Lowell Public Library August 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 August 2026 Newsletter PDF.
Hours and Locations
(Image of the sun wearing sunglasses and sweating in front of a fan)
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–1 PM
BACK TO SCHOOL HOMEWORK HELP
(Image of a school bus full of happy children)
School resumes August 18 for Tri-Creek students, and back to school means back to homework. The library can help with that. We have many FREE resources available. Have you checked out our list of databases? What is a database, you ask?
A database is an organized and structured system for storing and retrieving data. Sound confusing? Think of it as an electronic file cabinet. Similar to a physical file cabinet, information or files are logically stored and then quickly and easily retrieved by subject matter. The library offers numerous databases you can access from your home computer, or you can stop by the library and use one of our computers.
To get started, go to the Lowell Public Library homepage at www.lowellpl.lib.in.us. Click on the menu, and a drop-down appears. Click on RESEARCH. Featured Resources are on the left side of the page. If you click on Children’s Resources, you will find World Book Kids, World Book Early Learning, and Explora Elementary.
Learning Express, World Book Student, Explora Middle Schools, and High Schools can be found under Teens and Tweens Resources. Use Libby to access Method Learning for SAT and ACT Prep Courses.
Our databases support lifelong learning for all ages. Check out Gale Courses, Universal Class, Inspire, or Chilton Library. Build a resume using Learning Express Job and Career Accelerator. Learn a new language with Mango or Rosetta Stone. You can even read books using the Hoopla or Libby app!
TECH HELP APPOINTMENTS
Wednesday, August 12, 10 AM – 12 PM.
Do you have questions about your phone, tablet, laptop, or computer? Schedule a 30-minute appointment with Amanda, and she will do her best to help you find answers. Pre-registration is required to secure your spot.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY NEWS
(Image of a stack of books in front of bookshelves)
Friends Meet
Wednesday, August 5
5:30 PM.
Weather permitting, join us in the gazebo for a potluck (otherwise we will meet in the library). New friends are always welcome! Call Bethany at the library if you are planning to attend.
$3.00 Bag Book Sale
Saturday, August 29
9 AM–4:30 PM.
On the last Saturday of each month, get a bag of books for $3. You can bring your own 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
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Saturday, August 1, 10 AM – 2 PM.
Give blood. Help save lives. Call 1-800–RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule your appointment.
Knit & Crochet
Every Thursday in August, 9 AM.
Meet up to knit and crochet and share patterns and tips.
Book Club
Monday, August 10, 1-3 PM.
Read, then meet to discuss Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club, written by J. Ryan Stradal.
Poetry
Saturday, August 15, 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, August 18, 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, August 18, 6 PM.
The regular meeting of the Lowell Public Library Board of Trustees will be held.
Game Day
Wednesday, August 19, 12-3 PM.
Play card and board games. All adults are welcome to attend.
A FEW MORE THINGS
Stay Sharp Kits
Our adult/senior Stay Sharp kits will be back on the shelves and available for checkout later this month.
Puzzles
Did you know we have a free puzzle exchange? It’s very popular among our patrons! We have plenty of 1000- and 1500-piece puzzles available, but we would greatly appreciate donations of 750 pieces or fewer.
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.
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FOR THE KIDS AT LOWELL
(Image of a happy golden retriever in sunglasses reading a book in a cozy room)
TALES FOR TAILS
Tuesday, August 4, 11, and 25, all at 4-5 PM.
Read to a certified therapy dog. Pre-registration is required.
THANK YOU!
We want to extend our gratitude to the many contributors and volunteers for the success of our Fired Up About Reading Summer Reading program. We couldn’t do it without your continued support and generosity!
Albanese Candy
Avenue Family Dentistry
Bonnie Lysek
Chick-fil A
Culver’s
Mary Dahl
Family Express
Friends of the Library
Gary SouthShore RailCats
Gloria Krejsa
Leaps and Bounds
Shannon and Jason Logan
Loven Oven
Lowell Family Dentistry
Kataaro Martial Arts
Patti McCormick (Lowell Letterman Club)
McDonald’s
Strack & VanTil
Superior Construction
Taco Bell
Texas Roadhouse
Up Your Alley
Zig-E’s Funland
Our volunteers – Harlow Brady, Laura Brill, Abby Bult, Charlie Collins, Jacquelyn and Tristian Colon, Kelsey Dukes, Alaina Gladkowski, Kendall Gorball, Guilia Graegin, Grace and Olivia Hanley, Emmilyn Holding, Payden and Trevor Jones, Annabel and Emma Lemon, Landon Leuvano, Juliette Mikinic, Colton Nilles, Nolan Pekny, Vinny Petrozza, Tyler and Lorelai Rastovski, Cary and Charlotte Reilly, Owen Rentschler, Lexi Siefter, Caroline Spaniol, Mikayla Vandover, Felicia Vihristiuc, Mia Vosatka, Felicity Wells, Moriah Wells, Zach Wells, Nikki Zheng, Danica Zunica, and our adult volunteers – Allison Diemer, along with Colleen Collins and Dorothy Michalak and their Certified Therapy Dogs “Norman”, and “Gracie”, who helped at craft programs.
YOUNG ADULT/TEENS AT LOWELL
(Images of a young girl and a young boy playing with NERF™ guns)
NERF™ Battle
Friday, August 14
4:30-6 PM.
Meet at the library for an after-hours battle. Bring your own labeled dart gun and safety glasses. We’ll provide the darts. Pre-registration (in-person only) and signed waivers are required. Registration opens July 24. Limit 24.
SHELBY BRANCH PROGRAMS
Over 18 Game Days
Monday, August 3, 10, and 17
All at 4 PM.
Get together to play cards or board games.
Coffee & Conversation
Sat. August 8 and 22, 10 AM.
Stop in for a cup of coffee. Stay for a chat.
Movies for Grown-Ups
Saturday, August 15, 10 AM.
Enjoy a morning movie at the library.
Adult Book Discussion
Thursday, August 20, 4 PM.
Read, then meet to discuss Dial A for Aunties, written by Jesse Q. Sutanto.
Senior Bingo
Monday, August 24, 4 PM.
Play for a chance to win a gift card.
YA Games
Wednesday, August 5, 3 PM.
Choose from a variety of games to play with your friends.
Young Adult Movie
Wednesday, Aug. 12, 4:30 PM.
Watch Dogman and enjoy “puppy chow” snacks.
YA Craft with Miss Emily
Wednesday, August 13, 3 PM.
Learn wood burning using a magnifying lens.
Tales for Tails
Wednesday, August 19, 4 PM.
Read to a certified therapy dog.
YA National Parks Game
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 4:30 PM.
Play National Parks Opoly with your friends.
Kids Wii Games
Tuesday, August 4, 3 PM.
Play Wii with your friends.
Story Time
Thursday, August 6, 3 PM.
Join Miss Jackie for fun stories.
Kids Games
Tuesday, August 11, 3 PM.
Play board games.
Kids Independent Crafts
Tuesday, August 18, 4:30 PM.
Get creative with our craft supplies.
Kids Bingo
Tuesday, August 25, 4:30 PM.
Play National Park Bingo and win fun prizes.
SCHNEIDER BRANCH PROGRAMS
(Please Note: School Year Hours Begin August 1)
Adult Craft
Monday, August 3, 6 PM.
You choose what to work on.
Adult Ceramics
Monday, August 10, 6 PM.
Make a sunflower gnome.
You MUST pre-register by calling the library at (219) 552-1000.
Adult Ceramics
Monday, August 17, 6 PM.
Make a football gnome.
You MUST pre-register by calling the library. No walk-ins.
Young Adult Games
Every Wednesday in August
All at 4:30 PM.
Come to the library and play board games with your friends.
Kids Game Day
Tuesday, August 4, 4:30 PM.
Play games with your friends.
Kids Independent Crafts
Tuesday, August 11, 4:30 PM.
Use our supplies to make something awesome!
Kids Movie Day
Tuesday, August 18, 4:30 PM.
You’ll get to choose what we watch.
Kids Puzzles and Games
Tuesday, August 25, 4:30 PM.
Play games or work on a puzzle.
(Image of dice and colorful game pieces)
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