Nancy Drew Convention

Nancy Drew fans, collectors, and scholars from across the country are invited to Toledo to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the publication of the first Nancy Drew book, The Secret of the Old Clock. The commemoration takes place Thursday through Saturday, April 24-26, at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s Main Library in downtown Toledo. The event kicks off with an evening reception, followed by workshops, panel discussions, hands-on activities, and film screenings.

On Thursday, April 24, a special evening reception with the Nancy Drew Sleuths will take place in the Children’s Library at Main Library from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Known colloquially as “The Sleuths,” the Nancy Drew Sleuths is a worldwide member organization that fosters the enduring legacy of Nancy Drew. The Sleuths will host a day focused on Nancy Drew history and collecting on Friday, April 25. The celebration concludes Saturday, April 26 with a variety of free activities for the entire family throughout Main Library.

The character of Nancy Drew has a special connection to Toledo, Ohio. Original Nancy Drew ghostwriter Mildred A. Wirt Benson (1905-2002) called the Glass City home for over six decades. Under the pen name Carolyn Keene, Benson wrote 23 of the first 30 Nancy Drew mysteries between 1930-1953, including The Secret of the Old Clock, the first book in the series.

During Main Library’s 2019 renovation, the Library saw an opportunity to further highlight Nancy Drew’s impact and Benson’s contributions. Jennifer Fisher, The Nancy Drew Sleuths founder and president and a well-known Nancy Drew collector, author, and consultant, donated her personal collection of Nancy Drew books and memorabilia—more than 5,000 objects—to the Toledo Library to be displayed, researched, and enjoyed by visitors of all ages.

The Toledo Library now holds the largest public collection of Nancy Drew books and memorabilia in the United States. Objects from the Jennifer Fisher Nancy Drew Collection are continuously on view in the Saloff Children’s Library at Main Library.

Thursday
Nancy Drew 95th Anniversary Reception
(Th) April 24 | 6 – 7:30 p.m. | Main Library Children’s Library
Investigate the Jennifer Fisher Nancy Drew Collection during a special evening for Nancy Drew fans. Enjoy original art, artifacts, a mystery to solve, light refreshments, and more. Advance registration required.

Friday
Nancy Drew Sleuths
(F) April 25 | 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Main Library McMaster Center
Join the Nancy Drew Sleuths, an organization of Nancy Drew fans, collectors, and scholars, for a day of Nancy Drew history and collecting.

10 a.m. – noon: Nancy Drew history and collecting with Jennifer Fisher
Noon – 1 p.m.: Lunch break (attendees are encouraged to dine at SAME Cafe or other downtown Toledo restaurants)
1 – 2:15 p.m.: Film screening – “Nancy Drew… Detective” (1938, 66 minutes)

Saturday
A Real Carolyn Keene Speaks
(Sa) April 26 | 10 – 11 a.m. | Main Library Meeting Room 1
Stacia Deutsch, author of more than 300 books, shares her experience writing the modern Nancy Drew series.

95 Years of Nancy Drew
(Sa) April 26 | 11 a.m. – noon | Main Library Meeting Room 1
Jennifer Fisher, president and founder of the Nancy Drew Sleuths, discusses Nancy Drew’s 95-year legacy.

“Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase” (1939, 60 minutes)
(Sa) April 26 | noon – 1 p.m. | Main Library McMaster Center
The final entry in the classic film series finds Nancy Drew and Ted investigating a murder in a mysterious old mansion.

Make a Nancy Drew Souvenir
(Sa) April 26 | noon – 3 p.m. | Main Library Making Lab
Create a souvenir button and take a green screen photo. First come, first served while supplies last.

Nancy Drew Clue Game
(Sa) April 26 | noon – 4 p.m. | Main Library Children’s Library
Test your sleuthing skills with a Nancy Drew-inspired Clue game and explore the Jennifer Fisher Nancy Drew Collection.

Using Nancy Drew in the Classroom
(Sa) April 26 | 1 – 2 p.m. | Main Library Meeting Room 1
Educator Erika Head shares ideas for using Nancy Drew books in the classroom.

Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys Discussion
(Sa) April 26 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Main Library Meeting Room 1
Panelists Michael Gauwitz, Meredith Jaffe, and Jennifer Fisher discuss the enduring popularity of Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys.

The Nancy Drew 95th Anniversary Celebration at Main Library is free and open to the public. For more details, visit toledolibrary.org.