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.
22sep5:00 p.m.Sunflower Cookies & CanvasWaitlist is Open
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required! Register using the form below, or by calling 419-899-4343. Open to school-aged children. Join us Sept. 22 at 5PM at Sherwood Branch Library
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required! Register using the form below, or by calling 419-899-4343. Open to school-aged children.
Join us Sept. 22 at 5PM at Sherwood Branch Library to celebrate the first day of autumn by creating a beautiful sunflower on canvas!
Time
September 22, 2025 5:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
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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
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
23sep10:30 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 23, 2025 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
23sep11:00 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 23, 2025 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
25sep4:30 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
September 25, 2025 4:30 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
27sep10:00 a.m.12:30 p.m.Yarn Popsicle Stick Picture Frames
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required! Register using the form below, or by calling 419-899-4343. This craft class is geared to pre-K and school-aged children. Visit Sherwood Branch Library on
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required! Register using the form below, or by calling 419-899-4343. This craft class is geared to pre-K and school-aged children.
Visit Sherwood Branch Library on Sept. 27 from 10AM-12:30PM to create a picture frame using popsicle sticks and yarn. **Bring a 4×6 photo of you enjoying your summer, or another photo you love, to put inside the frame!
Time
September 27, 2025 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
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29sep5:30 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 29, 2025 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
30sep10:30 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 30, 2025 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
30sep11:00 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 30, 2025 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
01oct10:00 a.m.Pumpkin Hide and Seek
Event Details
Johnson Memorial Library has hidden 48 pumpkins around Hicksville. Spot one, and you can keep it! Check the bottom and snap a picture of the number on the bottom of
Event Details
Johnson Memorial Library has hidden 48 pumpkins around Hicksville. Spot one, and you can keep it! Check the bottom and snap a picture of the number on the bottom of your pumpkin, then share on Facebook with the hashtag #JMLpumpkin.
Pumpkin Hide and Seek will continue through the month (Oct. 1-31).
Sponsored by the Friends of Johnson Memorial Library.
Time
October 1, 2025 10:00 a.m.
Organizer
02oct4:30 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 2, 2025 4:30 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
06oct5:30 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 6, 2025 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
07oct10:30 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 7, 2025 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
07oct11:00 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 7, 2025 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
09oct4:30 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 9, 2025 4:30 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
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
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Please let us know if you can make it to the event.
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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
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
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
20nov6:00 p.m.Fall Children's Author Visit: Michelle Houts
Event Details
Join us at Defiance Public Library on Thursday, November 20, at 6:00PM for an extra-special visit with children’s author Michelle Houts! She will share some of the stories behind her
Event Details
Join us at Defiance Public Library on Thursday, November 20, at 6:00PM for an extra-special visit with children’s author Michelle Houts! She will share some of the stories behind her books, and tell us a little bit about how she became a writer. Geared to children (pre-K through 6th grade) and families. No registration is needed!
Books available for purchase/signing before & after the program:
Hopefully the Scarecrow
Sea Glass Summer
Silent Swoop
Winterfrost
This event is sponsored by the Friends of Defiance, Sherwood, and Johnson Memorial libraries.
Time
November 20, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
22nov10:30 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
November 22, 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
25nov10:00 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
November 25, 2025 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
25nov4:00 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 at 4PM 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 at 4PM for Lego Club! We’ll give you a theme, and you let your imagination run wild! No registration is needed.
Time
November 25, 2025 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio