YOUR HISTORY. YOUR LIBRARY.
Books and artifacts inside the Local History and Genealogy Department lay a foundation of who we are today in Toledo and Lucas County.
– Extensive newspaper archives, yearbooks and other artifacts
– Trace your genealogy
– Discover your house history
– Read accounts of the labor movement
One-to-one appointments with a librarian are available to assist you.
One-to-One Appointments. Request an appointment with a librarian to assist you.
Contact us! Email our Local History and Genealogy Department or call 419.259.5233 with questions.
Stay connected! Sign up for the Local History newsletter.
The Library indexes obituaries as a service to the community.
If you find the name of the individual that you are searching for, we can email a scan of the obituary to you.
The Toledo Lucas County Public Library partners with Ohio Memory to present our growing digital archive of collections and exhibits on topics including (but not limited to):
- Architecture and buildings
- Genealogical records
- Historical documents and photos
- Toledo historical records
Updated regularly, there is always something new to explore in Digital Collections!
Our Local History Department houses a growing list of physical collections, including:
- Special collections for Lucas County
- Genealogy collections
- Newspapers on microfilm
- Local government records on microfilm
- Manuscript Collection Inventories
A diverse collection of rare and valuable items. Highlights include:
- Thomas Jefferson letter dated 1800
- First edition history of the Indian Tribes of North America by Thomas L. McKenny and Jones Hall
- Complete set of Nancy Drew first editions written by Toledoan Mildred Benson
- Original oil painting by well-known artist Edmund Osthaus (one of three the Library owns)
- Ship model of the Horace S. Wilkinson
THE BLADE RARE BOOK ROOM GUIDELINES:
Please make an appointment for your visit. If you are not able to make an appointment, access to materials may depend on staffing levels at the time of your visit as a librarian will remain in the room while items are in use. Email our Local History & Genealogy Department or call 419.259.5233
Entering The Blade Rare Book Room
All bags (including purses and laptop cases), coats, hats, umbrellas, and other personal items must be placed in the lockers adjacent to the entrance of the department.
Food, hard candy, and chewing gum are not permitted in the department. Bottled water is the only beverage permitted in the department. Food or drinks (including bottled water) are not allowed in The Blade Rare Book Room.
Only pencils are allowed in The Blade Rare Book Room. Customer may bring paper. Laptop computers are permitted. No personal scanners or camera tripods allowed. Library staff will inspect all items that readers take into or bring out of The Blade Rare Book Room.
Use of Materials
- Researchers will fill out and sign the attached form and show their photo ID to the librarian.
- Access to any book or other materials depends upon the item’s condition.
- One item from The Blade Rare Book Room Vault may be viewed at any one time.
- One manuscript box may be accessed at a time. The librarian will take out and replace the folders from the box as the user needs them.
- All materials should be viewed on the table in front of you. Book pillows or reading stands will be provided by the Library staff. Books should be supported as evenly as possible to prevent strain on the bindings. Please do not rest books on the edge of the table, prop them up against other books, hold them up off the table by the corners of the boards, or place them in your lap. All manuscript materials are to be kept in their original order and in their respective files.
- Gloves are not required except when using photographs; wash and dry hands thoroughly before handling all materials.
- Turn pages slowly and carefully and use extreme care when unfolding and re-folding maps and other inserts. Use care with books that are brittle; some bindings cannot be opened completely without damaging the item. If in doubt as to how to handle a specific item, please see a librarian before proceeding. Do not use any materials as a writing surface.
- If bookmarks are needed, the librarian will provide acid-free paper.
- If you find unopened pages, please take the item to the librarian. Do not attempt to cut the pages yourself.
- Materials are not to leave The Blade Rare Book Room. Materials will remain in the room until you are finished.
- Please bring damaged materials, missing plates, etc., to the attention of the librarian.
- Notify the librarian and leave materials on the reading table when you are finished. All loose sheets will be inspected by the librarian before leaving the BRBR.
- Failure to follow these guidelines will result in loss of privileges.
Digital Camera Guidelines
Taking digital photographs of rare books and manuscript material requires permission from the librarian. The Toledo Lucas County Public Library reserves the right to regulate or prohibit photography to protect materials. Readers may take their own digital pictures with a small, handheld camera, iPad, or cell phone. Larger cameras shall be approved prior to use.
A customer may request higher resolution images if desired. Staff will determine whether a specific item can be scanned using Library equipment. This will require department staff time and Library equipment and may not be able to be completed on the same day as the user’s visit. The researcher must provide complete and accurate citations (call numbers, accession numbers, ID numbers, page numbers, or box and folder numbers) for all items requested.
Duplication of Materials
All photocopying is to be performed by Library staff. If there is an original document and a photocopy of the same document and there is a notification with the materials that only the copy may be used the photocopy will be the item copied.
Researchers are obliged to comply with copyright laws when publishing or otherwise using materials from the Library’s collections. Items must be identified as belonging to The Blade Rare Book Room, Toledo Lucas County Public Library or Manuscript Collections, Toledo Lucas County Public Library. Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable, living individuals without the consent of those individuals may have legal ramifications.
We offer 25 free scans per quarter of unbound materials such as loose documents, letters, and photographs sized under 8.5 x 11 inches.
Need scans of larger materials or have questions? Email us or call 419.259.5233 to set up an appointment. The minimum turnaround time for digitization services is approximately four weeks.
Scanning: We scan text, books, slides and negatives, glass plate negatives, or other oversized items for you.
File Storage: Please bring a flash drive to store your digitized files.
Ask about Digitization Services (digitization@toledolibrary.org)
Wolcott House Museum Guild Lecture Series
(Th) March 21 | 10 a.m. — noon | Maumee
Join us at the Maumee Library for the Wolcott House Museum Guild's annual lecture series, featuring local authors and topics relevant to local history.
Roots and Flowers: The Life of Marta Terry González
Author Discussion with Dr. Abdul Alkalimat
(Th) March 21 | 6:15 — 7:15 p.m. | Kent
Dive into Black Studies with former UT Africana Studies chair Dr. Abdul Alkalimat as he discusses his book on Afro-Cuban librarian Marta Terry González. Traditional Cuban fare will be served.
Beginning Genealogy
(M) March 25 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Lagrange
Want to start researching your family history? Join us and learn the basics of genealogy.
Beginning Genealogy
(W) March 27 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Main Library
Want to start researching your family history? Join us and learn the basics of genealogy.
Wolcott House Museum Guild Lecture Series
(Th) March 28 | 10 a.m. — noon | Maumee
Join us at the Maumee Library for the Wolcott House Museum Guild's annual lecture series, featuring local authors and topics relevant to local history.
Local History Book Club
We are the Troopers by Stephen Guinan
(W) April 3 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Main Library
Good conversation, friendly faces and great books - that's what book club is all about. We're looking forward to seeing you at our lively and engaging book discussion.
Ancestry and FamilySearch Open Lab
(W) April 10 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Main Library
Come learn more about Ancestry and FamilySearch. Some assistances with genealogy questions will also be provided.
Meet the Author of Carmen in America
(Th) April 11 | 3:30 — 5 p.m. | Maumee
A story of immigration as a part of the celebration for Arab American heritage month.
Krzysztof Wodiczko: The Art of Un-War Screening & Discussion
Featuring Filmmaker Maria Niro & Artist Krzysztof Wodiczko
(F) April 12 | 1:30 — 4 p.m. | Main Library
An exploration of the healing power of art: "Krzysztof Wodiczko: The Art of Un-War" film screening followed by a conversation and Q&A with artist Krzysztof Wodiczko and director/producer Maria Niro.
Meet the Author of Carmen in America
(Sa) April 20 | 2 — 3:30 p.m. | Sanger
A story of immigration to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month.
Kimono Culture
(Tu) April 30 | 5:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Toledo Heights
This informative overview will cover yukata basics, kimono accessories, tools to help you get dressed, seasonality and other tips for wearing kimono.
Kimono Culture
(M) May 6 | 6 — 7 p.m. | Reynolds Corners
This informative overview will cover yukata basics, kimono accessories, tools to help you get dressed, seasonality and other tips for wearing kimono.
Kimono Culture
(W) May 8 | 5 — 6 p.m. | Oregon
This informative overview will cover yukata basics, kimono accessories, tools to help you get dressed, seasonality and other tips for wearing kimono.
Kimono Culture
(M) May 13 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Main Library
This informative overview will cover yukata basics, kimono accessories, tools to help you get dressed, seasonality and other tips for wearing kimono.
Kimono Culture
(Tu) May 14 | 5 — 6 p.m. | South
This informative overview will cover yukata basics, kimono accessories, tools to help you get dressed, seasonality and other tips for wearing kimono.
Kimono Culture
(Th) May 16 | 6 — 7 p.m. | Maumee
This informative overview will cover yukata basics, kimono accessories, tools to help you get dressed, seasonality and other tips for wearing kimono.
Kimono Culture
(M) May 20 | 4 — 5 p.m. | West Toledo
This informative overview will cover yukata basics, kimono accessories, tools to help you get dressed, seasonality and other tips for wearing kimono.
Kimono Culture
(W) May 22 | 6 — 7 p.m. | Waterville
This informative overview will cover yukata basics, kimono accessories, tools to help you get dressed, seasonality and other tips for wearing kimono.
Explore Genealogy Resources at Main Library
(W) May 22 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Main Library
Do you know there are materials in the Local History and Genealogy Department that are NOT available online. Learn about just some of these resources.
Local History Book Club
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
(W) June 5 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Main Library
Good conversation, friendly faces and great books - that's what book club is all about. We're looking forward to seeing you at our lively and engaging book discussion.
Using the Library Website for Genealogy
(M) June 10 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Main Library
Learn about all the resources available through the library's website to assist you in your genealogy journey.
Senior Hour: Finding Festivals
(Tu) June 11 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Oregon
Finding Festivals is a WGTE program showcasing local festivals. Cathy Kamenca of WGTE and program host Haylie Robinson will talk about the filming of the featured episode and Haylie's work.
Henna Art with Henna Muse
(Th) June 13 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Waterville
We will use henna to create our own designs on paper, as well as learn the basics of sourcing supplies and making henna paste.
Henna Art with Henna Muse
(Th) June 13 | 3 — 4 p.m. | Waterville
We will use henna to create our own designs on paper, as well as learn the basics of sourcing supplies and making henna paste.
Genealogy Research - Using Lesser Known Databases
(M) June 17 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Holland
Have you started your family tree and hit a brick wall? Learn resources and techniques beyond the basics. Presented by the Local History & Genealogy Department.
Local History’s Digital Library
(W) July 17 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Main Library
Learn what’s available to you in Digital Collections and how to begin your local history research online.
Ancestry and FamilySearch Open Lab
(M) July 22 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Main Library
Come learn more about Ancestry and FamilySearch. Some assistances with genealogy questions will also be provided.
Looking Back at Toledo Over the Past Sixty Years
(W) July 31 | 1:30 — 2:30 p.m. | West Toledo
The restaurants, shopping, and entertainment of the 1960s-1980s in the Toledo area.
Local History Book Club
The Underground River by Martha Conway
(W) August 7 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Main Library
Good conversation, friendly faces and great books - that's what book club is all about. We're looking forward to seeing you at our lively and engaging book discussion.
Dating Photographs through Fashion: 1860-1900
(Tu) August 13 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Main Library
Attendees will learn how to identify their photographs. With a focus on the history of fashion, participants will feel more confident in dating their family photographs and uncovering their genealogy.
Dating Photographs Through Fashion: 1900-1950
(Tu) August 20 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Main Library
Attendees will learn how to identify their photographs. With a focus on the history of fashion, participants will feel more confident in dating their family photographs and uncovering their genealogy.
Finding Festivals
(W) August 21 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Sylvania
Finding Festivals is a WGTE program showcasing local festivals. Cathy Kamenca of WGTE and program host Haylie Robinson will talk about the filming of the featured episode and Haylie's work.
Local History Book Club
The Foundling by Ann Leary
(W) October 2 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Main Library
Good conversation, friendly faces and great books - that's what book club is all about. We're looking forward to seeing you at our lively and engaging book discussion.
Local History Book Club
A Bar in Toledo by Dominic Vaiana
(W) December 4 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Main Library
Good conversation, friendly faces and great books - that's what book club is all about. We're looking forward to seeing you at our lively and engaging book discussion.