At the library, human connectivity prevails.

The following op-ed originally appeared in The Blade on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

In Lucas County, everyone has a library story—from memories of checking out your first book to attending a recent author talk in one of our spaces. When people share these experiences with me, I hear firsthand how the library of today is nothing like the library of yesteryear. In my tenure here, I’ve told staff and the community that one of the most powerful and unique attributes of the public library is that it is rooted in deep tradition, with an eye on meeting the new needs of communities in an ever-changing world.

However, a phrase I am often told is that libraries are “more than just books,” as if books now take a backseat to our work, are antiquated, and play a minimal role in our community’s learning infrastructure. The continued rise in print book sales—760 million units sold last year—would suggest otherwise.

Even in Lucas County, our own community members tell us access to materials and interactions with our staff are what they enjoy most about the library.

A common thread I see here is books and people, and how this special combination brings individuals to the library and creates opportunities for connections.

Last year, across all 19 library branches and mobile services, our 400 staffers experienced nearly 2 million visits and helped circulate over 5 million physical and digital items. Additionally, Toledo Library staff and partners facilitated more than 5,300 programs, broadening the horizons of Library customers through their shared expertise.

Once again, books connecting people.

Rather than libraries being “more than just books,” I argue that books are catalysts for lifelong curiosity — where patrons can engage in an infinite cycle of reading, learning from others, and asking questions — all within these four walls that we call a library.

In a 2024 survey of nearly 5,000 respondents, 91% of Lucas County residents had a “favorable” opinion of their Toledo Lucas County Public Library system, and we see this sentiment reflected across Ohio.

A 2026 statewide library satisfaction survey from the Ohio Library Council found that 92% of respondents said that public libraries were important to their local community, with 87% believing they get their money’s worth from their local library. Across the Buckeye State, public libraries experience upwards of 48 million visits and more than 153 million items borrowed or downloaded each year.

The consistent common factor? People gathering, learning, and sharing a love of books alongside one another.

At the library, human connectivity prevails in the face of the rapid evolution of technology that is cultivating loneliness and makes it feel like we have far less in common with one another than we actually do. Given our engaged and active patrons, I believe that the library and our caring staff are offering connection and inspiration that is yours to discover at chapter one.

Tomorrow, we, along with libraries all across the United States, will celebrate National Library Week. Let this be my public thanks to our taxpayers who make this work possible, to our staff who move this work forward, and all the curious patrons who make your local branch a living, breathing embodiment of lifelong learning.

Let’s continue to celebrate the power of books and people, together.

— Jason Kucsma, Executive Director/Fiscal Officer