Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Stardew Valley Junimo Party

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Utica

Program Type:

Arts & Crafts, General Programming

Age Group:

Teens | Grades 6-12
Library Branch: Utica
Age Group: Teens | Grades 6-12
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, General Programming
Registration Required
Event Details:

Warm up this chilly season with a creative twist inspired by Stardew Valley! During this hands-on workshop you’ll sculpt your very own Junimo character out of clay.

Comic Creation

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)

Program Type:

General Programming

Age Group:

Teens | Grades 6-12
Library Branch: West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)
Age Group: Teens | Grades 6-12
Program Type: General Programming
Event Details:

Some stories are made even better by seeing the action unfold on the page. Learn some tips on how to create your own comic book, from concept to layout and artwork ideas.

 

Architects of Fun!

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Large Meeting Room- Johnstown at Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)

Program Type:

Activity Clubs, General Programming

Age Group:

Elementary | Grades K-5
Library Branch: Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Room: Large Meeting Room- Johnstown
Age Group: Elementary | Grades K-5
Program Type: Activity Clubs, General Programming
Event Details:

Join our Architects of Fun group for monthly meetups of engineering play. This month showcases LEGO® creations. Try your hand at the featured activity, or freeform something all your own, celebrating your imagination!

VITA Tax Preparation

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 10:00am - 7:00pm
Meeting Room A-Downtown Newark at Downtown Newark

Program Type:

General Programming

Age Group:

Adults
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Meeting Room A-Downtown Newark
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: General Programming

Winter Sowing

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Discovery Center-Downtown Newark at Downtown Newark

Program Type:

Classes & Workshops

Age Group:

Adults
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Discovery Center-Downtown Newark
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Classes & Workshops
Registration Required
Event Details:

In this hands-on workshop presented by Pollinator Pathway of Licking County, participants will learn how to grow plants from seed utilizing the winter sowing method.

Science Lab

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Small Meeting Room - Lakewood at Lakewood

Program Type:

General Programming

Age Group:

Elementary | Grades K-5
Library Branch: Lakewood
Room: Small Meeting Room - Lakewood
Age Group: Elementary | Grades K-5
Program Type: General Programming
Event Details:

Form and test your own hypothesis about hands-on science experiments that you can do yourself! Play with color reactions, poke a straw through a potato, layer different liquids in a tower, and discover how much weight an egg can handle. 

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Read with Andrew!

3:30pm–4:00pm
Elementary | Grades K-5
Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Cancelled
Library Branch: Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Age Group: Elementary | Grades K-5
Program Type: General Programming
Event Details:

Spend Monday afternoons with your favorite reading buddy, Andrew! He is a Pet Partners certified therapy dog and a very good boy who loves when kids read to him. Visit him in our children's area—he cannot wait to see you!

Author Talk: Nature, Art, and Service as Medicine

2:00pm–3:00pm
Adults
Virtual
Virtual Event
Library Branch: Virtual
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book & Viewers' Clubs, General Programming, Speakers
Event Details:

Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium.

Register and submit questions for the authors.

Stardew Valley Junimo Party

4:30pm–5:30pm
Teens | Grades 6-12
Utica
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Utica
Age Group: Teens | Grades 6-12
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, General Programming
Registration Required
Event Details:

Warm up this chilly season with a creative twist inspired by Stardew Valley! During this hands-on workshop you’ll sculpt your very own Junimo character out of clay.

Additional Information

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Photo Permission

On occasion, Licking County Library will photograph or take videos of patrons for educational or promotional purposes. If you wish to abstain from the use of your image or those of your dependents, please let a staff member know. Thank you.

Comic Creation

5:30pm–6:30pm
Teens | Grades 6-12
West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)
Library Branch: West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)
Age Group: Teens | Grades 6-12
Program Type: General Programming
Event Details:

Some stories are made even better by seeing the action unfold on the page. Learn some tips on how to create your own comic book, from concept to layout and artwork ideas.

 

Additional Information

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Photo Permission

On occasion, Licking County Library will photograph or take videos of patrons for educational or promotional purposes. If you wish to abstain from the use of your image or those of your dependents, please let a staff member know. Thank you.

Local Birding

6:00pm–7:30pm
Adults
Lakewood
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Lakewood
Room: Small Meeting Room - Lakewood
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Classes & Workshops, General Programming
Registration Required
Event Details:

Attract native birds this spring and curate the perfect habitat for a variety of species. Learn about native bird species, how to attract them, and how to maintain a healthy environment for your garden visitors.

Additional Information

Photo Permission

On occasion, Licking County Library will photograph or take videos of patrons for educational or promotional purposes. If you wish to abstain from the use of your image or those of your dependents, please let a staff member know. Thank you.

Architects of Fun!

3:30pm–4:30pm
Elementary | Grades K-5
Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Library Branch: Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Room: Large Meeting Room- Johnstown
Age Group: Elementary | Grades K-5
Program Type: Activity Clubs, General Programming
Event Details:

Join our Architects of Fun group for monthly meetups of engineering play. This month showcases LEGO® creations. Try your hand at the featured activity, or freeform something all your own, celebrating your imagination!

Additional Information

Photo Permission

On occasion, Licking County Library will photograph or take videos of patrons for educational or promotional purposes. If you wish to abstain from the use of your image or those of your dependents, please let a staff member know. Thank you.

Rethinking Research

3:30pm–4:30pm
Teens | Grades 6-12
Downtown Newark
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Discovery Center-Downtown Newark
Age Group: Teens | Grades 6-12
Program Type: General Programming
Event Details:

Learn research basics and use those skills to compete against each other for prizes. Contestants will have a Library laptop to use and basic instructions regarding credible sources.

Additional Information

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Photo Permission

On occasion, Licking County Library will photograph or take videos of patrons for educational or promotional purposes. If you wish to abstain from the use of your image or those of your dependents, please let a staff member know. Thank you.

Ready for Kindergarten

10:30am–11:15am
Early Learners | Birth-5
Downtown Newark
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Discovery Center-Downtown Newark
Age Group: Early Learners | Birth-5
Program Type: General Programming
Event Details:

Focusing on a new skill each week, we introduce literacy-based activities to help participants become successful readers and begin their educational journey into kindergarten. Designed for ages 3 - 5.

Additional Information

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Photo Permission

On occasion, Licking County Library will photograph or take videos of patrons for educational or promotional purposes. If you wish to abstain from the use of your image or those of your dependents, please let a staff member know. Thank you.

Toothpaste Batik

4:30pm–5:30pm
Elementary | Grades K-5
Downtown Newark
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Discovery Center-Downtown Newark
Age Group: Elementary | Grades K-5
Program Type: General Programming
Event Details:

Create a fabulous, frameable piece of art with toothpaste and lotion, also known as toothpaste batik!

Additional Information

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Photo Permission

On occasion, Licking County Library will photograph or take videos of patrons for educational or promotional purposes. If you wish to abstain from the use of your image or those of your dependents, please let a staff member know. Thank you.

Library Play Date

10:30am–11:30am
Early Learners | Birth-5
Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Library Branch: Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Room: Large Meeting Room- Johnstown
Age Group: Early Learners | Birth-5
Program Type: Activity Clubs, Arts & Crafts, General Programming
Event Details:

Play is a crucial part of building literacy and social skills, so join us for a monthly play date at the Library! We will provide opportunities for imagination and skill building, plus socialization for both children and caregivers.

Additional Information

Photo Permission

On occasion, Licking County Library will photograph or take videos of patrons for educational or promotional purposes. If you wish to abstain from the use of your image or those of your dependents, please let a staff member know. Thank you.

Tea Exchange

1:00pm–2:30pm
Adults
Downtown Newark
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Meeting Room B- Downtown Newark
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: General Programming
Event Details:

For those who have too many tea bags laying around and want to try new flavors, now is your chance! Bring in your tea bags and get a chance to sample new types of tea. Make sure to bring your own mug so you can sample other teas!

Additional Information

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Photo Permission

On occasion, Licking County Library will photograph or take videos of patrons for educational or promotional purposes. If you wish to abstain from the use of your image or those of your dependents, please let a staff member know. Thank you.

Mobile Care Now Clinic

10:00am–4:00pm
Adults
Downtown Newark
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: General Programming, Inclusive Programming
Event Details:

Behavioral Health Partners (BHP) of Central Ohio's Mobile Care Now Clinic (MCNC) and its certified behavioral health professionals are visiting our Downtown Newark location in the front parking lot.

VITA Tax Preparation

10:00am–7:00pm
Adults
Downtown Newark
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Meeting Room A-Downtown Newark
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: General Programming

Free tax preparation and e-file for federal, state and school district forms. Most taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $69,000 or less are eligible. Schedule an appointment by calling Licking County Coalition for Housing at 740.345.1970, ext. 200.

Read with Andrew!

3:30pm–4:00pm
Elementary | Grades K-5
Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Library Branch: Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Age Group: Elementary | Grades K-5
Program Type: General Programming
Event Details:

Spend Monday afternoons with your favorite reading buddy, Andrew! He is a Pet Partners certified therapy dog and a very good boy who loves when kids read to him. Visit him in our children's area—he cannot wait to see you!

Pre-K Art Play

10:30am–11:30am
Early Learners | Birth-5
Downtown Newark
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Discovery Center-Downtown Newark
Age Group: Early Learners | Birth-5
Program Type: General Programming
Event Details:

Enjoy different mediums and create art in this messy hands-on encounter where process over product is emphasized.

Additional Information

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Photo Permission

On occasion, Licking County Library will photograph or take videos of patrons for educational or promotional purposes. If you wish to abstain from the use of your image or those of your dependents, please let a staff member know. Thank you.

Science Lab

6:00pm–7:00pm
Elementary | Grades K-5
Lakewood
Library Branch: Lakewood
Room: Small Meeting Room - Lakewood
Age Group: Elementary | Grades K-5
Program Type: General Programming
Event Details:

Form and test your own hypothesis about hands-on science experiments that you can do yourself! Play with color reactions, poke a straw through a potato, layer different liquids in a tower, and discover how much weight an egg can handle. 

Additional Information

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

LEGO® Build-a-thon

10:00am–5:00pm
Elementary | Grades K-5
Utica
Library Branch: Utica
Room: Small Meeting Room- Utica
Age Group: Elementary | Grades K-5
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, General Programming
Event Details:

Get ready to unleash your creativity with an all-day Lego® building event. Builders of all ages are invited to drop in, grab some bricks, and let their imaginations run wild.

Additional Information

Photo Permission

On occasion, Licking County Library will photograph or take videos of patrons for educational or promotional purposes. If you wish to abstain from the use of your image or those of your dependents, please let a staff member know. Thank you.

Pretend and Play: Animal Clinic

10:30am–12:00pm
Early Learners | Birth-5
Lakewood
Library Branch: Lakewood
Room: Small Meeting Room - Lakewood
Age Group: Early Learners | Birth-5
Program Type: General Programming, Story Time
Event Details:

Calling all veterinarians-in-training! Help your stuffed animals feel their best as we explore a loving animal clinic.

Additional Information

Photo Permission

On occasion, Licking County Library will photograph or take videos of patrons for educational or promotional purposes. If you wish to abstain from the use of your image or those of your dependents, please let a staff member know. Thank you.

Author Talk: Liz Moore

7:00pm–8:00pm
Adults
Virtual
Virtual Event
Library Branch: Virtual
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book & Viewers' Clubs, General Programming, Speakers
Event Details:

Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium.

Register and submit questions for the authors.

Ready for Kindergarten

10:30am–11:15am
Early Learners | Birth-5
Downtown Newark
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Discovery Center-Downtown Newark
Age Group: Early Learners | Birth-5
Program Type: General Programming
Event Details:

Focusing on a new skill each week, we introduce literacy-based activities to help participants become successful readers and begin their educational journey into kindergarten. Designed for ages 3 - 5.

Additional Information

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Photo Permission

On occasion, Licking County Library will photograph or take videos of patrons for educational or promotional purposes. If you wish to abstain from the use of your image or those of your dependents, please let a staff member know. Thank you.

You Are the Missing Piece!

5:30pm–6:30pm
Elementary | Grades K-5
Downtown Newark
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Discovery Center-Downtown Newark
Age Group: Elementary | Grades K-5
Program Type: General Programming
Registration Required
Event Details:

You are the missing piece to our family puzzle race! Teams or families will race to complete a 400-piece puzzle as fast as they can. Spots are limited, so register your team today!

Additional Information

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Photo Permission

On occasion, Licking County Library will photograph or take videos of patrons for educational or promotional purposes. If you wish to abstain from the use of your image or those of your dependents, please let a staff member know. Thank you.

Preschool Play Day

10:30am–12:00pm
Early Learners | Birth-5
West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)
Library Branch: West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)
Age Group: Early Learners | Birth-5
Program Type: General Programming
Event Details:

This come-and-go activity time allows children 5 and under to play with other kids their own age and gives their caregivers a chance to socialize, trade tips and stories, and more.

Additional Information

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Photo Permission

On occasion, Licking County Library will photograph or take videos of patrons for educational or promotional purposes. If you wish to abstain from the use of your image or those of your dependents, please let a staff member know. Thank you.

VITA Tax Preparation

10:00am–7:00pm
Adults
Downtown Newark
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Meeting Room A-Downtown Newark
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: General Programming

Free tax preparation and e-file for federal, state and school district forms. Most taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $69,000 or less are eligible. Schedule an appointment by calling Licking County Coalition for Housing at 740.345.1970, ext. 200.

Read with Andrew!

3:30pm–4:00pm
Elementary | Grades K-5
Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Library Branch: Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Age Group: Elementary | Grades K-5
Program Type: General Programming
Event Details:

Spend Monday afternoons with your favorite reading buddy, Andrew! He is a Pet Partners certified therapy dog and a very good boy who loves when kids read to him. Visit him in our children's area—he cannot wait to see you!