Gary Public Library Hosts Hometown Authors, Jazz Concert, and More

Community events in Gary and Porter County include art contest, compost site openings, and World Cultural Festival planning.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Gary Public Library is hosting several upcoming programs, including author talks by local writers Carmen McKee and Ventress Jackson, a monthly chess tournament, and a Sunday jazz concert. The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County is reopening compost sites, and the community is invited to attend the first planning meeting for the World Cultural Festival in Valparaiso. Other events include a Congressional art competition, food distribution in Calumet Township, and a 'Map the Vision' night to help shape Valparaiso's future.

Why it matters

These community events and programs provide opportunities for residents to engage with local arts, culture, and sustainability initiatives, as well as have a voice in shaping the future of their cities. The library events, compost site openings, and festival planning showcase the vibrant community life in the Gary and Porter County region.

The details

The Gary Public Library is hosting several events, including author talks by Carmen McKee, co-founder of Oases Botanic Gardens, and Ventress Jackson, who has worked with youth development and team sports in Gary. The library will also host a monthly chess tournament and a Sunday jazz concert featuring the I.C.y Quartet. The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County is reopening compost sites in Boone Grove, Portage, and Valparaiso, and the community is invited to attend the first planning meeting for the World Cultural Festival in Valparaiso, which will feature live performances, international cuisine, and a Parade of Nations.

  • The Congressional Art Competition submissions are due by 5 p.m. on April 17.
  • The Boone Grove and Portage compost sites will reopen on Monday, March 16.
  • The Valparaiso compost site will extend operating hours starting on March 16.
  • The World Cultural Festival planning meeting will be held on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
  • The World Cultural Festival will take place on September 20 from noon to 5 p.m.

The players

Rep. Frank J. Mrvan

A U.S. Representative who is now accepting submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for high school students from Indiana's First Congressional District.

Carmen McKee

The co-founder of Oases Botanic Gardens in Gary and author of 'Edible Flora: A Culinary Guide.'

Ventress Jackson

An author who has been involved with youth development and team sports in Gary for more than 30 years.

Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County

An organization that has announced the reopening of compost sites in Boone Grove, Portage, and Valparaiso.

Gary Public Library

A public library in Gary that is hosting a variety of upcoming programs, including author talks, a chess tournament, and a jazz concert.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These community events and programs showcase the vibrant arts, culture, and sustainability efforts in the Gary and Porter County region, providing opportunities for residents to engage, learn, and have a voice in shaping the future of their cities.