From its beginnings in 1908, the Gary Public Library emerged as a combined social and educational agency - pressed upon to keep up with an expanding city and organize itself as an institution to fulfill these needs. Gary, Indiana, founded in 1906, was an industrial-based land of opportunity that attracted thousands of European immigrants as well as people from throughout the country.
Throughout the years, the library has remained a vital institution within the community through its services, materials, and programs. The library’s Indiana Room, local Gary history and genealogy, serves as the region’s oldest collection of local history having started soon after the library was established. The library also continues to serve and provide materials as a designated Federal Depository Library (selective) since 1943.
Currently, the Gary library system continues to provide service throughout the city of Gary through its Gary Public Library and Cultural Center and two branches - Kennedy Branch and Woodson Branch. It is one of seven independent library systems in Lake County, Indiana.
Mission Statement
To strengthen and support the education, enjoyment and lifelong learning skills of our community by working to provide equal access to information, ideas and knowledge through books, programs and other resources.
Policies & Guidelines
Patrons who live in Gary, IN are required to have a valid Gary Public Library card (in good standing) to access most of the library’s services, resources and materials.
How To Get A Library Card - Valid identification bearing the current street address within our library district is required when filling out an application for a library card. The signature of a parent, guardian or caregiver is required for a patron under the age of 18 years to process the application. Signature must be provided in person. Parent, guardian or caregiver must present picture identification with the current address. If the identification does not have a current address, the individual must also provide a valid document with the present resident home address. The first library card is issued without a charge. The cost for a lost card replacement is $2.00. The card will be issued immediately, if everything is valid.
Loan Period - Books, Books on Tape, Compact Discs, Government Documents, Magazines, Pamphlets and Vertical File items may be checked out for a two-week period. Renewals are taken by phone or in person, on or before date due, one time only. Extensions are given for an additional two weeks on all materials except films, DVDs.
Fines And Fees - Overdue books and materials are charged 10¢ per item per day for adults - maximum after 30 days, $3.00. For children, overdue books and materials are charged 5¢ per item per day, maximum after 30 days, $1.00. Replacement fee for lost library cards is $2.00. DVDs may be checked out for $1.00 each (limit 6). Overdue DVDs will be fined $3.00 per DVD per day. Complete information available.
Computer Usage / Wireless Internet Policy
Meeting Room Application - for Kennedy or Woodson for Gary Public Library and Cultural Center
Policy on Disruptive Patrons & Unattended or Disruptive Children Policy
Friends of the Library
Mission Statement
The primary mission of the Friends of the Gary Public Library is to provide funds, volunteer services, public relations assistance and advocacy for the library system. In support of this, we are committed to:
- Serving as an agent for the library to fulfill desired programs
- Sponsoring book sales and other fund-raising projects
- Providing volunteer services for library programs and related community activities
- Encouraging citizen awareness, participation, and involvement in library activities
- Providing programs and services for the library system
- If you are interested in becoming a member of the friends, print and fill out the application and return with your dues to any Gary Public Library unit.
2008 Friends President, Mildred Gill and Treasurer, Velma Hawkins open the first permanent Friends Bookstore, located in the former Main Library.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Samuel Custard |
Director
Diana Morrow
Gary Public Library Director
November 18, 2014 - current
Board of Trustees
 | Mrs. Akilia McCain, President January 2022 - June 2026 Appointed by: Mayor's Office
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 | Mr. Tyrell Anderson, Vice - President June 2019 - June 2023 Appointed by: Gary Community School Corporation |
 | Ms. Jacquese M. White, Secretary June 30, 2021 - June 2025 Appointed by: Gary Community School Corporation |
 |
Mr. Robert L. Buggs, Member July 2018 - June 2022 Appointed by: Gary Community School Corporation
|
 | Mr. Robert Farag, Member May 11, 2021 - June 2025 Appointed by: Lake County Council
|
 | Mrs. Sadie P. Sheffield, Member June 2016 - Appointed by: Lake County Commissioners
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Dr. Lucille D. Washington, Member December 2018 - June 2022 Appointed by: Gary Common Council |
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