Upcoming Events at Rensselaer

Science Heroes present Digging It!

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-06-09T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jun 9, 10 am
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
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Come and enjoy as the Science Heroes save the day – With Science!

Discover FamilySearch Full Text Search

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-06-10T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jun 10, 2 pm
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
]]>Join us on Wednesday, June 10^th at 2 pm. Unearth your family history with FamilySearch newest feature full text search. See how FamilySearch applies generative AI to read historical handwriting and produce complete transcripts of billions of pages of historical manuscripts in a variety languages and scripts. We describe how FamilySearch identifies names, dates, and places in the text distilled from these documents. We then demonstrate techniques for searching the resulting full text by keyword, name, date, and place. We will be viewing a recorded demonstration from the 2026 RootsTech conference and discussing how these features can greatly improve your family history research from images and documents that are not indexed. This is one of our programs throughout 2026 that commemorate America 250, the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding and our summer reading Unearth A Story. Registration requested, limit 20. Register online at www.myjcpl.org/events or call 219-866-5881, contact Melissa Smith with any questions.

Genealogy Help

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-06-10T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jun 10, 5-6:30 pm
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Join us on Wednesday, June 10^th from 5-6:30 p.m. Find your story at your library. Are you interested in researching your family history? You are invited to join us every month on the 2^nd Wednesday of the month, for Genealogy Help. This monthly program is designed to help you learn how to search for your family history using the libraries free resources. The library has free use in the library, of genealogy websites such as Ancestry and Family Search. JCPL is a FamilySearch Affiliate library, this allows access to Family Search’s digital collections that are otherwise accessible only through a Family Search Center. We also have a variety of Genealogy books available for check out and in house use. All assistance is available on a first come, first served basis. Registration is not required. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Smith at (219) 866-5881.

All Abilities Storytime

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-06-11T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jun 11, 1-2 pm
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
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This program is designed for adults with developmental disabilities. We will have a story and a craft for participants. All ages. Limit 14.

Crystals

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-06-11T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jun 11, 2pm
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
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Create both real and fake crystals with this fun craft. Real crystals take time to grow, so while they grow, create a fun crystal decoration with hot glue that you can take home.

Combat Coffee

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-06-15T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jun 15, 9:30-11 am
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Community Veterans are invited to join us for this opportunity for fellowship and obtaining resources in an effort to build a strong network among area Vets. Combat Coffee is a casual environment in which Veterans can connect through coffee, conversation, and camaraderie. Contact Jenna at 219-866-5881 with questions.

Jurassic CSI

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-06-16T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jun 16, 10 am
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
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Join us for this dinosaur whodunnit. Solve the crime with the clues available, using forensic techniques and laboratory science. Ages 8 and up. Limit 20.

Plantable Paper and Seed Bombs

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-06-18T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jun 18, 2 pm
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
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We’ll create plantable paper and seed bombs bursting with wildflowers. Perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. All ages. Limit 20.

Dungeons and Dragons

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-06-18T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jun 18, 3:30-5:30 pm
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
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Join us at the Rensselaer Library for a Dungeons and Dragons campaign. Each meet up will be a new adventure! This is a free program for anyone in 6th grade to an adult. Beginners and experts are welcome! Dice will be provided but you can bring your own! Please register online, in person or over the phone.

Diamond Art & Mocktails-Red, White & Blue

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-06-19T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jun 19, 6 pm
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
]]>Join us on Friday, June 19^th at 6 p.m. Celebrate America’s 250th by diamond painting your own America themed Magnet! Diamond art is fun, easy, and relaxing -- a perfect craft for this year’s America’s 250^th anniversary! Diamond painting is a fantastic activity to let go of stress and anxiety while building artistic confidence! While developing your diamond art skills, taste a fun mocktail! All materials will be provided, no fees required. Registration required, limit 15. Open ages teen thru adult. This is one of our programs throughout 2026 that commemorate America 250, the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding. Register online at www.myjcpl.org/events or call 219-866-5881, contact Melissa Smith with any questions.

Diamond Art Red, White & Sparkle

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-06-20T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jun 20, 2 pm
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
]]>Join us on Saturday, June 20^th at 2 p.m. Celebrate America’s 250th by diamond painting your own America themed Magnet! Diamond art is fun, easy, and relaxing -- a perfect craft for this year’s America’s 250^th anniversary! Diamond painting is a fantastic activity to let go of stress and anxiety while building artistic confidence! Rather than using a paintbrush, you will use an applicator to apply tiny resin 'diamonds' to an adhesive canvas to create your own vivid, shimmering work of art! All materials will be provided, no fees required. Registration required, limit 15. Open ages teen thru adult. This is one of our programs throughout 2026 that commemorate America 250, the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding. Register online at www.myjcpl.org/events or call 219-866-5881, contact Melissa Smith with any questions.

Magician Kevin Wilson

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-06-23T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jun 23, 10 am
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Enjoy the talents of Magician Kevin Wilson and Oreo the magic rabbit.

4th Wednesday Men's Book Group

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-06-24T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jun 24, 10 am
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
]]>Join us at the Rensselaer Library for the 4th Wednesday Men's Book Group!
For June we will be reading: "The Odyssey by Home" Translated by Emily Wilson
The Men’s Book Club group was created for men, but anyone may join.
Limit 20

Heirloom and Vintage Recipes

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-06-24T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jun 24, 5:30 pm
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
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Join us on Wednesday, June 24^th at 5:30 pm. In celebration of our country's 250^th birthday. We are cooking up history with Heirloom and Vintage recipes. Bring a prepared recipe that is meaningful to your family or tied to personal traditions, holidays, or memories. Recipes may include appetizers, main dishes, side dishes, and desserts. These recipes represent how traditions are passed down through generations and shared around kitchen tables and community gatherings. America 250 gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are, where we have been, and what connects us as a community. Please bring a copy of the recipe or cookbook to share. This is a FREE program and a great opportunity for cooks of all ages, skill levels and interests to share their love of cooking as well as eating. The library will provide a copy of the recipe and the plates, utensils, and a drink. This is one of our programs throughout 2026 that commemorate America 250, the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding. Registration required, limit 20, attendees may bring someone with them. Open ages Teen thru Adult, anyone under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Register online at www.myjcpl.org/events or call 219-866-5881, contact Melissa Smith with any questions.

4th Thursday Book Group

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-06-25T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jun 25, 1 pm
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
]]>Join us at the Rensselaer Library for the 4th Thursday Book Group! For June, we will be reading;
"The American Spirit" by David McCullough
Registration requested, not required. Limit 20.

Craft: Painting with Mud

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-06-25T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jun 25, 2 pm
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
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Did you know you could paint with mud, and it would look cool? Discover the most surprising art supply around: everyday dirt. Participants will mix their own paint and create a watercolor painting.

Happy Birthday USA

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-06-30T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jun 30, 10 am
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Join us as we celebrate the 250^th Birthday of the United States of America. This party will feature patriotic games, crafts, activities, and of course, cake!

Kahoot! Nature/Animal Trivia

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-06-30T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jun 30, 6 pm
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
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Nature/Animal Trivia using Kahoot! Bring a mobile device to participate! Prizes awarded - first place winner receives a gift card! Registration requested, Limit 20 teams, Open to ages 18 and up unless 16+ accompanied by an adult. Contact Jenna at 219-866-5881 with questions.

Summer Reading Continues in July

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-07-01T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jul 1,
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Unearth a good story with us in this year’s Summer Reading program, from June 2 to July 21. Registration starts Tuesday May 26. Rensselaer Library is going Jurassic with this theme. Come explore dinosaurs and earth science with hands-on crafts, activities and programs all summer long.

Scrabble Game Night

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-07-01T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jul 1, 6 pm
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
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Join us at the Rensselaer Library for a game or two of Scrabble. This is a free program and all supplies are provided. Please register as there is a limit of 8 people.

BINGO

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-07-02T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jul 2, 10-11 am
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
]]>Join us at the Renselaer library for BINGO!!! No cost, registration required, limit 25 participants. PRIZES!!

Patriotic Bubble Wands

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-07-02T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jul 2, 2 pm
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
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Make your own red-white-and-blue bubble wand and experiment with shapes and designs.

Jurassic Park Escape Room

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-07-07T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jul 7, 4 pm
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
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Join us at the Rensselaer Library from July 7^th-11^th for a Jurassic Park themed Escape Room! Put your brains to the test and see if you can unlock the answers on how to save the last known species of Velociraptors from extinction!! Try to find the secret to saving the Velociraptors and escape the abandoned park in 45 minutes before the dinosaurs learn you are there! *Spoiler* They already do.

Jurassic Park Escape Room

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-07-07T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jul 7, 5 pm
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
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Summer Reading Indiana Wild

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-07-07T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jul 7, 10 am
]]>Join us at the Rensselaer library and discover different animals from Indiana! Learn about the differet animals with us and have fun!

Writing Club

support@engagedpatrons.org (EngagedPatrons Support) — 2026-07-07T00:00:00-06:00

Rensselaer
Jul 7, 6 pm
Registration required. Call 219-866-5881 or Register Online.
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Join us at the Rensselaer for writing club! We start by doing a couple writing exercises to warm up, and then we usually talk about or work on whatever each of our current projects are. Make sure to bring what you are working on, whether that’s a novel, short story, poem, or even just an idea! Writing club is a safe space for us to get out of our shell and spend time with other writers who can encourage and give ideas! We have different writing homework each month. If there is something specific you want to learn about, don’t hesitate to bring it up! Contact Jenna with questions.

Jurassic Park Escape Room