The Crown Point Community Library, 122 North Main Street, is proud to announce that we have received a $5,000 grant to host creative aging programming for older adults. We are one of 36 libraries to receive training and funding through Lifelong Arts Indiana, a program that promotes arts and creativity services for adults ages 65 and older. This activity is made possible by the Indiana Arts Commission in partnership with the Family and Social Services Administration.
The library will host a program titled, “A Story Montage,” facilitated by Jennifer Weinert, a professional artist trained by Lifetime Arts, a national organization that embraces “positive aging” through personal growth, enhanced well-being, and civic engagement. Indiana’s Lifelong Arts initiative supports aging service professionals and providers in developing their ability to offer in-depth art experiences and build understanding around how arts impact the quality of life and general wellness.
“A Story Montage” invites participants to create a unique work of art from a personal experience. The six-week course shares the history, art, and evolution of collage to assemblage. Engagement with the elements, concepts, and applications opens an understanding of the creative process and informs each piece. As a multi-disciplined artist and storyteller, Jennifer Weinert resources over thirty years of experience, providing a genuine space for participants of all abilities to express themselves fully and confidently through a process-oriented, contemplative approach. As a facilitator of creative arts programming for older adults she has witnessed confidence, community, and understanding through participation and creative conversations.
The program meets at the Crown Point Library on Fridays from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for six consecutive weeks beginning August 23. Registration opens on August 5 and is for all six sessions. To register and for more information visit:
In an era where digital entertainment often overshadows traditional forms of storytelling, the Crown Point Community Library’s “Stories In the Park” outreach event has become a community favorite. It serves as a refreshing and vital initiative to the library’s eight-week Summer Reading program held annually from June 1 – July 31.
One of the primary reasons “Stories In the Park” is so significant is that it meets the community outside the library building. The easygoing and open environment of parks creates a unique and engaging setting for storytelling. Children are naturally drawn to outdoor play, and combining this with story time makes for a memorable and enjoyable experience. This fusion of outdoor activity and literacy can have a lasting positive impact on children’s development and their relationship with reading.
“Stories in the Park” is offered weekly throughout the Summer Reading program at two locations to accommodate residents served in the library’s district: Bulldog Park in Crown Point and Randolph Street Park in Winfield. This dual-location approach exemplifies how libraries can extend their reach beyond their physical buildings to foster stronger community connections, ensuring that storytelling’s joy and educational benefits are accessible to all.
Library outreach events like “Stories In the Park” also play a crucial role in building stronger community partnerships. The library invites the Police Department, Fire Department, Post Office, and city and school officials to participate which significantly enhances the reach and impact of our outreach efforts. These collaborations create a multifaceted approach to community engagements.
For example, having police officers and firefighters participate in story times adds, not only, excitement for the children, but also humanizes these public servants, fostering trust and positive relationships from a young age. Similarly, partnerships with the Post Office can incorporate educational elements about mail and communication, adding another layer of learning to the events.
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The “Stories In the Park” initiative by the Crown Point Community Library is a shining example of how libraries can transcend their traditional roles to become dynamic and integral parts of their communities. By meeting the needs of their community outside the library and cultivating strong partnerships with local organizations, the library, not only, promotes literacy and education, but also builds stronger, more connected communities. This all-inclusive approach to community engagement ensures that the library remains a vital and beloved institution for generations.
Library cardholders can exchange their current card for our Summer Reading limited edition “Camp Snoopy” library card for free, while supplies last. If you applied for a library card online, visit the library to convert your virtual card to a physical card and request this special edition design.
Every time you visit the library during the summer reading event you will get a ticket to enter our free Snoopy Adventure raffle.
One ticket, per person, per visit.
The winner will be drawn on August 1.
The Snoopy Adventure raffle includes a Peanuts Kids 4×3 Tent, Family Bingo Game, Memory Card Game, and Lantern.
Step back, in time, to see how a Civil War camp functioned and “meet” some of its inhabitants at the HISTORY SPEAKS: Civil War Stories event on Saturday, June 15 at Buckley Homestead. The event is from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will feature speakers, and educational activities, for all ages, throughout the day. Food will be available for purchase.
This event is presented by the Northwest Indiana Civil War Roundtable and made possible by grant funding through Indiana Humanities and in partnership with Lake County Parks and Recreation, and Crown Point Community Library.
In conjunction with this event, “Faces of Civil War”, an exhibit on loan from the Indiana Historical Society will be on display in the library’s art gallery at the Crown Point location. The exhibit will then be set up at the event.
Adventure Begins at Your Library is the library’s summer reading event theme. Embark on a journey this summer! Dive into the pages of thrilling tales, explore far-off lands, and meet fascinating characters. Readers of all ages can register and read to win prizes and attend programs, including crafts, performers, book clubs, special events, and more.
In March each year, Youth Art Month celebrates the visual arts! The national program encourages support for art programming. The Elementary Art Show was a collaboration between the Crown Point Community School Corporation’s Elementary School art teachers and the Crown Point Library.The exhibit offered a positive experience for the student artists and the public. In March, over 250 works of art filled the lobby display cases and art gallery, all created by students in grades K-5.
Having an art gallery space inside a library may seem outside the norm, but dedicating space for this purpose fits into our mission to be a place for the community to gather and connect.
Over 400 people attended the art show reception. As they wandered from piece to piece, students posed in front of their artwork, beaming with pride. The evening was evidence that a library is truly a gathering place, and its value in a community goes beyond the books on the shelves. Special thanks to the Friends of the Library for sponsoring refreshments at the reception and to the art teachers:
June Wylie – Eisenhower,
Lyn Czapla – Solon Robinson,
Ashley Immig – Winfield,
Jennifer Popp – Jerry Ross,
Suzanne Teesdale-Timothy Ball,
Nathan DeYoung -MacArthur, and
Esther Key – Lake Street.
In April, visit the Library’s exhibit space to view the Tri-Kappa Art Show including the works of art by students enrolled in advanced art classes at Crown Point High School.
For a printed version of the art show article, please pick up a copy of the library’s monthly newsletter at either location or download it here.
On April 8, the Library will have eclipse totality coverage streaming in the meeting rooms at the Crown Point location, as well as eclipse related activities for ALL AGES from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
While Crown Point is not in totality, we will have approximately 95% coverage at about 2:07 p.m. We welcome patrons of all ages to join us for the “Great American Eclipse of 2024!”
**A limited number of eclipse glasses MAY be available the day of the event on a first come first served basis. (Maximum two pairs per household.)
Families are invited to join us for crafts, games, and science activities to prepare you for this upcoming phenomenon.
The same program is offered at both library locations: Friday, March 29 at Winfield from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. or Saturday, March 30 at Crown Pointfrom11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Registration is encouraged but not required. An adult must accompany children.
Solar Eclipse Glasses
The Library has a limited number of eclipse glasses to share with you!
Registration is required and opens online on TUESDAY, MARCH 19 at 9 a.m. Eclipse glasses will be available to be picked up at either library location on Monday, March 25, 2024, through Saturday, March 30, 2024. Supplies are limited. To receive glasses, you must register through our website. Please register only once for the day you intend to pick up your glasses (registration links are listed below). **Maximum 2 pairs of eclipse glasses per household.** Glasses may be picked up ONLY at the selected location during the selected library’s open hours on that day.
To enable us to serve more patrons, glasses not picked up within 72 hours of the registered timeslot will be forfeited.
On April 8, the Library will have eclipse totality coverage streaming in the meeting rooms at the Crown Point location and eclipse-related activities for ALL AGES from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. While Crown Point is not in totality, we will have approximately 95% coverage at about 2:07 p.m. We welcome patrons of all ages to join us for the “Great American Eclipse of 2024!”
**A limited number of eclipse glasses MAY be available the day of the event on a first come first served basis. (Maximum two pairs per household.)
The library received 473 entries for our first Design A Bookmark Contest open to students in grades K-12!
One winning design from the four categories was chosen:
K-2: Lexi Stanisz, 2nd grade at MacArthur Elementary School
3-5: Elliott Steiger, 3rd grade at Dwight Eisenhower Elementary School
6-8: Rori Reid, 8th grade at Taft Middle School
9-12: Lauren Clemons, 12th grade at Crown Point High School
Courtesy of our Friends of the Library, the winning bookmark designs will be professionally printed. The winning student’s school library will receive 200 bookmarks of their design, and both library branches will have bookmarks of all four winners available to the public.
The library would like to thank all of the participants who entered the contest.
The Crown Point Community Library has a great group of Friends!
Established in 1983, the Friends of the Crown Point Library is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises funds to benefit the library. They are dedicated to advocating for library services, promoting early literacy, and funding projects and programs to enhance and promote the use and enjoyment of the library.
October 15-21, 2023 is the 18th annual National Friends of Libraries Week, and the Friends are celebrating the week by recognizing their 40 years of service, hosting their Fall Book Sale, selling tickets to their upcoming Bunco fundraiser, promoting their annual Chicago Bus Trip, and kicking off their membership drive with a special offer on a Lifetime Membership.
For a limited time, 40 vouchers for a single Lifetime Membership at the reduced cost of $75 (regularly $150) will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The vouchers can be picked up at the front desk at the Crown Point Library or the book sale and must be used by December 31, 2024.
Support your library and the Friends at these events:
Fall Book Sale, October 18-20 at the Crown Point Library
Bunco Fundraiser for Early Literacy, Friday, November 10 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Bus Trip to Downtown Chicago, Wednesday, November 1. Tickets are $35 for Members, $40 for Non-Member, and go on sale November 1.
Travel presentation on 2024 Islands of New England tour through Collette Travel. Attend a brief presentation on Thursday, October 19 at 6 p.m. at the Crown Point Library.
On April 8, the Library will have eclipse totality coverage streaming in the meeting rooms at the Crown Point location, as well as eclipse related activities for ALL AGES from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Families are invited to join us for 
