Renovation Complete, Main Library Reopens to Thousands of Customers

Posted on October 3, 2019

by Library News

Thousands of people returned to the Main Library of Toledo Lucas County Public Library the weekend of Sept. 28, 2019, celebrating a downtown Toledo landmark and its transformative renovation.

The yearlong project blended striking architectural upgrades with Main Library’s beloved art deco highlights. New technology, such as recording equipment and 3D printers, empowers customers to create. The Community Room, Work Space and 13 meeting rooms will spur even greater professional development and collaboration.

Main Library drew 4,993 customers during nine total hours of operation Saturday and Sunday. As the doors opened, dozens began to enter through Clyde S. Scoles Historic Court. Many more waited with excitement in the parking lot, walking along a newly glistening glass-clad hallway. They spoke with pride about their Library system. Customers looked with awe at the light-filled atrium, enjoyed regional artisan selections at the new Art & Soul gift shop and chose from fresh salads and sandwiches at Sarnies at the Library café. A generous gift from the George Saloff estate provided visitors with the completely reimagined Saloff Children’s Library with features such as an interactive light wall, Seuss Gallery, Mystery Wall and plenty of spaces for reading and exploring.

Library Director Jason Kucsma said Toledo Library invites customers to connect with one another and pursue their imaginations at Main and locations throughout the region’s neighborhoods.

“We have such a bright future ahead for us and our community at the Library,” Kucsma said. “Our 20 locations are bustling with activity every hour of every day of the week with people across age, racial, religious and cultural spectrums. In an era where such differences increasingly divide people, the Library is a shared space where people gather and linger, learn and explore, and make connections that strengthen the community.”

The Library received commendations from U.S. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, District Director David Wirt on behalf of U.S. Congressman Bob Latta, Northwest Ohio Representative Christa Luttmann on behalf of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Senator Teresa Fedor, Ohio Representatives Paula Hicks-Hudson and Lisa Sobecki, Lucas County Commissioners Tina Skeldon Wozniak and Gary Byers, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, Toledo Councilwoman Yvonne Harper and Toledo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Romules Durant. Harper was joined by fellow City Council Members Larry Sykes and Tyrone Riley in her resolution.

The week’s festivities also included a ceremony honoring the Library’s late longtime director, Clyde Scoles. A portion of Michigan Street outside Main Library is now renamed Clyde Scoles Way. In his remarks, Kapszukiewicz noted how honoring great leaders and institutions will inspire residents for generations to come.

Visit the newly renovated Main Library today!

Did you like this blog post? Keep up to date with all of our posts by subscribing to the Library’s newsletters!

Keep your reading list updated with our book lists. Our staff love to read and they’ll give you the scoop on new tv-series inspired titles, hobbies, educational resources, pop culture, current events, and more!

Looking for more great titles? Get personalized recommendations from our librarians with this simple form.