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.
13oct5:00 p.m.Adopt a GhostWaitlist is Open
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required. Register using the form below, or by calling Cara at 419-782-1456 ext. 1108. All ages are welcome. Visit Sherwood Branch Library on October 13
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required. Register using the form below, or by calling Cara at 419-782-1456 ext. 1108. All ages are welcome.
Visit Sherwood Branch Library on October 13 at 5PM and make your own ghost friend in a jar to bring home! We’ll be using hot glue, so younger children will need adult supervision!
Time
October 13, 2025 5:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
RSVP to This Event
Make sure to RSVP to this amazing event!
All spaces are reserved! Join the waitlist!
Current waitlist size3
Can not make it to this event?Change my RSVP
13oct5:30 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
October 13, 2025 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
14oct10:30 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
October 14, 2025 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
14oct11:00 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
October 14, 2025 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
16oct4:30 p.m.Family Storytime Tribe
Event Details
Join us at Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30PM from Sept. 18 through Nov. 13 for Family Storytime Tribe, where we’ll enjoy reading, singing, dancing, and more! Geared to
Event Details
Join us at Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30PM from Sept. 18 through Nov. 13 for 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
October 16, 2025 4:30 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
18oct10:30 a.m.12:00 p.m.Saturday Programs
Event Details
Grades pre-K through 6th, join us at Defiance Public Library on the following Saturdays from 10:30AM-noon for these fun projects! No registration is needed. September 13: LEGO Adventures October 18:
Event Details
Grades pre-K through 6th, join us at Defiance Public Library on the following Saturdays from 10:30AM-noon for these fun projects! No registration is needed.
September 13: LEGO Adventures
October 18: Jack-o-Lantern Jamboree
November 22: Craft Buffet (use our materials and get creative!)
December 20: LEGO Adventures
Time
October 18, 2025 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
20oct5:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.Fall Quill Tree
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 October 15. This class is open to
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 October 15. This class is open to school-aged children.
Visit Sherwood Branch Library on October 20 at 5PM and join Krista in using mixed media to create a colorful autumn quill tree project!
Time
October 20, 2025 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
RSVP to This Event
Make sure to RSVP to this amazing event!
Please let us know if you can make it to the event.
RSVP Now
YesNo
9 Spots remaining
Can not make it to this event?Change my RSVP
20oct5:30 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
October 20, 2025 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
21oct10:30 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
October 21, 2025 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
21oct11:00 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
October 21, 2025 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
01novAll DayTurkey Hide and Seek Kickoff
Event Details
From November 1-29, 50 toy turkeys will be hidden around Hicksville! Spot one and you can keep it! Post a picture on Johnson Memorial Library’s Facebook page (@jmlhix) of the
Event Details
From November 1-29, 50 toy turkeys will be hidden around Hicksville! Spot one and you can keep it! Post a picture on Johnson Memorial Library’s Facebook page (@jmlhix) of the number on the bottom with the hashtag #JMLturkey
Happy hunting!
Time
November 1, 2025 All Day
Organizer
Event Details
From Nov. 1-29, kids are invited to visit Johnson Memorial Library during open hours and vote on their favorite things, from books to food and more! Just put a sticker
Event Details
From Nov. 1-29, kids are invited to visit Johnson Memorial Library during open hours and vote on their favorite things, from books to food and more! Just put a sticker next to your favorite in each category.
Time
November 1, 2025 All Day
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
01novAll DayCelebrate Picture Books Challenge Begins!
Event Details
The 2025 Celebrate Picture Books Reading Challenge for all ages will take place Nov. 1-30 on Beanstack, and readers can register here.
Event Details
The 2025 Celebrate Picture Books Reading Challenge for all ages will take place Nov. 1-30 on Beanstack, and readers can register here.
Challenge details:
November is Picture Book Month. How better to celebrate than by reading picture books? Each day, read one picture book, then log your reading on Beanstack or using the Beanstack Tracker app.
There will be 3 prize drawings throughout the month and a grand prize drawing at the end. Participants will receive one entry for each drawing. All participants will receive an entry in the grand prize drawing. Participants who read a picture book for each of the 30 days in November will receive 5 extra drawing entries for the grand prize.
Adults can have fun reliving old childhood favorites and discovering new gems. Children can enjoy the closeness of reading with a loved one while improving their reading or early literacy skills. If you need ideas, you can find oodles of picture books at the library! We hope you have fun with this challenge!
*Prizes will consist of downtown shopping gift certificates and book bundles, and the Grand Prize will be a Phoenix Theatres movie pass and a book bundle.
Time
November 1, 2025 All Day
Location
Online
Organizer
03novAll DayMr. Tom Turkey's Feathers
Event Details
From November 3-29, visit Johnson Memorial Library in Hicksville during open hours and guess how many feathers are on Tom the Turkey for a chance to your very own wooden
Event Details
From November 3-29, visit Johnson Memorial Library in Hicksville during open hours and guess how many feathers are on Tom the Turkey for a chance to your very own wooden turkey call. All ages are welcome to play!
Time
November 3, 2025 All Day
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
03nov5:30 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
November 3, 2025 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
03nov5:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.Turkey Table Decoration
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required! Register using the form below or by calling 419-899-4343. This craft class is open to pre-K and school-aged children. Visit Sherwood Branch Library
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required! Register using the form below or by calling 419-899-4343. This craft class is open to pre-K and school-aged children.
Visit Sherwood Branch Library on Monday, November 3 from 5:30-6:30PM and design your own turkey table decor. Gobble Gobble, Thanksgiving just isn’t the same without a turkey on the table!
Time
November 3, 2025 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
RSVP to This Event
Make sure to RSVP to this amazing event!
Please let us know if you can make it to the event.
RSVP Now
YesNo
15 Spots remaining
Can not make it to this event?Change my RSVP
04nov10:30 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
November 4, 2025 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
04nov11:00 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
November 4, 2025 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
06nov4:30 p.m.Family Storytime Tribe
Event Details
Join us at Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30PM from Sept. 18 through Nov. 13 for Family Storytime Tribe, where we’ll enjoy reading, singing, dancing, and more! Geared to
Event Details
Join us at Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30PM from Sept. 18 through Nov. 13 for 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
November 6, 2025 4:30 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
13nov4:30 p.m.Family Storytime Tribe
Event Details
Join us at Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30PM from Sept. 18 through Nov. 13 for Family Storytime Tribe, where we’ll enjoy reading, singing, dancing, and more! Geared to
Event Details
Join us at Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30PM from Sept. 18 through Nov. 13 for 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
November 13, 2025 4:30 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
04dec5:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.Yarn & Button Christmas Tree
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required! Register beginnning November 6 on this page, or by calling 419-899-4343. This free craft class is geared to pre-K and school-aged children. Visit
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required! Register beginnning November 6 on this page, or by calling 419-899-4343. This free craft class is geared to pre-K and school-aged children.
Visit Sherwood Branch Library on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5:30-6:30PM and trim your mini tree with yarns, buttons, and pom poms!
Time
December 4, 2025 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
20dec10:30 a.m.12:00 p.m.Saturday Programs
Event Details
Grades pre-K through 6th, join us at Defiance Public Library on the following Saturdays from 10:30AM-noon for these fun projects! No registration is needed. September 13: LEGO Adventures October 18:
Event Details
Grades pre-K through 6th, join us at Defiance Public Library on the following Saturdays from 10:30AM-noon for these fun projects! No registration is needed.
September 13: LEGO Adventures
October 18: Jack-o-Lantern Jamboree
November 22: Craft Buffet (use our materials and get creative!)
December 20: LEGO Adventures
Time
December 20, 2025 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
23dec10:00 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
December 23, 2025 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street