Lowell Public Library April 2026
Note: This is a text-only version of our monthly newsletter to help our visitors who use screen readers or are trying to view this information on a mobile phone. Images are described in parentheses. For a full visual experience, please view our printable April 2026 Newsletter PDF.
Hours and Locations
(Image of colorful flowers and Easter eggs)
Closed Good Friday
Lowell Public Library
1505 East Commercial
Lowell, IN 46356
phone (219) 696-7704
Fax (219) 696-5280
www.lowellpl.lib.in.us
Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9 AM–8 PM
Friday–Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM
Schneider Branch
24002 Parrish Ave.
Schneider, IN 46376
(219) 552-1000
Hours
Monday–Thursday: 4–7 PM
Friday: CLOSED
Saturday: 9AM–1 PM
Shelby Branch
23323 Shelby Rd
Shelby, IN 46377
(219) 552-0809
Hours
Monday–Thursday: 1 PM–6 PM
Friday: CLOSED
Saturday: 9 AM–2 PM
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK
April 19-25
National Library Week is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians while promoting the use and support of libraries.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and we are celebrating your freedom to read! Receive a FREE patriotic tote bag at checkout (one bag per library card, while supplies last).
Friends of the Library Rummage Sale
(Image of various items in a rummage sale)
April 30, 9 AM-5 PM
May 1, 9 AM-4 PM
May 2, 9 AM-12 PM $5 Bag Sale!
Spring symbolizes new beginnings. Embrace the changing season and make positive changes in your life. You will feel a weight lifted. It’s time for spring cleaning!
Are you planning to declutter your home? We would love to take your donations! You can drop off items starting at 9:00 AM on Saturday, April 18, until noon on Wednesday, April 29. Please note that drop-offs are not allowed after 7 PM from Monday to Thursday, or after 4 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
We welcome items that are in good, clean, and working condition. Accepted items include crafts, artwork, music, toys and games, baby and children’s clothing, kitchen items, seasonal decor, office supplies, and more! However, we do not accept adult clothing, cassette tapes, sharp objects/knives, large mirrors, undergarments, children’s furniture, or strollers.
This event is the Friends’ largest fundraiser of the year, and with your support, we hope to make it a great success. Please consider donating to help keep Lowell Public Library programming the best it can be!
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY NEWS
(Image of a stack of books in front of bookshelves)
Friends Meet
Wednesday, April 1
5:30 PM.
Attend our monthly meeting where we plan upcoming Friends events, fundraisers, and projects that support and improve the library. New friends welcome!
$3.00 Bag Book Sale
Saturday, April 25
9 AM –4:30 PM.
Get a bag of books for $3.00 on the last Saturday of each month. You may bring your brown grocery bag or ask for one at the circulation desk.
Ongoing Fundraisers
- Coffee – $1.50
- Ear Buds – $2.00
- 16 GB USB flash drive – $5.00
- Christmas ornament – $5.00
- Fabric Tote Bags – $5.00
ADULT/SENIOR EVENTS AT LOWELL
Knit & Crochet
Every Thursday in April, 9 AM.
Meet up to knit and crochet and share patterns and tips.
Senior Social – Paint & Pass Canvas Painting
Thursday, April 2, 11 AM.
Join our spring paint party. Pre-register. Limit 20.
Simple Stamping
Thursday, April 2, 5:30 PM.
Make two cards with envelopes. A $7 fee, payable at class, will cover all materials. Limit 12. Pre-register on our website.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Saturday, April 4, 10 AM-2 PM.
Give blood, Help save lives. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule your appointment.
Tech Help Appointments
Wednesday, April 8, 10 AM-12 PM.
Do you have questions about your phone, tablet, laptop, or computer? Set up a 30-minute appointment with Amanda-she will try her best to help you find your answers. Pre-register.
Lake County Health Dept. Vaccination Clinic
Friday, April 10, 1-4 PM.
Glucose and blood pressure testing and vaccines will be available. Call the Health Dept. to register at 219-755-3658.
Book Club
Monday, April 13, 1-3 PM.
Read, then meet to discuss The Briar Club, written by Kate Quinn.
Game Day
Wednesday, April 16, 12-3 PM.
Play card and board games. All adults are welcome to attend.
Poetry
Saturday, April 18, 10 AM-12 PM.
Aspiring poets can join the NW Indiana Poetry Society. Bring your work or that of your favorite poet.
Adult Coloring
Tuesday, April 21, 10 AM.
Join the fun! Coloring helps us de-stress and stimulates brain areas related to motor skills. All supplies will be provided, or you may bring your own.
Library Board Meets
Tuesday, April 21, 6 PM.
The regular meeting of the Lowell Public Library Board of Trustees will be held.
Photographs
We often take photographs at library events. These pictures are used for publicizing the library and its programs. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let us know.
FOR THE KIDS AT LOWELL
(Image of 3 large, colorful Easter eggs on grass and flowers)
LEGO Club
Monday, April 6 & 13, 3:30-5 PM.
Come to the Library for some afterschool fun. See what kind of maze you can create with LEGOS and watch the Hexbugs make their way through your creation! This is a free program for children ages 5-12. Pre-registration is required and opens on Monday, March 16.
Tales for Tails Therapy Dog Visits
Tuesday, April 7 & 14, 4-5 PM.
Read or visit with a certified therapy dog! This is a fun program where children can practice their reading skills while cozying up with a loveable pup. Registration is required and opens on Monday, March 16.
Play Group
Wednesday, April 8, 10-11:30 PM.
Join us for a fun-filled play experience. Explore, learn, and make new friends. For ages 5 and under. Pre-registration is required and opens on Monday, March 16.
Spring Craft
Thursday, April 9, 10:30 AM or 3:30 PM.
Make flower prints using a toilet paper tube. Registration is required and opens on March 16.
Bugs!
Saturday, April 11, 10-11 AM.
Meet our friend Kallie and her two Australian Shepherds, Epic and River. Kallie will talk about insects and demonstrate how her dogs help track invasive bugs that can harm our trees, plants, and flowers. Pre-registration is required and opens on Monday, March 16.
Story Time
Join Miss Jackie for a few stories, group activities, or a simple craft. Sometimes we get messy! This 30-40 minute program is FREE and for children ages 5 and younger to enjoy with a parent or guardian. Limited space. Please pre-register. One 1 week this month. Choose either Tuesday, April 14, Wednesday, April 15, or Thursday, April 16. All at 10:30 AM. Registration opens on Monday, March 23.
YOUNG ADULT/TEENS AT LOWELL
Grades 5-12
Chess & Checkers
Wednesday, April 1 & 15
4:30-5:30 PM.
Come to the library and play chess or checkers with others your age.
Basketball Escape Experience
Thursday, April 2
5:30-6:45 PM.
OR
Saturday, April 11
1:30-2:45 PM.
OR
3:00-4:15 PM.
Discover the truth, crack the codes, and retrieve the lost “Championship Sneaker”. Registration is required and opens on March 12.
Bedazzle a Book
Thursday, April 16
5:30 PM.
Add some glam to your favorite book! Bring a book or use one of ours. Pre-register.
(Image of 3 young adults reading books)
The Shelby and Schneider Libraries will be closed on Saturday, April 4
SHELBY BRANCH PROGRAMS
Over 18 Game Days
Monday, April 6, 13, & 20
All at 4 PM.
Get together to play cards or board games.
Coffee & Conversation
Saturday, April 11 & 25, 10 AM.
Stop in for a cup of coffee. Stay for a chat.
Book Discussion
Thursday, April 16, 4 PM.
Read, then meet to discuss Echo Burning, written by Lee Child.
Movies for Grown Ups
Saturday, April 18, 10 AM.
Enjoy a morning movie at the library.
Senior Bingo
Monday, April 27, 4 PM.
Play for a chance to win a gift card.
YA Independent Crafts
Wednesday, April 1, 4:30 PM.
Get creative with our supplies.
YA Wii Games
Wednesday, April 8, 4:30 PM.
Play Wii games with friends.
Craft with Miss Emily
Thursday, April 9, 4:30 PM.
Bedazzle a book cover!
Young Adult Craft
Wednesday, April 15, 4:30 PM.
Canvas painting.
Tales for Tails
Wednesday, April 22, 4 PM.
Read or just visit with a certified therapy dog.
YA Superhero Movie
Wednesday, April 29, 4:30 PM.
Watch a movie and have jelly beans. (National Jelly Bean Day is April 22.)
Story Time
Thursday, April 2, 3 PM.
Join Miss Jackie for fun stories, games and a simple craft.
Kids Game Day
Tuesday, April 7, 4:30 PM.
Play board games with friends.
Kids Games
Tuesday, April 14, 4:30 PM.
Play one of our tabletop games.
Kids Earth Day Craft
Tuesday, April 21, 4:30 PM.
Make spring flower prints using recycled toilet paper tubes.
Kids Glass Painting
Tuesday, April 28, 4:30 PM.
Paint designs on glass.
SCHNEIDER BRANCH PROGRAMS
Adult Craft
Tuesday, April 7, 6 PM.
Bring something to work on or pick something we have. Call to register.
Adult Coloring
Saturday, April 18, 11 AM.
Spend a relaxing morning coloring at the library.
Adult Ceramics
Tuesday, April 21, 6 PM.
Call for project information and to sign up.
Young Adult Bunco
Wednesday, April 1, 4:30 PM.
Play this fun dice game.
Young Adult Pizza
Wednesday, April 8, 4:30 PM.
Come in for FREE pizza!
Young Adult Game Day
Wednesday, April 15 & 29
All at 4:30 PM.
Play board games with your friends.
Young Adult Craft
Wednesday, April 22, 4:30 PM.
Make a “Grass Buddy”.
Kids Bingo
Tuesday, April 7, 4:00 PM.
Play bingo and win fun prizes.
Kids Craft
Tuesday, April 14, 4:00 PM.
Make a “Grass Buddy”.
Kids Craft
Tuesday, April 21, 4:00 PM.
Make a watercolor and glitter butterfly.
Kids Game Day
Tuesday, April 28, 4:00 PM.
Play board games.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter Email!
Sign up below to get an email when our newsletter comes out every month!
Check your email after you click “Subscribe”; you will need to click a confirmation link to complete the process. (Check your junk or spam folders if you do not see the email within a few minutes.)