It’s Time to ‘Check Out’ La Porte County Library

At every stage of life, the La Porte County Public Library aims to be more than a place to check out books. With eight locations, a bookmobile, and a mobile classroom serving communities across La Porte County, the library offers access to knowledge, creativity, and connection.

The library’s mission is to empower individuals and strengthen the community through access to knowledge, interest-driven learning, civic engagement, and the preservation of shared stories.

“It means we want people to read, and we want people to stay curious. We want people to be involved, and we want them to invest in their community in all different kinds of ways. Investing is not just about dollars; it really is about staying curious. You’re participating in the life of your community,” Chief Executive Officer Fonda Owens said.

That mission is carried forward through a 2025–2029 strategic plan built around five priorities: reading, lifelong learning, public involvement, preservation of local history, and securing funding. The plan is guided by core principles emphasizing investment in people, access, collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. The vision calls for a connected community where every individual has the curiosity, tools, and shared history to build a better future.

The LPCPL Exchange Makerspace reflects that vision in tangible ways. Since 2020, the space has offered hands-on tools and technology for all ages.

“It’s access to knowledge. It’s interest-driven learning. It’s engaging, and it also serves a purpose for shared stories, because we see a lot of intergenerational exchange of knowledge take place there, with some of our senior community members teaching teens,” Owens said.

The Makerspace includes audio and video studios for podcasting and video creation, laser cutters, 3D printers, sewing and embroidery machines, vinyl cutters, and traditional hand tools. Patrons use the space to build skills, explore creative interests, or solve practical problems.

Reading remains central to the library’s work, from early childhood through adulthood. Owens noted that for many, the journey starts with “mommy and me” books — before someone’s even born.

“Reading is just plain good for your brain. It helps you focus, maintain information, and be able to figure out things. It’s really key to the quality of life all around,” she said.

The library partners with local school corporations through Library 360, issuing public library cards to students and allowing educators to borrow materials for classroom use.

“We’re not a replacement for school, but we know that exposure to those things early in life makes kids ready to learn. When they do go to preschool or kindergarten, they’ve had exposure, they know how to hold a book or how to socialize with other children. You can get all that at the library,” Owens said.

Last year, the library recorded nearly 220,000 visits across its eight locations. Patrons meet clients in study rooms, use public computers to design brochures or portfolios, print business cards and posters, attend business programming, access tax forms, and use notary and fax services. Electronic resources include ebooks, audiobooks, and movies, along with read-along features for children and adjustable formats for those with vision challenges.

“We want to be relevant, and we’re funded with taxpayer dollars, so we take that really seriously. We want to make sure that people gain value from the services that we provide,” Owens said.

Community events continue to expand that engagement. Library Con, planned for September over part of Labor Day weekend, is designed as a free, convention-style event highlighting reading interests and broader fandoms.

“The idea is to present library programs the way people experience fandoms at events like Comic Con — highlighting the many ‘fandoms’ that exist within reading and beyond, from true crime and mystery to romance, while also incorporating broader community interests,” Chief Operating Officer Toni Kester said.

Other programming includes the very popular author events. They have drawn large crowds, with about 300 attendees at last year’s program.

“It’s driving engagement. It is talking about your shared story and how you engage on a personal level with what you’ve read,” Owens said. “Books feel very personal to people — when you’re reading, you feel some of the same emotions as the characters. It’s like when you read a really good book and you’re sad at the end. You’re still mourning the last page. You see all of that at an author’s event. It just happens organically in front of you.”

The next event is scheduled for April 30, when historical fiction author Marie Benedict will appear at Purdue University Northwest to discuss her latest novel, “The Daughter of Egypt.” 

“It’s really about stressing the importance of reading, literature, and creativity in our community,” Owens said. “Just the sense of being a community around reading and literature and books, that is the goal of that program. It was really about seeing people interacting together and laughing and talking about books they’re reading.”

The Summer Reading Program runs June 1 through July 31 under the theme “Unearth a Story,” with a dinosaur focus. Participants earn tokens for each hour they read. Adult participation is being added this year to encourage families to read together.

“It really is a way for you to learn and grow over the course of your life. You continue working your brain, building skills, learning new things, and reading in a variety of ways, from an ebook to a print book. It works different parts of your brain. We really want to make sure that the kind of reading culture we’re trying to cultivate in the community continues with an option for adults and kids to read together as families this summer.”

For those unsure where to begin, Owens keeps it simple.

“Start with something that you find enjoyable or interesting. Don’t pick out something that’s 5000 pages; set a reasonable goal. Just come by and see what draws your interest, because there are tons of things to choose from. It doesn’t have to be a book. It can be in a different format, such as a newspaper, a magazine, or a graphic novel. Sit down on one of our comfy chairs and read a chapter before you decide if you’re going to take it home,” she said.

The new strategic plan, Owens said, is meant to feel accessible and community-owned.

“We want the plan to connect with people, staff, and our community leaders. We want people to see it and have it feel accessible to them, and be able to like to see themselves in it. The library belongs to the community. To have community members be able to see themselves in it is the most important thing. That’s our top goal,” Owens said.

Learn more about programs and events at La Porte County Public Library at laportelibrary.org.