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.
19apr3:30 p.m.4:45 p.m.Swiftie Friendship Bracelets & Trivia Par-TAY
Event Details
It’s Tay Tay’s album release day! To celebrate, we’re making friendship bracelets and playing Lyric Trivia for T.S. prizes! April 19, 3:30-4:45PM at Johnson Memorial Library. Geared to school-aged children.
Event Details
It’s Tay Tay’s album release day! To celebrate, we’re making friendship bracelets and playing Lyric Trivia for T.S. prizes! April 19, 3:30-4:45PM at Johnson Memorial Library. Geared to school-aged children. No registration needed. Sponsored by the Friends of Johnson Memorial Library.
Time
April 19, 2024 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
24apr10:30 a.m.Spring Storytime
Event Details
Bunny hop into a book with us at Johnson Memorial Library! Spring Storytime will take place every Wednesday at 10:30 AM from April 10-May 15. Geared to ages 0-6. No
Event Details
Bunny hop into a book with us at Johnson Memorial Library! Spring Storytime will take place every Wednesday at 10:30 AM from April 10-May 15. Geared to ages 0-6. No registration needed. (On May 15, we’ll be reading to our Guinea pig pals!)
Dates: April 10, 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15
Time
April 24, 2024 10:30 a.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
Event Details
Visit Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. from February 29 through May 2 for Family Storytime Tribe, geared to children age 6 and younger. Join us for stories,
Event Details
Visit Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. from February 29 through May 2 for Family Storytime Tribe, geared to children age 6 and younger. Join us for stories, rhymes, and silly fun, plus crafts and other activities. Our kickoff on Leap Day will feature leaping-themed books and activities! No registration needed.
Our friends from the Defiance County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be joining us for special Inclusive Storytime sessions on March 21 and April 18!
Time
April 25, 2024 4:30 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
01may10:30 a.m.Spring Storytime
Event Details
Bunny hop into a book with us at Johnson Memorial Library! Spring Storytime will take place every Wednesday at 10:30 AM from April 10-May 15. Geared to ages 0-6. No
Event Details
Bunny hop into a book with us at Johnson Memorial Library! Spring Storytime will take place every Wednesday at 10:30 AM from April 10-May 15. Geared to ages 0-6. No registration needed. (On May 15, we’ll be reading to our Guinea pig pals!)
Dates: April 10, 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15
Time
May 1, 2024 10:30 a.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
Event Details
Visit Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. from February 29 through May 2 for Family Storytime Tribe, geared to children age 6 and younger. Join us for stories,
Event Details
Visit Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. from February 29 through May 2 for Family Storytime Tribe, geared to children age 6 and younger. Join us for stories, rhymes, and silly fun, plus crafts and other activities. Our kickoff on Leap Day will feature leaping-themed books and activities! No registration needed.
Our friends from the Defiance County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be joining us for special Inclusive Storytime sessions on March 21 and April 18!
Time
May 2, 2024 4:30 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
06may(may 6)10:00 a.m.11(may 11)1:00 p.m.Mail Time!
Event Details
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 to write letters to Piggie
Event Details
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 to write letters to Piggie and Gerald, Pete the Cat, Dog Man and the notorious Junie B. Jones! Characters will write back and the letters and their responses will be up for display. Patrons can pick up their letters and responses May 20th -25th.
Time
May 6, 2024 10:00 a.m. - May 11, 2024 1:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
07may4:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.Read to a Guinea Pig
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library on Tuesday, May 7, from 4-6 p.m. and read a book to Pete the guinea pig! Pete loves stories, but he can’t read. Can you help
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library on Tuesday, May 7, from 4-6 p.m. and read a book to Pete the guinea pig! Pete loves stories, but he can’t read. Can you help him out? Pete would be very excited to hear your favorite book, or any book you would like to share! Geared to children and families. No registration needed.
Time
May 7, 2024 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
08may10:30 a.m.Spring Storytime
Event Details
Bunny hop into a book with us at Johnson Memorial Library! Spring Storytime will take place every Wednesday at 10:30 AM from April 10-May 15. Geared to ages 0-6. No
Event Details
Bunny hop into a book with us at Johnson Memorial Library! Spring Storytime will take place every Wednesday at 10:30 AM from April 10-May 15. Geared to ages 0-6. No registration needed. (On May 15, we’ll be reading to our Guinea pig pals!)
Dates: April 10, 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15
Time
May 8, 2024 10:30 a.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
09may4:30 p.m.6:00 p.m.Read to a Guinea Pig (Sherwood)
Event Details
Visit Sherwood Branch Library on May 9 at 4:30 PM and read a book to Pete the guinea pig! Pete loves stories, but he can’t read. Can you help him
Event Details
Visit Sherwood Branch Library on May 9 at 4:30 PM and read a book to Pete the guinea pig! Pete loves stories, but he can’t read. Can you help him out? Pete would be very excited to hear your favorite book, or any book you would like to share! Geared to children and families. No registration needed.
Time
May 9, 2024 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
11may10:00 a.m.1:00 p.m.National Train Day Giveaway
Event Details
In honor of National Train Day, we will be giving away a copy of “Clifford & the Railroad Crossing”* to each family that visits the library on May 11 from
Event Details
In honor of National Train Day, we will be giving away a copy of “Clifford & the Railroad Crossing”* to each family that visits the library on May 11 from 10AM-1PM. This is made possible through a donation made by Operation Lifesaver, https://oli.org/
*While supplies last; one per family please.
Time
May 11, 2024 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
15may10:30 a.m.12:00 p.m.Read to a Guinea Pig (Hicksville)
Event Details
Visit Johnson Memorial Library on May 15 at 10:30AM and read a book to Pete the guinea pig! Pete loves stories, but he can’t read. Can you help him out?
Event Details
Visit Johnson Memorial Library on May 15 at 10:30AM and read a book to Pete the guinea pig! Pete loves stories, but he can’t read. Can you help him out? Pete would be very excited to hear your favorite book, or any book you would like to share! Geared to children and families. No registration needed.
Time
May 15, 2024 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
15may10:30 a.m.Spring Storytime
Event Details
Bunny hop into a book with us at Johnson Memorial Library! Spring Storytime will take place every Wednesday at 10:30 AM from April 10-May 15. Geared to ages 0-6. No
Event Details
Bunny hop into a book with us at Johnson Memorial Library! Spring Storytime will take place every Wednesday at 10:30 AM from April 10-May 15. Geared to ages 0-6. No registration needed. (On May 15, we’ll be reading to our Guinea pig pals!)
Dates: April 10, 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15
Time
May 15, 2024 10:30 a.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
18may10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.Butterfly Mobile
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required! Register using the form below, or by calling 419-899-4343. Deadline to register is 5PM on May 8. Visit Sherwood Branch Library on May
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required! Register using the form below, or by calling 419-899-4343. Deadline to register is 5PM on May 8.
Visit Sherwood Branch Library on May 18 from 10:00AM-noon to create a butterfly mobile! Geared to pre-K and school-aged children.
Time
May 18, 2024 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
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01junAll DaySummer Reading Challenge!
Event Details
This year’s “Adventure Begins at Your Library” Summer Reading Challenge for all ages is taking place June 1-July 27, 2024. Children’s Challenge InfoKids can either pick up a
Event Details
This year’s “Adventure Begins at Your Library” Summer Reading Challenge for all ages is taking place June 1-July 27, 2024.
Children’s Challenge Info
Kids can either pick up a reading & activity log at any DPLS library, or log their reading on Beanstack. Kids who register will receive a free book, while supplies last! Upon registration, kids age 3 to grade 6 will also receive a dog tag, chain, and beads. Children birth-age 2 will get a toy link. Complete the challenge for a chance to win the grand prize: KNOWLEDGE! Just kidding; it’s tickets to King’s Island. *Must register at your home library.
Teen & Adult Challenge Info
Click here to register for the Challenge
We challenge you to read at least 480 minutes this summer! Read at least 60 minutes per week to be entered into our weekly prize drawings for $5 gift cards to local ice cream/coffee shops. Complete the challenge for a chance to win one of our Grand Prizes. (Each DPLS location will have weekly winners, and a Grand Prize winner.) Weekly winners will be announced each Monday beginning June 10. Grand prize winners will be announced by Aug. 1!
Prizes for the Summer Reading Challenge are sponsored by the Friends of Defiance Public, Sherwood Branch, & Johnson Memorial libraries.
Time
June 1, 2024 All Day
01jun10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.Campfire Kickoff
Event Details
The Summer Reading Challenge kicks off June 1, and we’re hosting a Campfire Kickoff party on June 1 from 10:30AM-12:30PM at Johnson Memorial Library. Join us for games and s’mores
Event Details
The Summer Reading Challenge kicks off June 1, and we’re hosting a Campfire Kickoff party on June 1 from 10:30AM-12:30PM at Johnson Memorial Library. Join us for games and s’mores while you sign up for the reading challenge. Free & open to all ages. The Boy Scouts will also have hotdogs for sale. Available while supplies last. Sponsored by the Friends of JML.
Time
June 1, 2024 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
03jun12:15 p.m.12:45 p.m.Summer Lunches this Week at Sherwood Branch
Event Details
Free summer lunches are returning to Sherwood Branch Library! Lunches will be available June 3-July 27, 2024, Mondays through Thursdays (no lunch on Fridays or July 4) from 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Event Details
Free summer lunches are returning to Sherwood Branch Library! Lunches will be available June 3-July 27, 2024, Mondays through Thursdays (no lunch on Fridays or July 4) from 12:15-12:45 p.m. at the library, 117 N. Harrison St., Sherwood, to anyone under age 18, or 18-21 with a disability. Stay and eat at the library, or grab a lunch and go.
Thank you to our community sponsors!
*No lunches will be available Thursday, July 4, due to library closure.
Time
June 3, 2024 12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
03jun1:00 p.m.2:00 p.m.2024 Summer Reading Kickoff
Event Details
Adventure begins at your library with a kick! Join us on Monday, June 3rd from 1:00-2:00 PM at Sherwood Branch Library for the 2024 Summer Reading Kickoff. We’ll have games,
Event Details
Adventure begins at your library with a kick! Join us on Monday, June 3rd from 1:00-2:00 PM at Sherwood Branch Library for the 2024 Summer Reading Kickoff. We’ll have games, crafts, snacks, prizes, Icees, a scavenger hunt, guess jar, and more! Register for the Summer Reading Challenge while you’re here (no registration needed to attend the kickoff party)! Your adventure awaits… Open to all ages.
Time
June 3, 2024 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
03jun1:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.Summer Reading Challenge Kickoff Party!
Event Details
Adventure begins at your library! Join us June 3 from 1-6PM in the Summer Reading Tent on the Fort Grounds at Defiance Public Library for sand art, an outdoor scavenger
Event Details
Adventure begins at your library! Join us June 3 from 1-6PM in the Summer Reading Tent on the Fort Grounds at Defiance Public Library for sand art, an outdoor scavenger hunt, and more! While here, you can register for the Summer Reading Challenge. (Receive a free book and other items when you visit to register beginning June 1!) Children age 3 to grade 6 who register will also receive a dog tag, chain, and beads. Children birth to age 2 will receive a toy link. We hope to see you there!
Time
June 3, 2024 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
04jun10:00 a.m.5:00 p.m.Chick Chat
Event Details
Our chick eggs will arrive at Johnson Memorial Library on June 4 to be placed in the incubator! Come, watch, and chick chat about the chicks! There will be two
Event Details
Our chick eggs will arrive at Johnson Memorial Library on June 4 to be placed in the incubator!
Come, watch, and chick chat about the chicks! There will be two different kinds of eggs: the Black Copper Marans are a dark maroon and the American Breese are a white egg. There will be a tally sheet as to which color will hatch first! The chicks are predicted to hatch June 24-25, and they will remain at the library for one week after!
Time
June 4, 2024 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
04jun10:30 a.m.Mush! with Noggin, the Sled Dog
Event Details
Have you ever wondered…What does it feel like to ride the runners behind a team of dogs, steering a loaded sled through mountainous terrain, crossing the vast Alaskan tundra, hugging
Event Details
Have you ever wondered…
What does it feel like to ride the runners behind a team of dogs, steering a loaded sled through mountainous terrain, crossing the vast Alaskan tundra, hugging the shoreline of the great Bering Sea? What does it take to care for a team of Alaskan huskies? Could my dog be a sled dog too?
Musher, Karen Land, will answer these questions and more when she and Noggin, the
Alaskan husky, visit Johnson Memorial Library on June 4 at 10:30AM. Free and open to all; no registration needed.
Land will also stop by Sherwood Branch Library at 1PM, and Defiance Public Library at 6PM! These presentations are sponsored by the Friends of DPL, JML, & SBL.
About our presenter:
Land is a writer, public speaker, and three-time participant in the 1000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race as well as many other sprint and endurance races in Alaska, Canada, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Maine. Since 2000, Land has traveled to nearly every state with her Iditarod dog sled, mushing gear, Arctic clothing, and beloved dogs, giving over a thousand school and public library presentations.
Time
June 4, 2024 10:30 a.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
04jun1:00 p.m.Mush! with Noggin, the Sled Dog
Event Details
Have you ever wondered…What does it feel like to ride the runners behind a team of dogs, steering a loaded sled through mountainous terrain, crossing the vast Alaskan tundra, hugging
Event Details
Have you ever wondered…
What does it feel like to ride the runners behind a team of dogs, steering a loaded sled through mountainous terrain, crossing the vast Alaskan tundra, hugging the shoreline of the great Bering Sea? What does it take to care for a team of Alaskan huskies? Could my dog be a sled dog too?
Musher, Karen Land, will answer these questions and more when she and Noggin, the
Alaskan husky, visit Sherwood Branch Library on June 4 at 1PM. Free and open to all; no registration needed.
Land will also stop by Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library at 10:30 AM, and Defiance Public Library at 6PM! These presentations are sponsored by the Friends of DPL, JML, & SBL.
About our presenter:
Land is a writer, public speaker, and three-time participant in the 1000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race as well as many other sprint and endurance races in Alaska, Canada, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Maine. Since 2000, Land has traveled to nearly every state with her Iditarod dog sled, mushing gear, Arctic clothing, and beloved dogs, giving over a thousand school and public library presentations.
Time
June 4, 2024 1:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
04jun4:00 p.m.DIY First Aid Kits
Event Details
Register beginning May 7 on this page or by calling 419-542-6200. Space is limited and registration is required! Visit Johnson Memorial Library on June 4 at 4PM and put together your
Event Details
Register beginning May 7 on this page or by calling 419-542-6200. Space is limited and registration is required!
Visit Johnson Memorial Library on June 4 at 4PM and put together your own mini first aid kit to make sure you’re ready for the camping and hiking season! Open to all ages.
Time
June 4, 2024 4:00 p.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
04jun6:00 p.m.Mush! with Noggin, the Sled Dog
Event Details
Have you ever wondered…What does it feel like to ride the runners behind a team of dogs, steering a loaded sled through mountainous terrain, crossing the vast Alaskan tundra, hugging
Event Details
Have you ever wondered…
What does it feel like to ride the runners behind a team of dogs, steering a loaded sled through mountainous terrain, crossing the vast Alaskan tundra, hugging the shoreline of the great Bering Sea? What does it take to care for a team of Alaskan huskies? Could my dog be a sled dog too?
Musher, Karen Land, will answer these questions and more when she and Noggin, the
Alaskan husky, visit Defiance Public Library on June 4 at 6PM. Free and open to all; no registration needed.
Land will also stop by Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library at 10:30 AM, and Sherwood Branch at 1PM! These presentations are sponsored by the Friends of DPL, JML, & SBL.
About our presenter:
Land is a writer, public speaker, and three-time participant in the 1000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race as well as many other sprint and endurance races in Alaska, Canada, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Maine. Since 2000, Land has traveled to nearly every state with her Iditarod dog sled, mushing gear, Arctic clothing, and beloved dogs, giving over a thousand school and public library presentations.
Time
June 4, 2024 6:00 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.