Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Read with Rue

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

Program Type:

General Programming

Age Group:

Elementary | Grades K-5
Library Branch: West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)
Age Group: Elementary | Grades K-5
Program Type: General Programming
Event Details:

Read to Rue, a very friendly and happy Goldendoodle who would ruff to meet you! All ages are welcome to enjoy this positive and inclusive reading experience with a certified therapy dog.

Empowered Minds logo

The Ecology of Ticks

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:30pm
Meeting Room A-Downtown Newark at Downtown Newark

Program Type:

Empowered Minds, Classes & Workshops

Age Group:

Adults
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Meeting Room A-Downtown Newark
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Empowered Minds, Classes & Workshops
Event Details:

Biology Professor, Jessica Rettig, discusses her tick research at Denison's Biological Reserve and various Licking County parks, where she and her students record data to reveal more about tick habits, environmental preferences, and population sta

Cookies and Cram Cafe

Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11:00am - 2:00pm
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:

Study in our meeting room transformed into a chill, low-pressure zone, complete with calm lo-fi beats. Stress toys and plushies are available for when you need a break, and cocoa and cookies for when the studying makes you crash.

Empowered Minds logo

The Mysterious Origins of the God of Israel

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Meeting Room A-Downtown Newark at Downtown Newark

Program Type:

Empowered Minds, Classes & Workshops

Age Group:

Adults
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Meeting Room A-Downtown Newark
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Empowered Minds, Classes & Workshops
Event Details:

Dr. Chris Farrar examines the historical origins of the God of Israel. One God, and only one, emerged from the multiplicity of ancient near eastern deities to become the God of Israel, and subsequently, the God of the universe.

Read with Rue

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
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:

Read to Rue, a very friendly and happy Goldendoodle who would ruff to meet you! All ages are welcome to enjoy this positive and inclusive reading experience with a certified therapy dog.

Dark Matter Book Cover

Utica Book Club

Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Utica

Program Type:

Book & Viewers' Clubs

Age Group:

Adults
Library Branch: Utica
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book & Viewers' Clubs
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join our adult book club for a relaxed and engaging reading experience! This group explores a variety of popular fiction, from bestselling novels to hidden gems, while enjoying lively conversation.

Filters
Age Group
Program Type

Elementary Readers Club

4:30pm–5:00pm
Elementary | Grades K-5
Downtown Newark
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Library Lab
Age Group: Elementary | Grades K-5
Program Type: Book & Viewers' Clubs
Registration Required
Event Details:

Elementary Readers Club is a small reading group for children in first through third grade that focuses on developing literacy skills.

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.

Next Chapter Book Club

1:00pm–2:00pm
Adults
Lakewood
Library Branch: Lakewood
Room: Small Meeting Room - Lakewood
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book & Viewers' Clubs, Inclusive Programming
Event Details:

A book club program for adults with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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.

Maples & Manuscripts

7:00pm–8:30pm
Adults
Off Site
Open
Registration Required
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book & Viewers' Clubs
Registration Required
Event Details:

Discuss some of the best nature-themed nonfiction and explore additional resources through activities to deepen our understanding of the natural world.

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.

Romantasy Book & Craft Club

6:00pm–7:00pm
Adults
Downtown Newark
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book & Viewers' Clubs
Registration Required
Event Details:

Do you love fantasy mixed with your romance? This is a book club where chatting and crafting go hand in hand. Materials are provided.

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.

Babcock Book Club

5:30pm–7:00pm
Adults
Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Library Branch: Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Room: Large Meeting Room- Johnstown
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book & Viewers' Clubs
Event Details:

Copies of The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides are available a

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.

Page Turners Book Club

3:00pm–4:00pm
Adults
Downtown Newark
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Empowered Minds, Book & Viewers' Clubs
Event Details:

Gather with friends and fellow readers to explore the spectrum of literature and share perspectives. Copies of Heartwood by Amity Gaige are available at the Downtown Newark location and may also be accessed digitally.

This free 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 Licking County Senior Levy. Donations are appreciated.  

BritLit 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:

Calling all literary enthusiasts and Anglophiles!  Join us for witty discussions and a jolly good time.

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.

Any Book Book Club

10:00am–11:00am
Adults
Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Library Branch: Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Room: Large Meeting Room- Johnstown
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book & Viewers' Clubs
Event Details:

Join other book lovers to talk about your latest reads. Instead of an assigned book, read whatever you'd like and come ready to discuss it.

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.

EXTRAterrestrial Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Club

6:00pm–7:00pm
Adults
Downtown Newark
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book & Viewers' Clubs
Event Details:

Discuss the month’s book with your fellow earthlings!

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.

Booked to Death

5:30pm–6:30pm
Adults
Downtown Newark
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book & Viewers' Clubs
Event Details:

Calling all armchair sleuths! Join fellow mystery lovers in unraveling thrilling tales and puzzling plots. Each month, participants vote on the next book selection, ensuring everyone has a say in the adventure.

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.

Historical Drama 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:

Delve into the untold stories behind history through film and gain a new perspective on the people and events that have shaped our world.

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.

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.

Closed: Labor Day

All Day
All Branches
Closing
Branches:
Buckeye Lake, Downtown Newark, Hebron, Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock), Lakewood, Mobile Library, Off Site, Utica, Virtual, West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)

Closed: Staff Development Day

All Day
All Branches
Closing
Branches:
Buckeye Lake, Downtown Newark, Hebron, Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock), Lakewood, Mobile Library, Off Site, Utica, Virtual, West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)

Closed: All Locations Close Early @ 5:00 p.m.

5:00pm–8:00pm
All Branches
Closing
Branches:
Buckeye Lake, Downtown Newark, Hebron, Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock), Lakewood, Mobile Library, Off Site, Utica, Virtual, West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)

Closed: Thanksgiving Day

All Day
All Branches
Closing
Branches:
Buckeye Lake, Downtown Newark, Hebron, Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock), Lakewood, Mobile Library, Off Site, Utica, Virtual, West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)

Closed: Christmas Eve Day

All Day
All Branches
Closing
Branches:
Buckeye Lake, Downtown Newark, Hebron, Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock), Lakewood, Mobile Library, Off Site, Utica, Virtual, West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)

Closed: Christmas Day

All Day
All Branches
Closing
Branches:
Buckeye Lake, Downtown Newark, Hebron, Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock), Lakewood, Mobile Library, Off Site, Utica, Virtual, West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)

Closed: All Locations Close Early @ 5:00 p.m.

5:00pm–8:00pm
All Branches
Closing
Branches:
Buckeye Lake, Downtown Newark, Hebron, Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock), Lakewood, Mobile Library, Off Site, Utica, Virtual, West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)

Closed: New Year's Day

All Day
All Branches
Closing
Branches:
Buckeye Lake, Downtown Newark, Hebron, Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock), Lakewood, Mobile Library, Off Site, Utica, Virtual, West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)