Lowell Public Library October 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 October 2026 Newsletter PDF.
Hours and Locations
(A drawing of an orange pumpkin surrounded by colorful leaves and fall plants)
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–1 PM
INDIANA GHOST TRACKERS
Wednesday, October 14, 6 PM.
Join Mike McDowell, President and CEO of Indiana Ghost Trackers, Inc., as he shares his insights into haunted places. Mike will discuss how the Ghost Trackers conduct their investigations and reveal the results of their paranormal adventures.
The presentation will include a PowerPoint, videos, photographs showcasing area hauntings, as well as recordings of EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena). Additionally, Mike will share the findings from his investigations of the Lowell Public Library. Is the library haunted? Come find out!
You are invited to share any paranormal or unexplained experiences you may have during the presentation. While the program is designed for adults, children and teens are also welcome to attend. Please pre-register for the event at our website or by calling the library.
Medicare 101
Wednesday, October 21, 6 PM.
Signficant changes are coming to Medicare in 2027! Do you know what they are? Join us for a FREE educational presentation to learn more and get answers to all your Medicare questions. (Remember, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is from October 15th to December 7th each year.) Register at our website.
Building Brain-Healthy Habits
Monday, October 26, 10 AM.
Alzheimer’s is not normal aging. It’s a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. Join us to learn about why brain health is important. Learn how to protect your brain health and build brain-healthy habits. Presented by Linda Curley, Purdue Extension Educator, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. Pre-register.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY NEWS
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Friends Meet
Wednesday, October 7, 5:30 PM. Attend our monthly meetings where we plan upcoming Friends events, fundraisers, and projects that support and improve the library. New friends welcome! Optional—arrive at 4:30 for fun crafts, coloring, or just a chat!
$3.00 Bag Book Sale
Saturday, October 31, 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.
Fall Fundraiser
September 21–November 21. Enter our drawing for a chance to win either a Peony or a Hollyhock Sculpted Painting! Tickets are only $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Winners will be announced on Monday, November 23.
ADULT/SENIOR EVENTS AT LOWELL
Knit & Crochet
Every Thursday in October, 9 AM. Meet up to knit, crochet, and share patterns and tips.
Senior Social – Canvas Paint Party
Thursday, October 1, 11 AM. Join our fun paint & pass party! Limit 20. Pre-register.
Adult Book Club
Monday, October 12, 1-2:30 PM. Read, then meet to discuss The Silent Patient, written by Alex Michaelides.
Tech Help Appointments
Wednesday, October 14, 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.
LC Health Dept. Vaccination Clinic Mobile Unit
Thursday, October 15, 3-5 PM. Glucose and blood pressure testing, as well as vaccines, will be available. The mobile unit will be in our library parking lot.
Poetry
Saturday, October 17, 10 AM-12 PM. Aspiring poets can join the NW Indiana Poetry Society. Bring your work or that of your favorite poet.
Adult Coloring
No coloring in October.
Adult Game Day
No games in October!
Library Board Meets
Tuesday, October 20, 6 PM. The regular meeting of the Lowell Public Library Board of Trustees will be held.
Brain Health
Along with our 37 different Stay Sharp kits for adults and seniors, we are now providing informational brochures and books to help keep your brain healthy. Please check back often for ongoing additions to this area of the library.
The Celebration Continues with Patriotic Art
Grab a mini canvas and let your creativity shine by decorating it with a reflection of your patriotism. Return it to the library, and we will showcase your artwork through November as we continue to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country! (Available only while supplies last.) All ages are encouraged to participate.
Old Books – only $3.00 each
Take a look at the table near the circulation desk. We have a great variety of interesting old books for sale. You can use them for decoration, crafts, or simply read them! (Please note that these books are NOT part of the Friends Book Sale located on the back wall.)
FOR THE KIDS AT LOWELL
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Pumpkin Decorating
Saturday, October 3, 10 AM-12 PM. Pop into the library for some fall fun! Decorate a pumpkin. Enjoy some cider. Pre-registration is required and opens on Monday, September 7.
Tales for Tails Therapy Dog Visits
Every Tuesday in October, 4-5 PM. This is a fun program where children can practice their reading skills while cozying up with a lovable pup. For ages 6-12 years. Registration is required and opens Monday, September 14.
Squirrel Craft
Thursday, October 8, 10:30 AM or 3:30 PM. Make a cute squirrel. Miss Jackie will read the book The Leaf Thief. For children, birth-4th grade. Pre-registration opens Monday, September 14.
Family Movie Nights
Monday, October 12 and 26, 4-6 PM. Wear your pajamas and bring something cozy to sit on. A snack and bottled water will be provided. Pre-registration is required and opens on Monday, September 21.
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 and younger to enjoy with a parent or guardian. Limited space. Pre-registration is required.
Register for each individual date; signing up for one does not automatically register you for the other. Only choose either
Tuesdays, October 13 and 20, OR
Wednesdays, October 14 and 21, OR
Thursdays, October 15 and 22.
All sessions will be held at 10:30 AM. Registration opens on Monday, September 21.
Halloween Costume and Dance Party
Thursday, October 29, 4-5 PM. Wear your costume and show off your dance moves with DJ Tim from Electrifying Entertainment! After the party, have fun trick-or-treating through the “haunted” book stacks. This is a free program for children ages birth through 4th grade. Pre-registration is required and opens on Monday, October 5.
YOUNG ADULTS/TEENS AT LOWELL
Grades 5-12
Halloween Craft
Thursday, October 1, 6 PM. Make ping-pong lights that you can bring home for Halloween decorations, or paint them a variety of different colors to match your room. Pre-registration opens on Thursday, September 10.
Chess & Checkers
Wednesday, October 7 & 21, 4:30-5:30 PM. Play checkers and chess with others your age. No signup required.
Self-Defense
Saturday, October 10. Girls: 1 PM. Boys: 2 PM. The library, in partnership with Kataaro Martial Arts, will host a free, basic self-defense program for students in grades 5-12. Limited spots available. Parents need to sign a waiver at in-person registration. Registration opens on September 12.
Campfire Fun
Thursday, October 15, 5:30-7 PM. Learn the ins and outs of fire safety and how to build, maintain, and properly extinguish a campfire. Roast marshmallows and make s’mores while hearing spooky stories. Registration opens September 24.
YA Food Drive
10/26-11/13. See flyer in library for details.
SHELBY BRANCH PROGRAMS
Over 18 Game Days
Monday, October 5, 12, and 19. All at 4 PM. Get together to play cards or board games.
Coffee & Conversation
Saturday, October 10 & 24, 10 AM. Stop in for a cup of coffee. Stay for a chat.
Adult Book Discussion
Thursday, October 15, 4 PM. Read, then meet to discuss Bright Captivity written by Eugenia Price.
Movies for Grown-Ups
Saturday, October 17, 10 AM. Enjoy a morning movie at the library.
Senior Bingo
Monday, October 26, 4 PM. Play for a chance to win a gift card.
YA Scary Movie
Wednesday, October 7, 3 PM. Watch a movie. Free snacks.
Craft with Miss Emily
Wednesday, October 8, 4:30 PM. Decorate a pumpkin!
Young Adult Craft
Wednesday, October 14, 4:30 PM. Have fun with string art!
YA Wii Games
Wednesday, October 21, 4:30 PM. Play a variety of Wii games.
YA Game Day
Wednesday, October 28, 3 PM. Play board games with friends.
Story Time
Thursday, October 1, 3 PM. Join Miss Jackie for stories and some fun activities.
Kids Bingo
Tuesday, October 6, 4:30 PM. Play bingo to win fun prizes.
Kids Independent Crafts
Tuesday, October 13, 4:30 PM. Make something awesome with our craft supplies.
Kids Craft
Tuesday, October 20, 4:30 PM. Make a cute squirrel based on the book “The Leaf Thief.”
Kids Game Day
Tuesday, October 27, 4:30 PM. Play board or tabletop games.
SCHNEIDER BRANCH PROGRAMS
Adult Ceramics
Tuesday, October 6, 6 PM. Call for project information and to sign up.
Adult Coloring
Saturday, October 17, 11 AM. Relax and color at the library.
Adult Craft
Tuesday, October 20, 6 PM. Bring a craft or choose one of ours.
Coffee & Conversation
Saturday, October 31, 11 AM. Stop in for coffee and a chat.
YA Game Day
Wednesday, October 7 and 21. All at 4:30 PM. Play board games.
YA Craft with Miss Emily
Wednesday, October 14, 4:30 PM. Bring a dark-colored COTTON T-shirt to bleach. All other supplies will be provided.
YA Halloween Party
Wednesday, October 28, 4:30 PM. Come to the library for snacks and to play fun games.
Kids Craft
Tuesday, October 6, 4 PM. Make a cute corn cob using craft sticks.
Kids Craft
Tuesday, October 13, 4 PM. Paint a pumpkin.
Kids Craft
Tuesday, October 20, 4 PM. Fun with Perler beads.
Halloween Fun
Tuesday, October 27, 4 PM. Make quick crafts with paper cut-outs. Snacks will be available.
All Ages Puzzle Club
Mondays 4-5 PM.
All Ages LEGO© Club
Thursdays 4-5 PM.
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