Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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!

Bad Guys Heist

Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Small Meeting Room- Utica at Utica

Program Type:

General Programming

Age Group:

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

A heist has occurred at our Utica location! Help Library staff apprehend the culprit by investigating the crime scene left behind. Solve puzzles, look for clues, and harness your detective skills for a chance to earn a reward.

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

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.

Wednesday's Spooky Shindig

5:30pm–6:30pm
Teens | Grades 6-12
Utica
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Utica
Room: Small Meeting Room- Utica
Age Group: Teens | Grades 6-12
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Book & Viewers' Clubs
Registration Required
Event Details:

Here we woe again! Wednesday Addams is back for season 2 and the Library invites teens to create their own Thing.

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.

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.

Empowered Minds: Living in Pioneer America Pt. 1

10:30am–12:00pm
Adults
Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Room: Large Meeting Room- Johnstown
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Empowered Minds, Classes & Workshops
Registration Required
Event Details:

Van Young offers Part 1 in a 4-part lecture series on pioneer life in America: "Wagons Ho: Getting Ready for the Oregon Trail." There were major decisions to make and only a finite amount of space, including: What drew people in mass to the w

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.  

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.

Canva Basics

1:00pm–2:00pm
Adults
Off Site
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Tech
Event Details:

Join our Techspert for an engaging introduction to Canva, where you'll learn to navigate the platform, customize templates, and use design tools to create stunning graphics.

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.

Unleashing Literacy

3:30pm–4:30pm
Elementary | Grades K-5
West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)
Library Branch: West Newark (Emerson R. Miller)
Age Group: Elementary | Grades K-5
Program Type: General Programming
Event Details:

Sit, stay, read. This family-friendly event is designed to help children improve their reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a trained dog. Children will take turns reading and doing other dog-gone fun activities.

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.

Summit Glen Road: Pataskala

4:00pm–4:30pm
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.

Autumn Way: Pataskala

4:45pm–5:15pm
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.

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! Copies of Orphan X by Greg Hurwitz are available at the Downtown Newark location or download a copy f

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

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.

Family Story Time

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

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.

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.

Become Scam Savvy

10:30am–11:30am
Adults
Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)
Room: Large Meeting Room- Johnstown
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Tech
Registration Required
Event Details:

Our Techsperts give tips on how to spot suspicious emails, report spam and avoid phone scams. They also cover basic internet safety skills such as creating a strong password, password management, 2-Factor Authentication, and the use of

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.

Licking Valley Rd.: Perryton

4:00pm–4:30pm
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.

The Well: Toboso

4:45pm–5:15pm
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.

Elephant & Piggie Party

5:00pm–6:30pm
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:

September is Literacy Month! Celebrate Elephant & Piggie by Mo Willems in the Discovery Center with games and crafts.

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.

Pen & Games

5:00pm–6:30pm
Teens | Grades 6-12, Adults
Downtown Newark
Library Branch: Downtown Newark
Room: Meeting Room B- Downtown Newark
Age Group: Teens | Grades 6-12, Adults
Program Type: Activity Clubs, Inclusive Programming
Event Details:

Would you vote to have a creative writing workshop, play board games, or a mix of both? Adults and teens with disabilities are encouraged to bring a notebook, some writing samples and game favorites.

Legacy Park: Hanover

5:30pm–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.

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.

Sharon Glyn Senior Apartments: Newark

10:00am–10:30am
Adults
Mobile Library
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Mobile Library
Age Group: 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.

Bill E. Mitchell Retirement Village: Heath

11:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Mobile Library
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Mobile Library
Age Group: 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.