Libraries are one of my favorite places. I love nothing more than perusing the stacks looking for the perfect novel to borrow. Did you know that our local library systems offer more than just books?
Libraries are hubs of knowldge and community engagement. They offer a wide array of little to no cost activities that cater to a diverse range of interests. From educational workshops and author readings to story time for toddlers and everything in between, our libraries offer something for everyone.
I love that there is programming available for kids of all ages– even us parents! Here is a sampling of some of the events available at our local libraries this fall.
Toledo Lucas County Public Library
The Toledo Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL) system has 18 branches located throughout the Toledo area and offers an array of programming options at each of them. I’ve sorted through their event calendar to highlight just a few of the available options. For more information about any of the TLCPL’s events or how to register (some events require pre registration,) please visit https://events.toledolibrary.org/events.
Paranormal Encounters with Toledo Ghost Hunters Society
This event will be held on Saturday, October 5th from 11 am to 12 pm at the Kent Branch located at 3101 Collingwood Blvd. Adults ages 18 and up can attend to learn about some of the most haunted locations in Toledo.
Edible White Chocolate Sugar Skulls and Tissue Paper Marigolds
Both the Oregon Branch (3340 Dustin Rd ) and the Lagrange Street Branch (3422 Lagrange Street) branches will be hosting an Edible White Chocolate Sugar Skulls and Tissue Paper Marigolds event on Thursday, October 10th from 4 pm to 5 pm. This event is open to children ages 6 to 17. Event participants will be learning about Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and crafting sugar skulls and tissue paper marigolds in celebration of this day.
Pumpkin Decorating and a Movie
Teens ages 11 to 17 can visit the Waterville Branch located at 800 Michigan Ave on Tuesday, October 15th from 6 pm to 8 pm to decorate a pumpkin while watching a movie. The movie being shown is Corpse Bride.
The Space Painter: Spooky Juggler
This event is open to kids ages 6 to 10. It is being held at the West Toledo Branch located at 1320 Sylvania Ave on Friday, October 25th from 4 pm to 5pm. Attendees will be treated to ghost stories, pumpkin juggling, and other hands-on activities.
Way Public Library
Way Public Library was founded in 1875 with the bequest of Willard V. Way. It has stood in its current location of 101 E. Indiana Ave in Perrysburg since 1892 and boasts a collection of over 120,000 items. Way Public Library offers programming for children through adults. Information as well as registration links for events can be found at https://waylibrary.libcal.com/calendar.
Crafternoons
Children of all ages are welcome to visit the library on Thursday afternoons from 3 pm to 6 pm to take part in making an autumn themed craft. The crafts will change weekly so you can make something new each time you visit!
Halloween Fun at the Liboory
Families are invited to visit the library on Saturday, October 19th from 7 pm to 8:30 pm for an evening of Halloween themed fun! There will be games, crafts, and a costume parade along with a fun for all ages haunted house and party snacks.
Autumn Tea Party
Children ages 5 to 7 are invited to an Autumn Tea Party on Friday, October 25th from 4:15 pm to 5:15 pm. Attendees will sample a caffeine free tea as they learn about tea. The event will have a read aloud, snacks, craft making, and games. Pre-registration is required.
Bookaneers Book Club
This monthly book club for kids ages 8-12 will be held on Wednesday, November 6th from 4:15 pm to 5:15 pm in the Mercy Health Activity Center. The book of the month is Serafina and the Black Cloak: The Graphic Novel by Robrt Beatty. Participants will enjoy talking about the book along with book themed activities and refreshments. Pre-registration is required.
Wood County District Public Library
The Wood County District Public Library has two branches– one located in Bowling Green at 251 N Main Street and one in Walbridge located at 108 N Main Street. They offer programming for children through adults at both locations. More information about their offerings and how to register can be found at https://wcdpl.libcal.com/calendar/Events.
Explore Robots: Interactive Learning Room
Throughout the month of October kids of all ages can visit the Bowling Green Branch for reading and hands-on learning about robots. This programming ties back to the library’s 1BookBG author, Jarrett Lerner, who will be visiting the library on October 8th. Participants can learn simple coding skills and play with robots.
Meet the Author: Jarrett Lerner
If you’ve stopped by to check out the Explore Robots activities, you can also attend a Meet the Author Night with Jarrett Lerner on Tuesday, October 8th at 7 pm in the Bowling Green Branch Atrium. Lerner will discuss his books, hold a Q & A, and sign copies of his books.
Lego Cup Challenge
On Saturday, October 19th children can visit the Bowling Green Branch anytime between 10 am and 4 pm to take part in the library’s Lego Cup Challenge. Attendees will be given a cup of Legos and a build plan with the goal of using as many Legos in their cup to build their structure. Their creations will be put on display at the library for patrons to view.
Story and Slime
Children ages 5 and up can visit the Walbridge Branch on Saturday, October 26th from 2 pm to 3 pm for Story and Slime. Not only will participants get to make their own slime, but they will be treated to a read aloud of Frankenslime.