The 2026 Week of the Young Child (WOYC) will take place April 12-18.
Celebrate the 10th Annual Week of the Young Child with Akron-Summit County Public Library! In partnership with Summit County agencies and community partners, families can enjoy interactive story times, activity kits, and fun, educational programs that build early literacy skills. Read, Write, Sing, Talk, & Play with us all week long!
Attend an Early Childhood Program
Who’s reading today? During the Week of the Young Child, families can enjoy storytime with special guest readers from our community! From firefighters and teachers to doctors, construction workers, local leaders, and musicians, children will meet real-life helpers while building early literacy skills through stories and fun.
Check out our event calendar for dates and times.
WOYC Activities
Stop by BabyFest at the Akron Art Museum
Sunday, April 12 11am-2 pm
Akron-Summit County Public Library is joining the Akron Art Museum at BabyFest: Build! This event designed for young children and their families will include building activities, a concert by Mr. Jeff, and you can pick up a Books for Babies Bag at the Akron-Summit County Public Library book corner!
Join us for "Little Learners, Amazing Parents: Early Literacy Night"
Tuesday, April 14 Stop by anytime between 5-7 PM at Main Library
Join us for dinner and age-appropriate activities for young children and their caregivers. Each child ages 0–5 will receive a book to take home. Sponsored by Towpath Credit Union.
Register online, in person, or by phone at 330.643.9020.
Get a Free Book
Monday, April 13-Saturday, April 18
Visit one of the participating branch locations to pick up a free picture book for your young child, ages 2-5 years old. Books provided through a partnership with the Early Childhood Program at Akron-Metro Housing Authority. While supplies last.
The following branch locations will be participating:
- Goodyear
- Kenmore
- North Hill
Pick up a Fine Motor Activity Kit
Monday, April 13-Saturday, April 18
Young children need opportunities to develop fine motor skills before they can print letters. Stop by one of the participating branch locations to pick up a fine motor activity kit. While supplies last!
The following branch locations will be participating:
- Goodyear
- Kenmore
Ready to Read Book Bundles
Families can check out special book bundles created by our Early Childhood Librarians! Each bundle highlights one or all of the Ready to Read skills—Read, Write, Sing, Talk, or Play—with handpicked books and simple ideas to practice early literacy at home. Grab a bundle to take home and enjoy learning together all week long.
Special Storytime with Mr. Jeff
Thursday, April 16 10:30 - Children's Library at Main Library
Enjoy stories, songs, and activities in this extra special Storytime, including a story read by our celebrity guest, Mr. Jeff! Then sing and dance along to some of Mr. Jeff's songs.
Contact the Children's Library & Teen Division at 330.643.9050 or
2026 Week of the Young Child Sponsors
