Disguise a paper gingerbread person as your favorite character or a unique creation in this art project for all ages! You can pick up a gingerbread person at the Information Desk, make a curbside appointment at curbside.waylibrary.info or print it yourself at this link.

This craft will be available August 3-31, 2020. You have one month to get creative with whatever supplies you have on hand! Color your gingerbread person with markers or crayons; or craft a costume out of paper, felt or yarn. When you are finished with your costume, share a picture with us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Photos from this art project may be posted online or in the library).

Looking for some fun activities to do at home while school is out? Way Public Library has a variety of fun activities targeted toward elementary and intermediate audiences!

Bookaneers - The Bookaneers Online Book Club for ages 8-12 will meet Thursday, September 10th at 4:15PM via Zoom to discuss The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. Registration on our website is now open!

Lego League – Kids are asked to submit their Lego Creations on a theme via e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The winning submissions will be posted on the Way Public Library Facebook page. All ages are welcome to enter!

STEAM Create: Paper Mushrooms: Miss Alyssa shares a gnome story and takes you step-by-step through a whimsical paper mushroom craft! Best for upper elementary or with an adult's assistance cutting shapes.

STEAM Challenge: Bridges: In this video, Miss Alisha will read Paul Galdone's "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" and demonstrate how to make a bridge with popsicle sticks, tape, and straws.

STEAM Create: Color Magic: Bring out your inner artist in this simple art project with Miss Alyssa! Watch as washable markers, coffee filters and water combine for a colorful transformation. Best for early elementary.

STEAM Math & Cookies! Enjoy this delicious STEAM activity which introduces division and fractions. Stay tuned at the end for an easy no-bake cookie recipe!

STEAM Create: Crowns: Join Miss Alyssa for a quick art project making paper or cardboard crowns alongside the book "King Alice" by Matthew Cordell.

A Twist on an Old Tale: Join Miss Alisha as she reads Ninja Red Riding Hood. After reading, write your own fairytale starring the person you know best: You!

STEAM Challenge: Marshmallow Towers: Get creative while building marshmallow structures with mini-marshmallows and toothpicks! Miss Alyssa will read Iggy Peck, Architect and discuss design tips before kids build however they are inspired.

Humpty Dumpty: Science Fun! In this video for school-age children, Miss Alisha will read "After the Fall" by Dan Santat. Afterwards, she'll demonstrate an experiment you can do with an egg and a cup of vinegar.

STEAM Challenge: Catapults! Let's storm the castle! Listen to The Very Last Castle by Travis Jonker and learn how to make a catapult out of popsicle sticks and rubber bands in this instructional video with Miss Alyssa.

Horrible Science: Join Miss Alisha from Way Public Library as she reads the chapter "Demonstrations" from Horrible Harry and the Green Slime. If you could show your friends or family how to do something, what would you choose?

The Magic Pencil:  Do you believe in Magic? Join us as Miss Alisha, Youth Services Librarian from Way Public Library, shares the book "Malala's Magic Pencil" and a magical craft! Fun for elementary ages.

Science for a Rainy Day: In this video, school-age children will learn more about rain through the picture book "Raindrops Roll." After, Youth Services Librarian Alisha will demonstrate how to make "Rainbow Rain."

Spaghetti with a Side of Science: Who doesn’t love spaghetti? In this video, Miss Alisha will read Strega Nona by Tomie DePaola and demonstrate the experiment “Dancing Spaghetti.” Fun for kids in elementary school or older!

 

Join Miss Melissa for a story time that will get babies bouncing and giggling! This lap-sit story time is perfect for babies ages birth - 18 months. There will be stories, songs, bounces, and rhymes to engage babies and caregivers. There will be no new story times posted in the month of August.

Mother Goose Story Times:

 

Preschool story times are filled with award winning books, songs, finger plays and more! These stories are appropriate for all preschoolers. Join Miss Alisha, Miss Alyssa and Miss Crystal on Wednesdays with a new theme! Story times will not be posted in the month of August.

Preschool Story Times:

 

This story time is filled with stories, songs, fingerplays, and more to get toddlers singing and moving! Miss Melissa will share stories best suited for children 19 to 35 months old. We'll begin covering early learning concepts like counting and colors through fun fingerplays and rhymes. There will be no new story times posted in the month of August.

Toddler Time Story Times:

 

The Pizza and Pages Online Book Club for ages 12-16 will meet Friday August 7th at 2:00pm via Zoom to discuss The Darkest Mind by Alexandra Bracken. The book is available to borrow for free on the Hoopla app at: https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/11426808

Register online at this link.

If you have any questions please contact Crystal Morris at 419-874-3135, ext. 113 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Stephanie Coil has put together several crafts for folks to try at home. She’s planning to continue to make more and we will post them here as they arrive. Stephanie highly recommends Creative Bug, a crafting database you can access for free with your library card.

Do you have questions about one of these crafts? Contact Stephanie Coil at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or leave a voicemail at 419-874-3135 extension 130.

New: Bookmark with Tassle
Bookmark with Tassel Adult Take Home Craft Kit is available at Way Public Library. Three plain bookmarks, nine pieces of yarn, and instruction sheets on how to make the tassel are included in the craft kit. Be creative! Bookmarks can have whatever design you choose. Use markers, colored pencils, crayons, stickers, colored paper, magazines, book pages, sheet music, glue, or rubber stamps with ink to create your one of a kind bookmark.

Sirius Star Ornament
You can create your own Sirius Star Ornament with book pages from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.  See a quick video of Stephanie created the first page strip here.  Supplies are still available!

Paper Bead Bracelet
Enjoy these step-by-step instructions on how to make a Paper Bead Bracelet. Stephanie used sheet music to create her bracelet beads but any kind of paper would work – book pages, newspaper, or colorful scrapbook paper! We’d love to see pictures of your bracelet when you’re finished.  See a quick video of Stephanie making a single bead here. 

Simple Birdseed Ornament 
Stephanie Coil has created directions for a Simple Birdseed Ornament that can be hung in a tree so that we can make a difference for birds on Earth Day!

Toilet Paper Roll Roses
Something tells us you may have these supplies on hand... Enjoy this PDF with step-by-step instructions for you to make these timely blossoms. Make a whole bouquet! Don't forget to share your pictures if you give this craft a try!

Book Page Wreath Workshop Directions
Remember when Way Library had a fantastic Book Page Wreath Workshop? Though it seems like a lifetime given all that's been happening, it was really only a few weeks ago!  Michelle Keedy of Bombshell Redesign has given us permission to post her instructions so you can make this beautiful wreath while you stay home to stay healthy. Thank you, Michelle!

 

 

“Imagine Your Story” is theme of Way Library’s Summer Reading Club

The staff at Way Library has completely re-imagined its Summer Reading Club for 2020, transforming it into an innovative and safe virtual experience. Although participants will not be getting together in person as originally planned, all ages are invited to sign up for “Imagine Your Story,” a special program of reading and virtual events inspired by fairy tales, folklore, and myths.

Children, teens, and adults can celebrate this year’s theme online by tracking their reading, playing games, unlocking digital badges, and earning raffle tickets for a variety of exciting prizes.

New Service! As we continue to expand our digital offerings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Way Library is now offering Zoom Rooms available for groups, organizations, and businesses to use for free.

The Zoom Meeting Rooms can accommodate a maximum of 100 people and can be reserved for up to two hours, Monday through Friday. Groups can reserve a Zoom room for a maximum of two meetings per month.

Please click on 24x7 Service to find the Zoom Room Request form. Complete the form with your requested date and two times that work best for you. Our Meeting Room Coordinator, Rachel, will get back to you with a confirmation and the Zoom link and password for your meeting. Please call (419) 874-3135 ext 106, if you have any questions.

 

 

Created by Technology Specialist Rachel Henck Bentley, Way happily offers you some digital escape rooms to exercise your brain during Governor DeWine's stay at home order. Puzzles, word scrambles, riddles, and more await you!

New: Totally Radical 80's Time Travel Adventure
Teens to Adult
This escape room is geared more for teens and adults.  Follow the puzzles and clues to see if you can get the right answers to get back to your own time and not be stuck in the 1980's

Locked in the Library
Grades 3-5 (but all ages!)
"Follow the story and answer puzzles and look for clues in this digital escape room to find the code to avoid being Locked in the Library!"

Can You Escape Hogwarts Dungeon?
Ages: all Ages
"For shame! Professor Snape has caught you talking with your friends again during Potions class. You are now stuck in the dungeon for detention while everyone gets to go to Hogsmeade and have fun. Solve the puzzles and do your best to escape from detention with another fun digital escape room."

 

Join Emily DiLeo and Dave Lewis of the BGSU Music Library and Bill Schurk Sound Archives for a virtual tour!  You’ll learn about the library’s collection and also get a sneak peek at some archival material featuring famous artists from the late '70s and early '80s.  Check it out and rock on!

This virtual tour can be watched at YouTube.

 

 

Beginning Monday, May 18, Way Library will be checking out books, as well as other items, using contactless curbside pickup.

Patrons who wish for contactless service are encouraged to browse the library’s catalog from home, place their holds, and then use an online form to schedule a pickup time. Patrons also have the option to contact the Information Desk to request materials by calling 419-874-3135, extension 119. A third option is to request materials using a special Curbside Pickup form available on the library’s website at http://curbside.waylibrary.info.

At the appointed pickup time, a patron will arrive in the designated location in the library’s parking lot, dial the number on the sign, open the trunk, then remain in the car. Staff, wearing protective equipment, will deliver the materials in a disposable paper bag and place them in the trunk with no direct contact. Strict social distancing procedures are being implemented in order to effectively serve library customers and adhere to public health guidelines.

Library staff will need a 24-hour window in which to accommodate requests before pickup. Currently, items that can be picked up will be limited to those that are available in Way’s own collection. Patrons may place items from other libraries on hold, but those holds will not be fulfilled until interlibrary courier service resumes.

Request a special message from a familiar face at Way for your family! We'll create a sidewalk chalk message personalized for your child and send you a photo via email. Fulfillment takes about a week, weather permitting.

To request a chalk message fill out the short form here: https://forms.gle/xQadoD1sdZds8FHd7 

 

 

 

Adam Marier, Technology Specialist, is creating a series of instructional videos geared towards helping you learn to use our best online resources.  He is constantly working on new videos, so check back soon for more.  All can be found on our YouTube channel.

*NEW* Intro to the Acorn App: Adam walks you through setting up and using Acorn TV on your computer and smart devices. Acorn TV offers world-class mysteries, dramas, comedies, and documentaries from Britain, Ireland, Australia, and beyond. 

Intro to the Kanopy App: On their website Kanopy says, "The films that truly resonate with us do more than just entertain. They inspire us, enrich us, and challenge our perspectives." In this video Adam walks you through setting up a new account and navigating the service. He covers unlimited viewing on the kids channel and options like "My Watchlist" on the main channel.

Intro to The Ohio Digital Library: In this video, Adam walks you through signing-in to and using the Ohio Digital Library with just your library card. 

Learning Hoopla Digital: In this video, Adam walks you through the Hoopla App and website. Hoopla has a vast collection of “always available” content (meaning no holds!) and is offering bonus checkouts during the Covid-19 crisis. 

Getting Started with the Libby App: If you’ve used the Overdrive App and loved what it offered but found it to be hard to use, the Libby App may be for you. In this video, Adam walks through using Libby- a faster, easier version of Overdrive. 

The Technology Department wants to remind you about all of our fantastic (free) digital services! You can find the services and their links here: https://digital.waylibrary.info/

You can find more videos on our youtube channel. Visit https://www.youtube.com/user/WayPublicLibrary/ for additional instructional videos, storytimes, and more!

 

Join us for an online puzzle challenge perfect for all ages! Started on March 20th, people have been able to share their puzzle pictures on this page.  This includes what they are working on- just starting, halfway done, or finished. You can even let us know how long it took you to get done.

Let's get puzzling! https://www.facebook.com/events/1384924911708234/ 

 

 

Natalie Dielman is leading book discussion groups using Facebook Groups. She is currently moderating a discussion group on Moby Dick by Herman Melville and also a more generalized Online Book Group for you to share your love of books with people in your community.

The Way of the Whale (Reading "Jane Eyre" discussion group). Adults.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/215143109751756/  
Next up for the big reads group is "Jane Eyre". Here we'll post discussion questions, literary analysis, and interesting facts about Charlotte Bronte's book. Online discussions will take place Sundays at 7 pm beginning May 31st.

The suggested reading schedule (subject to change) is:
Week 1 (May 24-31) - Chapters 1-10
Week 2 (May 31-June 7)Chapters 11-19
Week 3 (June 7-14) - Chapters 20-23
Week 4 (June 14-21) - Chapters 24-26
Week 5 (June 21-28) - Chapters 27-29
Week 6 (June 28-July 5) - Chapters 30-end

The first book discussed in this series was Moby Dick.  You can still see those discussions at the link above.

Online Book Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2517793165148086/ 
Join Way Library's online book club! Share what you're reading and what you think about it.
Weekly book discussion on Saturdays at 1 pm. Currently reading The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy but we also discuss other books. Adults.

 

 

Way Public Library’s Local History Librarian, Richard Baranowski, has written several articles since Governor DeWine’s stay at home order was issued. These articles have not only informed and educated, but also given badly needed perspective during this crisis.

Clicking on any of the following links will open a PDF version of his article.

His first article, “COVID-19 was not Perrysburg’s First Epidemic” takes a historical tour of the effects other Perrysburg epidemics. These include cholera, influenza, and polio. Read the article to learn about when these epidemics struck and the impact they had on our community.

His second article, “Perrysburg Persevering Pandemic” includes his observations about the changes in Perrysburg since the stay at home order was issued, and some historical reference about the last time this happened.

 

Teens ages 12 to 16 can join Way's Young Writers Program! Included in this program are two separate classrooms- one for serious creative writers and another for those teens who just want to keep in touch and "talk" about books without the use of Zoom or other video options.

This program will continue throughout the summer and additional classrooms may be created.  All classrooms require a special code for entry.  Interested teens or parents can contact Crystal Morris, Teen Librarian at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or leave a voicemail at 419-874-3135 extension 113.

 

Crystal Morris, Teen Librarian, has created a new Way Teen Instagram Page to help stay in touch with young adults ages 13 to 16.

This page will feature an assortment of posts focused on books and library activities such as:

  • Question of the Day 
  • Teen focused library news
  • Upcoming event information
  • Photo challenges
  • ...and more!

For questions regarding this new page, please email Crystal Morris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or leave a voicemail at 419-874-3135 extension 113.

 

What are Way Library’s technology specialists doing during the pause in in-person services at the library? A lot! Besides remaining available by phone, email, and social media to answer questions, Adam Marier and Rachel Henck Bentley have continued to help people become more proficient in the use of the library’s digital resources. They have filmed step-by-step tutorials which are available on Way Library’s YouTube channel, and they have created a fun, digital “Escape Room” for elementary age children.

That’s not all they are doing. Adam and Rachel each took home one of the library’s 3D printers. In the background, while Adam and Rachel work at home, the quiet whir and melodic beeps of Way’s 3D printers provide a continuous soundtrack. One by one, very special visors are being 3D printed. Through a collaboration which originated at Dana, Inc., Way Library and other 3D printer owners have been mobilized to produce parts for protective face shields which are donated to health care workers in our area. At Rachel’s home, her personal 3D printer has been pressed into service for the same purpose. As each visor is completed, it is packaged for delivery to Dana, Inc.

While the visor portion of the shield assembly is 3D printed, Dana, Inc. is providing and cutting the clear plastic shields which will be attached to them. The completed protective shield assemblies are distributed by Dana through a distribution channel with Promedica Health Systems. They are then provided to the courageous health care professionals who are working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Way Library is grateful to be able to assist in the alleviation of the shortage of personal protective equipment for nurses, doctors, paramedics, caretakers, and others in the profession. During the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19, each and every mask can be a life-saver.

The library’s 3D printers and supplies are funded by Way Public Library Foundation & Friends.

 

 

  1. Way Library’s “Online” Branch is Always Open
  2. Knitting Service Project Continues
  3. TumbleBooks - Available Until August 30, 2020