The Crown Point Community Library is celebrating the completion of its recent renovation project of the Winfield Branch located at 10771 Randolph Street in the Doubletree Shopping Plaza. The public is invited to join us on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 10 a.m. for a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Crown Point Library and the Crossroads Chamber of Commerce. For more information visit www.crownpointlibrary.org.
The renovations to the branch location made the following possible:
~ Expanded the interactive children’s play area
~ Remodeled the public bathrooms
~ Addition of a private study room for public use
~ Removal of a wall to create more space
~ Increased shelving for library materials
~ Replaced and upgraded flooring
~ Relocated front door to provide a full-service entry
Julie Wendorf, Director of the Crown Point Community Library, stated, “The branch renovations were made possible with the bond refinancing of the Library’s existing bond for the Crown Point location’s building. As a result of a drop in interest rates, an additional $1.1 million dollars were gained, at no added taxpayer expense, to do much-needed capital improvements at both locations.” The project planning started at the end of 2022 and was led by Professional Building Services, Inc. of Crown Point. The project required the branch to close for eight weeks, February 1 – April 3, and briefly again for four additional days in August for the additional shelving installation and relocation of the entire library’s physical collection.
The project has received rave reviews from community members, according to Cindy Baumeister, the new Winfield Branch Supervisor. “I enjoy seeing people’s reactions and hearing how impressed they are with the finished product. Although the footprint size of the library didn’t change, many people say it feels much bigger.”
The first Winfield Branch of the Crown Point Library was opened in January of 1989 and has continued to grow and expand to match the growth of the community. The library’s service district, Center, and Winfield townships have experienced double-digit growth since the 2020 census “The expansion of library services matches the tremendous growth in both the Winfield and Crown Point communities”, stated Wendorf.
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the library joins the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide to remind everyone about the valuable resources available with a library card.
From borrowing books, ebooks, and audiobooks to getting homework help, learning new skills, or attending a book club or story time, a library card helps everyone do more of what they enjoy.
During September, we are celebrating Library Card Sign-up with these activities – join us!
Win A Kindle – Every time you check out library materials, during the month of September, you can enter to win a Kindle!
Every cardholder, at the time of checkout, will receive a ticket (one per visit, per cardholder) for a chance to win a Kid’s Edition or Regular Kindle Fire.
Self-checkout patrons can show their receipt at the Circulation Desk to receive their ticket.
The Indiana Library Passport has officially launched!
Showcasing over 60 libraries and branches to be explored across the state, Indiana Library Passport is a free, mobile passport program that allows users to check in at destination libraries and enter to win a prize. Users should visit https://passport.library.in.gov/ to sign up for the program, providing a name, email address, and mobile phone number.
Prizes are awarded on a quarterly basis and may include historical tour tickets, architecture books, and gift cards from local and national merchants.
The Indiana Library Passport is brought to you by the Indiana State Library and Bandwango, a technology company in the travel sphere, and sponsored by the Indiana State Library Foundation.
The Crown Point Community Library (both locations) is one of many libraries in the area participating in this statewide program.
For instructions on how to sign up click the passport seal below!
Celebrate National Library Week (April 23-29, 2023) with the theme “There’s More to the Story.”
Libraries are full of stories in a variety of formats from picture books to large print, audiobooks to ebooks, and more. But there’s so much more to the story. Libraries of Things lend items like museum passes, games, musical instruments, and tools. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, crafting classes, and lectures. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs.National Library Week 2023 will be a great time to tell your library’s multi-faceted story.
Celebration Days During National Library Week
Monday, April 24: Right to Read Day is a National Day of Action in support of the right to read. The State of America’s Libraries Report is released, including Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2022.
Tuesday, April 25:National Library Workers Day, a day for everyone to recognize the valuable contributions made by library workers.
Wednesday, April 26: National Library Outreach Day, a day the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.
Thursday, April 27:Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to urge members of Congress to protect the freedom to read.
Our largest fundraising event, Library Mini Golf, is returning on Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., and we are excited to once again transform the library into an 18-hole miniature golf course for the day. Players, of all ages, will enjoy putting through the library stacks, down the staircase, and finishing at the 19th hole “Family Fun Zone,” located in the meeting rooms, to enjoy free refreshments, and fun activities. Tickets cost $5 per person or $20 for a group of five and include one round of golf (putters, balls, and scorecards will be provided) and admittance to the Family Fun Zone.
Library Mini Golf is one of the most exciting opportunities that embrace the dual purpose of fundraising and provides an engaging way for community members to enjoy and explore the library space. and brings awareness of how the Library plays an integral part in our community’s success and quality of life for its residents.
The event is strategically scheduled in April to coincide with two American Library Association’s sponsored celebrations – National Library Week (April 23-29) and School Library Month. During the event, Crown Point schools compete in a hole-decorating contest. Golfers vote for the best hole and three winning schools receive a cash prize for their library.
The proceeds from this event are utilized to fund two years of library programming, for all ages. Since our first event in 2013, financial support through this fundraising effort has allowed us to enhance outreach services and expand traditional library programming to include:
Renting Molly the Trolley to transport patrons on our Historical Homes Tour,
Purchasing the screening licenses for Motion Pictures and Foreign Films,
Purchasing program materials for STEAM and early literacy programs,
Incentives and performers for the summer and winter reading events,
Author visits and musical performances,
Purchasing materials for take & make kits during the pandemic, and more!
One of the best features of the event is the golf hole-decorating contest between schools! Golfers vote for their favorite hole and three winnings schools receive a cash prize to purchase books for their school library (sponsored by our Friends of the Library.) 1st place receives $300, 2nd place receives $200 and 3rd place receives $100. This year, the Friends added an additional bonus of $100 to each school participating: Solon Robinson, Robert A. Taft, Dwight Eisenhower, Timothy Ball, Colonel Wheeler, MacArthur Elementary, and St. Mary’s Catholic.
In addition, parking is available at Wheeler Middle School and Molly the Trolley will transport players to and from the event for free! Boarding happens every thirty minutes. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to ride around the square on your way to play mini-golf at the Library!
We are grateful for all of our sponsors who make Library Mini-Golf possible:
Presenting Sponsors: Professional Building Services, Tech Credit Union, Certa Pro Painters of Northwest Indiana, CROWN Engineering, Repair & Manufacturing
Hole-In-One Sponsors: City of Crown Point, Bloom Boutique Salon, Saddle & Spurs Lake County 4-H Club, Crown Point Rotary Club, Centier Bank, O’Drobinak & Nowaczyk, P.C.; Proven IT
Eagle Sponsors: Code Ninjas of Crown Point, Xoxo Invites, Lake County Historical Society, Shelter Insurance – Mike Adams, Levin Tire & Service Center, Janet Katich, Glass America, LGS Plumbing, Julie Wendorf, Green is Good by Kate, Chippopotamus Golf, Golf Now! Chicago
Family Fun Zone Sponsors: Shirer Insurance, Car Star, Geisen Funeral Home, Higgins Overhead Door
Golf Hole Decorating Contest for Local Schools: Friends of the Crown Point Library
Birdie Sponsor: Olthof Homes
FAQ
Where is the golf course?
The eighteen holes are set up throughout the library on the 1st and 2nd floors. Golfers will purchase their tickets, pick up their equipment in the Internet Café and then head up to the second floor to begin! The course ends in the 19th Hole “Family Fun Zone” in the library’s meeting rooms, where golfers will return their equipment, vote for their favorite school-decorated hole, and enjoy free refreshments and other fun activities. This year we are excited to welcome Balloon Twister, Ian Tully, and Funtastic Photo Booth, as one of the free activities offered!
How much are the tickets?
$5.00 per player or $20 for a group of five.
What is included in the Library Mini Golf ticket?
One round of golf (putters, balls, and scorecards will be provided to players) and admittance to the Family Fun Zone.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, check, and credit cards. Checks should be made out to the Crown Point Library.
Is any portion of the mini golf ticket tax-deductible?
No, the fee helps to cover the event’s costs.
Can I buy tickets before the event on April 22?
Yes. Beat the line on the day of the event and purchase your tickets early. Tickets can be purchased at the Crown Point Library. Tickets are non-refundable.
Can I buy tickets on the day of the event?
Yes. Tickets will be sold in the Internet Café.
Will there be food or drinks available?
Light refreshments along with fun activities will be available, for free, in the Family Fun Zone.
Where do the proceeds go?
All the proceeds go towards expanding library programming, and services, FOR ALL AGES.
It’s true… the Friends of the Library are hosting another surplus sale of items the library no longer uses, such as chairs, flooring, shelving units, office furniture, and more.
The sale will take place in the meeting rooms at the Crown Point Library. Sales are cash or check only, and all items must be removed, by the buyer, on the day of purchase. There are no holds and no deliveries.
Sale hours*:
Tuesday, March 28 from 9 – 7 p.m.,
Wednesday, March 29 from 9 – 6 p.m.,
Thursday, March 30 from 9 – 1 p.m.
*Sale hours may change based on the number of items remaining for sale.
All items are sold as-is.
All sales are final.
Accepted forms of payment: Cash or check payable to the Friends of the Crown Point Library. Proceeds benefit the Library.
No holds for unpaid items.
Large items that are paid for may be picked up later, on the same day, or by 11 a.m. on Thursday.
Failure to pick up items will result in forfeiture of payment.
The purchaser is responsible for the pickup and delivery of items to their vehicle. A dolly and rolling cart will be made available, by the library, to assist in transporting your item to your vehicle. Library staff or Friends of the Library volunteers are unable to assist with the delivery or transportation of your items.
Tomorrow, February 1, 2023, the Winfield Branch will close for approximately six-seven weeks while renovations to update the space are being done.
The outside book drop will remain open for returns. We encourage our visitors to visit the Crown Point location to pick up holds and check-out materials during this time.
Due to the temporary closure a special storytime, designed for our Winfield Branch Book Babies and Little Listeners, will be held in the program room at the Crown Point location on Monday, February 6 at 10 a.m. Register here.
The February Book Discussion and the adult Paper Crafting program will take place, on their designated day and time, at the Holy Spirit Church Parish Life Center, located at 7667 E. 109th Ave, Crown Point, IN 46307.
Please continue to check our website and Facebook page for additional Winfield Branch programming updates during the renovation period.
Thank you for your patience while we update this space to better serve our visitors!
The improvements include:
Expanded interactive children’s play area
Remodeled public bathrooms
Addition of a private study room for public use
Removal of a wall to create a more open use of the current space
Increased shelving for library materials
Flooring replacement and upgrades
Door relocation to provide a more welcoming entry to the library
If you have additional questions, please contact Library Director, Julie Wendorf, at 219-306-8071.
Attention, OverDrive app users! The OverDrive app has been discontinued. Libby is OverDrive’s newer app for browsing and enjoying digital content from our library. All your loans, holds, and wish list items will be waiting for you in Libby when you add your library card. It’s time to give Libby a try! Learn more here
Libby also comes with new features we know you’ll love, like:
Tags to categorize books however you’d like
A central bookshelf for all loans and holds
Compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Sonos speakers
Our new permanent Storywalk® signs are installed with The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. Special thanks to the Friends of the Crown Point Library for purchasing our new signs, The City of Crown Point for partnering with the placement of some of the signs in the City’s green space, and Dimension Fence for doing a great job on the installation of all twenty signs.
On Monday, January 30 the Winfield Branch will close, for approximately six weeks, to begin the additional renovations to further improve the usability of the space for our visitors.
Some of the exciting parts of the project include the addition of a study room, an expanded children’s interactive play area, additional shelving to expand the selection of the materials, and a repurposing of the lobby space.
Visit our Facebook page for construction updates. Thank you for your patience during this project!
On Monday, January 30 the Winfield Branch will close, for approximately six weeks, to begin the additional renovations to further improve the usability of the space for our visitors.
