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.
04apr10:30 a.m.12:00 p.m.Egg-stra Special Scavenger Hunt
Event Details
Hop into a springtime adventure during our Egg-stra Special Scavenger Hunt, taking place April 4 from 10:30AM-noon at Defiance Public Library! Find all of the hidden colorful eggs, then return
Event Details
Hop into a springtime adventure during our Egg-stra Special Scavenger Hunt, taking place April 4 from 10:30AM-noon at Defiance Public Library! Find all of the hidden colorful eggs, then return to the children’s desk for a special prize. Geared to children in pre-K through 6th grade. No registration is needed.
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
07aprAll DayBunny Duck Scavenger Hunt Begins
Event Details
Every Tuesday in April, we’ll hide Easter bunny ducks throughout Hicksville. Track one down and you can keep it! Sponsored by the Friends of Johnson Memorial Library.
Event Details
Every Tuesday in April, we’ll hide Easter bunny ducks throughout Hicksville. Track one down and you can keep it! Sponsored by the Friends of Johnson Memorial Library.
Time
Organizer
Danielle Renollet
07apr11:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.NOCAC Story Share: Celebrate DD Awareness Month
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library on April 7 at 11AM for a special Story Share presentation by our friends at the Defiance County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The Early Intervention team
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library on April 7 at 11AM for a special Story Share presentation by our friends at the Defiance County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The Early Intervention team will read ‘How the Crayons Saved the School’ by Monica Sweeney. Following the story, they will offer information about the Board of DD’s services, including early intervention and more. All attendees will receive a copy of the book to take home while supplies last.
Geared to children and families. No registration is needed.
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
08apr10:30 a.m.11:30 a.m.Hicksville Storytime
Event Details
Join us every Wednesday from Feb. 11 to April 29 from 10:30-11:30AM for Storytime! Enjoy stories, rhymes, and songs that promote early literacy for ages 2-6. No registration is needed.
Event Details
Join us every Wednesday from Feb. 11 to April 29 from 10:30-11:30AM for Storytime! Enjoy stories, rhymes, and songs that promote early literacy for ages 2-6.
No registration is needed.
Time
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
Danielle Renollet
09apr4:30 p.m.Family Storytime
Event Details
Visit Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30PM from Feb. 26 to April 30 for Family Storytime, featuring stories, rhymes and songs geared to ages 0-8 (but all are welcome!) No
Event Details
Visit Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30PM from Feb. 26 to April 30 for Family Storytime, featuring stories, rhymes and songs geared to ages 0-8 (but all are welcome!)
No registration is needed.
Time
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
Krista Kirsch
15apr10:30 a.m.11:30 a.m.Hicksville Storytime
Event Details
Join us every Wednesday from Feb. 11 to April 29 from 10:30-11:30AM for Storytime! Enjoy stories, rhymes, and songs that promote early literacy for ages 2-6. No registration is needed.
Event Details
Join us every Wednesday from Feb. 11 to April 29 from 10:30-11:30AM for Storytime! Enjoy stories, rhymes, and songs that promote early literacy for ages 2-6.
No registration is needed.
Time
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
Danielle Renollet
16apr4:30 p.m.Family Storytime
Event Details
Visit Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30PM from Feb. 26 to April 30 for Family Storytime, featuring stories, rhymes and songs geared to ages 0-8 (but all are welcome!) No
Event Details
Visit Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30PM from Feb. 26 to April 30 for Family Storytime, featuring stories, rhymes and songs geared to ages 0-8 (but all are welcome!)
No registration is needed.
Time
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
Krista Kirsch
18apr10:00 a.m.11:00 a.m.Washer Windchimes
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required. Register using the form below or by calling 419-899-4343. The deadline to register is 5PM on April 15. This free craft class is
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required. Register using the form below or by calling 419-899-4343. The deadline to register is 5PM on April 15. This free craft class is open to school-aged children.
Visit Sherwood Branch Library on April 18 at 10:00AM and brighten up your spring days by creating washer wind chimes.
Time
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
Krista Kirsch
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20apr10:00 a.m.7:00 p.m.National Library Week Scavenger Hunt
Event Details
Visit Sherwood Branch Library during open hours from April 20-25 and celebrate National Library Week with a special scavenger hunt! Geared to school-aged children. No registration is needed.
Event Details
Visit Sherwood Branch Library during open hours from April 20-25 and celebrate National Library Week with a special scavenger hunt! Geared to school-aged children. No registration is needed.
Time
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
Krista Kirsch
20apr6:00 p.m.Toledo Opera on Wheels Presents: The Bear Who Couldn't Fish
Event Details
This free program for children and families will take place April 20 at 6:00PM at Defiance Public Library. No registration is needed. Join us for a night at the Opera
Event Details
This free program for children and families will take place April 20 at 6:00PM at Defiance Public Library. No registration is needed.
Join us for a night at the Opera in celebration of National Library Week! The Toledo Opera’s ‘Opera On Wheels’ will be here to tell us the story of the Bear Who Couldn’t Fish. This is based on a Lakota legend titled Mato. In this legend, a young bear on his own for the first time learns about the great lakes & their surroundings as well as the importance of listening.
Sponsored by the Friends of Defiance Public Library!
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
02may10:30 a.m.12:00 p.m.Lego Adventures
Event Details
Join us at Defiance Public Library on March 7 and May 2 from 10:30AM-noon for LEGO Adventures! This special Saturday event invites kids to get creative—tackle fun building challenges or
Event Details
Join us at Defiance Public Library on March 7 and May 2 from 10:30AM-noon for LEGO Adventures! This special Saturday event invites kids to get creative—tackle fun building challenges or let your imagination run wild with free building. Drop in and build with us! Geared to children in pre-K through grade 6. No registration is needed.
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
04may10:00 a.m.7:30 p.m.Celebrate Children's Book Week!
Event Details
Visit the Children’s Department at Defiance Public Library from May 4-9 during open hours and celebrate Children’s Book Week with a book-character scavenger hunt, a bookmark-making station, and a would-you-rather
Event Details
Visit the Children’s Department at Defiance Public Library from May 4-9 during open hours and celebrate Children’s Book Week with a book-character scavenger hunt, a bookmark-making station, and a would-you-rather activity. No registration needed. Happy reading!
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
05may11:00 a.m.Dragons Are Everywhere: Storyshare with NOCAC Head Start
Event Details
Head Start teachers Heidi & Gerri will be taking us on a dragon adventure! Meet their special dragon friend, enjoy a story & other activities on May 5 beginning at
Event Details
Head Start teachers Heidi & Gerri will be taking us on a dragon adventure! Meet their special dragon friend, enjoy a story & other activities on May 5 beginning at 11AM in the Nellie Gary Reading Room at Defiance Public Library.
This program is geared to ages 2-6 and no registration is needed.
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
05may4:30 p.m.Viva La Fiesta! Making Papel Picado Flags
Event Details
May 5 at 4:30PM at Defiance Public Library. Geared to grades K-6. No registration needed. Join us to celebrate Children’s Books Week & Cinco De Mayo! Fashion Designer & Author
Event Details
May 5 at 4:30PM at Defiance Public Library. Geared to grades K-6. No registration needed.
Join us to celebrate Children’s Books Week & Cinco De Mayo! Fashion Designer & Author Christina Treviño will be sharing her story A Family Fiesta Para Mi Cumpleaños (Simple Papel Picado). She will be reading an excerpt of her book then helping us to create our own Papel Picados! Using assorted colorful construction paper, we will learn to fold and cut simple geometric patterns to create our own festive banners. We will finish by stringing them together for a celebratory display. The author will have her books available for purchase.
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
16may10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.PlayDough Party
Event Details
All ages are invited to join us for a PlayDough Party at Sherwood Branch Library from 10AM-noon on the following dates: January 17, March 21, and May 16. No registration
Event Details
All ages are invited to join us for a PlayDough Party at Sherwood Branch Library from 10AM-noon on the following dates: January 17, March 21, and May 16. No registration is needed. Let’s get creative!
Time
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
18may4:30 p.m.5:30 p.m.Storywalk Storytime
Event Details
Join us on May 18 from 4:30-5:30PM at the Bronson Park Storywalk in Defiance as we read “Keep Up Duck” by Ivan and Rachel Bates, and enjoy a craft/activity under
Event Details
Join us on May 18 from 4:30-5:30PM at the Bronson Park Storywalk in Defiance as we read “Keep Up Duck” by Ivan and Rachel Bates, and enjoy a craft/activity under the park pavilion, while supplies last. Geared to children and families. No registration is needed.
Time
Location
Bronson Park
2104 Power Dam Road
Organizer
18may5:00 p.m.6:30 p.m.Liquid Watercolor Art
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required. Register beginning April 20 on this page or by calling 419-899-4343. This free craft class is geared to pre-K and school-age children.
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required. Register beginning April 20 on this page or by calling 419-899-4343. This free craft class is geared to pre-K and school-age children.
Feelin’ groovy? Join us at Sherwood Branch Library on May 18 from 5:00-6:30PM to construct a far-out, abstract art piece!
Time
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
26may10:00 a.m.11:00 a.m.Inclusive Book Club
Event Details
Join Sherwood Branch Library and the Defiance County Board of Developmental Disabilities at the Inclusive Book Club. Meet us at Sherwood Branch Library, 117 N. Harrison St., Sherwood, for a
Event Details
Join Sherwood Branch Library and the Defiance County Board of Developmental Disabilities at the Inclusive Book Club. Meet us at Sherwood Branch Library, 117 N. Harrison St., Sherwood, for a morning of books, crafts, socializing, and fun!
The club meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 10:00-11:00AM. No registration is needed, and all are welcome. For more information call the library at 419-899-4343.
Time
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
26may4:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.Lego Club
Event Details
School-aged children are invited to Johnson Memorial Library on the last Tuesday of the month from 4:00-5:00PM for Lego Club! We’ll give you a theme, and you let your imagination
Event Details
School-aged children are invited to Johnson Memorial Library on the last Tuesday of the month from 4:00-5:00PM for Lego Club! We’ll give you a theme, and you let your imagination run wild! No registration is needed. Lego Club does not meet in December.
Time
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
01junAll DayTiny Art Begins at Sherwood Branch
Event Details
Stop by Sherwood Branch Library on Monday, June 1st during our open hours to receive the materials to make a tiny art creation. Packs will include a tiny canvas, paint
Event Details
Stop by Sherwood Branch Library on Monday, June 1st during our open hours to receive the materials to make a tiny art creation. Packs will include a tiny canvas, paint brush, and paint. Available while supplies last. Please return your tiny art by June 18 with your name, the title of your creation, age, and phone number on the back. We will have a tiny art gallery showing on June 30 at 5:00PM at the library to display your beautiful creations! All ages are welcome to participate.
Time
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
01junAll DaySherwood Summer Lunch Program Begins
Event Details
Free Summer Lunches for kids will be available again this year at Sherwood Branch Library Mondays through Thursdays from 12:15-12:45PM in the Community Room at the library, Ney Park, and
Event Details
Free Summer Lunches for kids will be available again this year at Sherwood Branch Library Mondays through Thursdays from 12:15-12:45PM in the Community Room at the library, Ney Park, and Farmer Center Church. Lunches are available to those ages 0-18, or 19-21 with a disability. For more information, contact the library at 419-899-4343. No signup or registration is needed.
Time
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
Krista Kirsch
01junAll DaySummer Reading Challenge Begins!
Event Details
The 2026 ‘Unearth a Story’ Summer Reading Challenge for all ages will take place June 1-July 25. Register for the challenge beginning May 1 at defiancelibrary.beanstack.org and
Event Details
The 2026 ‘Unearth a Story’ Summer Reading Challenge for all ages will take place June 1-July 25. Register for the challenge beginning May 1 at defiancelibrary.beanstack.org and be sure to download the Beanstack Tracker app for easy, on-the-go logging! In addition, we’re hosting a full slate of dinosaur and archeology-themed programs for you to enjoy. Unearth your next great read at Defiance Public Library System!
About the Adult & Teen Challenge
Log the minutes you read each day, and for every 60 minutes you read, you’ll be entered into a weekly prize drawing for a $5 gift card to a local coffee or ice cream shop. If you log at least 480 minutes/8 hours of reading this summer, you’ll be entered in to win our Grand Prize — a $40 Meijer gift card and 2 $5 gift cards to a coffee shop and ice cream shop of your choice! Also, make sure to stop in to pick up your coupons and registration prize.
About the Children’s Challenge
Read, attend programs, and complete activities to win prizes! Registrants age 3 to grade 6 will receive a book, necklace, brag tags, and beads, plus additional beads and charms for completing the challenge, and a chance to win tickets to King’s Island!
Children under the age of 3 will receive a book and toy links upon registration, plus additional links and a chance to win King’s Island tickets for completing the challenge.
(King’s Island ticket winners will be notified by email.)
Time
01jun10:00 a.m.7:00 p.m.Dinos & Donuts Summer Reading Kickoff
Event Details
June 1 from 10:00AM-7:00PM at Defiance Public Library. Wrangle up some donuts and dinosaurs during our summer reading sign-up celebration! It’s the first day of summer reading: let’s celebrate by
Event Details
June 1 from 10:00AM-7:00PM at Defiance Public Library.
Wrangle up some donuts and dinosaurs during our summer reading sign-up celebration! It’s the first day of summer reading: let’s celebrate by eating donuts and finding dinosaurs. Join us anytime between 10AM-7PM for a sensational scavenger hunt, where you will be challenged to find many different types of dinosaurs both indoors and outside. While here, grab a donut (while supplies last), sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge, and collect your sign-up rewards!
Geared to grades K-6. No registration is needed. Sponsored by the Friends of DPL.
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
Event Details
June 1 at 11AM at Johnson Memorial Library. Geared to school-aged children. No registration needed. Sponsored by the Friends of JML. Come and enjoy donuts with dinosaurs. There will be activity
Event Details
June 1 at 11AM at Johnson Memorial Library. Geared to school-aged children. No registration needed. Sponsored by the Friends of JML.
Come and enjoy donuts with dinosaurs. There will be activity stations around the library.
Time
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
Danielle Renollet
01jun1:00 p.m.Sherwood Summer Reading Kickoff
Event Details
Join us at Sherwood Branch Library on Monday, June 1st at 1:00PM after the free summer lunches for our Summer Reading Challenge kickoff! There will be many stations of fun:
Event Details
Join us at Sherwood Branch Library on Monday, June 1st at 1:00PM after the free summer lunches for our Summer Reading Challenge kickoff! There will be many stations of fun: summer reading registration, crafts, flavored ice, and tiny art distribution. All ages are welcome, and no registration is needed.
Time
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
02jun1:00 p.m.Dinosaurs Alive!
Event Details
June 2 at 1:00PM at Sherwood Branch Library Take your friends on a dino adventure! Join Sherwood Branch Library and OSU STEM Specialist Dr. Bob Horton for this hands-on workshop, where
Event Details
June 2 at 1:00PM at Sherwood Branch Library
Take your friends on a dino adventure! Join Sherwood Branch Library and OSU STEM Specialist Dr. Bob Horton for this hands-on workshop, where participants become paleontologists in a fast-paced “dino dig” activity to uncover and assemble a life-size Velociraptor skeleton!
This free program is geared to school-aged children but all are welcome. No registration is needed.
Time
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
Krista Kirsch
03jun10:30 a.m.I Dig History (Hicksville)
Event Details
June 3 at 10:30AM in the Community Room at Johnson Memorial Library‘. Geared to grades K-6. Please note: This will be a ticketed event with no pre-registration. We will pass out
Event Details
June 3 at 10:30AM in the Community Room at Johnson Memorial Library‘. Geared to grades K-6.
Please note: This will be a ticketed event with no pre-registration. We will pass out 30 tickets beginning 20 minutes before the event as participants arrive. Those who receive tickets will be able to dig & take home a replica artifact. Anyone without a ticket can still attend, but only as an observer.
Discover your mini historian by digging through the clay. Find and identify historical artifacts by getting your hands dirty and having fun. Maybe even take a replica of a dinosaur bone home with you! Sponsored by the Friends of JML.
This program will also take place at Sherwood Branch Library beginning at 1:00PM and Defiance Public Library beginning at 4:00PM on the same day (the same ticketing method will be used at all 3 programs).
Time
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
03jun1:00 p.m.I Dig History (Sherwood)
Event Details
June 3 at 1:00PM in the Community Room at Sherwood Branch Library. Geared to grades K-6. Please note: This will be a ticketed event with no pre-registration. We will pass out
Event Details
June 3 at 1:00PM in the Community Room at Sherwood Branch Library. Geared to grades K-6.
Please note: This will be a ticketed event with no pre-registration. We will pass out 30 tickets beginning 20 minutes before the event as participants arrive. Those who receive tickets will be able to dig & take home a replica artifact. Anyone without a ticket can still attend, but only as an observer.
Discover your mini historian by digging through the clay. Find and identify historical artifacts by getting your hands dirty and having fun. Maybe even take a replica of a dinosaur bone home with you! Sponsored by the Friends of SBL.
This program will also take place at Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library beginning at 10:30AM and Defiance Public Library beginning at 4:00PM on the same day (the same ticketing method will be used at all 3 programs).
Time
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
03jun4:00 p.m.I Dig History (Defiance)
Event Details
June 3 at 4:00PM at Defiance Public Library. Geared to grades K-6. Please note: This will be a ticketed event with no pre-registration. We will pass out 30 tickets beginning 20
Event Details
June 3 at 4:00PM at Defiance Public Library. Geared to grades K-6.
Please note: This will be a ticketed event with no pre-registration. We will pass out 30 tickets beginning 20 minutes before the event as participants arrive. Those who receive tickets will be able to dig & take home a replica artifact. Anyone without a ticket can still attend, but only as an observer.
Discover your mini historian by digging through the clay. Find and identify historical artifacts by getting your hands dirty and having fun. Maybe even take a replica of a dinosaur bone home with you! Sponsored by the Friends of DPL.
This program will also take place at Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library beginning at 10:30AM and Sherwood Branch Library beginning at 1:00PM on the same day (the same ticketing method will be used at all 3 programs).
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.