Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Friends of the Licking County Library

Friends of the Licking County Library Book Sale: Members Only Preview

Friday, August 22, 2025 at 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Off Site

Program Type:

Book Sale

Age Group:

Early Learners | Birth-5, Elementary | Grades K-5, Teens | Grades 6-12, Adults
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Early Learners | Birth-5, Elementary | Grades K-5, Teens | Grades 6-12, Adults
Program Type: Book Sale
Event Details:

This special preview sale is open to Friends of the Licking County Library. Interested in getting first dibs on all the great books? Become a member! Memberships are sold at the door:

Family Literacy Carnival

Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Discovery Center-Downtown Newark at Downtown Newark

Program Type:

General Programming

Age Group:

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

Everyone is welcome to this free event that will include activities, information, books, and fun for all ages!

Don't Let the Bugs Bite!

Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)

Program Type:

Classes & Workshops, Speakers

Age Group:

Adults
Library Branch: West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Classes & Workshops, Speakers
Event Details:

As the weather cools, many Ohioans pack away their bug spray and assume the risk has passed—but fall is actually one of the most active seasons for ticks and mosquitoes. Our presenter is Dr. Sarah Short, Associate Professor at OSU.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

If You Throw a Mouse a Party

Monday, September 8, 2025 at 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Large Meeting Room- Johnstown at Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)

Program Type:

Arts & Crafts, 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: Arts & Crafts, General Programming
Event Details:

He's going to want to invite his friends. They'll probably get hungry and want to play games. If they eat and play games, they'll have lots of fun. If they have lots of fun, they'll want to have another party...

I Deaf-initely Can

Preschool Story Time: Virtual Author Visit

Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Discovery Center-Downtown Newark at Downtown Newark

Program Type:

General Programming, Inclusive Programming

Age Group:

Early Learners | Birth-5
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Discovery Center-Downtown Newark
Age Group: Early Learners | Birth-5
Program Type: General Programming, Inclusive Programming
Event Details:

Special guest Karlie Waldrip, deaf children’s book author, and her deaf dog, Rhett, are joining us for a virtual visit during our Story Time.

Craftivism

Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)

Program Type:

Arts & Crafts, General Programming

Age Group:

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

Craft for a cause, show up for others, be the change you want to see in the world—all through the items you create.

Filters
Age Group

Look Up Ctr.: Newark

5:15pm–6:00pm
Early Learners | Birth-5, Elementary | Grades K-5, Teens | Grades 6-12, Adults
Mobile Library
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Mobile Library
Age Group: Early Learners | Birth-5, Elementary | Grades K-5, Teens | Grades 6-12, Adults
Event Details:

Visit our Mobile Library!

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.

Spine-Tingling Tales

6:00pm–7:00pm
Adults
Downtown Newark
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Meeting Room A-Downtown Newark
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: General Programming, Performance, Story Time
Event Details:

Brace yourself for an eerie aural encounter as raconteurs read a selection of some of their favorite horror short stories.

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.

Trick-or-Treat Story Time

10:30am–11:00am
Early Learners | Birth-5
Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Library Branch: Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Age Group: Early Learners | Birth-5
Program Type: Story Time
Event Details:

Wear your costumes to enjoy stories, rhymes and songs that help develop early literacy skills, and end the program with a trick-or-treat parade!

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.

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:

Explore 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.

Citizens Park: Pataskala

4:00pm–5:00pm
Early Learners | Birth-5, Elementary | Grades K-5, Teens | Grades 6-12, Adults
Mobile Library
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Mobile Library
Age Group: Early Learners | Birth-5, Elementary | Grades K-5, Teens | Grades 6-12, Adults
Event Details:

Visit our Mobile Library!

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.

Youth Classics Book Club

4:15pm–5:00pm
Elementary | Grades K-5
Downtown Newark
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Library Lab
Age Group: Elementary | Grades K-5
Program Type: Book & Viewers' Clubs
Event Details:

Whether you are an emergent or independent reader, sharpen your skills through discussion, vocabulary development and creative thinking with your peers. Participants can vote on the chapter book the group reads.

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.

Woodington Drive: Pataskala

5:15pm–6:00pm
Early Learners | Birth-5, Elementary | Grades K-5, Teens | Grades 6-12, Adults
Mobile Library
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Mobile Library
Age Group: Early Learners | Birth-5, Elementary | Grades K-5, Teens | Grades 6-12, Adults
Event Details:

Visit our Mobile Library!

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.

Mini Apothecaries

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

Create a custom miniature apothecary for teeny tiny books and bottles using an Altoids® tin!

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.

Teen Craft & Chat

6:00pm–7:00pm
Teens | Grades 6-12
Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Library Branch: Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Room: Large Meeting Room- Johnstown
Age Group: Teens | Grades 6-12
Program Type: Activity Clubs, Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Bring your current crafting project to work on and chat with other crafty people. We'll have craft supplies available if you want to start a new project or learn a new skill.

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.

Let’s Glow Paint Party

6:00pm–7:30pm
Elementary | Grades K-5
Lakewood
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Lakewood
Age Group: Elementary | Grades K-5
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, General Programming
Registration Required
Event Details:

Transform a canvas into a glowing piece of Halloween-inspired art. Be warned: we’ll turn off the lights and paint by black lights. Wear your brightest colors to stand out.

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.

Stuffie Sleepover

10:30am–11:00am
Early Learners | Birth-5
Lakewood
Library Branch: Lakewood
Age Group: Early Learners | Birth-5
Program Type: Story Time
Event Details:

Bring your favorite stuffie to the Library! We’ll start with a cozy story time, then say goodbye as your stuffie stays behind for an overnight adventure exploring the Library after hours.

Enjoy stories, rhymes and songs that help develop early literacy skills! Designed for ages birth through 5.

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.

Tots and Twos

10:30am–11:00am
Early Learners | Birth-5
Downtown Newark
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Discovery Center-Downtown Newark
Age Group: Early Learners | Birth-5
Program Type: Story Time

Enjoy stories, rhymes and songs that help develop early literacy skills! Designed for ages birth through 2.

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: Phillipa Gregory

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.

Haunted Newark: A Ghostly Walking Tour

5:00pm–6:30pm
Adults
Downtown Newark
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Local History
Event Details:

Explore the haunted history of Newark by taking a stroll through its historic streets.

Little Listeners: Out on a Limb

10:30am–11:00am
Early Learners | Birth-5
West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)
Library Branch: West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)
Age Group: Early Learners | Birth-5
Program Type: Story Time
Event Details:

This tree-themed story time will be a wonderful way to explore the natural world with preschoolers, focusing on themes of growth, seasons, habitats, and the unique roles trees play. 

Support school readiness through stories, songs and activities! 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.

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.

Empowered Minds: The Mind of a Crow

1:00pm–2:00pm
Adults
Virtual
Virtual Event
Library Branch: Virtual
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Empowered Minds, Classes & Workshops
Event Details:

Avian ecologist, Dr. Kaeli Swift, discusses her studies on the fascinating behavior and cognition of crows.

This free, virtual program is part of our lifelong learning series Empowered Minds. The focus of this signature service is healthy aging and enrichment for the retirement-age citizens of Licking County. All adults are welcome. Empowered Minds is supported by a sustaining gift from Robert Trimble Jr., a lifelong learner and, in part, by the Licking County Senior Levy. Donations are appreciated.  

Wander Wisely with Maps

1:00pm–2:00pm
Adults
Downtown Newark
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Meeting Room B- Downtown Newark
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Tech
Registration Required
Event Details:

Learn how to use Google Maps and Apple Maps on your smartphone. Learn how to confidently locate places, get directions, explore your surroundings, and even find your parked car.

Techsperts offer expert guidance and answers to common technology questions—for all skill levels! To schedule a free appointment at any of our locations call 740.349.5509 or email techspert@lickingcountylibrary.org. Zoom appointments are available.

Techsperts are made possible, in part, by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the State Library of Ohio.

LGBTQIA+ Book Group

5:30pm–6:30pm
Adults
West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)
Library Branch: West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book & Viewers' Clubs
Event Details:

Everyone is welcome to engage in fun, respectful dialogue.

Haunted Newark: Non-Walking Tour

6:00pm–7:00pm
Adults
Downtown Newark
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Meeting Room A-Downtown Newark
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Local History
Event Details:

Explore the haunted history of Newark without leaving the Library. This tour delves into downtown's haunted sites and the tragic deaths that might have led to these hauntings. Adults and teens are welcome!

Spine-Tingling Tales

5:30pm–7:00pm
Adults
Off Site
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: General Programming, Performance, Story Time
Event Details:

Brace yourself for an eerie aural encounter as raconteurs read a selection of some of their favorite horror short stories.

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.

Newark Ohio Pride Coalition - Name Change Clinic

10:00am–2:00pm
Downtown Newark
Library Location: Downtown Newark
Room: Meeting Room B- Downtown Newark
Purpose of Meeting

The Newark Ohio Pride Coalition is partnering with TransOhio and Equitas health for a name change clinic on November 8, 2025, from 10 am to 2 pm.

Board of Trustees: Personnel Committee Meeting

4:00pm–5:00pm
Downtown Newark
Library Location: Downtown Newark
Room: Conference Room
Purpose of Meeting

Meeting of the Personnel Committee.

NCS Superintendent Office: Newark

4:45pm–5:15pm
Early Learners | Birth-5, Elementary | Grades K-5, Teens | Grades 6-12, Adults
Mobile Library
Cancelled
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Mobile Library
Age Group: Early Learners | Birth-5, Elementary | Grades K-5, Teens | Grades 6-12, Adults
Event Details:

Visit our Mobile Library!

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.