Lowell Public Library July 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 July 2026 Newsletter PDF.
Hours and Locations
(Image of a bald eagle surrounded by American flags over the words “250 United States of America, 1776, 2026”)
All libraries are closed Saturday, July 4
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
Fired Up About Reading
Summer Reading 2026 For Kids
(Image of a happy, young, blue dragon reading a book)
Summer Reading continues, now through Saturday, July 25. This year, children will create a dragon as they read! The eight-week summer reading program is designed to encourage reading and prevent the “summer slide”.
There is still time to sign up online at our website.
https://www.lowellpl.lib.in.us/kids-summer-reading-2026
Saturday, July 25, is the last day to enter books for summer reading credit.
See pages 3 and 4 for additional information and the schedules of activities offered this month.
More Summer Reading Fun
Young Adult/Teens (grades 5-12)
For every book you read, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of three $50 gift cards or various other prizes. (Each dragon book counts as 2 books. Participation also gains admittance to the end-of-summer-reading Cookout with Obstacle Course. Check our website at
https://www.lowellpl.lib.in.us/ya-summer-reading-2026
for complete details about our Summer Reading Challenge.
Adults
Read for a chance to win prizes! You may enter as many times as you wish, so grab a booklet and start reading! Booklets are available at the circulation desk. More information is available at
https://www.lowellpl.lib.in.us/adult-summer-reading-2026.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY NEWS
(Image of a stack of books in front of bookshelves)
Christmas in July Fundraiser
The tree in the foyer will be decorated with paper ornaments. Each ornament has an item written on one side and the cost on the other. These items are from the Children, Young Adult, and Adult/Senior departments’ wish list. Bring your selected ornament to the Circulation Desk along with your donation. Thank you in advance for supporting library programming for all ages!
$3.00 Bag Book Sale
Saturday, July 25, 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
Knit & Crochet
Every Thursday in July, 9 AM. Meet up to knit and crochet and share patterns and tips.
Simple Stamping
Thursday, July 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.
LC Health Dept Vaccine Clinic – Mobile Unit
Thursday, July 9, 1-4 PM. Wednesday, July 29, 1-4 PM. Glucose and blood pressure testing, as well as vaccines, will be available.
Book Club
Monday, July 13, 1-3 PM. Read, then meet to discuss The Last Flight, written by Julie Clark.
Game Day
Wednesday, July 15, 12-3 PM. Play card and board games. All adults are welcome to attend.
Tech Help Appointments
Wednesday, July 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.
Poetry
Saturday, July 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, July 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 at the Shelby Branch
Tuesday, July 21, 6 PM. The regular meeting of the Lowell Public Library Board of Trustees will be held at the Shelby Branch.
Don’t forget!
Saturday, July 25, is the last day to turn in your entry slips for a chance to win Adult Summer Reading prizes!
FOR THE KIDS AT LOWELL
(Images of a happy, young, blue dragon reading a book and a castle)
Fired Up About Reading Summer 2026
Earn a gold coin and a trip to the treasure box each day you check out five or more books! If you check out 10 books, you get a gold coin AND a slip to fill out for the end-of-summer “grand prize” drawings. The more you read, the more chances you have to win one of the prizes!
For every 10 books/chapters you log, you will earn an item to add to your dragon picture, such as a dragon face, horns, wings, flames, and gem stickers.
The following programs are for children from birth to 4th grade. There are two sessions for each summer activity – 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. To ensure we have enough supplies, children must be pre-registered, and preschool-age children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration for these activities begins one week before each event.
Tuesday Programs
July 7 – Fairy House
July 14 – Stuffy Sleepover
July 21 – Carnival!
Thursday Programs
July 2 – Bingo
July 9 – Dragon Movie*
July 16 – Book Walk
July 23 – Fire Dept. Visit
*Movie times are 10 AM and 1:30 PM
Saturday, July 25, is the last day you can enter books for reading credit.
Bubble Foam Party
Thursday, July 30 (rain date Friday, July 31) 10 AM-12 PM.
Log 50 books or chapters by the last week of Summer Reading to receive a ticket for the end-of-summer Bubble Foam Party. This event is only for Summer Readers with tickets! Tickets will be clipped inside your booklet. Be sure to wear clothes that can get wet, water shoes or sandals, and a towel.
Tales for Tails Therapy Dog Visits
Tuesdays in July, 4-5 PM.
Read or just visit with a certified therapy dog! This is a fun program. Children can practice their reading skills while cozying up with a loveable pup. Registration is required!
YOUNG ADULT/TEENS AT LOWELL
Grades 5-12
Chess & Checkers
Wednesday, July 1 & 15
4:30-5:30 PM
Play checkers and chess with others your age.
National Ice Cream Sundae Day
Wednesday, July 8
12:30-2 PM.
Celebrate with us. Come in and load up a bowl of ice cream with your favorite topping! Pre-register.
Mario Kart® Tournament
Wednesday, July 15
12:30 – 2 PM.
Test your skills! This will be set up bracket-style, with the overall 1st place winner taking home a prize. You must pre-register.
Glass Painting
Wednesday, July 22
12:30-2 PM.
Paint dragon art stained glass. Pick from various styles to trace and paint. Pre-register.
Cookout and Obstacle Course
Tuesday, July 28
12:00-2 PM.
Join our end-of-summer reading bash! Participation in the YA Summer Reading Challenge is required for admittance. Pre-register.
SHELBY BRANCH PROGRAMS
Over 18 Game Days
Monday, July 6, 13, and 20. All at 4 PM. Get together to play cards or board games.
Coffee & Conversation
Saturday, July 11 & 25, 10 AM. Stop in for a cup of coffee. Stay for a chat.
Book Discussion
Thursday, July 16, 4 PM. Read, then meet to discuss The Life We Bury written by Allen Eskens.
Movies for Grown Ups
Saturday, July 18, 10 AM. Enjoy a morning movie at the library.
Senior Bingo
Monday, July 27, 4 PM. Play for a chance to win a gift card.
YA Gem Art
Wednesday, July 1, 3 PM. Create diamond art dragons.
YA Craft with Miss Emily
Wednesday, July 8, 3 PM. Paint a dragon onto a glass picture frame.
YA Ice Cream Sundaes
Wednesday, July 15, 3 PM. Celebrate National Ice Cream Month with a sundae!
Young Adult Craft
Wednesday, July 22, 3 PM. Make an “I Am Stronger” bracelet.
Young Adult Movie
Wednesday, July 29, 3 PM. Watch Harry Potter. Free snacks will be available.
Fired Up About Reading
Kids Summer Reading Schedule (for ages birth-4th grade). All at 3 PM.
Tuesdays
July 7 – Fairy House
July 14 – Bubble Wrap Dragon
July 21 – Movie
Thursdays
July 2 – Book Bingo
July 9 – Chalk the Walk
July 23 – Pizza Party
(Image of a happy, young, blue dragon reading a book)
SCHNEIDER BRANCH PROGRAMS
Adult Ceramics
Saturday, July 11, 11 AM – 1 PM. Christmas in July projects. Call for more information and to save your spot.
(Images of 3 ceramic Christmas trees painted in patriotic red, white, and blue)
Young Adult Games
Wednesday, July 1, 4 PM. Play board games.
YA Ice Cream Sundaes
Wednesday, July 8, 4 PM. Enjoy a sundae with toppings.
YA Dragon Art
Wednesday, July 15, 4 PM. Paint a dragon onto a glass picture frame.
Young Adult Bingo
Wednesday, July 22, 4 PM. Play bingo to win fun prizes.
Summer Reading Party
Wednesday, July 29, 4 PM. Celebrate your summer reading accomplishments with food and games!
Fired Up About Reading
Kids Summer Reading Schedule (for ages birth-4th grade). All at 11:30 AM.
Tuesdays
July 7 – Fairy House
July 14 – Bubble Wrap Dragon
July 21 – Games
Thursdays
July 2 – Movie Day
July 9 – Bingo
July 16 – Book Walk
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