Birmingham
203 Paine Ave.,
Toledo, Ohio 43605
419-259-5210
Email Manager Rachel Stewart
M-Tu: 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
W-F: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sa-Su: Closed
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.
Programs:
Why Trees Matter: Papermaking with KTLCB
(M) November 9 | 4:30 — 5:15 p.m. | Birmingham
Learn the importance of trees and their impact on the environment with Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful. Simulating a recycling facility we will turn old paper into paper pulp then into new paper.
Tinkering Takeover
(Tu) November 17 | 3:45 — 5:45 p.m. | Birmingham
Enjoy interactive science and engineering with a spark of creativity during Imagination Station's Tinkering Takeover.
Handmade Holiday
(M) December 7 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Birmingham
In this season of giving, enjoy an opportunity to make a gift to share with someone special. Be prepared, your gift will be sure to make them grin!
Mixed Media Winterscape with Molly Miller
(Tu) January 19 | 4:30 — 5:15 p.m. | Birmingham
Using paint, collage and a variety of other art techniques, we will stay warm while creating a cool winter landscape.
I LOVE to Craft
(M) February 1 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Birmingham
If you love to craft, celebrate Valentine’s Day and show your love to others by making something special for them!
Kandi Club
(M) November 16 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Birmingham
String pony beads into fantastic patterns in the Kandi style! Make new friends while you collaborate with other creative teens on your colorful Kandi accessories.
Make it!
(Tu) December 15 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Birmingham
Learn a new craft skill and make something amazing to take home in this fun DIY program!
Tote Bag Decorating for Teens
with Spin & Splat
(M) January 11 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Birmingham
Design and decorate a canvas tote bag using a variety of artistic techniques and materials. All materials provided.
Make it!
(M) January 25 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Birmingham
Learn a new craft skill and make something amazing to take home in this fun DIY program!
Teen Vision Boards
(Tu) January 26 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Birmingham
Create a vision board as a reminder to stay motivated to achieve future goals.
Make it!
(Tu) February 16 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Birmingham
Learn a new craft skill and make something amazing to take home in this fun DIY program!
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) November 5 | noon — 2 p.m. | Birmingham
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) November 10 | 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Birmingham
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.
Birmingham Book Club
The Women by Kristin Hannah
(Tu) November 17 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Birmingham
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.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) November 24 | 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Birmingham
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.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) December 3 | noon — 2 p.m. | Birmingham
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) December 8 | 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Birmingham
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.
Birmingham Book Club
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
(Tu) December 15 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Birmingham
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.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) December 22 | 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Birmingham
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.
Essential Oils for Everyday Use
with Witchy Vibes
(Tu) January 5 | 6 — 7:30 p.m. | Birmingham
Learn about ten essential oils and how to blend them for everyday use in your home. Each participant will customize their own unique blend in a roller bottle to take home.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) January 7 | noon — 2 p.m. | Birmingham
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
Birmingham Book Club
The Last Mona Lisa by Jonathan Santlofer
(Tu) January 19 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Birmingham
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.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) February 4 | noon — 2 p.m. | Birmingham
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
Birmingham Book Club
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict
(Tu) February 16 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Birmingham
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.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) March 4 | noon — 2 p.m. | Birmingham
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) April 1 | noon — 2 p.m. | Birmingham
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
Lucas County Benefit Bridge Assistance
(M) April 12 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Birmingham
Meet with a Lucas County Benefit Bridge representative to see if you qualify for the program, have questions answered, and apply.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) May 6 | noon — 2 p.m. | Birmingham
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) June 3 | noon — 2 p.m. | Birmingham
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) July 1 | noon — 2 p.m. | Birmingham
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) August 5 | noon — 2 p.m. | Birmingham
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) September 2 | noon — 2 p.m. | Birmingham
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) October 7 | noon — 2 p.m. | Birmingham
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
Building for the future:
In 2019, the Toledo Library enlisted HBM Architects and Interior Designers to develop a facilities master plan that examined its locations and provided a list of priorities and recommendations to help move TLCPL forward. This working plan was based on data collected during 2018 and continues to evolve based on the changing needs of the communities the Library serves. Below are key takeaways for the Birmingham Branch.
A digital copy of the full 200-plus page facilities master plan is available upon request.
Branch overview (based on 2018 data)
Service population: 5,524 (1.3% of total service population)
Median age: 30.5
Households with children: 38.5%
Households: 2,099
Mean household income: $32,369
Population living below the poverty line: 34.75%
Gross square feet: 7,847 square feet
Year constructed: 1925, expanded in 2003
Collection size: 16,753 items
Programs: 215 in 2018
Meeting room size: 2,365 square feet
Meeting room capacity: 100 people
General Observations
- Although the site is limited, there is a possibility to acquire nearby plots of land for potential future expansion.
- The library is located adjacent to an elementary school which brings in a lot of kids after school.
- Zoning and configuration seem intuitive.
- Great neighborhood library.
- The building is clearly well-used and a loved community asset.
- There are currently no tutor or study rooms. Is this something that should be considered?
- The dual meeting spaces are nice but could use better storage.
- The lower level meeting space seems under-utilized.
- Nice seating areas for adults but they aren’t as fully developed as they could be.
- Nice circulation desk and workroom arrangement — open and flexible.
- Consider adding displays to the perimeter shelving.
- Consider rotating the stacks near the public computers for improved visibility and creating shorter ranges.
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 254 Birmingham neighbors said they wanted in an updated space.
| Rank |
Services and amenities |
Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Access to drive-through, pick-up, and drop-off services |
45.28% |
| 2 |
Expanded children’s areas |
20.47% |
| 3 |
More technology |
17.72% |
| 4 |
Expanded adult areas |
17.32% |
| 5 |
More study spaces |
14.96% |
| 6 |
More Maker Spaces |
14.57% |
| 7 |
Expanded teen areas |
14.17% |
| 8 |
Greater access to audio/visual equipment |
10.24% |
| 9 |
Larger and/or additional meeting room spaces |
9.06% |
| 10 |
Additional programming space |
7.09% |
Construction phase: Q1 2030 – Q2 2030
Dates are approximate and subject to change.
Q2 2029 | Dates and locations will be shared as soon as available
We’d love to come talk to your neighborhood, school, association, or any other community group about the new consolidated branch or any of the Toledo Library’s building projects. Request a time for us to come see you. Please allow five business days to reply.
The Birmingham Branch opened in 1920 in the East Side Community House before moving to its current location in 1930. In 2003, the facility underwent an expansion that doubled its size, allowing it to host more children’s programs than any other Branch in Lucas County. Birmingham offers a special collection of materials related to the Hungarian language and culture. Special features include stained-glass panels and a mural depicting the Hungarian heritage of the Birmingham community.
The Birmingham Cultural Center is a collection of books and historical documents in English and Hungarian. The collection celebrates the rich Hungarian heritage of the neighborhood and includes historic photographs of life, artwork, clothing, and dolls in authentic Hungarian costume.
