Birmingham
203 Paine Ave.,
Toledo, Ohio 43605
419-259-5210
Email Manager Celeste Felix
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:
Summer Read with NFL star Chris Wormley
(W) June 10 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Birmingham
Sign up for Summer Read and meet Toledo native and current NFL defensive end, Chris Wormley.
It's Electric with Imagination Station
(W) June 10 | 2:30 — 3:15 p.m. | Birmingham
Explore electric energy—how it works, where it comes from, and how we use it—through natural resources, circuits, and solar power, simple circuits spin motors, creating art.
Van Gogh–Inspired Hot Air Balloon Collage with Molly Miller
(W) June 24 | 2:30 — 3:15 p.m. | Birmingham
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.
Andrew Martin's Fun and Fantasy, Comedy-Magic Show
(Tu) June 30 | 2:30 — 3:15 p.m. | Birmingham
Mind blowing magic mixed with zany comedy antics. All ages are invited to reset their wondermeters as they experience the award winning magic of Andrew Martin. Fun for the whole family!
Roz Puppets presents Dinosaur Pirates
(W) July 15 | 2:30 — 3:15 p.m. | Birmingham
Hit the high seas with a story of prehistoric proportions! Dinosaur Pirates is a treasure chest of music, antics, and audience participation. Come enjoy a story to sink your teeth into!
Artist Trading Cards
(W) July 22 | 2:30 — 3:15 p.m. | Birmingham
Make these small cards into special works of art you can trade with friends.
Super Science: A Journey Into Space with Reed Steele
(W) July 29 | 2:30 — 3:15 p.m. | Birmingham
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).
Twisted Tie-Dye
(W) August 5 | 2:30 — 3:30 p.m. | Birmingham
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.
Be a Summer Read VolunTEEN
(W) June 3 | 3 — 5 p.m. | Birmingham
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!
Summer Read with NFL star Chris Wormley
(W) June 10 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Birmingham
Sign up for Summer Read and meet Toledo native and current NFL defensive end, Chris Wormley.
Tote Bag Sewing
(Tu) June 16 | 3 — 4:30 p.m. | Birmingham
In this beginner friendly sewing program, you'll learn the basics of using a sewing machine and take home a fun summery tote bag!
Henna Art
with Jen from Henna Muse
(M) July 13 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Birmingham
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.
Twisted Tie-Dye
(W) August 5 | 2:30 — 3:30 p.m. | Birmingham
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.
Create a Victorian Bouquet
(Tu) June 2 | 6 — 7 p.m. | Birmingham
Discover the fascinating history of the Victorian tussy mussy bouquet, then create your own and bring some extra freshness to your day.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) June 9 | 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.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) June 23 | 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.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) July 14 | 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.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) July 28 | 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.
Create a Classic Charcuterie
(Tu) August 4 | 6 — 7 p.m. | Birmingham
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) August 11 | 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.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) August 25 | 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.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) September 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.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) September 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.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) October 13 | 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.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) October 27 | 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
