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.
During this time, the Library invites you to explore everything we have to offer on our website. You can borrow from our digital collections, with your library card, on Overdrive, and RB Digital, children can find books, games, puzzles and more on Tumblebooks. We also have many research databases available online with your library card. Use these databases to find articles in digital newspapers or magazines, learn about history, or practice a second language.
Need a library card?
Please submit the form below f if you are applying for a new card, updating an expired card, or have lost your pin number. All new library cardholders will need to pick up their physical card, at the Library, when it re-opens.
Library card requests will be addressed Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9-5 p.m.
Library responses will not be immediate. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Remember to visit our website and Facebook channel to receive up-to-date information on our closure and tips for making the most of online Library resources.
Please keep your library materials until we reopen.
All library materials checked out will have their due dates extended until we reopen and overdue fines will not accrue during this time.
If you have problems with the application form or additional assistance with online resources please email us at questions@crownpointlibrary.org.
We look forward to seeing you again when we reopen, and in the meantime, please take care of yourself and those around you.
Due to the current COVID surge and library staffing levels, adjustments to the library’s program schedule are needed to ensure essential library services are maintained.
All in-person programs for children have been suspended until further notice.
Face masks are required for staff-ledprograms for adults.
A summary of what the Library has provided to the community during the closure.
UPDATE – MAY 13, 2020
According to Governor Holcomb’s Back on Track Indiana plan, public libraries in Indiana have the ability to phase in services according to local needs, staff capacity, and the community’s situation. Since CPCL locations closed to the public on March 16, our staff have worked to provide library services in new ways, including Wi-Fi access in our parking lots, Remote Call Back services, applying for a library card online, virtual programming, enhanced digital resources, and more. CPCL is excited to phase in additional services and committed to doing so in a responsible and measured way for the safety of our staff and patrons.
Next week, CPCL will begin to offer no- contact curbside pick-up at the Crown Point location. While we are excited to open our doors to the public, we believe it is important to do our part to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19.
Below are some steps, established per the CDC guidelines, we are taking to minimize the risk for our staff and patrons, read more about our reopening safeguards here: CPCL_Reopening Safeguards
UPDATE – APRIL 16, 2020
The Library announces new digital services to help keep the community connected even while the Library buildings are closed. Read more about the latest digital services and programs offered here: https://crownpointlibrary.org/2020/04/16/new-digital-services/
On Monday, March 23 at 5 p.m. the Library Board of Trustees will hold their regular board meeting at the Crown Point Library in meeting room 1. The Library will only be open to meeting room 1 and the lobby for this public meeting. Social distancing will be enforced.
UPDATE – MARCH 17, 2020
During the time the Library is closed, please check our website and social media channels on Facebook, Twitter for up-to-date information on our closure and tips for making the most of online Library resources.
Please keep your library materials until we reopen. All library materials checked out will have their due dates extended until we reopen and no fines will accrue during this time.
We invite you to explore everything we have to offer on our website. You can borrow from our digital collections, with your library card, on Overdrive, and RB Digital, children can find books, games, puzzles and more on Tumblebooks.
We look forward to seeing you again when we reopen, and in the meantime, please take care of yourself and those around you.
UPDATE – MARCH 16, 2020
CROWN POINT COMMUNITY LIBRARY
SYSTEM CLOSED
With consideration of decisions by state and local officials, school systems, and public health departments, Crown Point Community Library Board of Trustees and Director have made the decision to close both locations and services to the public as of Monday, March 16 at 2 p.m. until further notice.
This includes the cancellation of all Library programming occurring inside and outside our buildings.
We are closing to protect the health of our staff, our community, and our patrons, for which we care deeply. Closing sooner will offer greater benefit to the social distancing effort to limit the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Lake County.
During this time, we will utilize our blog and social media channels on Facebook, Twitter to share information with patrons, including updates on our closure and tips for making the most of online Library resources.
We look forward to seeing you again when we reopen, and in the meantime, please take care of yourself and those around you.
The Crown Point Community Library locationswill remain open at this time, however,
programs will be canceled and meeting room usage suspended effective
Friday, March 13, 2020, through Monday, April 13, 2020.
Please check our website and social media for the latest information regarding the status of our programs.
Although the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is canceled, the last-minute announcement created difficulty with staff scheduling and the Crown Point location will remain closed on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
The Board of Trustees will hold a Special Board meeting on Tuesday, March 17 at 5 p.m. in Meeting Room 1. The doors will be open to allow the public to attend the meeting.
Thank you for understanding.
We are aware of the recent diagnosis of COVID-19 in Indiana, three in the Indianapolis area and one north of Fort Wayne. We want to share how we are addressing the concerns over Coronavirus in our public spaces:
Elevated cleaning measures in all buildings
Reminders for staff and patrons of proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
Covering coughs and sneezes with something other than your hand
Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
Routine wiping and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces
Staff are encouraged to stay home if they are ill or have a fever
Additionally, we would like to remind visitors that libraries are shared public spaces. For the health and safety of others, please be thoughtful about coming into a library if you are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms. (See symptoms here.) Please do your part to stop the spread of germs and disease.
Wash your hands frequently. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home and away from others if you are sick.
Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces frequently.
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you are exhibiting flu-like symptoms or have a fever, the Centers for Disease Control and other health agencies advise that you stay home. If you prefer not to visit the library in person at this time, we invite you to explore everything we have to offer on our website. You can borrow from our digital collections, with your library card, on Overdrive, and RB Digital, children can find books, games, puzzles and more on Tumblebooks. If you need assistance with your library card number or pin, please call (219) 663-0270.
Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is making updates to its website as new information becomes available. You can sign up to receive updates by email.
If you experience symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath and have a recent history of travel to China or contact with someone suspected of having COVID-19 please contact the ISDH Epidemiology Resource Center at:
The imaginative play area located in the Children’s library at the Crown Point location has transformed into a post office! The post office is infused with literacy, math, and writing opportunities for children of all ages. This new play area was unveiled in January 2020 and is designed to switch themes periodically. Last month featured a grocery store and those materials have traveled to the Winfield Branch. The play area is designed to encourage the American Library Association and Public Library Association’s Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR) program which has five components, including reading, writing, singing, talking and playing, which aim to help children learn to read and improve their reading. the play area was made possible by the generous donation of the Birdzell family in memory of Sharon Greening, more information can be found here.
The grocery store is now open at the Winfield Branch Library! Stefan, age 3, was the first one to enjoy playing at the new interactive play area.
Mark your calendars for the community’s most exciting miniature golf event!
The Crown Point Community Library is excited to announce the next Library Mini Golf Event, “A Hole Lot of Fun,” is on Saturday, April 18, 2020, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Library will transform into an 18-hole miniature golf course for the day. Players, of all ages, will enjoy putting through the stacks, on the first and second floor, down the staircase and all the way to the “Family Fun Zone” located in the library’s public meeting rooms. Here, players will be treated to free refreshments, a balloonist, face painting, games and more!
Library Mini Golf is one of the most exciting opportunities to raise money to support library programming 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 19-25) and School Library Month. During the event, Crown Point schools compete in a hole-decorating contest. Golfers vote for the best hole and three winnings schools receive a cash prize to purchase books for their school library (sponsored by the Friends of the Crown Point Library).
The cost is $5 per person or $20 for a group of five. Tickets will go on sale, at the Crown Point Library, on April 1st. The ticket includes one round of golf and admittance to the Family Fun Zone.
Come out and join us for “A Hole Lot Of Fun” and support the Library while have fun playing mini-golf inside the Library!
Sponsorships
This event is a great way to put your business in front of hundreds of community members. All sponsorships come with unique benefits and tickets to the event. Contact us to learn how you can sponsor a hole or donate a raffle item at the Library Mini Golf Event! Call Laura at (219) 306-4599 or email lclemons@crownpointlibrary.org. or download the sponsorship information here.
In 2018, the Crown Point Community Library received a generous donation from the Birdzell Family in memory of local educator, Sharon Greening. The memorial gift was designated to assist with the development and enhancement of the Library’s early reading programming and services. The Library had been carefully planning how to utilize the donation to foster early literacy development in both the Crown Point and Winfield communities.
In 2019, in addition to renaming the Crown Point location’s Children’s Program room in Greening’s honor, a portion of the donation was used to purchase a large number of educational materials to support sensory programming for all children, but especially for children with special needs. On January 24, 2020, the Library introduced a new imaginative play area in the Children’s Library located at the Crown Point location. The area, designed to have themes that will switch out periodically, will provide an ever-changing learning experience for community children. Some of the planned themes include a grocery store, veterinarian office, diner, farmer’s market, post office, science lab, ice cream parlor, bakery, hot dog stand, and pizza shop. The imaginative play materials will also travel to the Winfield Branch Library for use in their imagination play area. The Library’s new imaginative play area will become another reason why the Library has become a destination for both learning and fun.
This new area will support the American Library Association and Public Library Association’s “Every Child Ready to Read” program (ECRR) practices, which include talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing. The research-based series of practices help young children develop essential literacy skills that will help them get ready to read and start on the right path to school readiness and future success.
The library’s storytime events and early literacy programs are derived from ECRR practices. The library has always been a destination where children and families can come to learn and play together and its mission seeks to offer programs and opportunities for parents and children to interact while providing parents and caregivers resources in supporting the literacy development of their children.
The Library is thankful for the generous donations from community members and organizations. For more information on how to make a donation to the Library please contact Laura Clemons at (219) 306-4599 or email lclemons@crownpointlibrary.org.
From left: Oliver S., Gavin G. and Ophelia S. were the first shoppers at the new imaginative play area “grocery store.”
Cozy up with a “sweet read” this winter and participate in the Crown Point Community Library’s Winter Reading Event. This year’s program theme is Sweet Reads! The program is for all ages and begins January 13 and runs through February 23. Here is how it works:
At the Crown Point location, adults will sign up on the first floor in the New Release book section, and children and teens will sign up in the Children’s Library on the second floor. At the Winfield Branch, all ages can sign up at the Circulation Desk.
Adult Winter Reading:
Register at the Crown Point or Winfield Branch Library
Pick up one, or more, reading logs to record the books of your choice you read this winter during the months of January and February
Turn in completed log sheet at the library for weekly drawings
At the Crown Point Library, enter your completed logs in the New Release Book Display area, and at the Winfield Branch enter your completed logs at the Circulation Desk.
Drawings will occur on each Monday from January 20 – February 24.
Children & Teens:
Sign up in the Children’s Library or Winfield Branch Circulation Desk.
Receive a BINGO card. Try to finish a row down, across or diagonally for a BINGO. Check-in once a week for a prize.
Complete the card to enter the grand prize drawing!
Grand Prize: Amazon Fire Tablet
(For kids Amazon Fire HD 8 kids edition | For teens & adults: Amazon Fire 7)
Download the library newsletter to find out about all the activities planned in January! Free movies and events for all ages!
The Crown Point High School Alumni Association is sponsoring a juried art show showcasing artwork by current Crown Point High School senior class students and alumni from all Crown Point High School graduating classes. The purpose of the show is to showcase and reward the work of talented Crown Point High School students and provide a link between current students and Crown Point High School alumni who are active in the visual arts.
Cash prizes will be awarded to current students.
A presentation of awards reception will be held at the Crown Point Library on Saturday, February 1 at 2 p.m., the public is invited to attend.
For complete rules and to submit an entry please visit www.cpaashow20.org/ or email cpaashow@gmail.com.
The Friends of the Crown Point Library’s mission is to enhance and promote the use and enjoyment of the library. They raise funds to support library programs, and services and to help fund items not generally covered in the library’s regular operating budget.
What we do:
As a Friend, you will play a critical role in your library’s and community’s success.
ADVOCATE – Friends are a voice for the Library on relevant, local, state, and national issues.
ENGAGE – Friends spread the word within the community, stimulating greater awareness of the Library and its resources.
SUPPORT – Friends volunteer at fundraising events, as well as, library events when needed.
FUNDRAISE – Friends fundraising activities, such as Bunco for Books, literary luncheons, bus tripsand book sales generate revenue to fund items not generally covered in the Library’s budget, and to sponsor programs such as the summer and winter reading events, author talks, concerts, library book discussion groups, Book Baby Bags, and a variety of literacy outreach services.
Become a member:
Membership is open to all individuals and families who want involvement in the library. Members are encouraged to attend monthly meetings and to actively participate in book sales, and other events and projects. The membership year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. All dues are paid annually.
The membership dues are as follows:
Life – $150;
Family – $15;
Individual – $10
Membership forms are available at both library locations or you can download the membership form and return it to:
Friends of the Crown Point Library
122 N. Main Street
Crown Point, IN 46307
Curious to see what the Friends of the Library are doing? Attend a meeting! Meetings are held quarterly on the second Tuesday of the month, alternating times at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the meeting rooms at the Crown Point location.
2025 Meeting Dates:
February 11 at 10 a.m., May 13 at 6 p.m., September 9 at 6 p.m., December 9 at 10 a.m.
NEW SERVICE: NO CONTACT CURBSIDE PICK-UP!
Cozy up with a “sweet read” this winter and participate in the Crown Point Community Library’s Winter Reading Event. This year’s program theme is Sweet Reads! The program is for all ages and begins January 13 and runs through February 23. Here is how it works:
