Award Presentation: November 18, 2025, at the Crown Point Library
All aboard! The Crown Point Community Library invites train enthusiasts of all ages to its 
The Crown Point Lions Club, in partnership with the Crown Point Community Public Library, invites students ages 11–13 to participate in the 2025-2026 Lions International Peace Poster Contest.
