FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS RELEASE (Tu) May 20, 2025

SUMMER FUN RETURNS TO TOLEDO LIBRARY WITH READING CHALLENGE, MUSIC, COMICS AND PROGRAMS

Toledo Library unveils exciting summer schedule for kids and teens

TOLEDO, Ohio — Free summer fun returns to the Toledo Lucas County Public Library with programs for kids and teens, music performances and the Library’s annual Summer Read challenge.

          “Summer is an opportunity to explore all that the Toledo Library has to offer, from books and magazines to music and movies, in addition to the wide variety of public programs hosted each month,” said youth services coordinator Nancy Eames. “It is also a critical time for our young readers.”

          “While summer programs at the Toledo Library are entertaining and enjoyable, they also encourage strong reading habits between school years and help counter the summer slide — the learning loss some students experience during the break from school,” Eames added.

Summer Read starts June 2

          When the Summer Read challenge returns Monday, June 2, it will be the 101st consecutive year that the Toledo Library has hosted a reading challenge during the summer months. Participants need to read for 30 days between June 2 and Aug. 2 for a chance to win a variety of prizes (while supplies last), which include:

• A tote bag when participants sign up.
• A foldable frisbee as a midway prize for kids and teens.
• A book to keep from the Library’s special selection for kids and teens and a mug for adults when they complete the Summer Read challenge.
• Everyone who completes Summer Read is entered into grand prize drawings for Nintendo Switch Lites, Kindles, gift cards and more.

          Toledo Library customers can sign up for Summer Read beginning June 2 and track their reading in one of three ways: the paper tracker available at any Library location, the online registration form or the Beanstack app.

          Participants who register in-person will receive their sign-up prize immediately. For those who register digitally, they can visit any Toledo Library location to collect their sign-up prize.

          Summer Read is supported in part by Directions Credit Union, Friends of the Library and the Library Legacy Foundation.

Summer program highlights

          Nearly 175 free programs for kids and teens are scheduled to take place at the Toledo Library’s 20 locations from June through August. Covering topics like science, animals, crafts, cooking, food and gardening, many of the programs are collaborations with other Toledo institutions and organizations.

          The Toledo Mud Hens and Walleye have teamed up with the Toledo Library, Meijer and Lucas Metropolitan Housing to host free hockey and baseball camps throughout the summer. The camps begin Wednesday, June 4 and continue on most Wednesdays through Aug. 13. Advance registration is required to attend.

          Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful is hosting a youth program in June and July called “Why Trees Matter” where participants learn about the importance and impact trees have on the environment. They will also learn about the recycling process by turning old paper into paper pulp, then into new paper.

          The University of Toledo Rocket Career Center is introducing area teens to the opportunities available to them post-graduation. Whether a high school student is thinking about college, a trade or joining the workforce immediately after graduation, “Your Next Move: Real Talk on What’s After High School!” explores many possibilities based on a student’s unique interests, skills and personality. This program takes place June through August.

          Visit toledolibrary.org/summer for more details. Programs are subject to change.

Music at the Library

          Library customers can enjoy nine outdoor music performances featuring local, regional and national talent for free at Main Library this summer.

          Live at the Library, a monthly concert series held at Main Library on the rooftop, welcomes three singer-songwriters from the Midwest and Canada this summer: NBC’s The Voice finalist Joshua Davis (May 29), JUNO Award nominee and Canadian Folk Music Solo Artist of the Year winner Julian Taylor (June 12) and three-time Maple Blues Awards winner and JUNO Award nominee Miss Emily (July 10).

          The Library’s popular summer lunchtime concert series returns to the Main Library north lawn beginning Wednesday, June 4. This six-week series features a variety of musical genres performed by artists from the greater Toledo area.

          Additional details, including how to register for Live at the Library concerts, are available at toledolibrary.org/music.

Comic Arts Fest returns in July

          Comic Arts Fest is a free, family-friendly convention that brings people together through comics. The festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 19 at Main Library and promotes the diversity of the medium from a wide range of creators, encourages comics reading and celebrates visual literacy.

          Raúl The Third, a New York Times bestselling and three-time Pura Belpre award-winning illustrator, author and artist, and Meggie Ramm, a non-binary cartoonist and comic educator, are joining the festivities as this year’s featured creators.

          Comic Arts Fest also features workshops, presentations, a creator fair, panel discussions and hands-on activities for comics fans of all ages.

          Visit toledolibrary.org/comicartsfest for more information.

SUMMER MUSIC

Live at the Library with Joshua Davis (Th) May 29 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. | Main Library Rooftop NBC’s The Voice finalist Joshua Davis was raised in the folk tradition, immersed in music, social movements and the land. With a voice both weathered and warm, Davis captivates audiences, bringing confessional intimacy to any stage, whether a global venue or a small, offbeat room. His poetic sensibility, tireless work ethic and remarkable ability to connect with listeners of all ages have made him a standout troubadour. Advance registration is requested.

Music at the Library: Lunchtime Concert with the Skip Turner Band (soulful jazz) (W) June 4 | noon – 1 p.m. | Main Library North Lawn

Music at the Library: Lunchtime Concert with Ethan Timm Music (neo blues/originals) (W) June 11 | noon – 1 p.m. | Main Library North Lawn

Live at the Library with Julian Taylor (Th) June 12 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. | Main Library Rooftop One of Canada’s most distinctive voices, Julian Taylor is a celebrated singer-songwriter whose music weaves together soul, folk, rock, and storytelling in a way that resonates deeply with listeners. With more than 25 years in the music industry, his career is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and authenticity. Advance registration is requested.

Music at the Library: Lunchtime Concert with The Katch Band (pop/soul/rock) (W) June 18 | noon – 1 p.m. | Main Library North Lawn

Music at the Library: Lunchtime Concert with Bliss (folk/country) (W) June 25 | noon – 1 p.m. | Main Library North Lawn

Music at the Library: Lunchtime Concert with Nikki D & The Sisters of Thunder (gospel/steel guitar) (W) July 2 | noon – 1 p.m. | Main Library North Lawn

Music at the Library: Lunchtime Concert with Public Scene (dad rock/classics) (W) July 9 | noon – 1 p.m. | Main Library North Lawn

Live at the Library with Miss Emily (Th) July 10 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. | Main Library Rooftop Miss Emily’s story is one of resilience, grit, and triumph. In 2020, just days after winning three Maple Blues Awards—Female Vocalist, New Artist, and Sapphire Blues Video of the Year—the world shut down, leaving her with an empty calendar for the first time in two decades. Undeterred, she channeled her energy into a bold idea: creating LIVE at the Isabel, a live album drawn from six electrifying, sold-out performances at Kingston’s Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts. In 2022, LIVE at the Isabel earned a JUNO nomination for Blues Album of the Year, cementing her status as a force in the Canadian music scene. Advanced registration is requested.

SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR KIDS

Science Heroes: Adventure of the Missing Color (M) June 2 | 11 – 11:45 a.m. | Locke (M) June 2 | 3 – 4 p.m. | Sylvania (M) June 2 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Oregon (W) June 4 | 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. | Point Place (W) June 4 | 1:30 – 2:15 p.m. | Lagrange (W) June 4 | 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. | Waterville Through hands-on experiments and fun, interactive stories, kids will get excited about the science that’s all around us as we celebrate the scientists who color our world with art!

Toledo Mud Hens and Walleye 2025 Summer Series (W) June 4 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Washington (W) June 11 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Point Place (W) June 18 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Oregon (W) June 25 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Sanger (W) July 9 | 11 a.m. – noon | Maumee (W) July 16 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Waterville (W) July 23 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Toledo Heights (W) Aug 13 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Mott The Toledo Mud Hens and Walleye are teaming up with the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Meijer and Lucas Metropolitan Housing to host free hockey and baseball camps all summer long. Advance registration is required.

Coral Reef Creations (M) June 9 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Washington (Tu) June 17 | 6 – 7 p.m. | Sylvania (Th) June 26 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Birmingham (M) July 7 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Oregon (Tu) July 29 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Waterville (Tu) Aug 5 | 4 – 5 p.m. | King Road (Th) Aug 7 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | South Frequently called “rainforests of the sea,” coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world! Learn more about this habitat and create your own coral reef art project.

Why Trees Matter: Papermaking with Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful (W) June 11 | 2 – 3 p.m. | West Toledo (Tu) June 17 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Sanger (Th) July 3 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Lagrange (Th) July 3 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Birmingham (W) July 9 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Kent Learn the importance of trees and their impact on the environment with Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful. Simulating a recycling facility, we will turn old paper into paper pulp and then into new paper.

Meet the Dinosaurs! with Dinosaur Dimensions (W) June 11 | 10 – 10:45 a.m. | Maumee (W) June 11 | 1 – 2 p.m. | Mott (W) June 11 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Kent (Th) June 12 | 11 – 11:45 a.m. | Toledo Heights (Th) June 12 | 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. | Birmingham (Th) June 12 | 6 – 6:45 p.m. | Sanger An amazing collection of realistic puppets present an experience like no other. From cute baby Triceratops to a life-size Raptor, or even a Pteranodon and T-Rex, it’s a dino-experience for all ages!

Super Science: A Journey Into Space with Reed Steele (Th) June 12 | 4 – 5 p.m. | Heatherdowns (W) June 18 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Main Library (M) June 23 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Washington (M) June 23 | 4 – 5 p.m. | King Road (M) June 30 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Locke Go on a space adventure with a superhero theme. Reed will defy gravity by floating off a chair (okay, it’s only mathematics) and move things with his mind (okay, it’s only physics).

Tricks in Technicolor with The Professor Show (M) June 16 | 11 – 11:45 a.m. | Holland (M) June 16 | 2 – 2:45 p.m. | Locke (M) June 16 | 4 – 5 p.m. | King Road (W) July 9 | 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. | Point Place (W) July 9 | 2 – 3 p.m. | West Toledo (W) July 9 | 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. | Washington Laughter and wonder take center stage as The Professor Show celebrates technicolor through a captivating blend of comedy, juggling, and magic.

Ohio Mammals with Metroparks Toledo (Tu) June 17 | 11 – 11:45 a.m. | Reynolds Corners (Tu) June 17 | 2 – 2:45 p.m. | Maumee (W) June 18 | 3 – 4 p.m. | Mott (M) June 23 | 11 – 11:45 a.m. | Toledo Heights (M) June 23 | 3 – 4 p.m. | Sylvania Discover the variety of mammals that live in northwest Ohio today and what lived here long ago by examining furs and skulls of northwest Ohio’s most common warm-blooded animals.

Tunnel Book Storytelling with Molly Miller (W) June 18 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Kent (W) June 18 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Waterville (F) June 20 | 1:30 – 2:15 p.m. | Lagrange (Sa) June 21 | 11 a.m. – noon | Heatherdowns (M) June 23 | 11 a.m. – noon | Holland (Th) June 26 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | South (M) July 14 | 4 – 5 p.m. | King Road (W) July 16 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Point Place (W) July 16 | 2 – 2:45 p.m. | Oregon Tunnel books are 3D art pieces that tell a story. Explore the storytelling and art process through illusion, depth perception, and even a bit of engineering.

Mr. Puppet’s Comedy Show (Tu) July 1 | 11 a.m. – noon | Mott (Tu) July 1 | 2 – 2:45 p.m. | Maumee (Tu) July 1 | 6 – 7 p.m. | King Road (W) July 2 | 11 a.m. – noon | Main Library (W) July 2 | 2 – 3 p.m. | West Toledo (W) July 2 | 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. | Waterville Get ready for some side-splitting fun with Mr. Puppet. A perfect mix of ventriloquism, marionette magic, and plenty of audience interaction, this show will have you doubled over in laughter.

Roz Puppets presents Percy the Purple Cow (W) July 2 | 11 – 11:45 a.m. | Oregon (W) July 2 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Kent (W) July 2 | 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. | Washington This fun, original story follows a young cow of extraordinary color as she navigates the world. Through silly mishaps, she finds fame and fortune by simply being herself.

The Periodic Table of Art with WhizBang Science Shows (Tu) July 8 | 11 – 11:45 a.m. | Reynolds Corners (Tu) July 8 | 2 – 2:45 p.m. | Sanger (Tu) July 8 | 6 – 6:45 p.m. | Heatherdowns (W) July 9 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Birmingham (W) July 9 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Main Library (W) July 9 | 4 – 4:45 p.m. | Holland Explore the scientific principles behind art, using masterpieces (and not-so-masterpieces) to dive into colors, shapes, light, perspective, and more. A fun, innovative show everyone will love.

Steven’s Puppets presents The Wizard of Oz (M) July 14 | 11 – 11:45 a.m. | Toledo Heights (M) July 14 | 1:30 – 2:45 p.m. | Washington (M) July 14 | 6 – 6:45 p.m. | Holland (Tu) July 15 | 11 – 11:45 a.m. | Reynolds Corners (Tu) July 15 | 3 – 4 p.m. | Sylvania (Tu) July 15 | 6 – 6:45 p.m. | Heatherdowns (W) July 23 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. | Mott (W) July 23 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Main Library (W) July 23 | 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. | Waterville (Th) July 24 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | South (Th) July 24 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Kent (Th) July 24 | 6 – 6:45 p.m. | Sanger “Lions and Tigers and Puppets, Oh My!” is a wooden marionette adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, where Dorothy and friends seek the Wizard while evading the Wicked Witch.

Dragon Training Academy (Tu) July 29 | 11 – 11:45 a.m. | Reynolds Corners (Tu) July 29 | 3 – 4 p.m. | Sylvania (W) July 30 | 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. | Point Place (W) July 30 | 2 – 3 p.m. | West Toledo (Th) July 31 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Lagrange (Th) July 31 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | South Join Brock Barnabas on an adventure as he uses his many scientific inventions and brings humor, high energy, creative play, and (of course) realistic-looking animatronic puppets to the stage.

Animals Up Close with Indiana Wild (M) Aug 4 | 11 – 11:45 a.m. | Toledo Heights (M) Aug 4 | 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. | Birmingham (M) Aug 4 | 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. | Oregon (Tu) Aug 5 | 11 – 11:45 a.m. | Locke (Tu) Aug 5 | 2 – 2:45 p.m. | Maumee (Tu) Aug 5 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | South Embark on an exciting journey through the animal kingdom! Learn about conservation, protecting wildlife, and responsible pet ownership.

SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR TEENS

Pressed Flower Bookmarks (Tu) June 3 | 3 – 4 p.m. | West Toledo (W) June 4 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Washington (Tu) June 10 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | South (W) June 18 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Main Library (W) July 16 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Birmingham (W) July 16 | 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. | King Road (W) July 23 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Locke (M) July 28 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Heatherdowns (Th) July 31 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Waterville (Tu) Aug 5 | 6 – 7 p.m. | Sylvania (F) Aug. 8 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Lagrange (M) Aug. 18 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Toledo Heights (Th) Aug. 21 | 5 – 6 p.m. | Oregon Pressed flower bookmarks are a stylish way to keep track of your reading. Combine pressed flowers, drawings, decorative paper, string, and more to create a unique, personalized bookmark.

Your Next Move: Real Talk on What’s After High School! with the Rocket Career Center (M) June 2 | 11 a.m. – noon | Kent (Tu) June 3 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Washington (Tu) June 3 | 4 – 5 p.m. | Point Place (Th) June 5 | 3 – 4 p.m. | West Toledo (F) June 6 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Lagrange (Tu) June 10 | 4 – 5 p.m. | Sylvania (F) Aug 1 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Heatherdowns (M) Aug 4 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Locke (M) Aug 4 | 4 – 5 p.m. | King Road (Tu) Aug 5 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Main Library (W) Aug. 6 | 3 – 4 p.m. | Sanger (Th) Aug. 7 | 11 a.m. – noon | Reynolds Corners (Th) Aug. 7 | 3 – 4 p.m. | Holland (Th) Aug. 14 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Oregon Whether you’re thinking about college, a trade, or jumping straight into the workforce, we’ll explore possibilities based on your unique interests, skills, and personality!

Budding Gardeners’ Adventure: An Introduction to Gardening (Sa) June 7 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Heatherdowns (Th) June 12 | 4 – 5 p.m. | Mott (W) June 18 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Oregon (Th) June 26 | 6 – 7 p.m. | Maumee (Sa) June 28 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Reynolds Corners (M) June 30 | 6 – 7 p.m. | Toledo Heights This workshop aims to foster a love for nature and gardening in a fun and interactive way. Participants will “Make and Take” their own personal garden. No prior experience is necessary. Advance registration is requested.

Teen Self Defense with Ohio Martial Arts (Tu) June 10 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Main Library (W) June 18 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Birmingham (Tu) June 24 | 3 – 4 p.m. | Sanger (M) July 7 | 11 a.m. – noon | Kent (Tu) July 8 | 4 – 5 p.m. | Sylvania (Th) July 10 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Lagrange (W) July 16 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Washington (Th) July 24 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Waterville Senpai Shelly Blanco with Ohio Martial Arts makes self-defense quick, easy, and fun!

Smoothie Science (Tu) June 17 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Lagrange (W) June 18 | 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. | King Road (W) June 25 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Washington (W) July 9 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Washington (Th) July 17 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Oregon (Th) July 17 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Waterville (Tu) Aug 19 | 6 – 7 p.m. | Reynolds Corners (M) Aug 25 | 4 – 5 p.m. | Kent Explore the science of smoothies! Teens will follow a recipe to create their own smoothie mixtures using different fruits, vegetables, and liquids, and then predict the resulting color.

Patriotic Sweet and Salty Snack Mix (M) June 23 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Heatherdowns (M) June 30 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Kent (Tu) July 1 | noon – 12:45 p.m. | Birmingham (Tu) July 1 | 2 – 3:30 p.m. | Lagrange (Tu) July 1 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | South (Tu) July 1 | 3 – 4 p.m. | West Toledo (Tu) July 1 | 6 – 7 p.m. | Sylvania (W) July 2 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Washington (W) July 2 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Oregon (W) July 2 | 3 – 4 p.m. | Mott (W) July 2 | 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. | King Road (Th) July 3 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Waterville (Tu) July 8 | 2 -3 p.m. | Main Library (M) July 14 | 2 -3 p.m. | Toledo Heights Celebrate America with this red, white, and blue patriotic snack mix!

Microscopic Marvels (Tu) July 1 | 3 – 4 p.m. | Sanger (Tu) July 22 | 6 – 7 p.m. | Reynolds Corners (F) July 25 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Lagrange (M) Aug 11 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Heatherdowns (Tu) Aug 12 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | South (Tu) Aug 26 | 3 – 4 p.m. | West Toledo Dive into the microscopic world! Teens will explore fascinating objects and materials up close, using microscopes to discover hidden details and unlock nature’s secrets.

Henna Art with Henna Muse (M) July 7 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Holland (M) July 7 | 4 – 5 p.m. | King Road (M) July 7 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Locke (M) July 14 | 3 – 4 p.m. | Kent (Tu) July 22 | 2 – 3 p.m. | West Toledo (Tu) July 22 | 4 – 5 p.m. | Point Place (Tu) July 22 | 6 – 7 p.m. | South We will use henna to create our own designs on paper and learn the basics of sourcing supplies and making henna paste. Advance registration is requested.

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About the Toledo Lucas County Public Library Founded in 1838, the Toledo Lucas County Public Library serves as the go-to community connector for makers, doers and dreamers across Northwest Ohio. With 20 locations plus Mobile Services in Lucas County, Ohio, the Toledo Library empowers individuals and enhances the quality of life in its community by fostering a love of reading, lifelong learning and social connections. Through its collections, innovative programs, partnerships and a commitment to inclusivity, the Toledo Library remains a vibrant cultural hub for the Toledo region.

For more information, please visit toledolibrary.org.