Lowell Public Library May 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 May 2026 Newsletter PDF.
Hours and Locations
(Image of American flags and red flowers by a pair of boots)
Closed Memorial Day
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
45th ANNUAL STUDENT ART EXHIBIT
(Image of a young student painting a flower at an art easel)
The Friends of the Lowell Library invite you to experience the creativity and imagination of elementary students from the Tri-Creek area. The library will host an art exhibition from May 11 to noon on May 15, showcasing a variety of artwork created by these young artists in media such as acrylics, 3D art, watercolors, chalk, and computer graphics.
Students will receive certificates of achievement for their efforts, which will be distributed the following week when their artwork is returned to their schools.
A special reception will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:00 PM to honor the young artists and their families. During the reception, members of the Friends group will offer refreshments, and children in grades K-4 who attend the event can participate in a drawing for a chance to win art supplies.
HOLIDAY CLOSING
The Lowell Library and its Shelby and Schneider branches will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.
Even though our buildings are closed, the library is always open on our website. Download books and magazines, and stream movies with Hoopla, Kanopy, and Libby. Put books on hold at https://evergreen.lib.in.us/eg/opac/home or download the Evergreen Indiana app to access the catalog using your smartphone or tablet.
Do you want to learn about Lowell? Check out our Lowell History pages at https://www.lowellpl.lib.in.us/lowell-history-pages/. Read articles taken from the Lowell Tribune. Look at old pictures. Read biographies of townspeople. Find information about businesses, schools, churches, and old-time crime! Learn about historic disasters, war monuments, and the Halsted House museum.
Our website also features links to resources such as Chilton Library for help with auto repairs, Mango Languages (learn over 70 languages, including Pirate!), Consumer Reports magazine articles, Law Depot, Learning Express, Learn It Live, Universal Class, and Rosetta Stone, among many others. Take some time to look around – you’ll be amazed at how much our library offers – and it’s all FREE with your library card!
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY NEWS
(Image of a stack of books in front of bookshelves)
Loven Oven Library Fundraiser
Thursday, May 14
4-9 PM
Order from Loven Oven
1000 E. Commercial Ave
(219) 696-6828.
Every pizza order during those hours will benefit our library!
$3.00 Bag Book Sale
Saturday, May 30
9 AM – 4:30 PM.
Get a bag of books for $3.00 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
Knit & Crochet
Every Thursday in May, 9 AM.
Meet up to knit and crochet and share patterns and tips.
Senior Social – Chair Yoga
Thursday, May 7, 11 AM.
Learn some exercises you can do while seated. Pre-register. Limit 20.
Simple Stamping
Thursday, May 7, 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.
Book Club
Monday, May 11, 1-3 PM.
Read, then meet to discuss The Booklover’s Library, written by Madeline Martin.
Tech Help Appointments
Wednesday, May 13, 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, May 16, 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, May 19, 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, May 19, 6 PM.
The regular meeting of the Lowell Public Library Board of Trustees will be held.
Game Day
Wednesday, May 20, 12-3 PM.
Play card and board games. All adults are welcome to attend.
Edward Jones – Common Tax Mistakes
Wednesday, May 27, 5:30 PM.
Learn how to avoid common tax mistakes. Presented by Edward Jones and Steve Markowitz, CPA, from Markowitz and Associates in Lowell.
Next month
Adult Summer Reading
Read to win prizes, including a grand prize of an Amazon Fire Tablet! Details coming soon.
FOR THE KIDS AT LOWELL
(Image of a golden retriever wearing a patriotic hat and reading a book)
Tales for Tails Therapy Dog Visits
Tuesday, May 5, 12, and 26, 4-5 PM.
Read or just visit with a certified therapy dog! This is a fun program where children can practice their reading skills while cozying up with a loveable pup. Pre-registration is required.
Coming in June:
Get Fired Up About Reading!
Summer Reading 2026
June 1 – July 25
Check our Facebook Page and website soon for more details.
Calling All Young Adult/Teens Grades 5-12
(Image of people holding up the letters for the word “Volunteer”)
Are you looking to get some volunteer hours for school? Looking for something to do this summer and want to help out with children’s programs? Help Miss Jackie during craft programs and events. She can always use an extra hand setting up for crafts or taking pictures for our Facebook page, and passing out fun prizes to the kids from our treasure box.
If you are interested, please come in with a parent or guardian to fill out a permission slip and take a look at the schedule to set up times to volunteer! Volunteer sign-ups start on Monday, May 11.
YOUNG ADULT/TEENS AT LOWELL
Grades 5-12
Chess & Checkers
Wednesday, May 6 & 20
4:30-5:30 PM.
Come to the library and play chess or checkers with others your age.
Creative Art
Thursday, May 7
5:30-6:30 PM.
Create a masterpiece using a blank canvas, sketch paper, paint, colored pencils and glue. Enjoy our nacho bar while you work. Pre-registration is required.
Music Bingo
Thursday, May 21
5:30 PM.
Listen to music clips while playing this fun twist to a classic bingo game. Pre-registration is required.
(Colorful image depicting music Bingo)
SHELBY BRANCH PROGRAMS
Cook the Book
Saturday, May 2, 11 AM.
Choose a brunch recipe from the Taste of Home website. Bring a copy of the recipe and completed dish to share. Call to register.
Over 18 Game Days
Monday, May 4, 11, and 18
All at 4 PM.
Get together to play cards or board games.
Coffee & Conversation
Saturday, May 9 & 23, 10 AM.
Stop in for a cup of coffee. Stay for a chat.
Movies for Grown Ups
Saturday, May 16, 10 AM.
Enjoy a morning movie at the library.
Book Discussion
Thursday, May 21, 4 PM.
Read, then meet to discuss She Come By It Natural, written by Sarah Smarsh.
YA Star Wars Movie
Wednesday, May 6, 4:30 PM.
Watch a movie. Free popcorn!
YA Independent Crafts
Wednesday, May 20, 4:30 PM.
Get creative with our supplies.
Preschool Book Bingo
Thursday, May 7, 3 PM.
Play to win books for your home library.
Kids Craft
Tuesday, May 12, 4:30 PM.
Create butterflies using cupcake liners.
Kids Wii Games
Tuesday, May 26, 4:30 PM.
Play Wii with your friends.
Tales for Tails
Wednesday, May 27, 4 PM.
Read to a certified therapy dog.
Did You Know?
The Shelby Branch of the Lowell Public Library, next door to the post office, opened its doors on April 1, 1996. The library was previously located at St. Theresa’s Church in Shelby since July 1988.
(Current photograph of the Shelby Branch of the Lowell Public Library)
SCHNEIDER BRANCH PROGRAMS
Adult Coloring
Saturday, May 2, 11 AM.
Spend a relaxing morning coloring at the library.
Adult Ceramics
Tuesday, May 12, 6 PM.
Call for project information. Registration is required.
(Image of someone painting ceramic cups)
YA Shakes or Floats
Wednesday, May 7, 4:30 PM.
It’s National Beverage Day!
Young Adult Game Day
Wednesday, May 13 and 27
All at 4:30 PM.
Play board games with your friends.
Young Adult Slime Time
Wednesday, May 20, 4:30 PM.
Make slime!
Kids Craft
Tuesday, May 5, 4:00 PM.
Make a flower picture for Mother’s Day.
Kids Craft
Tuesday, May 12, 4:00 PM.
Pick your craft- you choose what to make.
Kids Game Day
Tuesday, May 19, 4:00 PM.
Play board games.
Kids Airplane Craft
Tuesday, May 26, 4:00 PM.
Make and fly paper airplanes. How far will yours fly?
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