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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Family Pride Night
(W) August 21 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Main Library
Enjoy family-friendly games and activities in honor of Toledo Pride.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.