Libraries offer education for all ages

Whoever came up with the concept of libraries – it likely was Benjamin Franklin – was a genius. Who could have ever conceived of a place where registered residents of any area could check out books, tapes, CDs (both visual and musical) for a prescribed amount of time for free.

In the fall, when the big kids go back to school. the special offerings for pre-schoolers, other children, teens and adults just enhances the learning process.

Your club or group can reserve a free meeting room.

Libraries are a great source for genealogy. In fact, the Valparaiso library is rated third in the state for such research.

Of course, you can escape by checking out a book and delving into a subject of your choice. All items can be reserved online or by telephoning and they can be renewed there as well.

Please call your local library for details of the activities offered.

The Hobart branch

of the Lake County Library System is located at 100 Main St. Its hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 219-942-2243 or visit www.lakeco.lib.in.us. Karin Olsen is the children’s librarian.

The Portage Main Library

is located at 2665 Irving St. Its hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 219-462-0524 or visit www.pcpls.lib.in.us. Cindy Maxwell is the children’s librarian.

The Valparaiso Main Library

is located at 103 Jefferson Street. Its hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 219-531-0524 or visit www.pcpls.lib.in.us. Willow Cataldo is the children’s librarian.

The South Haven Main Library

is located at 403 West, 700 North. Its hours: Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 219-759-4474 or visit www.pcpls.lib.in.us. Kathy Blackburn is the children’s librarian.

The Hebron Main Library

is located at 201 West Sigler St. Its hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 219-996-3684 or visit www.pcpls.lib.in.us. Lecia Reminder is the children’s librarian.

The Kouts Main Library

is located at 101 East Daumer Road. Its hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday and Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 219-766-2271 or visit www.pcpls.lib.in.us. Dawn Ailes is the children’s librarian.

The Thomas Library

in Chesterton is located at 200 West Indiana Ave. Its hours: Weekdays 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Call 219-926-7696 or visit www.wpl.lib.in.us. Marybeth Paunicka is the children’s librarian.

The Hageman Library

in Porter is located at 100 Francis St. Its hours: Weekdays 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Call 219-926-9080 or visit www.wpl.lib.in.us. Susie Chomel is the children’s librarian.