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.
14jul1:00 p.m.Musical Fun with Kevin Devine
Event Details
Your Defiance County libraries invite you to “Color Our World” with rollicking, participatory songs about summer fun, friends, family and our wonderful world with award-winning songwriter and family entertainer Kevin
Event Details
Your Defiance County libraries invite you to “Color Our World” with rollicking, participatory songs about summer fun, friends, family and our wonderful world with award-winning songwriter and family entertainer Kevin Devine on July 14. Kevin has been performing his lively children’s music programs from Boston to Texas for decades. He has also released five children’s music albums and composed songs for TV and film, including Barney, NCIS and more! These presentations are geared to children/families, and no registration is needed. Sponsored by the Friends of DPL, SBL, and JML.
Schedule:
Sherwood Branch Library: 1:00PM
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (on W. High St. across from Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library): 3:00PM
Defiance Public Library (Summer Reading tent): 6:00PM
Time
July 14, 2025 1:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
14jul3:00 p.m.Musical Fun with Kevin Devine
Event Details
Your Defiance County libraries invite you to “Color Our World” with rollicking, participatory songs about summer fun, friends, family and our wonderful world with award-winning songwriter and family entertainer Kevin
Event Details
Your Defiance County libraries invite you to “Color Our World” with rollicking, participatory songs about summer fun, friends, family and our wonderful world with award-winning songwriter and family entertainer Kevin Devine on July 14. Kevin has been performing his lively children’s music programs from Boston to Texas for decades. He has also released five children’s music albums and composed songs for TV and film, including Barney, NCIS and more! These presentations are geared to children/families, and no registration is needed. Sponsored by the Friends of DPL, SBL, and JML.
Schedule:
Sherwood Branch Library: 1:00PM
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (across from Johnson Memorial Library on West High St.): 3:00PM
Defiance Public Library (Summer Reading tent): 6:00PM
Time
July 14, 2025 3:00 p.m.
Location
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Organizer
14jul6:00 p.m.Musical Fun with Kevin Devine
Event Details
Your Defiance County libraries invite you to “Color Our World” with rollicking, participatory songs about summer fun, friends, family and our wonderful world with award-winning songwriter and family entertainer Kevin
Event Details
Your Defiance County libraries invite you to “Color Our World” with rollicking, participatory songs about summer fun, friends, family and our wonderful world with award-winning songwriter and family entertainer Kevin Devine on July 14. Kevin has been performing his lively children’s music programs from Boston to Texas for decades. He has also released five children’s music albums and composed songs for TV and film, including Barney, NCIS and more! These presentations are geared to children/families, and no registration is needed. Sponsored by the Friends of DPL, SBL, and JML.
Schedule:
Sherwood Branch Library: 1:00PM
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (across from Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library): 3:00PM
Defiance Public Library (Summer Reading tent): 6:00PM
Time
July 14, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
15jul1:00 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
July 15, 2025 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
15jul4:30 p.m.5:30 p.m.Color Splash
Event Details
Visit the Summer Reading Tent on the Fort Grounds outside Defiance Public Library on July 15 from 4:30-5:30PM and tap into your inner artist by exploring paint pouring, painting with
Event Details
Visit the Summer Reading Tent on the Fort Grounds outside Defiance Public Library on July 15 from 4:30-5:30PM and tap into your inner artist by exploring paint pouring, painting with different mediums, and more. Rotate through the stations at your own pace.
*The paint will stain, so please dress accordingly!
This program is geared to grades pre-K through 6th. No registration is needed.
Time
July 15, 2025 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
16jul11:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.Storywalk Storytime
Event Details
Join Defiance Public Library for Storywalk Storytime on July 16 from 11:00AM – 12:00PM at Bronson Park, Defiance. During this interactive event, we’ll walk along the Storywalk and read a
Event Details
Join Defiance Public Library for Storywalk Storytime on July 16 from 11:00AM – 12:00PM 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
July 16, 2025 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location
Bronson Park
2104 Power Dam Road
Organizer
16jul1:00 p.m.2:00 p.m.Water Day
Event Details
Beat the heat with water games behind Sherwood Branch Library on Wednesday, July 16, from 1:00-2:00PM. Dress to get wet! Geared to toddlers and school-aged children. No registration is needed.
Event Details
Beat the heat with water games behind Sherwood Branch Library on Wednesday, July 16, from 1:00-2:00PM. Dress to get wet!
Geared to toddlers and school-aged children. No registration is needed.
In case of rain, make-up day is July 17 at the same time.
Time
July 16, 2025 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
17jul10:30 a.m.Gotcha Day: Kitten Adoption PartyWaitlist is Open
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required! Register using the form below, or by calling 419-782-1456. Geared to pre-K through 6th grade. The deadline to register is 5:00PM on July
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required! Register using the form below, or by calling 419-782-1456. Geared to pre-K through 6th grade. The deadline to register is 5:00PM on July 3.
Join us July 17 at 10:30AM at Defiance Public Library (in the Summer Reading tent on the Fort Grounds) for an extra-special “Gotcha Day,” where kids can adopt their very own stuffed feline friend, complete with an adoption certificate and a carrying case to decorate. Get ready for some meow-velous crafts, and help your new friend sniff out mice during a super-fun scavenger hunt!
Sponsored by the Friends of Defiance Public Library.
**There will be another session July 22 at 4:30PM. Register here for the 7/22 event. (Please only register for one session.)
Time
July 17, 2025 10:30 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
RSVP to This Event
Make sure to RSVP to this amazing event!
All spaces are reserved! Join the waitlist!
Current waitlist size20
Can not make it to this event?Change my RSVP
17jul1:00 p.m.Family Storytime Tribe
Event Details
Join us at Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 1:00PM from June 5 through July 24 for Summer Family Storytime Tribe, where we’ll enjoy reading, singing, dancing, and more! Geared
Event Details
Join us at Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 1:00PM from June 5 through July 24 for Summer Family Storytime Tribe, where we’ll enjoy reading, singing, dancing, and more!
Geared to ages 0-6, but all are welcome to attend. No registration is needed.
Time
July 17, 2025 1:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
Event Details
Registration is closed for this program! School-age children and up are invited to a tie-dye party at Hicksville’s Froggy Park Pavilion, 547 N. Main St., on July 18 at 11:00AM.
Event Details
Registration is closed for this program!
School-age children and up are invited to a tie-dye party at Hicksville’s Froggy Park Pavilion, 547 N. Main St., on July 18 at 11:00AM. Patrons are asked to bring their own pre-washed, cotton items to tie dye (some extra items will be available if necessary.)
Time
July 18, 2025 11:00 a.m.
Location
Froggy Park Pavilion
547 N. Main Street
Organizer
04aug5:00 p.m.6:30 p.m.Nerf War with the Hicksville Fire Department
Event Details
Join us at Hicksville Community Park, 598 N. Bryan St., on August 4 from 5:00-6:30PM for a friendly Nerf War: Kids vs. Hicksville firefighters! Sign up for the Nerf War
Event Details
Join us at Hicksville Community Park, 598 N. Bryan St., on August 4 from 5:00-6:30PM for a friendly Nerf War: Kids vs. Hicksville firefighters! Sign up for the Nerf War between 5:00-5:30PM, tour the trucks, and try out the water nozzle.
Bring your own Nerf gun. We’ll supply the darts and safety glasses. Prepare to get wet! No registration is needed. Geared to school-aged children.
Time
August 4, 2025 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location
Hicksville Community Park
598 North Bryan Street
Organizer
Event Details
Sherwood Branch Libary invites all ages to visit Moats Park on August 4 at 7PM to enjoy the splendor of a hot air balloon display! Learn how hot air balloons
Event Details
Sherwood Branch Libary invites all ages to visit Moats Park on August 4 at 7PM to enjoy the splendor of a hot air balloon display! Learn how hot air balloons fly and see the equipment. (The balloon will be set up for demonstration and inflated for pictures. This is a static display. There will be no balloon rides, however you will be able to see the basket up close and take pictures.)
No registration is needed.
Time
August 4, 2025 7:00 p.m.
Organizer
07aug10:30 a.m.1000 Books before Kindergarten Graduation Party
Event Details
Kids ages 3-6 are invited to Defiance Public Library on August 7 at 10:30AM for a special graduation celebration in honor of those who have completed the 1000 Books before
Event Details
Kids ages 3-6 are invited to Defiance Public Library on August 7 at 10:30AM for a special graduation celebration in honor of those who have completed the 1000 Books before Kindergarten Challenge (you do not need to participate in the challenge to attend).
Join us for a very special storytime session with guests from the Children’s Theatre Workshop, who will present “Fun with Puppets,” an interactive puppet-making event.
No registration is needed. Sponsored by the Friends of DPL.
Time
August 7, 2025 10:30 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
12aug11:00 a.m.Head Start Story Share
Event Details
Our special guests from NOCAC’s Head Start program will visit Defiance Public Library on August 12 at 11:00AM to share stories and introduce their puppet friend. Afterward, we’ll head into
Event Details
Our special guests from NOCAC’s Head Start program will visit Defiance Public Library on August 12 at 11:00AM to share stories and introduce their puppet friend. Afterward, we’ll head into the parking lot for a school bus tour! Geared to children and families. No registration is needed.
Time
August 12, 2025 11:00 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
26aug4:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.Lego Club at JML
Event Details
**Please note, there will be no Lego Club meetings in June or July due to our remodeling project! Come build with us! Lego Club will take place at Johnson Memorial
Event Details
**Please note, there will be no Lego Club meetings in June or July due to our remodeling project!
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
August 26, 2025 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
04sep4:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.SNAP-Ed for Parents & Kids
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required for this 3-part series! Register beginning Aug. 1 using the form below, or by calling 419-782-1456. The deadline to register is 5:00PM on
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required for this 3-part series! Register beginning Aug. 1 using the form below, or by calling 419-782-1456. The deadline to register is 5:00PM on August 27. **Please register just once for all 3 sessions**
Make cooking fun by including the whole family! This SNAP-Ed series, presented by Annie Reynolds of the Defiance County OSU Extension Office, will focus on teaching kids and parents how to make satisfying and nutritious meals! Classes are Sept. 4, 18, and 25 from 4:00-5:00PM at Defiance Public Library.
Time
September 4, 2025 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
08sep5:30 p.m.6:00 p.m.Family Storytime
Event Details
Ages 0-6, join us at Defiance Public Library on Mondays from 5:30-6:00PM from Sept. 8 through Nov. 3 for Family Storytime! This special Storytime combines Tuesday’s Storytime/Read, Rhyme & Romp
Event Details
Ages 0-6, join us at Defiance Public Library on Mondays from 5:30-6:00PM from Sept. 8 through Nov. 3 for Family Storytime! This special Storytime combines Tuesday’s Storytime/Read, Rhyme & Romp sessions, and is perfect for busy families! No registration is needed.
Family Storytime will take place in the Nellie Gary Reading Room, execept on Sept. 22, when it will be held in the Children’s Department.
There will be no Family Storytime on Oct. 27.
Time
September 8, 2025 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
09sep10:30 a.m.11:00 a.m.Read, Rhyme, and Romp
Event Details
Ages 0-2 are invited to Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from 10:30-11:00AM for Read, Rhyme, & Romp from Sept. 9 through Nov. 4. Enjoy rhymes and fingerplays for babies and
Event Details
Ages 0-2 are invited to Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from 10:30-11:00AM for Read, Rhyme, & Romp from Sept. 9 through Nov. 4. Enjoy rhymes and fingerplays for babies and toddlers. No registration is needed.
Storytime for ages 2-6 will immediately follow at 11AM on the same days.
There will be no Read, Rhyme, & Romp on Oct. 28!
Time
September 9, 2025 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
09sep11:00 a.m.11:30 a.m.Storytime
Event Details
Ages 2-6 are invited to Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from 11:00-11:30AM for Storytime from Sept. 9 through Nov. 4. Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes for preschoolers. No registration is
Event Details
Ages 2-6 are invited to Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from 11:00-11:30AM for Storytime from Sept. 9 through Nov. 4. Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes for preschoolers. No registration is needed.
Read, Rhyme, and Romp for babies/toddlers takes place on the same days immediately before Storytime, at 10:30AM.
There will be no Storytime on Oct. 28!
Time
September 9, 2025 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
15sep5:30 p.m.6:00 p.m.Family Storytime
Event Details
Ages 0-6, join us at Defiance Public Library on Mondays from 5:30-6:00PM from Sept. 8 through Nov. 3 for Family Storytime! This special Storytime combines Tuesday’s Storytime/Read, Rhyme & Romp
Event Details
Ages 0-6, join us at Defiance Public Library on Mondays from 5:30-6:00PM from Sept. 8 through Nov. 3 for Family Storytime! This special Storytime combines Tuesday’s Storytime/Read, Rhyme & Romp sessions, and is perfect for busy families! No registration is needed.
Family Storytime will take place in the Nellie Gary Reading Room, execept on Sept. 22, when it will be held in the Children’s Department.
There will be no Family Storytime on Oct. 27.
Time
September 15, 2025 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
16sep10:30 a.m.11:00 a.m.Read, Rhyme, and Romp
Event Details
Ages 0-2 are invited to Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from 10:30-11:00AM for Read, Rhyme, & Romp from Sept. 9 through Nov. 4. Enjoy rhymes and fingerplays for babies and
Event Details
Ages 0-2 are invited to Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from 10:30-11:00AM for Read, Rhyme, & Romp from Sept. 9 through Nov. 4. Enjoy rhymes and fingerplays for babies and toddlers. No registration is needed.
Storytime for ages 2-6 will immediately follow at 11AM on the same days.
There will be no Read, Rhyme, & Romp on Oct. 28!
Time
September 16, 2025 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
16sep11:00 a.m.11:30 a.m.Storytime
Event Details
Ages 2-6 are invited to Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from 11:00-11:30AM for Storytime from Sept. 9 through Nov. 4. Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes for preschoolers. No registration is
Event Details
Ages 2-6 are invited to Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from 11:00-11:30AM for Storytime from Sept. 9 through Nov. 4. Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes for preschoolers. No registration is needed.
Read, Rhyme, and Romp for babies/toddlers takes place on the same days immediately before Storytime, at 10:30AM.
There will be no Storytime on Oct. 28!
Time
September 16, 2025 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
18sep4:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.SNAP-Ed for Parents & Kids
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required for this 3-part series! Register beginning Aug. 1 using the form below, or by calling 419-782-1456. The deadline to register is 5:00PM on
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required for this 3-part series! Register beginning Aug. 1 using the form below, or by calling 419-782-1456. The deadline to register is 5:00PM on August 27. **Please register just once for all 3 sessions**
Make cooking fun by including the whole family! This SNAP-Ed series, presented by Annie Reynolds of the Defiance County OSU Extension Office, will focus on teaching kids and parents how to make satisfying and nutritious meals! Classes are Sept. 4, 18, and 25 from 4:00-5:00PM at Defiance Public Library.
Time
September 18, 2025 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
22sep5:30 p.m.6:00 p.m.Family Storytime
Event Details
Ages 0-6, join us at Defiance Public Library on Mondays from 5:30-6:00PM from Sept. 8 through Nov. 3 for Family Storytime! This special Storytime combines Tuesday’s Storytime/Read, Rhyme & Romp
Event Details
Ages 0-6, join us at Defiance Public Library on Mondays from 5:30-6:00PM from Sept. 8 through Nov. 3 for Family Storytime! This special Storytime combines Tuesday’s Storytime/Read, Rhyme & Romp sessions, and is perfect for busy families! No registration is needed.
Family Storytime will take place in the Nellie Gary Reading Room, execept on Sept. 22, when it will be held in the Children’s Department.
There will be no Family Storytime on Oct. 27.
Time
September 22, 2025 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
23sep10:00 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!
From Sept. 2025 to May 2026, the club will meet 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
September 23, 2025 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street