Blog: History and Politics

Trail Blazing Women

10 amazing books for kids about women explorers, adventurers, and pioneers in their fields.

5 Ways to Commemorate the Summer of Soul

In 1969, over the course of six Sundays the Harlem Cultural Festival was born. Filling Harlem with the mighty sounds of Mahalia Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly and The Family Stone, and Gladys Knight and the Pips just to name a few.

The First: Remembering Sandra Day O’Connor with 5 Books

"Sandra Day O'Connor blazed an historic trail as our nation's first female justice," Chief Justice John Roberts said in a statement. "She met that challenge with undaunted determination, indisputable ability, and engaging candor."

History of Crayons

Crayons have been around for a long time! Here are some great titles featuring crayons and their history.

9 Books to Read If You Like Better Call Saul

The Breaking Bad saga is wrapping up with the final season of Better Call Saul. If you're looking to recapture the edge of your seat twists and turns that show provides, these are the books for you.

Rethinking World War II 80 Years On

Two University of Toledo professors choose their top book picks for look at how WWII and the events of 1941 are remembered 80 years later. Here are their top book picks.

Lady Whistledown Recommends

Let it be known, if there is a scandal, I shall uncover it and share every last detail. These books are sure to be full of them.

Helping You Meet Those Reading Goals

Have you started a reading challenge yet this year? Maybe you need a little inspiration to log a few more books for TLCPL’s Winter Read. Maybe you want to challenge yourself to “read harder” this year. No matter what, the team at Kent Branch has you covered! We have curated a list of challenges to diversify your reads this year, and our staff has provided suggestions of some of their faves to match!

Books About the Trump Administration

Publishers love putting out books about whoever the current president is, but public interest in those titles tends to plummet as soon as the White House changes hands. Which makes sense: people love reading

Award-Winning Books 2020

The transition from an old year to a new one carries with it many benefits. A chance to reflect. A chance to try new things. A chance to pretend that you’re going to start exercising

My Life in Black Music

From my lens, the deep impact and role that Black music has played in the experiences of the underrepresented, in social justice, celebrations, faith, as a unifying force, and for all people globally, deserves recognition 365 days of the year.

Happy Birthday Philippa Gregory!

This is the author that got me hooked! As a high schooler, I read The Other Boleyn Girl and from then on, couldn’t get enough of British history. This book sparked my undergraduate degree

American Politics in Movies

If this election year has gotten you to a point where you've had it up to here with real-world politicians, these movies offer you the chance to take a break and spend some time with fictional politicians.

Women in Politics: 6 Must Reads

For the first time in our nation's history a female of color is a nominee for the office of Vice President! Let's celebrate by diving into top 6 books by or about the ladies of politics.

The Supreme Court: Grounds for Appeal

Government Documents, perhaps the stodgiest, driest and dustiest collection in the library, but arguably the most important to a democratic society, is perhaps benefitting the most from adjustments due to the pandemic. 

Free Government Information For You

As a Federal Documents Depository Library, TLCPL has thousands of paper documents and hundreds accessible online. Many are research oriented, and essential for diving deep into complicated subjects. Some sources of government information are less formal and deal with current events and topics of public interest. The U.S. government has developed websites with the most up to date information.

Rachel Recommends: 2019 Spring Edition

The long climb from spring to sandal season requires a little pampering of the spirit. This list should not incite tension or anxiety, but, rather a sense of mellow peace.

HerStory: Intersectional Feminism

In celebration of Women's History Month, join the Steinem Sisters Collection for HerStory: Intersectional Feminism. Featuring four of the Toledo region’s most celebrated women’s activists and forward-thinkers, this special program will investigate how the feminist movement can be more diverse and inclusive through a renewed focus on intersectionality.

We Dig Archaeology

Archaeology is not what you find, it’s what you find out - David Hurst Thomas

A Life Examined: Philosophy for Everyday Life

Philosophy can help you become a better critical thinker, sort through information and live with a sense of meaning. And the Library has resources for all of your philosophical needs!

Two Librarians, Too Many Books: Summer Reads

We're back! This time, we're obsessing over what we consider the best "summer reads" around. Read on for our lightly-edited-for-clarity conversation about what titles we think you should plop down on a beach with or stay safely-contained within your air-conditioned home with. We don't judge.

Jane Austen’s Hidden Feminism

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice"Pride and Prejudice," a book that will live in infamy and also appears on a recent list of 100 Great American Reads, is a lot more feminist than popular culture would

Ruth Bader Ginsblog

In her twenty-five years on the Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg has become both an influential jurist and a pop culture icon, and the library has books about her that are as idiosyncratic as she is.

Aging Gracefully

“Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty” – Coco Chanel

A Year Of …

How much can one person accomplish in the span of a year - continue reading to find out.

Sports Roundup

Do you have a favorite sport or are you one of those sports-in-general fans? One thing’s for sure, if you’re not playing it, or watching it, there’s always something to be learned from sports books and movies.

Exploring Detroit by Bike

Travelling Detroit by bike, without having to worry about traffic, directions, or parking was a unique and advantageous way to tour the city.

Preserve Your Personal Story: Veterans

Do you have analog photos, letters, and documents that you wish were digital? We’re here to help! Bring your materials and Preserve Your Personal Story here at TLCPL. Continue reading to learn more.

Crazy About Jane

The great thing about Jane Austen’s work is that it’s easy to find something to love, because she writes with sincerity and humanity with a dash of wit thrown in from time to time to keep us on our toes. It's no wonder people around the world are crazy about Jane Austen to this day.