Hammond Public Library programs
Hammond Public Library, 564 State St., is hosting a variety of programs for the community. “Light Up the Mind” Winter Reading Challenge is underway through Jan. 31. Information and registration can be found at Hammond.beanstack.org. The library offers several clubs and discussion events for all ages: The Walking Dead Club will meet at 6 p.m. Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. to discuss the graphic novels and the TV shows; the African American Literature Book Club will meet at 6 p.m. Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. to discuss “The Darkest Child,” by Delores Phillips; the In-Between Book Discussion, for ages 10-13, will meet at 4 p.m. Feb. 10 to discuss “Bud Not Buddy,” by Christopher Paul Curtis. Writers Night Out, where writers can share their work, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the library. More information on all programs is at 219-931-5100.
Valpo announces Imani Perry, Ph.D., as MLK convocation speaker
Valparaiso University will continue its tradition of honoring the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. with its annual celebration, built around the theme of “Our Time,” Monday on campus, 1700 Chapel Drive. The Convocation will feature speaker Imani Perry, Ph.D., at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of the Resurrection, followed by a meet and greet with in the Harre Union. Perry is the Hughes-Rogers Professor of African American Studies and faculty associate in the program in law and public affairs and gender and sexuality studies at Princeton. She has written and taught on a number of topics regarding race and African American culture. Perry received a bachelor’s degree from Yale University, a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a Ph.D. in the history of American civilization from Harvard University. More information and event details are at valpo.edu/mlk.
Mayor’s Night Out rescheduled
Due to a scheduling conflict, Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. has rescheduled the Wednesday Mayor’s Night Out in the 4th District to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the same location, O’Bannon Elementary School, 1317 – 173rd Street, in the Cafeteria. Enter at Door A. More information is at 219-853-6301 or at 219-853-7708.
Planetarium to host winter program
The Merrillville Community Planetarium will present its winter public program, “The Inner Solar System,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Clifford Pierce Middle School, 199 E. 70th Ave., Merrillville. Park and enter on the south side of the building, Door 5. The planetarium opens for seating 30 minutes before the show begins. No one will be admitted after the program starts. The program explores the inner solar system, including the planets Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars and the asteroid belt. Weather permitting, an outdoor observing session will be offered following the program. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children. Seating is limited. Reservations are at 219-650-5486 or at www.mcpstars.org. Large groups may arrange for a private show. More information is at www.mcpstars.org or at info@mcpstars.org.
YouTube Bootcamp Workshop
Hammond Public Library will host a YouTube Bootcamp Workshop from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the library, 564 State St. Media production specialist Samantha Gauer will discuss how to use YouTube, from beginner basics to advanced techniques, and offer tips and guidelines for starting and running a YouTube channel. More information is with Debra Powers at 219-931-5100, Ext. 320.
