Not all libraries have debt on their books

Northwest Indiana's public libraries have been anything but quiet in recent years.

MARC CHASE: Porter County library system is nobody's fool

Imagine actually waiting to buy something until you've saved up enough cash in the old piggy bank to make the purchase outright. No credit cards, no loans, just good old-fashioned saving — and not buying until you can actually afford to pay for it.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Libraries serve vital needs in digital age

I heard someone ask the other day, “Are libraries still relevant with the advent of the internet and e-books?” For those who haven’t stopped by their libraries in a while, take some time during National Library Week (April 14-20) to visit the library and experience the vast array of services…

RICH JAMES: McDermott deserves credit for library stance

Tackling what’s tough is difficult. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. knows that. And that’s why he deserves credit for his latest undertaking.

EDITORIAL: Study library mergers at county level

Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. has been pushing for a merger between the Hammond Public Library and the Lake County Public Library system. While we're not saying no, it's a complicated issue that merits a thorough examination.

"Do you use your local public library?"

Region views on public libraries

"Do you use your local public library?"

Joe Poliguim, Crown Point | "I feel ashamed but I don't. I don't do things but read hot rod magazines. I haven't been there for a long time."

"Do you use your local public library?"

Mike Gary, Oak Lawn | "No, because I have the Internet at home and get my information there. I'm a magazine reader, that I get delivered to the house."

"Do you use your local public library?"

Tracy Benko, Griffith | "I take my daughter to check out books. Samantha is 8 years old, and she reads for practice, but I still read to her as well. We're actually having a new library built in town, too."

"Do you use your local public library?"

Neil Krooswyk, Highland | "Yes. I currently go to school in Palos Heights and use the library there, and I use the one here at home too. I read the paper every day in the morning."

"Do you use your local public library?"

Connie Shulton, Chesterton | "Yes. When I was in school for a surgical technician I used their computers and reference books. We need our libraries for reference access."

"Do you use your local public library?"

Debbie Talarovich, Blue Island | "I do not use it. I haven't used it since high school. I use the Internet access, but I do miss the library sometimes when I think about the touch of a book."

"Do you use your local public library?"

Region views on public libraries

EDITORIAL: Push forward with library consolidation

Having jettisoned the Hammond Health Department a few years ago to cut costs, Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. wants the city's library system to merge with the Lake County Public Library system.

Hobart branch library is giving away books for reviews today

HOBART | The Hobart branch of the Lake County Public Library, 100 Main St., will give away free books from the book sale room from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. today.

Calumet City Public Library

Calumet City Public Library Board of Trustees will meet April 24.

East Chicago Public Library

East Chicago Public Library executive session will meet March 20, 2012.

East Chicago Public Library

East Chicago Public Library Finance Committee and Personnel Committee will meet Feb. 14.

EDITORIAL: Gary library's sad but necessary chapter

The Gary Public Library Board is making some drastic cuts -- including decisions expected tonight that could cut the payroll 40 to 50 percent and the overall budget by 50 percent. It is painful but inevitable as revenue plummets.

'Fish boat' painting may return to shore

The head of the Gary Public Library Board said Wednesday the Indiana State Museum could return a famed Frank Dudley painting to display at a city library on a renewable one-year loan.