Lowell Public Library February 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 February 2026 Newsletter PDF.
Hours and Locations
(Image of four pink hearts)
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
AARP TAX PREPARATION
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. Tax-Aide volunteers are IRS-certified every year, so they understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code. You do not need to be an AARP member to use this service*.
Tax preparation will be held on Tuesdays, Feb 3-April 7. Call for an appointment—spots are very limited and fill up quickly! Please, NO WALK-INS!
*Source – https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp-taxaide/
TAX FORMS
Free tax forms are located opposite the public copier in the reference area. Please make copies if you need more than one copy of any form. Ask at the reference desk and we can print other forms you need at 10¢ cost per page. Since we are often working on several requests at once, leave us a list of what you need and we will call you when your order is ready to be picked up. If you have a computer at home, you can get your forms online at https://www.irs.gov and Indiana forms at https://www.in.gov/dor/.
TECH HELP APPOINTMENTS
Wednesday, February 11, 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. Half-hour sessions are available between 10 AM and Noon. Registration is required to save your time slot.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY NEWS
(Image of a stack of books in front of bookshelves)
Friends Meet
Wednesday, February 4
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-Day Valentine Special Sale
Thursday, February 12
Friday, February 13
Saturday, February 14
Any items in our sale (books, CDs, DVDs, etc.)
Mix or Match
3 for $1.00
What a sweet deal!
$3.00 Bag Book Sale
Saturday, February 28
9 AM –4:30 PM.
Get a bag of books for $3.00 a bag, the last Saturday of each month. You may bring your brown grocery bag or ask for one at the circulation desk.
ADULT/SENIOR EVENTS AT LOWELL
Lowell Garden Club/Library
Monday, February 2, 5:30 PM.
Indiana DNR Nursery Inspector and Compliance Officer Kallie Bontrager will discuss the invasive Spotted Lanternfly.
Knit & Crochet
Every Thursday in February, 9 AM.
Meet up to knit and crochet, and share patterns and tips.
Senior Social – White Elephant Bingo
Thursday, February 5, 11 AM.
Have fun playing bingo with us. Bring an unwanted item from home for the prize table. Limit 30. Pre-register.
Simple Stamping
Thursday, February 5, 5:30 PM.
Make two cards with envelopes. A $7 fee, payable at class, will cover all materials. Limit 12. Pre-register at our website.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Saturday, February 7, 10 AM-2 PM.
Give Blood, Give Life. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to schedule your appointment.
Adult Book Club
Monday, February 9, 1-3 PM.
Read, then meet to discuss The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon.
Lake County Health Dept Vaccination Clinic
Friday, February 13, 1-4 PM.
Glucose and blood pressure testing and vaccines will be available. Call the Health Dept to register at 219-755-3658.
Adult Coloring
Tuesday, February 17, 10 AM.
Join in on 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, February 17, 6 PM.
The regular meeting of the Lowell Public Library Board of Trustees will be held.
Adult Game Day
Wednesday, February 18, 12-3 PM.
Play card and board games. All adults are welcome to attend.
Poetry
Saturday, February 21, 10 AM-12 PM.
Aspiring poets can join the NW Indiana Poetry Society. Bring your work or that of your favorite poet.
Understanding Social Security
Wednesday, February 25, 5:30-6:30 PM.
Presented by Dave Ghormley of MFS. Co-hosted by the library and Aaron Pollock of Edward Jones.
FOR THE KIDS AT LOWELL
(Image of a golden retriever wearing glasses and reading a Valentine’s Day book)
Tales for Tails Therapy Dog Visits
Every Tuesday in February, 4-5 PM.
This is a fun program where children get a chance to cozy up with a loveable pup and practice their reading skills. Kids can read to one of the therapy dogs for a few minutes or just visit with one. Some of these dogs have pretty neat talents to share! This is a great way to build confidence and increase the child’s love of reading. Registration is required and opens on Monday, January 19.
Pajama Story Time
Monday, February 2 and 16, 5:30-6 PM.
Wear your pajamas, bring a stuffy, and join Miss Jackie for a few stories, flannel board activities, and maybe a little relaxing yoga, or we’ll play some music to get those wiggles out! This FREE program is for kids, age birth to kindergarten, and will last about 30 minutes. Registration is required and opens Monday, January 12.
Creative Crafting
Thursday, February 12, 10:30 AM or 3:30 PM.
Let’s break out some paint, pipe cleaners, bubble wrap, scrap paper, glue, scissors, googly eyes, and other fun craft supplies, and see what you can create. Have you ever painted with bubble wrap, a toothbrush, or a plastic comb? Join Miss Jackie and have fun creating your masterpiece! Registration opens Monday, January 19.
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 years and younger to enjoy with a parent or guardian. Limited space. Please pre-register. (Sign up for each session individually. Signing up for one will not automatically sign you up for both.) Choose either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday sessions, all held at 10:30 AM. Registration opens on Monday, January 26.
Tuesday, February 17 and 24
Wednesday, February 18 and 25
Thursday, February 19 and 26
(Images of red hearts)
YOUNG ADULTS/TEENS AT LOWELL
Grades 5-12
Chess & Checkers
Wednesday, February 4 & 18
4-5 PM.
Come to the library and play chess or checkers with others your age.
Diamond Art
Thursday, February 5
5:30-7 PM.
Make a diamond art Valentine to keep for yourself or give to someone special. Pre-registration is required.
Movie
Thursday, February 19
5-7 PM.
Dress in comfortable clothes and bring a blanket or pillow if you’d like! We’ll be watching the movie TRON ARES. Popcorn and water will be provided. Please Pre-register.
(Image of popcorn, a DVD, and a movie clapperboard)
SHELBY BRANCH PROGRAMS
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR YA/TEEN AND KIDS PROGRAMS
Over 18 Game Days
Monday, February 2, 9, & 16, 4 PM.
Get together to play cards or board games.
Coffee & Conversation
Saturday, February 14 & 28, 10 AM.
Stop in for a cup of coffee. Stay for a chat.
Adult Book Discussion
Thursday, February 19, 4 PM.
Read, then meet to discuss The Mysterious Affair at Styles, written by Agatha Christie.
Movies for Grown Ups
Saturday, February 21, 10 AM.
Enjoy a morning movie at the library.
Senior Bingo
Monday, February 23, 4 PM.
Play for a chance to win a gift card.
YA Independent Crafts
Wednesday, February 4, 4:30 PM.
Design your artwork using a variety of craft supplies.
YA Board Games
Wednesday, February 11, 4:30 PM.
Play board games with your friends.
YA with Miss Emily
Thursday, February 12, 4:30 PM.
Make a Diamond Art Valentine to keep for yourself or give to someone special.
YA Movie & Muffins
Wednesday, February 18, 4:30 PM.
Celebrate National Muffin Day!
Tales for Tails
Wednesday, February 25, 4:30 PM.
Read to a certified therapy dog.
Kids Games
Tuesday, February 3, 4:30 PM.
You pick what we play!
Story Time
Thursday, February 5, 3 PM.
Join Miss Jackie for a few stories, a flannel board activity, and a simple craft.
Kids Craft
Thursday, February 10, 4:30 PM.
Make a Mardi Gras mask using your handprints!
Kids Wii Games
Tuesday, February 17, 4:30 PM.
Play a variety of Wii games.
Kids Independent Crafts
Tuesday, February 24, 4:30 PM.
Create something amazing using your imagination and our craft supplies.
SCHNEIDER BRANCH PROGRAMS
Adult Coloring
Saturday, February 7, 11 AM.
Relax and color.
Adult Puzzles
Tuesday, February 10, 6 PM.
Get together to work a puzzle.
Adult Craft
Tuesday, February 17, 6 PM.
Choose a craft to try or bring your own to work on.
Learn Something New
Saturday, February 21, 11 AM.
Learn something, show something. Share your crafts.
Young Adult Craft
Wednesday, February 4, 4:30 PM.
Grow heart-shaped crystals.
Young Adult Pizza
Wednesday, February 11, 4:30 PM.
Stop in for pizza and a chat.
Young Adult Game Day
Wednesday, February 18, 4:30 PM.
Play board games.
YA Snowball Fight
Wednesday, February 25, 4:30 PM.
Come in from the cold for a fun snowball fight.
Kids Valentine Craft
Tuesday, February 3, 4:30 PM.
Create Valentine bugs using clothespins and paper.
Kids Craft
Tuesday, February 10, 4:30 PM.
Make a Valentine candy treat box.
Kids Craft
Tuesday, February 17, 4:30 PM.
Pick what you’d like to make.
Kids Puzzles & Games
Tuesday, February 24, 4:30 PM.
Play games and work on jigsaw puzzles.
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