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March 2026 Newsletter

Lowell Public Library March 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 March 2026 Newsletter PDF.

Hours and Locations

(Image of a green Saint Patrick’s Day hat, shamrocks, and gold coins)

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

INDIANA DISASTERS

Indiana Historical Society Traveling Exhibit

The library will host Indiana Disasters, one of the Indiana Historical Society’s (IHS’s) traveling exhibits during the month of March. The exhibit explores all kinds of disasters and how they are remembered by Indiana communities.

It is well-known that Indiana experiences extreme weather events such as floods, tornadoes, blizzards, and droughts from year to year. Additionally, human interactions with the environment can increase vulnerability to disasters, including fires, accidents, spills, and explosions. Historically, stories of these events have been passed down from generation to generation, including biological, violent and bizarre events such as epidemics, bombs and even squirrel migrations.

In this traveling exhibit, patrons will see photographs from various IHS collections and from institutions across the state, which capture these unforgettable Indiana catastrophes. In addition, newspaper headlines, illustrations and survivor accounts show how Hoosiers have persevered in the face of disaster.

EASTER BUNNY VISIT

(Image of a smiling gray bunny waving and holding a sack of colorful eggs)

Saturday, March 14, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM.

Meet the Easter Bunny! Coloring pages and other activities will be available. No signups are required for this FREE event for children ages birth-4th grade. Don’t forget your camera to take pictures!

SPRING CLEANING TIME!

Friday, March 20 is the first day of spring. Are you planning to do “spring cleaning”? If so, there’s no better time to get started than NOW- days when you are still stuck inside amid all your “stuff.” Even people with the most organized homes still have things they no longer use or want. Consider filling up your donation boxes to help get ready for the Friends of the Lowell Public Library April Rummage Sale. Donation drop-offs begin on Saturday, April 18, 9–4:30 PM. (Flyer with complete details will be available soon).

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY NEWS

(Image of a stack of books in front of bookshelves)

Friends Meet

Wednesday, March 4, 5:30 PM. Join us for our spring outing and meeting at Mexico Chiquito restaurant in Lowell. Help to plan upcoming Friends events, fund-raisers, and projects that support and improve the library. New friends welcome!

$3.00 Bag Book Sale

Saturday, March 28, 9 AM-4:30 PM. Get a bag of books for $3.00 a bag, 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

Free Tax Preparation

Certified AARP Tax-Aide volunteers are here to help you. Tax preparation will be held on Tuesdays, now through April 9. All appointment slots are full – NO walk-ins!

Knit & Crochet

Every Thursday in March, 9 AM. Meet up to knit and crochet, share patterns and tips.

Senior Social – Introduction to Paper Quilling

Thursday, March 5, 11 AM. Transform paper waste into art. Presented by the Lake County Solid Waste Management District. Limit 30. Pre-register.

Simple Stamping

Thursday, March 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.

Book Club

Monday, March 9, 1-3 PM. Read, then meet to discuss James, written by Percival Everett.

Tech Help Appointments

Wednesday, March 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. Pre-register.

Lake County Health Dept Vaccination Clinic

Friday, March 13, 11 AM-1 PM. Glucose and blood pressure testing and vaccines will be available. Call the Health Dept to register at 219-755-3658.

Adult Coloring

Tuesday, March 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, March 17, 6 PM. The regular meeting of the Lowell Public Library Board of Trustees will be held.

Game Day

Wednesday, March 18, 12-3 PM. Play card and board games. All adults are welcome to attend.

Poetry

Saturday, March 21, 10 AM-12 PM. Aspiring poets can join the NW Indiana Poetry Society. Bring your work or that of your favorite poet.

Edward Jones

Wednesday, March 25, 5:30 PM. TBD – see flyer in library.

FOR THE KIDS AT LOWELL

(Picture of 2 dogs with glasses reading Saint Patrick’s Day books)

Tales for Tails Therapy Dog Visits

Every Tuesday in March, 4-5 PM. This is a fun program where children get a chance to practice their reading skills while cozying up with a loveable pup. Registration is required and opens on Monday, February 9.

*For kids ages 6-12 years old only.

Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s Birthday

Saturday, March 7, 10:00-11:00 AM. The library and the GFWC Lowell Woman’s Club are hosting a party! Make a craft, have a snack, listen to a few Dr. Seuss books, and go home with a goodie bag! This FREE program is for children ages from birth to 4th grade. Registration is required and opens February 16.

Family Movie Night

Monday, March 9 and 23, 4-6 PM. Wear your pajamas and bring something cozy to sit on. A snack and bottled water will be provided, but feel free to bring your own as well. Registration opens on Monday, February 16.

Play Group

Wednesday, March 11, 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, February 16.

Cupcake Liner Butterfly

Thursday, March 12, 10:30 and 3:30 PM. Make an adorable butterfly and use watercolor paint to decorate your wings. This is a free program for children ages birth-4th grade to enjoy with a parent or adult. Registration opens on Monday, February 16.

Story Time

Join Miss Jackie for a few stories, group activities or a simple craft. (Sometimes we get messy!) This is a free program for children age 5 and younger to enjoy with a parent or guardian. Story Time will last 30-40 minutes. Limited space. Registration is required and opens on Monday, February 23. Register for each date individually. Tuesdays – March 17 and 24, Wednesdays – March 18 and 25, or Thursdays – March 19 and 26, all at 10:30 AM.

YOUNG ADULT/TEENS AT LOWELL

*YA = Young Adult/Teens Grades 5-12

(Image of 3 teenagers reading books)

Chess & Checkers

Wednesday, March 4 & 18, 4:30-5:30 PM. Come to the library and play chess or checkers with others your age.

Painting

Thursday, March 5, 5:30-7 PM. Choose from a blank or printed canvas and paint a “Lucky Dog”! Pre-registration is required for supply purposes.

Board Game Night

Thursday, March 19, 5:30-7 PM. Beat the winter blues by joining us for a variety of board and card games. Pre-registration is required.

SHELBY BRANCH PROGRAMS

Over 18 Game Days

Monday, March 2, 9, 16, & 30, All at 4 PM. Get together to play cards or board games.

Coffee & Conversation

Saturday, March 14 & 28, 10 AM. Stop in for a cup of coffee. Stay for a chat.

Adult Book Discussion

Thursday, March 19, 4 PM. Read, then meet to discuss The Frozen River written by Ariel Lawhon.

Movies for Grown Ups

Saturday, March 21, 10 AM. Enjoy a morning movie at the library.

Senior Bingo

Monday, March 23, 4 PM. Play for a chance to win a gift card.

YA Jigsaw Puzzles

Wednesday, March 4, 4:30 PM. Work on a puzzle by yourself or with a friend.

Young Adult Game Day

Wednesday, March 11, 4:30 PM. Play board or card games.

YA with Miss Emily

Thursday, March 12, 4:30 PM. Paint a “Lucky Dog” on canvas.

YA Movie & Chips

Wednesday, March 18, 4:30 PM. It’s National Potato Chip Day! Watch a fun movie—free chips!

Tales for Tails

Wednesday, March 25, 4:30 PM. Read to or just visit with a certified therapy dog.

Dr. Seuss’s Birthday

Tuesday, March 3, 4:30 PM. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

Story Time

Thursday, March 5, 4:30 PM. Join Miss Jackie for a few stories and a simple craft.

Kids Craft

Tuesday, March 10, 4:30 PM. Make a pot of gold!

Kids Leftover Crafts

Tuesday, March 17, 4:30 PM. Choose three crafts to make!

Kids Book Bingo

Tuesday, March 24, 4:30 PM. Play to win books for your home library.

Kids Independent Crafts

Tuesday, March 31, 4:30 PM. Make something amazing using your imagination and our craft supplies.

SCHNEIDER BRANCH PROGRAMS

Adult Crochet

Saturday, March 7, 11 AM. Try Amigurumi. Crochet “Nugget the Kitten”. Come learn with us. Free kit.

Adult Ceramics

Monday, March 9, 6 PM. Paint some Peeps! Call for information and to register.

Adult Coloring

Saturday, March 21, 11 AM. Relax and de-stress. Pencils will be provided or bring your own.

Ceramic Painting

Monday, March 23, 6 PM. Call for information and to register.

Young Adult Craft

Wednesday, March 4, 4:30 PM. Make slime.

Young Adult Game Day

Wednesday, March 11, 4:30 PM. You choose what to play!

Young Adult Craft

Wednesday, March 18, 4:30 PM. Paint a butterfly wall hanging.

YA Craft Your Own Day

Wednesday, March 25, 4:30 PM. You get to choose what to make.

Dr. Seuss’s Birthday

Tuesday, March 3, 4:30 PM. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

Kids Craft

Tuesday, March 10, 4:30 PM. Make a necklace using fruit-flavored cereal.

Kids St. Patrick’s Fun

Tuesday, March 17, 4:30 PM. Go on a shamrock hunt.

Kids Spring Craft

Tuesday, March 24, 4:30 PM. Make a sun catcher.

Kids Craft

Tuesday, March 31, 4:30 PM. Make a bunny card.

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