Lowell Public Library September 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 September 2026 Newsletter PDF.
Hours and Locations
(Image of the words “Labor Day” in red and blue, with blue and red stars above and below)
All libraries closed Monday, September 7
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
Summer Reading Success
At the end of the eight-week Fired Up About Reading Summer Reading Club program, the numbers were tallied and showed that 579 children at the Lowell library and its Shelby and Schneider branches read 42353 books. The children had a lot of fun with the kickoff pizza party, trips to the treasure wall, attending weekly craft programs, a Gary South Shore RailCats game, and a Bubble Foam Party, in addition to earning vouchers for food and games and winning end-of-summer-reading prizes.
The Grand Prize winners from the children’s program are: Shedd Aquarium tickets-Cole Holliday & Grayson Watts; Brookfield Zoo-Jackson Sharpe, Rollins Bales, Henry Sheahan & Andrew Ponziano; Bellaboos-Ellie Moldenhauer; Cooking Basket Emmalyn Dole; Scooter with Helmet-Harris Dawson; Pink castle tent-Hattie Knapp; Red castle tent-Clay Wells; Craft basket-Cassidy Reed; Science Basket-Samuel Beard; Dragon Basket-Watson Stalbaum.
Our Young Adult/Teens were busy too, with 131 registered and 1,330 books logged in their summer reading challenge. Each book they logged earned one entry for prizes; dragon books earned two entries. They participated in activities which included an after-hours NERF™ battle, Mario Kart® Tournament, Glass Painting, and an obstacle course and cookout.
Everyone who participated in the Young Adult Challenge earned at least one prize. The prizes included a variety of items such as Diamond Art, puzzles, books, notebooks, the first five books of Percy Jackson & the Olympians, a Harry Potter Box Set, beverage holders, games, gift cards, food vouchers, a special voucher for free classes and accessories at Kataaro Martial Arts, and two 50% off registration vouchers for the Lowell Youth Soccer Club.
There were four grand prize winners, each receiving a $50 gift card of their choice. The Middle Grade winners are Kelsey Dukes (5th grade) and Moriah Wells (6th grade), while the High School winners are Harlow Brady (freshman) and Felicity Wells (junior).
Adult patrons were tasked with checking out a variety of items from our library collection. Of the entries, the grand prize of an Amazon Fire Tablet was won by Jeannie Zieseness. Other winners went home with fire extinguishers, fire blankets, dragon puzzles, and bookmarks.
We celebrate our participants and prize winners, as well as all of our summer readers! The entire library staff thanks everyone for another enjoyable summer of reading.
Friends of the Library News
(Image of a stack of books in front of bookshelves)
Friends Meet
Wednesday, September 2, 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!
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.
$3.00 Bag Book Sale
Saturday, September 26, 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.
Adult/Senior Events at Lowell
Knit & Crochet
Every Thursday in September, 9 AM. Meet up to knit, crochet, and share patterns and tips.
Senior Social – Medicare Scams
Thursday, September 3, 11 AM. Learn to protect yourself against Medicare scams. Presented by CoAction. Pre-register.
Simple Stamping
Thursday, September 3, 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.
Tech Help Appointments
Wednesday, September 9, 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.
Book Club
Monday, September 14, 1-3 PM. Read, then meet to discuss The Stranger in the Woods, written by Michael Finkel.
Adult Coloring
Tuesday, September 15, 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, September 15, 6 PM. The regular meeting of the Lowell Public Library Board of Trustees will be held.
Game Day
Wednesday, September 16, 12-3 PM. Play card and board games. All adults are welcome.
Poetry
Saturday, September 19, 10 AM-12 PM. Aspiring poets can join the NW Indiana Poetry Society. Bring your work or that of your favorite poet.
Native Alternatives for Natural Landscaping
Saturday, September 26, 10-11:30 PM. Native landscaping offers numerous benefits, such as improved stormwater management, healthier plants, and habitats for beneficial insects. This program will outline guidelines for natural and sustainable landscaping, along with plant recommendations. It will be presented by Dolly Foster, Horticulture Program Assistant at Purdue Extension, Lake County, and is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the library itself. We encourage you to pre-register so that we can better anticipate the number of attendees.
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.
For the Kids at Lowell
(Image of a happy golden retriever in reading glasses reading a book in a schoolroom)
Tales for Tails Therapy Dog Visits
Every Tuesday in September, 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, August 10.
Play Group
Wednesday, September 9, 10-11 AM. 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, August 10.
Corn Craft
Thursday, September 10, 10:30 AM or 3:30 PM. Create corn-on-the-cob using craft sticks! For children, birth-4th grade. Pre-registration opens Monday, August 17.
Reptile Show at Buckley Homestead
Saturday, September 12, 10:00 AM. Join us for Dave Dinaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles at Buckley Homestead. Sure to thrill the crowd, Dave’s program is loaded with laughs and interactive moments with the audience. This event is open to all ages. Bring your camera and a chair or blanket to sit on (chairs will NOT be provided). The event will be held at the shelter on the hill by the main parking area/visitors center. No sign-up required.
Pajama Story Time
Monday, September 14 & 28, 5:30-6 PM. Wear your pajamas, bring a stuffy, and join Miss Jackie for a few stories, flannel board activities, and maybe some yoga and music. This program is for children birth-kindergarten. Pre-registration is required and opens on Monday, August 10.
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, September 15 and 22; Wednesdays, September 16 and 23, or Thursdays, September 17 and 24. All sessions will be held at 10:30 AM. Registration opens on Monday, August 24.
Young Adult/Teens at Lowell (Grades 5-12)
Chess & Checkers
Wednesday, September 2 & 16, 4:30-5:30 PM. Play checkers and chess with others your age. No sign-up required.
Movie
Saturday, September 12, 1:30-3:30 PM. Watch “Supergirl.” Pre-register.
“Top Hits” Music Bingo
Thursday, September 17, 5:30-6:30 PM. Play to win fun prizes. Pre-register.
Faith Inspired Music Bingo
Thursday, September 24, 5:30-6:30 PM. Play bingo to win! Pre-register at our website.
(Colorful image depicting Music Bingo)
Shelby Branch Programs
Over 18 Game Days
Monday, September 14 and 21. All at 4 PM. Get together to play cards or board games.
Coffee & Conversation
Saturday, September 12 & 26, 10 AM. Stop in for a cup of coffee. Stay for a chat.
Adult Book Discussion
Thursday, September 17, 4 PM. Read, then meet to discuss The Long Call written by Ann Cleeves.
Movies for Grown-Ups
Saturday, September 19, 10 AM. Enjoy a morning movie at the library.
Cook The Book
Thursday, September 24, 4 PM. Prepare a recipe from the Taste Of Home Casserole Cookbook or website. Bring the completed dish to share. Pre-register.
Senior Bingo
Monday, September 28, 4 PM. Play for a chance to win a gift card.
Young Adult Games
Wednesday, September 2, 4:30 PM. Play board games.
YA Movie & Snacks
Wednesday, September 9, 4:30 PM. Celebrate Star Trek Day with a movie at the library.
Craft with Miss Emily
Thursday, September 10, 4:30 PM. Have fun with string art!
YA Wii Games
Wednesday, September 16, 4:30 PM. Play Wii games with friends.
Tales for Tails
Wednesday, September 23, 4:30 PM. Read to a certified therapy dog.
YA Dragon Gem Art
Wednesday, September 30, 4:30 PM. Create with diamond dots.
Kids Craft
Tuesday, September 1, 4:30 PM. Paint designs on glass.
Story Time
Thursday, September 3, 4:30 PM. Join Miss Jackie for fun stories.
Kids Bingo
Tuesday, September 8, 4:30 PM. Win books for your home library!
Kids Craft
Tuesday, September 15, 4:30 PM. Make corn-on-the-cob using craft sticks.
Kids Wii Games
Tuesday, September 22, 4:30 PM. Play Wii games with your friends.
Kids Tabletop Games
Tuesday, September 29, 4:30 PM. Choose from a variety of tabletop games to play.
Schneider Branch Programs
Adult Craft
Tuesday, September 8, 6 PM. Bring a craft or choose one of ours.
Adult Coloring
Saturday, September 12, 11 AM. Relax and color at the library.
Fall Painting
Tuesday, September 22, 6 PM. Call for project information and to sign up.
Coffee & Conversation
Saturday, September 26, 11 AM. Stop in for coffee and a chat.
All Ages Puzzle Club
Mondays 4-5 PM.
All Ages LEGO Club
Thursdays 4-5 PM.
Young Adult Game Day
Wednesday, September 2, 4:30 PM. Play board games.
YA Wood Burning
Wednesday, September 9, 4:30 PM. Learn the art of wood burning.
YA Guacamole and Chips
Wednesday, September 16, 4:30 PM. Celebrate National Guacamole Day with guac and chips.
YA NERF™ Battle
Wednesday, September 23, 4:30 PM. Bring your blaster and foam darts and battle your friends!
YA Independent Crafts
Wednesday, September 30, 4:30 PM. Dig through our craft box to design your own creation.
Kids Craft
Tuesday, September 1, 4 PM. Make a fall suncatcher.
Kids Craft
Tuesday, September 8, 4 PM. You choose what to make.
Kids Fun Food
Tuesday, September 15, 4 PM. Dip & decorate pretzels and apple snacks.
Kids Game
Tuesday, September 22, 4 PM. Make your own catapult game.
Kids Craft
Tuesday, September 29, 4 PM. Make acorn friends!
(Patriotic red, white, and blue image stating “Wish you a happy Labor Day”)
Sign Up for Our Newsletter Email!
Sign up below to get an email when our newsletter comes out every month!
Check your email after you click “Subscribe”; you will need to click a confirmation link to complete the process. (Check your junk or spam folders if you do not see the email within a few minutes.)