Early literacy refers to the pre-reading and pre-writing skills a child should know before starting kindergarten. Every Child Ready to Read has defined 5 early literacy practices to help parents and caregivers nurture early literacy anytime, anywhere.
The 5 practices are:
Talk, Read, Sing, Write, Play
· Talk about the activity or book you are sharing with your child.
· Sing or make up songs while doing chores, building blocks, etc.
· Read books, magazines, road signs, and more with your child.
· Write the letters of the alphabet, create a story, or draw shapes.
· Play with words, books, or toys to reinforce your child’s early literacy skills.
What is S.T.E.A.M. or S.T.E.M. learning?
The acronym refers to 5 educational disciplines that children should experience:
• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Art (not a part of STEM learning)
• Mathematics
Why is it important?
Not only do children need early literacy skills to prepare them for future learning, they also need basic S.T.E.A.M. concepts to help them excel in school.
Basic S.T.E.A.M. concepts include, but are not limited to:
• Shapes
• Counting
• Using crayons, pencils, and markers
• Building with blocks
• Listening to music
• Talking about the weather
• Cooking
• And MUCH more
Visit Every Child Ready to Read, or click here for more early literacy resources.
21apr10:00 a.m.7:00 p.m.Spring Break at the Library
Event Details
Visit Sherwood Branch Library on April 19 from 10AM-1PM and April 21 from 10AM-7PM for Spring Break at the library! School-aged children can enjoy some spring/Easter fun, including a guess
Event Details
Visit Sherwood Branch Library on April 19 from 10AM-1PM and April 21 from 10AM-7PM for Spring Break at the library! School-aged children can enjoy some spring/Easter fun, including a guess jar, scavenger hunt, and more. No registration is needed.
Time
April 21, 2025 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
22apr5:00 p.m.Celebrate Earth Day
Event Details
Visit Johnson Memorial Library on April 22 at 5PM to celebrate Earth Day with a craft and a plant to take home! Geared to school-aged children. No registration is needed.
Event Details
Visit Johnson Memorial Library on April 22 at 5PM to celebrate Earth Day with a craft and a plant to take home! Geared to school-aged children. No registration is needed.
Time
April 22, 2025 5:00 p.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
24apr10:30 a.m.Being Healthy is Fun! (ages 3-6)
Event Details
Registration is closed for this program! What is MyPlate? How many food groups are there? We need how much time for active play?Join us as we learn the basics of
Event Details
Registration is closed for this program!
What is MyPlate? How many food groups are there? We need how much time for active play?
Join us as we learn the basics of healthy eating, the importance of play, and learn about kitchen safety while we make a healthy snack! Annie Crowder Reynolds from Defiance County SNAP-Ed will be here to lead a 3-part series for our youngest patrons – and their grown-ups. We’ll make healthy eating so much fun even the pickiest eaters will want to join in – and grown-ups will learn how to encourage eating adventures.
Time
April 24, 2025 10:30 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
24apr4:30 p.m.5:30 p.m.Family Storytime Tribe
Event Details
Join Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30PM from Feb. 6 to April 24 for Family Storytime Tribe in the Community Room! We’ll enjoy reading, singing, dancing, and more! Geared
Event Details
Join Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30PM from Feb. 6 to April 24 for Family Storytime Tribe in the Community Room! We’ll enjoy reading, singing, dancing, and more! Geared to ages 0-6, but all are welcome. No registration is needed.
Our friends from the Defiance County Board of Developmental Disabilities will join us Feb. 20, March 20, and April 17 for special, Inclusive Storytime sessions!
Time
April 24, 2025 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
26apr10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.Earth Day Bottle Cap Craft
Event Details
Space is limited and registation is required. Register using the form below, or by calling 419-899-4343. School-aged children are invited to Sherwood Branch Library on April 26 from 10AM-noon to
Event Details
Space is limited and registation is required. Register using the form below, or by calling 419-899-4343.
School-aged children are invited to Sherwood Branch Library on April 26 from 10AM-noon to celebrate Earth Day by upcycling old soda bottle caps into a beautiful peace of art.
Time
April 26, 2025 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
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26apr10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.PlayDough Party
Event Details
Come and create your masterpieces with PlayDough! PlayDough Party is taking place on the fourth Saturday of each month (Oct. 26, Nov. 23, Dec. 28, Jan. 25, Feb. 22, March
Event Details
Come and create your masterpieces with PlayDough! PlayDough Party is taking place on the fourth Saturday of each month (Oct. 26, Nov. 23, Dec. 28, Jan. 25, Feb. 22, March 22, April 26, May 24) from 10AM-noon at Sherwood Branch Library. Open to all ages that love to squish and sculpt with dough! No registration needed.
Time
April 26, 2025 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
29apr10:30 a.m.11:30 a.m.Teddy Bear Clinic with Dr. Samantha Bolman
Event Details
Bring your favorite teddy bear, doll or stuffed animal friend to Defiance Public Library on April 29 at 10:30AM for story time and a health check with pediatrician Dr. Samantha
Event Details
Bring your favorite teddy bear, doll or stuffed animal friend to Defiance Public Library on April 29 at 10:30AM for story time and a health check with pediatrician Dr. Samantha Bolman. No registration is needed!
After sharing some stories, Dr. Bolman will give your stuffed friend a health check. Once the check up is completed, you will receive a certificate of good health for your friend. After the stories, we appreciate your patience as Dr. Bolman works with each patient.
While waiting, you can examine your friend with the provided doctor playset or play with the many other available toys in the “patient waiting room” (children’s area).
This event is designed to address a child’s concerns or fears over doctor’s visits and routine medical procedures. Recommended for children ages 3-10.
Time
April 29, 2025 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
29apr4:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.Lego Club at JML
Event Details
Come build with us! Lego Club will take place at Johnson Memorial Library from 4:00-5:00PM on the last Tuesday of each month. No registration needed! Geared to ages 7-12.
Event Details
Come build with us! Lego Club will take place at Johnson Memorial Library from 4:00-5:00PM on the last Tuesday of each month. No registration needed! Geared to ages 7-12.
Time
April 29, 2025 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
01mayAll DayDog Man Scavenger Hunt
Event Details
We’re having a Dog Man Scavenger Hunt at Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library from May 1-31. All ages are invited to stop in during open hours and try to find all
Event Details
We’re having a Dog Man Scavenger Hunt at Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library from May 1-31. All ages are invited to stop in during open hours and try to find all the spots where Dog Man is hidden. Find them all and choose a toy from our prize chest. Find Cat Kid for an extra prize! Sponsored by the Friends of JML.
Time
May 1, 2025 All Day
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
01may10:30 a.m.Being Healthy is Fun! (ages 3-6)
Event Details
Registration is closed for this program! What is MyPlate? How many food groups are there? We need how much time for active play?Join us as we learn the basics of
Event Details
Registration is closed for this program!
What is MyPlate? How many food groups are there? We need how much time for active play?
Join us as we learn the basics of healthy eating, the importance of play, and learn about kitchen safety while we make a healthy snack! Annie Crowder Reynolds from Defiance County SNAP-Ed will be here to lead a 3-part series for our youngest patrons – and their grown-ups. We’ll make healthy eating so much fun even the pickiest eaters will want to join in – and grown-ups will learn how to encourage eating adventures.
Time
May 1, 2025 10:30 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
Event Details
Children of all ages, it’s letter writing time! Rumor has it that the mailboxes of popular book characters are ready for some mail! Come to the Defiance Public Library during
Event Details
Children of all ages, it’s letter writing time! Rumor has it that the mailboxes of popular book characters are ready for some mail! Come to the Defiance Public Library during open hours from May 5-10 to write letters to The Bad Guys, Skippy Jon Jones, and The Pigeon! Characters will write back and the letters and their responses will be up for display the following week. Patrons can pick up their letters and responses May 27th-31st.
Time
May 5, 2025 All Day
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
05mayAll DayBook Character Scavenger Hunt
Event Details
In honor of Children’s Book Week, school aged children are invited to Sherwood Branch Library during open hours from May 5-10 to participate in a book character-themed scavenger hunt.
Event Details
In honor of Children’s Book Week, school aged children are invited to Sherwood Branch Library during open hours from May 5-10 to participate in a book character-themed scavenger hunt. Complete the hunt to win a prize from our prize box! No registration is needed.
Time
May 5, 2025 All Day
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
05may4:30 p.m.5:30 p.m.Storywalk Storytime
Event Details
Join Defiance Public Library for Storywalk Storytime on May 5 from 4:30-5:30PM at Bronson Park, Defiance. During this interactive event, we’ll walk along the Storywalk and read a book together.
Event Details
Join Defiance Public Library for Storywalk Storytime on May 5 from 4:30-5:30PM at Bronson Park, Defiance. During this interactive event, we’ll walk along the Storywalk and read a book together. Activities and crafts will be available afterwards in the park pavilion, while supplies last.
Be sure to bring sunscreen, umbrellas, or hats if desired, as the Storywalk is in direct sunlight!
This program is geared to ages 2-6. No registration is needed.
Time
May 5, 2025 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location
Bronson Park
2104 Power Dam Road
Organizer
Event Details
Children of all ages, it’s letter writing time! Rumor has it that the mailboxes of popular book characters are ready for some mail! Come to the Defiance Public Library during
Event Details
Children of all ages, it’s letter writing time! Rumor has it that the mailboxes of popular book characters are ready for some mail! Come to the Defiance Public Library during open hours from May 5-10 to write letters to The Bad Guys, Skippy Jon Jones, and The Pigeon! Characters will write back and the letters and their responses will be up for display the following week. Patrons can pick up their letters and responses May 27th-31st.
Time
May 6, 2025 All Day
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
06mayAll DayBook Character Scavenger Hunt
Event Details
In honor of Children’s Book Week, school aged children are invited to Sherwood Branch Library during open hours from May 5-10 to participate in a book character-themed scavenger hunt.
Event Details
In honor of Children’s Book Week, school aged children are invited to Sherwood Branch Library during open hours from May 5-10 to participate in a book character-themed scavenger hunt. Complete the hunt to win a prize from our prize box! No registration is needed.
Time
May 6, 2025 All Day
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
Event Details
Children of all ages, it’s letter writing time! Rumor has it that the mailboxes of popular book characters are ready for some mail! Come to the Defiance Public Library during
Event Details
Children of all ages, it’s letter writing time! Rumor has it that the mailboxes of popular book characters are ready for some mail! Come to the Defiance Public Library during open hours from May 5-10 to write letters to The Bad Guys, Skippy Jon Jones, and The Pigeon! Characters will write back and the letters and their responses will be up for display the following week. Patrons can pick up their letters and responses May 27th-31st.
Time
May 7, 2025 All Day
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
07mayAll DayBook Character Scavenger Hunt
Event Details
In honor of Children’s Book Week, school aged children are invited to Sherwood Branch Library during open hours from May 5-10 to participate in a book character-themed scavenger hunt.
Event Details
In honor of Children’s Book Week, school aged children are invited to Sherwood Branch Library during open hours from May 5-10 to participate in a book character-themed scavenger hunt. Complete the hunt to win a prize from our prize box! No registration is needed.
Time
May 7, 2025 All Day
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
Event Details
Children of all ages, it’s letter writing time! Rumor has it that the mailboxes of popular book characters are ready for some mail! Come to the Defiance Public Library during
Event Details
Children of all ages, it’s letter writing time! Rumor has it that the mailboxes of popular book characters are ready for some mail! Come to the Defiance Public Library during open hours from May 5-10 to write letters to The Bad Guys, Skippy Jon Jones, and The Pigeon! Characters will write back and the letters and their responses will be up for display the following week. Patrons can pick up their letters and responses May 27th-31st.
Time
May 8, 2025 All Day
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
Event Details
School-aged children are invited to Johnson Memorial Library during open hours from June 2-7 to guess the number of items in our special jar! The winner gets to choose a
Event Details
School-aged children are invited to Johnson Memorial Library during open hours from June 2-7 to guess the number of items in our special jar! The winner gets to choose a toy from our prize box.
Time
June 2, 2025 All Day
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
02junAll DayTiny Art Gallery Canvas Pickup
Event Details
To celebrate this year’s “Color our World” Summer Reading Challenge, the Tiny Art Gallery is returning to Sherwood Branch! Visit the library during open hours beginning June 2 to pick
Event Details
To celebrate this year’s “Color our World” Summer Reading Challenge, the Tiny Art Gallery is returning to Sherwood Branch! Visit the library during open hours beginning June 2 to pick up your mini canvas (available while supplies last). Return your masterpiece by June 23 for inclusion in our Tiny Art Gallery at the library!
Then, join us at the library for drinks and snacks to celebrate the grand opening of our gallery on June 30 from 5:00-6:30PM.
Geared to school-aged children, but all ages are welcome to submit their art!
Time
June 2, 2025 All Day
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
02jun10:00 a.m.7:00 p.m.Nature's Art Garden
Event Details
Beginning June 2 and continuing through July 26, Johnson Memorial Library patrons of all ages can stop into the library during open hours and plant flower seeds. Watch nature’s art
Event Details
Beginning June 2 and continuing through July 26, Johnson Memorial Library patrons of all ages can stop into the library during open hours and plant flower seeds. Watch nature’s art bloom throughout the summer, and cast your vote for which type of flowers will bloom first!
Time
June 2, 2025 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
02jun1:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.Try a New Medium
Event Details
All ages are invited to the MakerSpace at Defiance Public Library every Monday from June 2 through July 21 from 1:00-6:00PM to try a new art medium! No registration is
Event Details
All ages are invited to the MakerSpace at Defiance Public Library every Monday from June 2 through July 21 from 1:00-6:00PM to try a new art medium! No registration is required, and each project is available while supplies last.
June 2nd: Artist Markers
June 9th: Watercolor & Gouache
June 16th: Charcoal, Graphite, & Conte
June 23rd: Pastels
June 30th: Acrylic Paint
July 7th: Oil-based Clay
July 14th: Ink
July 21st: Colored Pencils
Time
June 2, 2025 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
02jun1:00 p.m.El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico
Event Details
Defiance Public Library System welcomes back our friends from El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico! Their talented dancers, clad in colorful costumes, will visit all three DPLS libraries on June
Event Details
Defiance Public Library System welcomes back our friends from El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico! Their talented dancers, clad in colorful costumes, will visit all three DPLS libraries on June 2 to share with us a variety of dances from Mexico’s various states.
Schedule:
Sherwood Branch Library – 1:00PM
Hicksville’s Huber Opera House & Civic Center – 3:00PM
Defiance Public Library (Summer Reading tent) – 6:00PM
The show is free and open to all ages, sponsored by the Friends of DPL, SBL, and JML! No registration needed.
Time
June 2, 2025 1:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
02jun3:00 p.m.El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico
Event Details
Defiance Public Library System welcomes back our friends from El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico! Their talented dancers, clad in colorful costumes, will visit all three DPLS libraries on June
Event Details
Defiance Public Library System welcomes back our friends from El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico! Their talented dancers, clad in colorful costumes, will visit all three DPLS libraries on June 2 to share with us a variety of dances from Mexico’s various states.
Schedule:
Sherwood Branch Library – 1:00PM
Hicksville’s Huber Opera House & Civic Center – 3:00PM
Defiance Public Library (Summer Reading tent) – 6:00PM
The show is free and open to all ages, sponsored by the Friends of DPL, SBL, and JML! No registration needed.
Time
June 2, 2025 3:00 p.m.
Location
Huber Opera House & Civic Center
157 East High Street
Organizer
02jun6:00 p.m.El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico
Event Details
Defiance Public Library System welcomes back our friends from El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico! Their talented dancers, clad in colorful costumes, will visit all three DPLS libraries on June
Event Details
Defiance Public Library System welcomes back our friends from El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico! Their talented dancers, clad in colorful costumes, will visit all three DPLS libraries on June 2 to share with us a variety of dances from Mexico’s various states.
Schedule:
Sherwood Branch Library – 1:00PM
Hicksville’s Huber Opera House & Civic Center – 3:00PM
Defiance Public Library (Summer Reading tent) – 6:00PM
The show is free and open to all ages, sponsored by the Friends of DPL, SBL, and JML! No registration needed.
Time
June 2, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
Event Details
School-aged children are invited to Johnson Memorial Library during open hours from June 2-7 to guess the number of items in our special jar! The winner gets to choose a
Event Details
School-aged children are invited to Johnson Memorial Library during open hours from June 2-7 to guess the number of items in our special jar! The winner gets to choose a toy from our prize box.
Time
June 3, 2025 All Day
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
03jun11:00 a.m.Color Explosion Party
Event Details
All ages are invited to Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library on June 3 at 11:00AM for a Color Explosion Party! Enjoy an explosion of color featuring indoor/outdoor BINGO games, pom poms,
Event Details
All ages are invited to Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library on June 3 at 11:00AM for a Color Explosion Party! Enjoy an explosion of color featuring indoor/outdoor BINGO games, pom poms, a scavenger hunt, trail mix, and a rainbow craft. No registration is needed. Sponsored by the Friends of JML!
Time
June 3, 2025 11:00 a.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
03jun1:00 p.m.2:00 p.m.Art Hub
Event Details
Visit Sherwood Branch Library every Tuesday from June 3 through July 22 at 1:00PM for “Art Hub,” where we’ll offer a different craft project each week. Some will be structured,
Event Details
Visit Sherwood Branch Library every Tuesday from June 3 through July 22 at 1:00PM for “Art Hub,” where we’ll offer a different craft project each week. Some will be structured, others will be process art, and some will be messy–but all will be fun!
Geared to preschoolers through grade 5, but all are welcome. No registration is needed.
Dates: June 3, 10, 17, 24; July 1, 8, 15, 22
Time
June 3, 2025 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street