Summer Reading 2026 Newsletter
In this Issue

Newsletters, Blog, & Social Media
Upcoming Closures
Programs for June
100 Years of Miller Ferry: A Lake Erie Legacy
Build Your Own Terrarium
The Archaeology of the Battle of Lake Erie and the War of 1812
Acoustic Hangout at the Library
Hammer Dyeing with Flowers
Afternoon at the Movies
Unnatural Ohio: A History of Buckeye Cryptids, Legends & Other Mysteries
Back To The Wild Wildlife @MSPC Entertainment District
Crafting the Stars and Stripes
Dig into the past and explore our databases! Ancestry.com
Acoustic Hangout at the Library
Book Clubs
New Books for June 2026
Adult Program Survey
Library App
Library Hours

Newsletters, Blog, & Social Media
Newsletters
Check out our other newsletters and update your preferences by clicking the "Manage Subscriptions" link at the bottom of this email. 
Blog
Learn more about the library and our services, read articles about local history, and get recommendations from staff.
Read along here!
Social Media
 
Click the links below to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Get behind the scenes of the library, events, program reminders, and more.
 

Upcoming Closures
Closed
 
Friday, June 19th
 
for Juneteenth
Fourth 4th july independence day bald eagle patriotic american flag
Closed 
 Friday, July 3rd
&
Saturday, July 4th
Independence Day
 
Programs for June
100 Years of Miller Ferry: A Lake Erie Legacy
Adults
Monday, June 1st @ 1 to 2 pm 
Ida Rupp Public Library
310 Madison Street
Port Clinton, OH 43452 
Unearth a Story at Ida Rupp Public Library for Summer Reading 2026!
Explore the rich history of Miller Ferry from its beginnings in 1905 as a small ice harvesting and water taxi service to becoming a vital transportation link to the Lake Erie Islands. This presentation highlights the evolution of ferry travel, the growth of island tourism, and the family legacy that has kept the boats running for generations.
No registration required. Adults.
Build Your Own Terrarium
Adults
Friday, June 5th @ 2 - 3:30 pm
Ida Rupp Public Library
310 Madison Street
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Unearth a Story at Ida Rupp Public Library for Summer Reading 2026!
Create your own miniature garden in a jar! In this hands-on workshop, participants will design and assemble a simple terrarium, while learning basic plant care tips. All supplies are provided. Please be mindful of what you wear for the event. We will be working with dirt and bits of charcoal, so please dress accordingly.
Space is limited to 30; Registration starts on ay 22. 
Open to Adults and Teens (Grades - 6th to 12th).
The Archaeology of the Battle of Lake Erie and the War of 1812
Adults
Monday, June 8th @ 1 -2 pm
Ida Rupp Public Library
310 Madison Street
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Unearth a Story at Ida Rupp Public Library for Summer Reading 2026!
Take a closer look at the historic Battle of Lake Erie and the War of 1812, plus the ongoing work by GLHS to identify and better understand the battlefield. This presentation will explore the historic significance of the battle, methods used in modern archaeological investigations, and what researchers have discovered so far. We will also examine other War of 1812 naval archaeological sites throughout the Great Lakes, highlighting how these discoveries continue to shape our understanding of the region’s maritime history.
Presented by Christopher Gillcrist on behalf of Museum of the Great Lakes and Great Lakes Historical Society
No registration required. Adults.
Acoustic Hangout at the Library
Musical Instrument Chords Guitar
Adults
Friday, June 12th @ 3:30 - 5 pm
Ida Rupp Public Library
310 Madison Street
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Unearth a Story at Ida Rupp Public Library for Summer Reading 2026!
Bring your instrument—or just your love of music—and join us for a casual musician meet-up. This is a space to connect, collaborate, and enjoy live unplugged music in a welcoming environment. Light refreshments will be available.
We generally will meet every second Friday of each month.*
No registration required. Adults.
Hammer Dyeing with Flowers
Adults
Monday, June 15th, 1 - 2 pm
Ida Rupp Public Library
310 Madison Street
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Unearth a Story at Ida Rupp Public Library for Summer Reading 2026!
Create beautiful, one-of-a-kind designs using fresh flowers and a hammering technique. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to transfer natural pigments from petals and leaves onto fabric to make unique, nature-inspired art.
All supplies provided. Please wear clothing that can get a little messy. Space is limited to 20 registrants; registration required and opens on June 1st.
Afternoon at the Movies
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade by Steven Spielberg
  Adults
Thursday, June 18th, 2 -4 pm 
 Ida Rupp Public Library
310 Madison Street
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Unearth a Story at Ida Rupp Public Library for Summer Reading 2026!
Join us on the third Thursday of each month for an afternoon movie at the library. Each month will feature a different film across a variety of genres—classics, recent favorites, dramas, comedies, and more. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a movie with fellow community members.
This months movie: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (Rated PG-13)
Light refreshments may be provided. 
No registration required. Adults.
Generally we will meet on the third Thursday of each month unless advertise. *
Unnatural Ohio: A History of Buckeye Cryptids, Legends & Other Mysteries
Adults
Monday, June 22nd, 1 - 2 pm
 Ida Rupp Public Library
310 Madison Street
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Unearth a Story at Ida Rupp Public Library for Summer Reading 2026!
Strange things are afoot in the Buckeye State. Across urban and rural, Ohio echoes with tales of creatures, ghosts, and other unexplained phenomena. Over the years visitors to a quiet Cincinnati suburb claim to have been accosted by a human-size leathery frogman lurking near the riverbank. For generations hikers and hunters have reported seeing Bigfoot throughout forests across Ohio and some of the most notorious and well-documented UFO encounters on record have taken place here.
In their book “Unnatural Ohio” Kevin Moore and Kristina Smith parse urban legends from history as they explore the unnatural side of Ohio's heritage.
The book began as a special exhibit at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums.
Presented by Kristina Smith and Kevin Moore.
Unnatural Ohio: A History of Buckeye Cryptids, Legends & Other Mysteries by M. Kristina Smith
Back To The Wild Wildlife @MSPC Entertainment District 
All Ages - Offsite
 Friday, June 26th @ 1 - 2 pm
Location:
MPSC Entertainment District 
110 Madison Street
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Unearth a Story at Ida Rupp Public Library for Summer Reading 2026!
Back to the Wild's presentations offer a unique opportunity to connect with native Ohio wildlife through engaging, educational experiences. Led by trained wildlife professionals, these programs feature live animal ambassadors while exploring topics such as wildlife biology, conservation, habitats, and how humans can coexist with the animals that share our environment.
Participants will learn fascinating facts about local species, discover the challenges wildlife face in today’s world, and leave with a deeper appreciation for protecting the natural world.
No Registration required. All Ages
Crafting the Stars and Stripes
Adults
Tuesday, June 30th, 1 - 2:30 pm
 Ida Rupp Public Library
310 Madison Street
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Unearth a Story at Ida Rupp Public Library for Summer Reading 2026!
Help us celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America's 250th birthday by crafting your very own American flag art piece using colorful paint sticks!
All supplies provided. Please wear clothing that can get a little paint on it. Space is limited to 20 registrants; registration required and opens on Tuesday, Jun 16th. 
Dig into the past and explore our databases! Ancestry.com
Adults
Tuesday, July 7th, 2 - 3 pm
 Ida Rupp Public Library
310 Madison Street
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Unearth a Story at Ida Rupp Public Library for Summer Reading 2026!
Learn the basics of how to use Ancestry.com to explore your family history. This introductory class will cover how to search records and discover helpful tools to begin your own genealogy or family history.
Vintage Old Genealogy Family History Photos
Acoustic Hangout at the Library
Close up of guitar
Adults
Friday, July 10th, 3:30 - 5 pm
Ida Rupp Public Library
310 Madison Street
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Unearth a Story at Ida Rupp Public Library for Summer Reading 2026!
Bring your instrument—or just your love of music—and join us for a casual musician meet-up. This is a space to connect, collaborate, and enjoy live, unplugged music in a welcoming environment. Light refreshments will be available.
We generally will meet every second Friday of each month.*
Book Clubs
Mystery Book Discussion
June 4th @ 10 am
The Frozen People: A Mystery by Elly Griffiths
@Ida Rupp Public Library
 
May's Mystery Book Discussion selection is The Frozen People by Elly Griffiths. 
 
Registration is not required and new members are always welcome!
 
Copies of the book will be available at the circulation desk following the May 7th meeting.
Tuesday Morning Book Discussion
June 16th @ 10:30 am
The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel
@R Coffee Corner
3848 Harbor Light Landing Drive
 
Join us at R Coffee Corner to discuss this months book and enjoy refreshments together!
 
The title for May is, The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel.
Pick up a copy of the book at the public services desk at Ida Rupp. 
 
New members always welcome! 
No registration required. 
We Read Wednesday
June 24th @ 10 am
Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
@Ida Rupp Public Library
 
Looking for the next good book or author to read.  Join us at the Ida Rupp Library for “We Read Wednesday." No registration required.  ALL readers welcome!  
 
May 27th, 2026  - Three Days in June, by Anne Tyler
New Books for June 2026
Click on a book cover to go to our online catalog and place a hold.
Login with your card number and pin number
 
Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews
It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell
Whistler by Ann Patchett
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Weddings by Danielle Steel
Beach Thriller by Jamie Day
The Bookseller: A DS George Cross Mystery by Tim Sullivan
The Children by Melissa Albert
Choke Point: A Thriller by Brad Thor
Clive Cussler Cold Fire by Graham Brown
Come Back to the World by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Dead But Dreaming of Electric Sheep by Paul Tremblay
Down with the Shipmans by Meg Mitchell Moore
Earth 7 by Deb Olin Unferth
The Lake House by Lori Foster
Marion by Leah Rowan
Land by Maggie O'Farrell
Meet Me at the Seaside Cottages by Jenny Colgan
The Jellyfish Problem by Tessa Yang
A Pair of Aces by Marie Benedict
A River Red with Blood: A Thriller by John Connolly
The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston
Storm Tide by Paul Doiron
Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer
Wait and See by Iris Johansen
Whisper Creek: A Thriller by Allison Brennan
The Windsor Affair by Melanie Benjamin
Adult Program Survey
Have a few minutes? We’d love your input!
 
Our Adult Programming Interest Survey is now available, and your feedback will help shape future programs at the library. Whether you're interested in history, arts and crafts, technology help, wellness topics, or social events, we want to hear from you.
 
Please take a moment to click the link and complete the survey. Your responses will directly influence the types of classes, lectures, and events we plan in the coming months.
 
Thank you for helping us create programs that reflect the interests of our community!
 
Click Here
 
Library App
 
 
 
SEO Libraries App
 
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Library Hours
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 9:00 - 8:00
Tuesday: 9:00 - 8:00
Wednesday: 9:00 - 8:00
Thursday: 9:00 - 8:00
Friday: 9:00 - 5:00
Saturday: 9:00 - 5:00
 
Ida Rupp Public Library
310 Madison Street
Port Clinton, Ohio 43452
(419) 732-3212
www.idarupp.org