books displayed on a shelf in the kent branch art tatum center

About the collection

Established in December 1989, the Art Tatum African American Resource Center maintains nearly 4,000 printed sources and documentary materials for the study of Black history and culture.
 
The Resource Center, a dedicated space located inside of the Kent Branch in Toledo’s historic Old West End neighborhood, is named in honor of town native Art Tatum (1901-1956), whose long and noteworthy contributions to jazz piano nurture the Center’s lifelong learning and local community partnership initiatives.
 
The Resource Center hosts quarterly public programs available to all Library customers. The Center is also home to the Erdene Cole Oral History of Lucas County Collection, covering various aspects of social and organizational life in the African American community. Additionally, the work of local artists is regularly exhibited within Kent Branch’s public art spaces.

The Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s Art Tatum African American Resource Center is named after the internationally known jazz pianist and strives to inspire the residents of his hometown to personal perseverance and creative talent. Located in the Kent Branch Library, schools, church groups, university students, study groups and residents of Northwest Ohio and beyond utilize the Tatum Center’s resources, which serves all ages.
 
Members of the Art Tatum African American Resource Center Board will act in an advisory capacity regarding materials selection, program selection, and the Center’s focus.
 
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through June 1, 2026.
 
 

Women’s History Bibliography, Tatum, 2025
 
Tatum Center: AP African American Studies Selective Bibliography
 
Negro Leagues Baseball
 
Tatum Summer Essentials, O, Freedom! 2024
 
Best of Tatum Cooking Guidebooks
 
Celebrating 45 years of Black Music Month

Faithful Servitude: Noliwe Rooks on Mary McCleod Bethune and 3 Other Books on the African American Icon
 
Celebrate Black History Month with These Books by Black Muslims
 
100 Years of Sleeping Car Porters
 
Best Books of 2024 Art Tatum African American Resource Center
 
9 Books about the Tulsa Race Massacre for Black History Month
 
Kwanzaa and the Meaning of Unity
 
All Praises: Remembering Poet Nikki Giovanni
 
Best Books 2024: Black Girl Magic
 
Then and Now: Toledo’s Black-Owned Business Leaders
 
15 Ways to Wrap Up James Baldwin Centenary

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.

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.

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.

Camp Delaware: The American Civil War and Colored Troops

A Film By Community Arts Network

(Th) July 30 | 6 — 7 p.m. | Main Library

An immersive journey through American Civil War history, focusing on the powerful story of the 5th United States Colored Infantry Regiment. 30 min, unrated, with Q&A from the filmmakers following.

Women in Politics

Steinem Sisters/Art Tatum Resource Center Collaboration

(W) August 12 | 6:30 — 8 p.m. | Kent

The Steinem Sisters Collection and the Art Tatum African American Resource Center are collaborating on a special Talking Circle focusing on Women in Politics.