South
1736 Broadway St.,
Toledo, Ohio 43609
419-259-5395
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.
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.
This branch provides a continuous Friends of the Library mini Book Sale area.
Programs:
Learn & Play Storytime with WGTE
(Th) September 24 | 10 — 10:45 a.m. | South
A special storytime utilizing beloved PBS KIDS programming and characters.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) September 29 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) October 13 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) October 27 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) November 10 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) November 24 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) December 8 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) December 22 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Cyanotype Prints
(M) September 28 | 4 — 5 p.m. | South
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.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) September 29 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Tinkering Takeover
(Tu) September 29 | 5:30 — 7:30 p.m. | South
Enjoy interactive science and engineering with a spark of creativity during Imagination Station's Tinkering Takeover.
Batty about Bats! with Metroparks Toledo
(Tu) October 6 | 5 — 5:45 p.m. | South
Learn the truth about some of nature’s most fascinating creatures and dispel some of the spooky myths surrounding them!
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) October 13 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) October 27 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Halloween Craft Party
(Tu) October 27 | 5 — 6 p.m. | South
Are you ready to put a spooky twist on some fun projects? We'll provide all you need to craft your way to Halloween!
Fun Fall Mosaic with Molly Miller
(Tu) November 3 | 5 — 5:45 p.m. | South
Create a fall-themed mosaic picture by gluing small colorful pieces together to form an autumn design.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) November 10 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Spin Art with Spin and Splat Art Studio
(Tu) November 10 | 5 — 6 p.m. | South
Unleash your inner artist to spin up your own masterpiece.
Fall Craft Fun!
(Tu) November 17 | 5 — 6 p.m. | South
What helps you enjoy autumn? Fluttering leaves, bonfires and trips to the orchard all make fall special. Make a craft to remember and celebrate the wonder of Fall!
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) November 24 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Lotus Flower Tealights
(M) November 30 | 4:30 — 5:30 p.m. | South
Layer paper petals and press them together to make this gently glowing tealight that looks just like a lotus flower!
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) December 8 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Handmade Holiday
(F) December 18 | 1:55 — 2:55 p.m. | South
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!
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) December 22 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Craft Through the Chill!
(Tu) January 12 | 5 — 6 p.m. | South
These winter-themed crafts will help you bear the chilly winter season.
Create and Learn
(Tu) January 19 | 5 — 6 p.m. | South
This fun STEAM-based program will allow you to innovate, create, and problem-solve while working with others.
I LOVE to Craft
(M) February 8 | 4:45 — 5:30 p.m. | South
If you love to craft, celebrate Valentine’s Day and show your love to others by making something special for them!
Tinkercad for Teens
(Tu) February 9 | 5 — 6 p.m. | South
Discover the basics of 3D modeling with Tinkercad, a free online, introductory 3D modeling software. Design your own models and learn more about 3D printing at the Library.
Personalize a Yarn Letter
(Tu) February 16 | 5 — 6 p.m. | South
Cut out the initial for your name and wrap a lasting yarn creation to decorate your room or door.
Mixed Media Winterscape with Molly Miller
(Tu) February 23 | 5 — 6 p.m. | South
Using paint, collage and a variety of other art techniques, we will stay warm while creating a cool winter landscape.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) September 29 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Teen Fear Factor
(M) October 12 | 4:30 — 5:30 p.m. | South
Conquer your fears through gross, messy, and fun challenges.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) October 13 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Herb Gardens for Teens with Sow and Reap Gardens
(Tu) October 13 | 5 — 6 p.m. | South
Learn how to grow culinary herbs and plant a small herb container to take home with expert gardener Felicia Roberts-Dunston.
Scary Snacks & Scarier Stories!
(Tu) October 20 | 5 — 6 p.m. | South
Celebrate spooky season by writing your scariest story. Don’t forget the blood-curdling and goosebump inducing details! Afterwards, enjoy a deliciously scary treat, but watch out for wriggling worms!
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) October 27 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) November 10 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) November 24 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) December 8 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Teen Hot Chocolate Party
(Tu) December 8 | 5 — 7 p.m. | South
Enjoy a tasty treat and easy craft at our Teen Hot Chocolate Party.
Sew Your Own Ornament
(Tu) December 15 | 5 — 6 p.m. | South
Create your own felt winter ornament! Learn to use a needle and thread to sew simple stitches and attach a button.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) December 22 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Teen Vision Boards
(Tu) January 5 | 5 — 6 p.m. | South
Create a vision board as a reminder to stay motivated to achieve future goals.
Keychain Journal for Teens
with Create & Xpress
(Tu) January 26 | 5 — 6 p.m. | South
Design a mini notebook keychain filled with journal prompts and affirmations.
Crafts for Teens
(Tu) February 2 | 5 — 6 p.m. | South
A fun program where teens can explore creativity through DIY projects and seasonal crafts. Teens will have the opportunity to learn new techniques and take home their unique creations.
Tinkercad for Teens
(Tu) February 9 | 5 — 6 p.m. | South
Discover the basics of 3D modeling with Tinkercad, a free online, introductory 3D modeling software. Design your own models and learn more about 3D printing at the Library.
Latin-Inspired Appetizers
Provided by the Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center
(Tu) September 22 | 6 — 7 p.m. | South
Join us in learning how to make flavorful Latin-inspired appetizers.
Autumn Cookie Decorating
(M) September 28 | 6 — 7 p.m. | South
Decorate autumn cookies with Brookie's Cookies. In order to allow as many people as possible to enjoy these very popular classes, please only register for this class at one location.
Northwest Ohio Pathways HUB
(F) October 9 | 10 a.m. — noon | South
The Pathways HUB system is a free program to help connect you to medical and social services throughout the community.
Upcycled Bookmark Making with TC Acrylics
(M) October 19 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | South
In this hands-on class, you’ll create your own custom bookmark using upcycled pieces from original pour paintings—each one filled with color, movement, and story.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Tu) October 20 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | South
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.
Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County
(W) October 21 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | South
Speak with a representative from the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board about local agencies that provide mental health help, addiction treatment, and area support groups.
Lucas County Benefit Bridge Assistance
(M) October 26 | 1 — 5 p.m. | South
Meet with a Lucas County Benefit Bridge representative to see if you qualify for the program, have questions answered, and apply.
Northwest Ohio Pathways HUB
(F) November 13 | 10 a.m. — noon | South
The Pathways HUB system is a free program to help connect you to medical and social services throughout the community.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Tu) November 17 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | South
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.
Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County
(W) November 18 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | South
Speak with a representative from the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board about local agencies that provide mental health help, addiction treatment, and area support groups.
Northwest Ohio Pathways HUB
(F) December 11 | 10 a.m. — noon | South
The Pathways HUB system is a free program to help connect you to medical and social services throughout the community.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Tu) December 15 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | South
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.
Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County
(W) December 16 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | South
Speak with a representative from the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board about local agencies that provide mental health help, addiction treatment, and area support groups.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Tu) January 19 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | South
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
(Tu) February 16 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | South
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
(Tu) March 16 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | South
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
(Tu) April 20 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | South
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
(Tu) May 18 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | South
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
(Tu) June 15 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | South
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
(Tu) July 20 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | South
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
(Tu) August 17 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | South
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:
A digital copy of the full 200-plus page facilities master plan is available upon request.
Branch overview (based on 2018 data)
Service population: 5,1531 (1.21% of total service population)
Median age: 28
Households with children: 39.9%
Households: 1,907
Mean household income: $37,640
Population living below the poverty line: 33%
Gross square feet: 7,684 square feet
Year constructed: 2004
Collection size: 21,410 items
Programs: 116 in 2018
Meeting room size: 661 square feet
Meeting room capacity: 100 people
General Observations
- Need to balance the collection with seating and technology.
- The children’s area needs to be reworked and incorporate more interactive elements.
- There is no place now for parents to sit in the children’s area.
- The space needs to be visible for oversight and have activities for kids to do.
- The current meeting room is too small.
- The service point is located deep into the space and may be difficult to locate upon entry.
- The location of the self-checkout is not very intuitive.
- Consider relocating the self-checkout so patrons see them as they exit the building.
- When you enter the building, you don’t know where to go.
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 18 South neighbors said they wanted in an updated space.
| Rank |
Services and amenities |
Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Expanded children’s areas |
22.22% |
| 2 |
Expanded teen areas |
22.22% |
| 3 |
More study spaces |
22.22% |
| 4 |
Access to drive-through, pick-up, and drop-off services |
16.67% |
| 5 |
Expanded adult areas |
16.67% |
| 6 |
Larger and/or additional meeting room spaces |
16.67% |
| 7 |
Greater access to audio/visual equipment |
11.11% |
| 8 |
More Maker Spaces |
11.11% |
| 9 |
More technology |
11.11% |
| 10 |
Additional programming space |
5.56% |
Construction phase: Q1 2030 – Q2 2030
Dates are approximate and subject to change.
Q1 2029 | Dates and locations will be shared as soon as available
As a renowned Library philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie provided funds for the South Branch Library, which opened on Jan. 16, 1918. The South Branch has been an asset to the Old South End community. South serves a multicultural and diverse neighborhood, specializing in Latino culture with collections in English and Spanish. In 2004, the South Branch relocated to its current location. This new modern building features glass walls and original Latino artwork.
Non-fiction titles like gardening, crafts, hobbies, medicine, and philosophy are available in the Hispanic Collection at the South Branch. Many fiction titles are available, including classics and modern works, books by established Spanish-language authors, and translations of popular English fiction.
The collection represents many Spanish-speaking countries and features books by Latino-American, Latin-American, and Spanish authors. The collection contains Spanish children’s books with English translations. Music, movies, and subtitled content are also available.
