Kent
3101 Collingwood Boulevard,
Toledo, Ohio 43610
419-259-5340
Email Manager Tiana Tutu-Anokye
Services:
We’re happy to be a good neighbor by providing free self-serve meeting rooms. (Self-serve means you may move furniture, but you will need to return room to original set-up. Technology support may be available.) Users of this space must agree to and follow the Library Community Room policy.
Quiet study rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis during open hours. There are often quiet study tables too, but they are within the main library space.
There is no art display at this time.
Programs:
Family Storytime
(W) April 22 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Children ages 2-5, and their grown-ups, are invited to talk, sing, read, write and play as we share stories, music and movement.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) May 7 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Family Storytime
(W) May 20 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Children ages 2-5, and their grown-ups, are invited to talk, sing, read, write and play as we share stories, music and movement.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) June 4 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) July 2 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) August 6 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) September 3 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) October 1 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) November 5 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) December 3 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Pressed Flower Suncatchers
(W) April 29 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Create a beautiful suncatcher using pressed flowers, and watch your nature-inspired decoration shine in the sunlight.
Window Greenhouse
(W) May 6 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Build a window greenhouse using a plastic bag and the warmth of the sunlight, and watch your plant sprout roots and grow before your eyes.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) May 7 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Art Club
(W) May 13 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Using different mediums and tools each month, contribute to an art project that will be displayed at the library!
Women in STEM: Discovering Fossils with Mary Anning
(W) May 27 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Celebrate Women’s History Month! Learn about pioneering paleontologist and fossil hunter Mary Anning and make your own fossil replicas.
Twisted Tie-Dye
(W) June 3 | 1:30 — 2:30 p.m. | Kent
Choose from your favorite Americana, rainbow, or team colors at our tie-dye party! Dye something of ours to take home with you or bring something of your own to dye. Wear clothes that can get messy.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) June 4 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Glovation Circus
(M) June 8 | 1:30 — 2:15 p.m. | Kent
A circus show unlike any other, featuring interactive entertainment for all ages!
A2Magic's “Best of the Best” Summer Reading Magic Show
(M) June 15 | 1:30 — 2:15 p.m. | Kent
From gravity-defying magic to a thrilling Race to the Moon, this top-rated, all-ages interactive show delivers Jeff Wawrzaszek’s very best illusions, laughs, and surprises.
Toledo Mud Hens and Walleye 2026 Summer Series
(W) June 17 | 10 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
The Toledo Mud Hens and Walleye are teaming up with Toledo Lucas County Public Libraries to host free hockey and baseball camps all summer long.
Art Club
(W) June 24 | 1:30 — 2:30 p.m. | Kent
Using different mediums and tools each month, contribute to an art project that will be displayed at the library!
Van Gogh–Inspired Hot Air Balloon Collage with Molly Miller
(M) June 29 | 1:30 — 2:15 p.m. | Kent
Young artists will master mixed-media techniques by blending crayon-resist watercolor skies with dimensional paper layering to create a vibrant, Van Gogh-inspired hot air balloon collage.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) July 2 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Pop Bottle Fireflies
(M) July 6 | 1:30 — 2:30 p.m. | Kent
What can you do with empty pop bottles? Turn them into glowing summer fireflies using simple craft supplies!
Super Science: A Journey Into Space with Reed Steele
(M) July 13 | 1:30 — 2:15 p.m. | Kent
Go on a space adventure with a Superhero theme. Reed will defy gravity by floating off a chair (okay, it’s only mathematics) and move things with his mind (okay, it’s only physics).
Art Club
(W) July 22 | 1:30 — 2:30 p.m. | Kent
Using different mediums and tools each month, contribute to an art project that will be displayed at the library!
Crazy Craig's Juggling Variety Show
(Th) July 30 | 1:30 — 2:15 p.m. | Kent
Hold on to your seats! Crazy Craig is here and will blow your socks away with his high energy, interactive, family comedy, juggling variety show!
Paper Flower Crowns
(W) August 5 | 1:30 — 2:30 p.m. | Kent
The Toledo Pride festival is held each year in August. Celebrate by making a paper flower crown inspired by LGBTQIA+ figures Frida Kahlo and Marsha P. Johnson.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) August 6 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Life-Size Candy Land
(W) August 12 | 1:30 — 2:30 p.m. | Kent
Venture through gumdrop hills and lollipop woods in a life-size game of Candy Land! You can look the part by crafting a candy hat and enjoy eating some candy while you play.
Campfire Fun
(W) August 19 | 1:30 — 2:30 p.m. | Kent
Gather ’round the “campfire” for some stories, s’mores, and crafts!
Art Club
(W) August 26 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Using different mediums and tools each month, contribute to an art project that will be displayed at the library!
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) September 3 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) October 1 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) November 5 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) December 3 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Perler Bead Picture Frames
(M) April 27 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Design and create a unique picture frame using perler or “fuse” beads.
Dungeons and Dragons
(Th) April 30 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Let's play Dungeons and Dragons! Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned veteran, get in on the quest.
Gamer's Station
with Nintendo Switch
(M) May 4 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Calling all gamers!--stop in for Nintendo Switch gameplay and a variety of fun tabletop games.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) May 7 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Be a Summer Read VolunTEEN
(Sa) May 9 | 2 — 4 p.m. | Kent
The Summer Read VolunTEEN program is for teens ages 13 (must be 13 at the time of account creation) through high school graduation. An online volunteer account and two-hour training are mandatory!
Cyanotype Prints
(M) May 18 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Create art with the power of sunlight! Cyanotype printing is an easy, fun way to make unique designs with objects, paper, and the power of the sun.
Dungeons and Dragons
(Th) May 28 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Let's play Dungeons and Dragons! Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned veteran, get in on the quest.
Gamer's Station
with Nintendo Switch
(M) June 1 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Kent
Calling all gamers!--stop in for Nintendo Switch gameplay and a variety of fun tabletop games.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) June 4 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Toledo Mud Hens and Walleye 2026 Summer Series
(W) June 17 | 10 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
The Toledo Mud Hens and Walleye are teaming up with Toledo Lucas County Public Libraries to host free hockey and baseball camps all summer long.
DIY Suncatchers
(M) June 22 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Kent
Lights, colors, create! Make your own stained-glass effect suncatcher using transparency film, markers, and glue.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) July 2 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Gamer's Station
with Nintendo Switch
(M) July 6 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Kent
Calling all gamers!--stop in for Nintendo Switch gameplay and a variety of fun tabletop games.
Teen Self Defense with Ohio Martial Arts
(W) July 8 | 2:30 — 3:30 p.m. | Kent
Senpai Shelly Blanco with Ohio Martial Arts makes self-defense quick, easy, and fun!
Henna Art
with Jen from Henna Muse
(M) July 13 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Learn about the fascinating cultural history of henna from presenter Jen Schafer. Each participant will get a chance to explore henna technique and go home with a design of their choice.
Beaded Ladybug Keychains
(M) July 20 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Kent
Welcome summer by making a lucky ladybug key chain!
Pom-Pom Creatures
(M) July 27 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Kent
Let your imagination run wild! Make pom poms by hand and turn them into anything you can imagine!
Gamer's Station
with Nintendo Switch
(M) August 3 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Kent
Calling all gamers!--stop in for Nintendo Switch gameplay and a variety of fun tabletop games.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) August 6 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Origami for Beginners
(M) August 10 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Kent
Explore the fundamental origami folds and learn new origami designs.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) September 3 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) October 1 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) November 5 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) December 3 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) April 21 | 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Owens Community College will be on hand to discuss the different adult learning paths that Owens offers and the financial assistance opportunities available, including grants and scholarships.
Art Tatum Book Club
The Mothers by Brit Bennett
(Tu) April 28 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Kent
A discussion group highlighting Black literary works with the Art Tatum African American Resource Center.
Tara Pringle Jefferson | Bloom How You Must
Black Women and Mental Health
(Th) May 7 | 6 — 7 p.m. | Kent
A conversation between author Tara Pringle Jefferson and Toledo-Lucas County Minority Health Department coordinator Keianna Wimberly on Black women's mental health. Presented by the Art Tatum Center.
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County
(M) May 11 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County (OMJLC) provides tools, resources, and assistance necessary to help individuals create and facilitate a successful job search plan—walk-in welcome.
TRIO: one-stop shop for help with adult education
(Tu) May 12 | 11 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), adults ages 19 and over can receive free one-to-one assistance.
Cheese Quiche with Sur le Pouce
(M) May 18 | 6:30 — 8 p.m. | Kent
In this hands-on class, learn the art of baking delicious cheese quiche.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) May 19 | 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Owens Community College will be on hand to discuss the different adult learning paths that Owens offers and the financial assistance opportunities available, including grants and scholarships.
Art Tatum Book Club - You Are Your Best Thing
(Tu) May 26 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Kent
A discussion group highlighting Black literary works with the Art Tatum African American Resource Center.
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County
(M) June 8 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County (OMJLC) provides tools, resources, and assistance necessary to help individuals create and facilitate a successful job search plan—walk-in welcome.
TRIO: one-stop shop for help with adult education
(Tu) June 9 | 11 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), adults ages 19 and over can receive free one-to-one assistance.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) June 16 | 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Owens Community College will be on hand to discuss the different adult learning paths that Owens offers and the financial assistance opportunities available, including grants and scholarships.
Art Tatum Book Club
Great Black Hope by Rob Franklin
(Tu) June 23 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Kent
A discussion group highlighting Black literary works with the Art Tatum African American Resource Center.
Chocolate Fondant Cake with Sur Le Pouce
(Sa) June 27 | 10 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
In this hands-on class, learn the art of making a delicious "moelleux au chocolat" (chocolate fondant cake).
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County
(M) July 13 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County (OMJLC) provides tools, resources, and assistance necessary to help individuals create and facilitate a successful job search plan—walk-in welcome.
TRIO: one-stop shop for help with adult education
(Tu) July 14 | 11 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), adults ages 19 and over can receive free one-to-one assistance.
Create a Classic Charcuterie
(W) July 15 | 6 — 7 p.m. | Kent
Learn about charcuterie essentials such as color, crunch, and charisma, and create your own to enjoy at home in this hands-on class. All ingredients will be provided.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) July 21 | 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Owens Community College will be on hand to discuss the different adult learning paths that Owens offers and the financial assistance opportunities available, including grants and scholarships.
Art Tatum Book Club
Black in Blues by Imani Perry
(Tu) July 28 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Kent
A discussion group highlighting Black literary works with the Art Tatum African American Resource Center.
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County
(M) August 10 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County (OMJLC) provides tools, resources, and assistance necessary to help individuals create and facilitate a successful job search plan—walk-in welcome.
TRIO: one-stop shop for help with adult education
(Tu) August 11 | 11 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), adults ages 19 and over can receive free one-to-one assistance.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) August 18 | 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Owens Community College will be on hand to discuss the different adult learning paths that Owens offers and the financial assistance opportunities available, including grants and scholarships.
Toledo Repair Cafe
(Sa) August 22 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
Bring in your clothing, small appliances, bicycles, jewelry, housewares and toys for repairs free of charge!
TRIO: one-stop shop for help with adult education
(Tu) September 8 | 11 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), adults ages 19 and over can receive free one-to-one assistance.
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County
(M) September 14 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County (OMJLC) provides tools, resources, and assistance necessary to help individuals create and facilitate a successful job search plan—walk-in welcome.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) September 15 | 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Owens Community College will be on hand to discuss the different adult learning paths that Owens offers and the financial assistance opportunities available, including grants and scholarships.
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County
(M) October 12 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County (OMJLC) provides tools, resources, and assistance necessary to help individuals create and facilitate a successful job search plan—walk-in welcome.
TRIO: one-stop shop for help with adult education
(Tu) October 13 | 11 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), adults ages 19 and over can receive free one-to-one assistance.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) October 20 | 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Owens Community College will be on hand to discuss the different adult learning paths that Owens offers and the financial assistance opportunities available, including grants and scholarships.
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County
(M) November 9 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County (OMJLC) provides tools, resources, and assistance necessary to help individuals create and facilitate a successful job search plan—walk-in welcome.
TRIO: one-stop shop for help with adult education
(Tu) November 10 | 11 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), adults ages 19 and over can receive free one-to-one assistance.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) November 17 | 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Owens Community College will be on hand to discuss the different adult learning paths that Owens offers and the financial assistance opportunities available, including grants and scholarships.
TRIO: one-stop shop for help with adult education
(Tu) December 8 | 11 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), adults ages 19 and over can receive free one-to-one assistance.
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County
(M) December 14 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County (OMJLC) provides tools, resources, and assistance necessary to help individuals create and facilitate a successful job search plan—walk-in welcome.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) December 15 | 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Owens Community College will be on hand to discuss the different adult learning paths that Owens offers and the financial assistance opportunities available, including grants and scholarships.
Building for the future:
A digital copy of the full 200-plus page facilities master plan is available upon request.
Branch overview (based on 2018 data)
Service population: 13,315 (3.1% of total service population)
Median age: 37.1
Households with children: 27.6%
Households: 5,822
Mean household income: $36,072
Population living below the poverty line: 41%
Gross square feet: 17,172 square feet
Year constructed: expanded in 2011
Collection size: 36,602 items
Programs: 442 in 2018
Meeting room size: 2,215 square feet
Meeting room capacity: 206 people (meeting room is sub-dividable)
General Observations
- This is a busy, well-used branch.
- The building feels cluttered.
- The spaces seem very segmented and not unified.
- Consider reorganizing the building.
In spring 2024, the Library sent a survey to the Lucas County community to learn what you love about your Library and how we could improve our buildings to better meet your needs. This is what 36 Kent neighbors said they wanted in an updated space.
| Rank |
Services and amenities |
Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Expanded children’s areas |
25.00% |
| 2 |
Expanded adult areas |
22.22% |
| 3 | More study spaces |
22.22% |
| 4 |
More technology |
22.22% |
| 5 |
More Maker Spaces |
19.44% |
| 6 |
Additional programming space |
16.67% |
| 7 |
Expanded teen areas |
16.67% |
| 8 |
Access to drive-through, pick-up, and drop-off services |
13.89% |
| 9 |
Greater access to audio/visual equipment |
13.89% |
| 10 |
Larger and/or additional meeting room spaces |
11.11% |
Construction phase: Q2 2030 – Q# 2030
Dates are approximate and subject to change.
Q1 2030 | Dates and locations will be shared as soon as available
The Kent Branch first opened in 1917 and was the first full-service location. In 1974, a fire destroyed the original Branch. The Library then operated temporarily out of a storefront on Collingwood Boulevard. The new Branch opened in 1976 at its current location in the former Academy of Medicine Building. In 2010, the Library received a $2.2 million federal stimulus grant for broadband, which enabled remodeling the building, hiring additional staff, and adding more computers.
The Art Tatum African American Resource Center, located in the Kent Branch Library, provides historical and educational information on African American culture and heritage. Established in 1989, the Tatum Center Collection comprises nearly 10,000 materials, including books, magazines, videos, and photos for all ages.
