Lowell Public Library January 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 January 2026 Newsletter PDF.
Hours and Locations
(Image of a snowflake)
All Libraries Closed Thursday, January 1
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
WINTER WEATHER
With the winter season upon us, it’s important to remember to call us first. Severe weather and poor road conditions can arise quickly, so it’s always a good idea to check before heading out to ensure we are open. Although it’s not always possible, we do our best to keep our website and Facebook page updated with the latest information.
If our buildings do close, you can still access your account from home through our website or the Evergreen app. You can download books and magazines with Hoopla and Libby, or stream movies with Kanopy and Kanopy Kids—all FREE with your library card!
TALK TO A LAWYER DAY
Monday, January 19, 9 AM-5 PM.
(Picture of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
The Indiana State Bar Association, Pro Bono Indiana, and NWI Volunteer Lawyers Inc. present the 25th annual public service event honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dream of access to justice for all. As a service to the public, volunteer lawyers will be available to answer your legal questions and give brief (10-15 minute) consultations, FREE OF CHARGE. No appointment is necessary to talk to a lawyer. Sign in at the reference desk and you will be helped in turn.
Can’t make it in? Phone: (312) 626 6799 or ZOOM from home
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81397699664
Meeting ID: 813 9769 9664. To register in Advance: https://calendly.com/pbi-clinic/mlkday.
FRIDAY MOVIE BOX
Every Friday in January, movie boxes will be available for checkout. Each movie box contains 5 pre-selected DVDS, popcorn, and a box of candy. Only 2 movie boxes will be available each week, so come early to get yours. (The popcorn-themed container must be returned INSIDE the library.)
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY NEWS
(Image of a stack of books in front of bookshelves)
Friends Meet
Wednesday, January 7, 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, January 31, 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.
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
Tech Help Appointments
Wednesday, January 7 and 14, 10 AM-12 PM. Did you get a new phone, tablet, laptop, or computer for Christmas and have questions? 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.
Knit & Crochet
Thursday, January 8, 15, 22, and 29, 9 AM. Meet up to knit and crochet, and share patterns and tips.
Simple Stamping
Thursday, January 8, 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.
Lake County Health Dept Vaccination Clinic
Friday, January 9, 1-4 PM. Glucose and blood pressure testing and vaccines will be available. Call the Health Dept to register at 219-755-3658.
Adult Book Club
Monday, January 12, 1-3 PM. Read, then meet to discuss The Midnight Library, written by Matt Haig.
Poetry
Saturday, January 17, 10 AM-12 PM. Aspiring poets can join the NW Indiana Poetry Society. Bring your works or those of your favorite poet.
Adult Coloring
Tuesday, January 20, 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, January 20, 6 PM. The regular meeting of the Lowell Public Library Board of Trustees will be held.
Adult Game Day—NEW!
Wednesday, January 21, 12-3 PM. Card and board games! Play old favorites, learn a new game, or bring one to share.
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
(Picture of a golden retriever wearing glasses and reading books)
Tales for Tails Therapy Dog Visits
Tuesdays in January, 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, December 15.
***
This month, there will be no kids’ programs. Miss Jackie will be busy reorganizing the Children’s area and making room for the new books she has ordered.
And as always, Miss Jackie likes to keep the toys in the kids’ room clean for everyone. Every January, hard surface toys are washed, and the puppets and stuffed animals enjoy “spa” days!
Have you checked out our STEAM kits? We have 61 different kits to choose from! They are both fun and educational. You can also grab some books to read when it’s too cold to play outside.
Be sure to check our website calendar for all the exciting activities Miss Jackie is planning for you in the coming months. We’ll see you in February!
YOUNG ADULTS/TEENS AT LOWELL
Grades 5-12
After Hours NERF Battle
Friday, January 2, 5-6 PM. Arrive at the library before we close the doors at 5 PM. Bring your own labeled NERF gun and a pair of safety glasses. We will provide the darts. Parents must sign a waiver. Pre-registration is required and will open on Friday, December 12.
Chess & Checkers
Monday, January 5 and Wednesday, January 21, 4-5 PM. Come to the library and play chess or checkers with others your age.
(Images of 2 chess pieces, a rook and a knight)
The Shelby and Schneider Libraries will be closed on Saturday, January 3. Lowell Library will be open.
SHELBY BRANCH PROGRAMS
Over 18 Game Days
Monday, January 5, 12, and 19. All at 4 PM. Get together to play cards or board games.
Coffee & Conversation
Saturday, Jan. 10 & 24, 10 AM. Stop in for a cup of coffee. Stay for a chat.
Adult Book Discussion
Thursday, January 15, 4 PM. Read, then meet to discuss Educated, written by Tara Westover.
Movies for Grown Ups
Saturday, January 17, 10 AM. Enjoy a morning movie at the library.
Senior Bingo
Monday, January 26, 4 PM. Play for a chance to win a gift card.
YA Independent Crafts
Wednesday, January 7, 4:30 PM. Design your artwork using miscellaneous craft supplies.
YA Movie and Snacks
Wednesday, January 14, 4:30 PM. Movie will be decided among those attending.
YA Puzzles
Wednesday, January 21, 4:30 PM. Work on jigsaw puzzles.
Tales for Tails
Wednesday, January 28, 4:00 PM. Read or just visit with a certified therapy dog.
Kids Craft
Tuesday, January 6, 4:30 PM. Create a painted winter silhouette.
Kids Game Day
Tuesday, January 13, 4:30 PM. You pick what we play!
Kids Independent Crafts
Tuesday, January 20, 4:30 PM. Create something amazing using your imagination and our craft supplies.
Kids Wii Games
Tuesday, January 27, 4:30 PM. Play a variety of Wii games with your friends.
SCHNEIDER BRANCH PROGRAMS
Young Adult Game Days
Wednesday, January 7, 14, and 21. All at 4:30 PM. Meet at the library and play board or card games. Snacks will be provided.
Kids Crafts
Tuesday, January 13, 4 PM. Pick a craft from what we have left in the closet.
Kids Games & Puzzle Day
Tuesday, January 27, 4 PM. Work a jigsaw puzzle or play board games—your choice.
(Images of snowflakes and a happy snowman)
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