After over a year of virtual programming, the Crown Point Community Library is beginning to introduce in-person programming (at the Crown Point location), choosing only a few programs to transition into early summer.
Currently, the library’s monthly book club, ongoing craft, and social game groups will begin meeting in person, at the Crown Point location. Those who choose to attend the programs are required to wear a mask and observe the social distance. The majority of children’s programming will remain virtual. Library staff is finalizing the Summer Reading schedule of events, which will include outdoor storytime programs, drop-in scavenger hunts, LEGO challenges, and more throughout June and July. All of the library’s curbside activities, for all ages, and services including curbside pick up, and curbside computing, will continue.
In addition, the Crown Point location will resume the public use of our meeting rooms and individual study rooms are available for regular occupancy. Meeting rooms will have capacity limits and other restrictions. To reserve a study room call 219.306.4593, for meeting rooms call (219) 663-0270 ext. 226.
The ability to offer in-person programs may change in response to pandemic conditions, for up-to-date information check our events calendar and Facebook page.
Members of the Lake County Parks Photo Club have a display of photography work at the Crown Point location throughout the month of May.
The theme for National Library Week (April 4-10, 2021), “Welcome to Your Library,” promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building – and that everyone is welcome to use their services. During the pandemic, libraries have been going above and beyond to adapt to our changing world by expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their users. Whether people visit in person or virtually, libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and become their best selves through access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programs.
“We Love Our Library” and throughout the month of April, in addition to celebrating National Library Week, we will celebrate our commitment to ensure library services were available to our community over the last year, to recognize our valuable staff for adapting to new ways of delivering services and programming online, and to our patrons for their continued support! If you are on Facebook, you can show your support by adding the campaign frame to your profile:
Have you visited our YouTube channel? On it, you will find a variety of virtual programming including storytime, STEM activities, instructional videos on library services, collection highlights, as well as fun videos about upcoming library news!
Our YouTube channel provides instant access to experience the library in the comfort of your home. Find us on YouTube by searching for Crown Point Library, then follow us by liking and subscribing to our page. You can also choose to get a notification when a new video is posted.
New videos are released weekly – here is the latest:
Click on the icon to visit our YouTube page and SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Check out a new service at the library called Children’s Book Bundles!
Complete the form below and our children’s librarian will select 3-5 books, place them on hold for you, and let you know when they are ready for pick up.
Adults are encouraged to preview the book selections. While we will try our best, we cannot guarantee every book will be the right fit. If you don’t like it, simply bring it back and we will be happy to try again!
GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. This day (December 1, 2020) is an opportunity to use your individual power of generosity to make an impact.
This year has been filled with challenges, but the Crown Point Community Library has reimagined and expanded traditional library services to meet the interests and needs of our community:
Offered contactless curbside service at both locations.
Offered one-on-one reference assistance by phone.
Extended free WiFi access to the parking lot areas at both locations.
Facilitated an online system to process new library cards, updated expired cards, or assigned pin numbers for community members.
Expanded online access for all digital resources.
Created an eLearning Resource guide to assist schools and teachers.
Produced virtual programming videos, for all ages, including curbside take & make activity bags.
Offered curbside computer carts equipped with internet access, printing, scanning, and copying capabilities.
Acquired new digital resources: Creativebug, TumbleMath, TeenBook Cloud, and AudioBookCloud.
Provided outreach materials to senior living centers.
In addition, our Friends of the Library would like to thank the community for supporting their organization throughout the year and attending their recent book sales. As a special benefit, they have extended the membership, for their current members, through 2021.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding in these unusual times.
The Library has several positions open. For complete job descriptions and how to apply, please visit.
Book Sale
Friday, October 23 is the last day of the book sale. The sale is located at the Crown Point location and is open from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. All items will be discounted to $1 a bag.
Trick or Treat/Pumpkin Walk around the Court House Square
Visit the Library on Halloween and take a stroll down our “Spooky Sidewalk” (a chalk obstacle course on the sidewalk in between the green space and the Library), enjoy the outdoor story walk, and then visit our booth on the Court House lawn. Staff members will hand our free Halloween take & make crafts and other treats!
For virtual programming announcements and other Library news please follow us on Facebook or sign up to receive the Library’s newsletter by email.
As Indiana moves into Stage 5, the Library will shift from “Grab and Go” to a “Stay, Sit & Study” service model and will now permit patrons the ability to sit down and use our space. Only limited seating has been reintroduced to the Library spaces with all seating maintaining social distancing between seating areas and from staff areas.
Seating in the Library:
All tables have chairs returned
Seating returns to select areas (only vinyl upholstered easy chairs have been returned to aid disinfecting)
Due to the need to maintain social distancing, tables and chairs may not be moved
Groups gathering and sitting on the floor is not permitted
Reintroduced:
Quiet Room is for silent study only
Study Rooms are for INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY
No limit on the amount of time spent in the library
Computer time restored to normal length
One-on-One assistance or service will require the patron to wear a mask properly over the nose and mouth
The following rooms remain closed:
Internet Cafe
Meeting Rooms
Children’s Program Room
Game Room
Indiana Room (open by appointment/arrangement only)
Still suspended:
In-Library, in-person library programming for all ages
Public use of meeting rooms
REMAINS IN EFFECT:
Masks are still required to use the library regardless of the duration of the visit
Social distancing
At this time NO FOOD is allowed in the Library, but drinks are permitted
Tables and chairs will be treated as high touch surfaces and will be cleaned daily
Curbside services
Virtual programming and take & make activity bags
Beginning Saturday, October 17 the Crown Point location will extend its hours of operation:
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 12 – 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed.
Like and follow our Facebook page for up-to-date Library service information and virtual programming announcements!
Indiana Humanities awards the Crown Point Community Library the Advancing Racial Equity Collection Development Grant
10.6.2020
The Crown Point Community Library is pleased to announce the award of $995 from the Advancing Racial Equity Collection Development Grant from Indiana Humanities with funds from Lily Endowment Inc. The generous grant allowed us to purchase additional materials, in multiple formats, related to issues of race, diversity, and inclusion to add to our collection.
We appreciate the support from Indiana Humanities as we continue to inform, enrich, and empower our community through diverse collections.
This program has been made possible through a grant from the INDIANA HUMANITIES with funds from LILLY ENDOWMENT INC.
Change of Library Hours & Services
10.5.20
As Indiana moves into Stage 5, the Library will shift from “Grab and Go” to a “Stay, Sit & Study” service model and will now permit patrons the ability to sit down and use our space. Only limited seating has been reintroduced to the Library spaces with all seating maintaining social distancing between seating areas and from staff areas.
Seating in the Library:
All tables have chairs returned
Seating returns to select areas (only vinyl upholstered easy chairs have been returned to aid disinfecting)
Due to the need to maintain social distancing, tables and chairs may not be moved
Groups gathering and sitting on the floor is not permitted
Reintroduced:
Quiet Room is for silent study only
Study Rooms are for INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY
No limit on the amount of time spent in the library
Computer time restored to normal length
One-on-One assistance or service will require the patron to wear a mask properly over the nose and mouth
The following rooms remain closed:
Internet Cafe
Meeting Rooms
Children’s Program Room
Game Room
Indiana Room (open by appointment/arrangement only)
Still suspended:
In-Library, in-person library programming for all ages
Public use of meeting rooms
REMAINS IN EFFECT:
Masks are still required to use the library regardless of the duration of the visit
Social distancing
At this time NO FOOD is allowed in the Library, but drinks are permitted
Tables and chairs will be treated as high touch surfaces and will be cleaned daily
Curbside services
Virtual programming and take & make activity bags
Beginning Saturday, October 17 the Crown Point location will extend its hours of operation:
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 12 – 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed.
Like and follow our Facebook page for up-to-date Library service information and virtual programming announcements!
Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month with Wonder Woman!
9.11.20
Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when libraries nationwide join together to remind parents, caregivers, and students that signing up for a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning.
This year, DC’s Wonder Woman is embarking on a mission to champion the power of a library card as Library Card Sign-up Month Honorary Chair. In her new role, Wonder Woman will promote the value of libraries and encourage everyone to get their very own library card.
For a limited time, we have a special edition Wonder Woman library card, anyone can apply for this card,
find out how you can get one here.
Grab N’ Go Service Model
8-24-2020
School is back in session and the Crown Point Community Library is here to support the educators, parents, and students. The Library empathizes with the challenges each school system is currently facing with the ramifications of COVID-19. The Library also faces similar challenges with keeping our staff and patrons safe. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Library has developed new and innovative ways to provide service to community members. The Library has had to alter and adjust to new ways of providing service but is committed to supporting our students, parents, and educators in any way possible.
Currently, the Library is using a “Grab and Go” service model that ensures that we are able to maintain building capacity and physical distancing requirements. With that focus in mind, the Library has made several changes which may impact your students and their families:
The Grab and Go service model allows individuals to enter the building to check out materials and use the library’s public computers for up to an hour, but longer visits are not permitted at this time.
In our current COVID service model, space usage is currently unavailable for tutoring, individual or group studying, reading, or relaxing.
Library programming and meeting room use are suspended.
The Library is not able to function as an after school destination nor a remote learning location due to restrictions on time spent in the building and our limited use model.
The Library’s seating areas are not available for congregating.
Outdoor WIFI is available 24/7 in our library parking lots and does not require a password.
Curbside service is available to pick up library materials during library open hours.
Starting Tuesday, July 21, 2020, in accordance with Governor Holcomb’s #MaskUpHoosiers initiative and the Lake County Health Department Public Health Order 20-01, the Crown Point Community Library will be requiring the use of masks for all library visitors over the age of 2. Combined with frequent handwashing and social distancing, wearing a face mask is one of the most effective ways to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Thank you for joining the Crown Point Community Library in keeping our community healthy and allowing the library to continue to serve the needs of our community. For more information regarding this change read our FAQ: Mask Requirement CPCL
To prepare for your visit to the Library:
Please remember to bring your mask starting July 21. Masks will not be provided by the library.
Everyone 2 years of age and older must wear a mask to enter the library locations.
If you are unable to wear a mask the library has created accommodations for service including:
Curbside pick of library materials
Phone reference or virtual reference
Assisting with materials selection and placing holds on requested materials
Lobby computer station for computer use, scanning, printing, and copying
24/7 public wifi available outside library locations
On Monday, June 15, we reopened our buildings to the public with limited capacity. While we’re eager to open our doors to the public, we believe it is important to do our part to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19, and are moving forward with an emphasis on safety and innovation to provide a safe environment for our visitors and staff. We have altered the methods of some of our services for initial reopening:
Limited service hours
Library access will be limited to a “Grab ‘n Go” service, allowing visitors to select materials for immediate checkout
Computers are limited to one-hour sessions; the curbside computing mobile units are available in the lobby for quick service
All in-library programming and meeting room reservations remain suspended at this time
Curbside services will continue through the summer
Our book drops are open so you can return materials
Library materials returned will quarantine for 72 hours before checking in and re-shelving, items will remain on patrons record during quarantine, however, no fines will accumulate
All materials, checked out prior to our March 16 closure are due June 15, fees and fines will be waived through July 1; however, normal charges will begin after that date
We are not accepting donations at this time
Click on the unicorn to read our summer newsletter for more information about Library services and virtual programming!
Crown Point Community Library receives $10,000 funding relief provided to Indiana humanities organizations through CARES Grants
The Library is pleased to announce the award of $10,000 from the Indiana Humanities with funds from the CARES Act. This CARES grant funding will provide operating support to help with funding relief due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are grateful to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), which provided funding to Indiana Humanities as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act economic stabilization plan appropriated by the U.S. Congress.
Updated May 26, 2020
NEW SERVICE: NO-CONTACT CURBSIDE COMPUTING!
The Library is excited to introduce a new curbside service: “Curbside Computing” mobile carts that are equipped with internet access, computer, printer equipped with scanning and copying capabilities. There are two mobile carts at Crown Point and one at Winfield. The carts will be available Monday – Friday, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., weather permitting.
The carts on a first-come, first-served basis and there is no cost to use any of the features. Please be courteous of your time while others are waiting. Please practice social distancing. Library staff will frequently sanitize the cart surfaces. Handwashing is the best defense against COVID-19 so a portable hand washing sink will be available when the carts are in use.
Our Curbside Computing mobile carts are made possible by Lake County COVID-19 Response Fund grant supported by the collaborative work of the Legacy Foundation, Crown Point Community Foundation, Foundations of East Chicago, and The John S. & James L. Knight Foundation Donor Advised Fund at Legacy Foundation.
LIBRARY CLOSURE UPDATES:
The Crown Point Community Library building remains closed to the public at this time. Library leadership is carefully considering and planning the necessary precautions to determine when we can reopen to the community. We will communicate further information, regarding our reopening, as soon as possible. Read more information about our reopening safety measures here: https://crownpointlibrary.org/2020/03/10/coronavirus-what-you-should-know/ and please continue to follow us on social media and online for up-to-date information.
NEW SERVICE: NO CONTACT CURBSIDE PICK-UP!
Beginning Wednesday, May 20 CPCL will offer no-contact curbside pickup for library materials. The service will be available:
Crown Point location: Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Winfield location: Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
To request library materials for curbside pickup:
Place a hold via the library’s online catalog or call the Library location by phone. When your items are available for pick-up, you will receive a notification, by text or email, or if you have opted out of notifications, the Library will call you when your items are available for pick up. (Watch a video on how to place a hold online https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfi2qjBdbqQ)
Only after you have received a notification, from the Library, should you arrive for curbside pick-up.
Pull into a designated curbside pick-up spot, call the Library and notify the staff member of your parking spot number. Remain inside your vehicle.
Library staff will bring your bagged items out to you and place them on the curbside pick-up sign.
Library staff are following strict sanitation, hand-washing procedures, and wear masks/face shields while delivering your materials.
Library materials can only be returned to our book drops.
All items are quarantined for three days before they are checked in, so you may still see items listed on your account after you return them.
Any fines accrued during the quarantine period are waived when they are checked in.
Please note that in severe weather, curbside pick-up service may be suspended temporarily. Curbside pick-up is a new procedure, please be patient as we work through the logistics of this new library service.
**We ask our patrons to help us in our efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 when using our curbside service. Please do not use this service if you are showing symptoms, have had a fever in the last 24 hours, or otherwise think you may have or need to be tested for COVID-19.**
The Library is offering free WiFi access in the parking lot at both locations.
At Crown Point, the WiFi access is in the municipal parking lot located between the CP Library and City Hall. Connect to “CPCL Outdoor.” No password required.
At Winfield, connect to “CPCL Outdoor 2.” No password required.
NEW SERVICE: VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING
Subscribe to our channel and watch our virtual storytime, STEAM activities, and more!
The Library can’t wait to re-open and see all the friendly faces of our community that we miss! Until then, feel free to keep your library materials. Yes, our book drops are open but it isn’t necessary to return your materials at this time. Fines will not accrue, please disregard automatic renewal notifications you may receive via email. If you already returned your materials please know they have not been checked-in to our system. As a result, your account may show your items are still checked out, but rest assured fines will not accrue.
The Library is still very much available to the public with digital collections and resources more accessible than ever.
You can access ebooks, audiobooks, learning opportunities, and much more––all free with your library card!
Click on the image below to download the flyer that includes direct links to our digital resources.
Complete the form below and our children’s librarian will select 3-5 books, place them on hold for you, and let you know when they are ready for pick up..png)
NEW SERVICE: NO CONTACT CURBSIDE PICK-UP!
