BRINGING OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER

The BIG IDEA is TLCPL’s action plan to build, improve and grow in inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. An essential part of this work is providing our community with resources and materials that inform, challenge, and inspire people to learn more about our shared human experience.

Throughout April, we celebrate Arab American Heritage Month to honor the diverse contributions and experiences of individuals with Arab heritage in the United States. This annual observance fosters a deeper understanding of the Arab-American narrative and encourages the appreciation of the myriad ways in which individuals of Arab descent have enriched the cultural fabric of the nation. Listen to an interview with former Toledo mayor Michael Damas, the first Arab-American mayor of a large U.S. city.
 

Find the full list of programs and other BIG IDEA initiatives below.

 

Human Library

(Sa) April 27 | noon — 3 p.m. | Main Library

A Human Library is where "books" are real people that "readers" check out to discuss shared experiences, differing perspectives, challenge bias, stereotype and prejudice through personal conversation.

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Kimono Culture

(Tu) April 30 | 5:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Toledo Heights

This informative overview will cover yukata basics, kimono accessories, tools to help you get dressed, seasonality and other tips for wearing kimono.

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Sanger Teens Book Group

(W) May 1 | 12 a.m. — 11:59 p.m. | Sanger

A read and complete at your own pace program, featuring a different book title each month chosen specifically for 9-12 grade level readers. Continues all month long.

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Savory Tarts with Sur le Pouce

(W) May 1 | 6 — 7:30 p.m. | Holland

Create your own savory tart in this fun French cooking class.

Register

Music and Movement Playdate

(M) May 6 | 11 a.m. — noon | King Road

A playdate complete with dance, music and stories! This mixed-ability playtime, for children ages 2-5, is offered in partnership with Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Register

Meet Children's Author A. Kidd

(M) May 6 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Maumee

Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a reading of Yasuko and the Dream Eater by local author, Angela Shinozaki including special activities after the reading.

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Sound Bath with Singing Bowls

(M) May 6 | 4:30 — 5:30 p.m. | Point Place

Relax to the sounds of a singing bowl sound bath performance by local artist Jennifer Bak. We invite you to bring your own yoga mat, wear comfortable clothes, and meditate with us at your library!

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Kimono Culture

(M) May 6 | 6 — 7 p.m. | Reynolds Corners

This informative overview will cover yukata basics, kimono accessories, tools to help you get dressed, seasonality and other tips for wearing kimono.

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Savory Tarts with Sur le Pouce

(M) May 6 | 6 — 7:30 p.m. | Waterville

Create your own savory tart in this fun French cooking class.

Register

Steinem Sisters Collection Book Club

The Leavers by Lisa Ko

(M) May 6 | 7 — 8 p.m. | Sanger

A discussion group dedicated to feminist reading from the Library's Steinem Sisters Collection.

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Meet Children's Author A. Kidd

(Tu) May 7 | 3:30 — 4:30 p.m. | Sanger

Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a reading of Yasuko and the Dream Eater by local author, Angela Shinozaki including special activities after the reading.

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Sound Bath with Singing Bowls

(Tu) May 7 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Sylvania

Relax to the sounds of a singing bowl sound bath performance by local artist Jennifer Bak. We invite you to bring your own yoga mat, wear comfortable clothes, and meditate with us at your library!

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Washington Book Club

The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka

(Tu) May 7 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Washington

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.

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Waterville Book Club

The Family Chao by Lan Samantha Chang

(Tu) May 7 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Waterville

Good conversation, friendly faces and great books - that's what book group is all about. We're looking forward to seeing you at our lively and engaging book discussion.

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Kimono Culture

(W) May 8 | 5 — 6 p.m. | Oregon

This informative overview will cover yukata basics, kimono accessories, tools to help you get dressed, seasonality and other tips for wearing kimono.

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Point Place Book Club

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See

(Th) May 9 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Point Place

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.

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Movie and a Craft

(Sa) May 11 | 10 a.m. — noon | King Road

A young mermaid makes a deal with a sea witch to trade her beautiful voice for human legs so she can discover the world above water and impress a prince.

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Movie and a Craft

(Sa) May 11 | 2 — 3:30 p.m. | Main Library

A young mermaid makes a deal with a sea witch to trade her beautiful voice for human legs so she can discover the world above water and impress a prince.

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Kimono Culture

(M) May 13 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Main Library

This informative overview will cover yukata basics, kimono accessories, tools to help you get dressed, seasonality and other tips for wearing kimono.

Read More

Sound Bath with Singing Bowls

(M) May 13 | 5:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Oregon

Relax to the sounds of a singing bowl sound bath performance by local artist Jennifer Bak. We invite you to bring your own yoga mat, wear comfortable clothes, and meditate with us at your library!

Read More

Sanger Mystery Book Club

All the Sinners Bleed - S.A. Cosby

(M) May 13 | 6 — 7 p.m. | Sanger

Put on your detective hats and uncover clues as we read and discuss thrilling mystery novels.

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Savory Tarts with Sur le Pouce

(M) May 13 | 6 — 7:30 p.m. | Toledo Heights

Create your own savory tart in this fun French cooking class.

Register

Authors! with Ilyon Woo

(Tu) May 14 | 7 — 8 p.m. | Main Library

Join us for Authors! with Ilyon Woo to learn more about the story behind the lives of William and Ellen Craft and their journey from enslavement to freedom.

Register

Books on Tap

Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li

(W) May 15 | 7:30 — 8:30 p.m. | Library in the Community

Talk books, socialize, and relax with a cold one at Patron Saints Brewery, located at 4730 W Bancroft St #8, Toledo, OH 43615. 21 and over only.

Register

Teen Self Defense with Ohio Martial Arts

(Th) May 16 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Birmingham

Senpai Shelly Blanco with Ohio Martial Arts makes self-defense quick, easy, and fun!

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TPS State of Education Address and Community Forum

(Th) May 16 | 5:30 — 6:40 p.m. | Main Library

To celebrate the historic passage of Brown v. The Board of Education, Toledo Public Schools Board of Education will host a "state of education" address, sharing district wins, improvements, and goals.

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Kimono Culture

(Th) May 16 | 6 — 7 p.m. | Maumee

This informative overview will cover yukata basics, kimono accessories, tools to help you get dressed, seasonality and other tips for wearing kimono.

Read More

Meet Children's Author A. Kidd

(Sa) May 18 | 10 — 11 a.m. | King Road

Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a reading of Yasuko and the Dream Eater by local author, Angela Shinozaki including special activities after the reading.

Read More

Meet Children's Author A. Kidd

(Sa) May 18 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Heatherdowns

Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a reading of Yasuko and the Dream Eater by local author, Angela Shinozaki including special activities after the reading.

Read More

Sound Bath with Singing Bowls

(M) May 20 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Waterville

Relax to the sounds of a singing bowl sound bath performance by local artist Jennifer Bak. We invite you to bring your own yoga mat, wear comfortable clothes, and meditate with us at your library!

Read More

Kimono Culture

(M) May 20 | 4 — 5 p.m. | West Toledo

This informative overview will cover yukata basics, kimono accessories, tools to help you get dressed, seasonality and other tips for wearing kimono.

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Small Town PRIDE!

Southernmost by Silas House

(M) May 20 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Holland

A traveling book group rotating between different small-town library locations.

Register

West Toledo Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club

Noor by Nnedi Okorafor

(Tu) May 21 | 7 — 8 p.m. | West Toledo

Good conversation, friendly faces and great books - that's what book group is all about. We're looking forward to seeing you at our lively and engaging book discussion.

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Savory Tarts with Sur le Pouce

(W) May 22 | 6 — 7:30 p.m. | Main Library

Create your own savory tart in this fun French cooking class.

Register

Kimono Culture

(W) May 22 | 6 — 7 p.m. | Waterville

This informative overview will cover yukata basics, kimono accessories, tools to help you get dressed, seasonality and other tips for wearing kimono.

Read More

Movie and a Craft

(Tu) May 28 | 3 — 4:30 p.m. | South

A young mermaid makes a deal with a sea witch to trade her beautiful voice for human legs so she can discover the world above water and impress a prince.

Read More

BIG IDEA Book Club

Biting the Hand: Growing Up Asian in Black and White America

(Tu) May 28 | 5:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Online Programs

A discussion group dedicated to diverse voices, perspectives, and authors. We'll aim to construct a meaningful conversation about anti-racism and embrace the diversity of our community.

Register

Movie and a Craft (Moana-PG)

(W) May 29 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Kent

Come celebrate the beginning of summer and watch a movie with friends.

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Rice around the World

(F) May 31 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Lagrange

Every culture has a unique way of cooking. Learn about a new culture every month as we recreate a rice dish.

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Steinem Sisters Collection Book Club

Remembrance by Rita Woods

(M) June 3 | 7 — 8 p.m. | Sanger

A discussion group dedicated to feminist reading from the Library's Steinem Sisters Collection.

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Training on Serving Skilled Immigrants and Refugees

(W) June 5 | 8:30 a.m. — noon | Library in the Community

Attend a free training session in advancing the inclusion of internationally trained and experienced immigrants and refugees into the workforce.

Register

Inclusive Storytime

(Th) June 6 | 10 — 11 a.m. | King Road

In partnership with the Ability Center, parents and children are invited to talk, sing, read, write and play as we share stories, music and movement. Parent discussion and play will follow storytime.

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Better Toledo | Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

(Th) June 6 | 3 — 5 p.m. | Main Library

Learn about disability etiquette, language usage, respectful interactions; best practices for fostering a disability-inclusive workplace culture; tips for recruiting, hiring, and supporting employees

Register

Multilingual Social Night at Library Language Café

(Th) June 13 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Main Library

Speak another language? Learning to speak another language? Join us for an evening of practicing your language skills! All ages, languages, and abilities are welcome!

Register

Pride & Poetry

(Th) June 13 | 6:30 — 8:30 p.m. | Reynolds Corners

Read, share, watch, and experience poetry about and by LGBTQIA+ authors - and share your own.

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Sylvania Book Club

Conjure Women by Afia Atakora

(Th) June 13 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Sylvania

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. Registration Required.

Register

Pen to Palette Book Discussion with Toledo Museum of Art

(Sa) June 15 | 1 — 2 p.m. | Library in the Community

Interested in the intersections of art and prose? Read a book, then meet in-person for a personalized tour featuring objects, arts and cultures from our chosen book.

Register

Rice around the World

(M) June 17 | 3 — 4 p.m. | Lagrange

Every culture has a unique way of cooking. Learn about a new culture every month as we recreate a rice dish.

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Reproductive Justice with Solace Health & Wellness

Steinem Sisters Collection Talking Circle

(Th) June 20 | 6:30 — 8 p.m. | Maumee

Solace Health & Wellness owner, Erin Martin, will join us for a discussion on reproductive justice: what it means, where we are today, and what we can do in the future.

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BIG IDEA Book Club

All That She Carried by Tiya Miles

(Tu) June 25 | 5:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Online Programs

A discussion group dedicated to diverse voices, perspectives, and authors. We'll aim to construct a meaningful conversation about anti-racism and embrace the diversity of our community.

Register

Online Romance Book Club

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

(W) June 26 | 7 — 8 p.m. | Online Programs

Are you sick of being shamed for loving romance? Join our Online Romance Book Club! From enemies-to-lovers to regency era, fantasy to fake-relationship, we'll read and chat across the romance genre!

Register

Steinem Sisters Collection Book Club

The Lady's Handbook for Her Mysterious Illness, Sarah Ramey

(M) July 1 | 7 — 8 p.m. | Sanger

A discussion group dedicated to feminist reading from the Library's Steinem Sisters Collection.

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Adapted Chair Yoga featuring Integration Yoga with Jenn

(M) July 8 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Lagrange

Explore yoga through traditional poses redesigned for a sitting position. Based upon attendees' needs, extra poses may be added suited for standing while using the chair for stability and support.

Register

Adapted Chair Yoga featuring Integration Yoga with Jenn

(W) July 10 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Oregon

Explore yoga through traditional poses redesigned for a sitting position. Based upon attendees' needs, extra poses may be added suited for standing while using the chair for stability and support.

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Adapted Chair Yoga featuring Integration Yoga with Jenn

(W) July 10 | 6 — 7 p.m. | Holland

Explore yoga through traditional poses redesigned for a sitting position. Based upon attendees' needs, extra poses may be added suited for standing while using the chair for stability and support.

Read More

Adapted Chair Yoga featuring Integration Yoga with Jenn

(Sa) July 13 | 11 a.m. — noon | Sylvania

Explore yoga through traditional poses redesigned for a sitting position. Based upon attendees' needs, extra poses may be added suited for standing while using the chair for stability and support.

Read More

Rice around the World

(M) July 15 | 3 — 4 p.m. | Lagrange

Every culture has a unique way of cooking. Learn about a new culture every month as we recreate a rice dish.

Read More

Birmingham Book Club

The Hospital by Brian Alexander

(Tu) July 16 | 2 — 3:30 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.

Read More

Adapted Chair Yoga featuring Integration Yoga with Jenn

(W) July 17 | 11 a.m. — noon | Reynolds Corners

Explore yoga through traditional poses redesigned for a sitting position. Based upon attendees' needs, extra poses may be added suited for standing while using the chair for stability and support.

Register

Pride & Poetry

(Th) July 18 | 6:30 — 8 p.m. | Sanger

Read, share, watch, and otherwise experience poetry about and by LGBTQIA+ authors—and share your own.

Read More

Adapted Chair Yoga featuring Integration Yoga with Jenn

(Sa) July 20 | 11 a.m. — noon | Waterville

Explore yoga through traditional poses redesigned for a sitting position. Based upon attendees' needs, extra poses may be added suited for standing while using the chair for stability and support.

Read More

BIG IDEA Book Club

Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig

(Tu) July 23 | 5:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Online Programs

A discussion group dedicated to diverse voices, perspectives, and authors. We'll aim to construct a meaningful conversation about anti-racism and embrace the diversity of our community.

Register

Adapted Chair Yoga featuring Integration Yoga with Jenn

(Sa) July 27 | 11 a.m. — noon | Sanger

Explore yoga through traditional poses redesigned for a sitting position. Based upon attendees' needs, extra poses may be added suited for standing while using the chair for stability and support.

Register

Adapted Chair Yoga featuring Integration Yoga with Jenn

(M) July 29 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | King Road

Explore yoga through traditional poses redesigned for a sitting position. Based upon attendees' needs, extra poses may be added suited for standing while using the chair for stability and support.

Register

Inclusive Storytime

(Th) August 1 | 10 — 11 a.m. | King Road

In partnership with the Ability Center, parents and children are invited to talk, sing, read, write and play as we share stories, music and movement. Parent discussion and play will follow storytime.

Read More

Steinem Sisters Collection Book Club

When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Regan Barnhill

(M) August 5 | 7 — 8 p.m. | Sanger

A discussion group dedicated to feminist reading from the Library's Steinem Sisters Collection.

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Pride & Poetry

(Th) August 15 | 6:30 — 8 p.m. | Main Library

Read, share, watch, and otherwise experience poetry about and by LGBTQIA+ authors—and share your own.

Read More

Rice around the World

(M) August 19 | 3 — 4 p.m. | Lagrange

Every culture has a unique way of cooking. Learn about a new culture every month as we recreate a rice dish.

Read More

Birmingham Book Club

The Holdout by Graham Moore

(Tu) August 20 | 2 — 3:30 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.

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Family Pride Night

(W) August 21 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Main Library

Enjoy family-friendly games and activities in honor of Toledo Pride.

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Small Town PRIDE!

Countries of Origin by Javier Fuentes

(M) August 26 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | King Road

A traveling book group rotating between different small-town library locations.

Register

BIG IDEA Book Club

Looking for Lorraine by Imani Perry

(Tu) August 27 | 5:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Online Programs

A discussion group dedicated to diverse voices, perspectives, and authors. We'll aim to construct a meaningful conversation about anti-racism and embrace the diversity of our community.

Register

Online Romance Book Club

Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly

(W) August 28 | 7 — 8 p.m. | Online Programs

Are you sick of being shamed for loving romance? Join our Online Romance Book Club! From enemies-to-lovers to regency era, fantasy to fake-relationship, we'll read and chat across the romance genre!

Register

Multilingual Social Night at Library Language Café

(Th) August 29 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Main Library

Speak another language? Learning to speak another language? Join us for an evening of practicing your language skills! All ages, languages, and abilities are welcome!

Register

Better Toledo | Welcoming

(Th) September 5 | 3 — 5 p.m. | Main Library

Hear on the topic of "Welcoming" from the BGSU Institute for the Study of Culture & Society

Register

Birmingham Book Club

Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See

(Tu) September 17 | 2 — 3:30 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.

Read More

Steinem Sisters Collection Book Club

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

(M) October 7 | 7 — 8 p.m. | Sanger

A discussion group dedicated to feminist reading from the Library's Steinem Sisters Collection.

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Multilingual Social Night at Library Language Café

(Th) October 17 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Main Library

Speak another language? Learning to speak another language? Join us for an evening of practicing your language skills! All ages, languages, and abilities are welcome!

Register

Steinem Sisters Collection Book Club

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley

(M) November 4 | 7 — 8 p.m. | Sanger

A discussion group dedicated to feminist reading from the Library's Steinem Sisters Collection.

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Better Toledo | Cultural Invisibility by Jessica Vallejo

(Th) November 7 | 3 — 5 p.m. | Main Library

Jessica Vallejo from the Committee of 500 Years of Dignity and Resistance discussing the impact of Cultural Invisibility on the Indigenous community

Register

Birmingham Book Club

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

(Tu) November 19 | 2 — 3:30 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.

Read More

Small Town PRIDE!

Becoming Nicole by Amy Ellis Nutt

(M) November 25 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Holland

A traveling book group rotating between different small-town library locations.

Register

Steinem Sisters Collection Book Club

Revival Season by Monica West

(M) December 2 | 7 — 8 p.m. | Sanger

A discussion group dedicated to feminist reading from the Library's Steinem Sisters Collection.

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