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A vision for the new Consolidated Branch


Your Library
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 364 Heatherdowns and Toledo Heights neighbors said they wanted in a new space:

Rank

Services and amenities

Percentage
1

Access to drive-through, pick-up, and drop-off services

40.29%
2

Expanded children’s areas

29.36%
3

More technology

26.51%
4

Expanded teen areas

26.21%
5

Expanded adult areas

23.37%
6

More study spaces

16.31%
7

More Maker Spaces

16.11%
8

Larger and/or additional meeting room spaces

13.36%
9

Greater access to audio/visual equipment

11.00%
10

Additional programming space

9.43%

The needs and wants indicated in this survey surpass what we can accomplish at the current Heatherdowns and Toledo Heights locations in terms of physical branch space, acreage, and overall construction costs. At Heatherdowns, design and construction estimators have told us the most efficient use of tax dollars would be to source and build a new property in the area. Toledo Heights faces the same situation: wants and needs exceeding the current space, with extremely high costs to redevelop the branch, even from an accessibility standpoint. The high renovation costs, combined with recent state legislature cuts to the Public Library Fund in June 2025, pushed us to decide on building a new branch that will replace the existing Toledo Heights and Heatherdowns Branches.

This new consolidated branch will offer flexible spaces, improved access, and an environment designed around our customers’ needs as outlined in the survey results. The new branch will be at 0 Detroit Avenue (next to WGTE) and will be designed to make the building feel like a natural part of the large acreage, with a thoughtful approach that respects the adjacent neighborhoods. The property is about 1.5 miles from the previous two locations and is served by TARTA.

Our expected timeline
Community feedback and engagement: Q2 through Q4 2026
Design phase: Q1 through Q4 2026
Construction: Q1 2027 through Q1 2028
Opening: Q2 2028
Heatherdowns to close: Q2 2028
Dates are approximate and subject to change.

Your support
We are committed to keeping your Library as strong as possible in this time of reduced funding for community services. Part of that work will be to responsibly invest your tax dollars from the $153 million bond Lucas County voters approved in 2024. These tax dollars are fully restricted and can be used only for the building and construction projects we asked voters to support, including the new consolidated branch.

This community investment will help us preserve a strong library presence in Lucas County. We know how much the community loves the Library, and we will do our best to build a sustainable organization in the face of uncertain funding.

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 Toledo Heights Branch. Key takeaways for the Heatherdowns Branch can be found on its location page. 

A digital copy of the full 200-plus page facilities master plan is available upon request.

Branch overview (based on 2018 data)

Service population: 14,053 (3.29% of total service population)
Median age: 32
Households with children: 28.2%
Households: 5,421
Mean household income: $39,427
Population living below the property line: 24.98%
Gross square feet: 11,119 square feet
Year constructed: 1935, expanded in 1998 and again in 2009
Collection size: 26,503 items
Programs: 139 in 2018
Meeting room size: 1,359square feet
Meeting room capacity: 99 people

General Observations

  • The library site is land-locked and limits the possibility for expansion.
  • A cost analysis for adding an elevator was done and a meeting room addition was to be a more cost effective solution.
  • No longer advertise the downstairs meeting room due to lack of ADA accessibility.
  • The children’s area is not sufficient.
  • Computer stations/technology areas seem cobbled together.
  • The main entry into the building is located at the opposite end from the parking lot.
  • The building layout could use reconfiguration overall.
  • The exterior is attractive and charming.
  • The interior has rich finishes in the use of wood, but the level of detailing is disappointing (like the exposed brick wall).
  • A solution should be presented that can address the meeting room downstairs and provide ADA access.
  • Overall accessibility issues will need to be addressed (limited access to restrooms, staff break room upstairs, lower level meeting room)
  • Extensive renovation is needed.

Nov. 26, 2025: The Library closed on the property located at 0 South Detroit Ave. With this important step complete, the Library is moving forward with the procurement process for an architect to plan and design the new location.

Oct. 28, 2025: Toledo City Council voted to approve the rezoning of the parcel from light industrial to office/commercial. This rezone takes effect immediately. The next step is to work with the landowner to release any remaining contingencies and finalize the property closing date. Once the title of the property has been transferred to the Library, we will initiate the procurement process for an architect to plan and design the new location.

Oct. 23, 2025:  Toledo City Council Housing and Community Development Committee passed the zoning request to the full City Council without a recommendation.

Oct. 9, 2025: Planning Commission hearing for zoning change. Commission approves request, which moves to Toledo City Council Housing and Community Development Committee.

Sept. 2025: Contingency offer made pending due diligence for site evaluation and zoning requirements.

Sept. 2025: Potential property identified. 

 

Q2 through Q4 2026 | 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.