Best Books on Crafts You Didn’t Know Existed
Bored with traditional crafting possibilities? Have we got the books for you! Check out these great books on unusual (yet still delightful!) ways to be creative and find your next favorite hobby.
20 Books to Inspire You to Get Outside More Often
Power down the screens, get outside, and enjoy the wonders of nature in our own backyards. Here are some great ways to do just that.
Youth Poetry and Books in Verse
April is National Poetry Month. Check out one of these children's poetry and books in verse titles!
Best Novels Retold from a Different Character’s Point of View
Retelling a classic story from a new point of view can be a wonderful way to revisit old favorites. Here are some of the best different point-of-view novels to try.
Strange and Wonderful Creatures
United Nations World Wildlife Day is recognized every year on March 3. Celebrate by reading these books about interesting wild animals and plants.
Resources for Helping Young People with Eating Disorders
It can be tough to know how to support a young person with an eating disorder. Here are some great resources that can help.
Uncommon Knowledge: The Funniest Weird Trivia Books You Didn’t Know You Needed
Pub trivia nights are all the rage these days. Here are some great, fun trivia books from which to pull some great content, or just to amuse and enlighten you!
Top 10 Books on the Creative Pulse of Street Fashion
Street fashion is the venue for the bravest among us to show their personal style and possibly start a whole new trend. Here are the best photography books capturing these amazing people in action.
Totally Tubular Books about Pop Culture Life in the 1980s
Living in the 1980s was truly the end of an innocent era when we could take the phone off the hook or just go outside and be completely unreachable by anyone. Seriously: people would dial our number (which they either had to already know or get from something called a phone book), get no answer or a "busy signal" (look it up) and they'd think, "Gosh, I'll just have to call back later." It was AWESOME. Here are some great books on other bizarro aspects of life during that amazing era.
Must-Read Holiday Cozy Mysteries
Is there a better way to get into a holiday mood than to dive into a cozy mystery novel? How about diving into two! Wear your comfy pants, sip a hot beverage, and boom! Holiday self-care accomplished.
Best Books on Fall Entertaining: Food, Fun, Friends and Family
Need some ideas for fall and Thanksgiving entertaining? Check out these great books!
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month. Check out these children's books to celebrate!
Sketchbook Secrets: How to Cultivate a Daily Drawing Habit
Keeping a sketch journal is a wonderful way to keep track of your life, spark creativity, and keep your brain sharp. Here are the best books we offer on this fun and inspiring endeavor.
Spooky Halloween Read-Alouds
Ten spooky Halloween picture books! Perfect to read to your children or students.
Best Travel Guides for Great Road Trips
Fall is a wonderful time to hit the road and see what's around us. Here are some great guides to plan anything from an afternoon drive to a long vacation on wheels.
Easy and Fun DIY Ideas for a Spook-tacular Halloween
There are so many fun crafty ideas for spooky holiday DIY fun - here are some great places to start.
5 Books to Grow Your Environmental Feminist Journey
Local environmental and spiritual leader, Rev. Aaron Baughman, continues our discussion of Feminism and the Environment that will continue at the Sylvania Branch on (Tu) August 20 at 6 p.m.
4 Titles to Continue Your Environmental Feminist Journey
Local environmental leader, Dana Reising, continues our discussion of Feminism and the Environment that will continue at the Sylvania Branch on (Tu) August 20 at 6 p.m.
5 Titles to Start Your Environmental Feminist Journey
Local environmental activist, Angie Fitzpatrick, kicks off our discussion of Feminism and the Environment that will continue at the Sylvania Branch on (Tu) August 20 at 6 p.m. Local sustainability advocates will lead a discussion on their journeys to sustainability and what women in Lucas County can do to help.
Dive into the Olympics: Best Books to Get Ready for the Summer Games
The Olympics bring so many great things together - athletic excellence, international fellowship, and so many amazing stories of how the athletes got there at all. Here are some great books to get into the spirit of the games.
Small Business Partner Spotlight: The Arts Commission – Recognizing Talent, Fostering a Vibrant Community
"The Arts Commission’s emphasis is, as far as I can tell, on fostering Toledo as a healthy and vibrant art community, and the most important element of that community is its people. I appreciate the Arts Commission’s robust investment in people."
Small Business Partner Spotlight: Accelerate Your Creative Endeavors – Apply for Funding Via The Arts Commission
The Accelerator Grant is The Arts Commission’s competitive program offering financial support for local artists. Eligible categories of support include equipment and supply support, which attracted one local photographer to apply…
Discover the Best Short Reads: 20 Books Under 200 Pages
Looking for a quick read? It's the quality not the quantity that matters in these fantastic short books!
Be Transported by the Top 20 Titles for World UFO Day
June 24th AND July 2nd are both referred to as World UFO Day (it's complicated). Whichever one you celebrate, shine up your tin foil hat and Mork up your Nanoo, we have a lot of great books and documentaries on extraterrestrials and unidentified objects to share the wonder.
20 Best Cookbooks for Summer Outdoor Entertaining
International Picnic Day is June 18! We've got great books to inspire your al fresco feast. No ants or rain allowed!
Commemorating Juneteenth
Juneteenth celebrates the official date, June 19th 1865, when all slaves in Confederate states were officially freed. It has become America's second Independence Day holdiay, and we've gathered some great books to learn about this important day.
Embrace Enlightenment: A Beginner’s Guide to Mindfulness and Buddhism
The idea of Mindfulness is tossed around as the answer to every problem in the universe, but what exactly is it? Here are some great books to help us understand this life-changing concept and how to effectively practice it in daily life.
From Midnight to Mourning: 25 Dark Books for Goths
World Goth Day is May 22nd, which means we're in for some super fun summer reading/viewing/listening! Re-dye your fading darks and unearth your bleakest makeup, dark times lie ahead.
Transform Your Midwest Yard into a Breathtaking Oasis with Natural and Prairie Garden Techniques
Forget mowing! Plant a prairie garden to replace wasteful grass and benefit local wildlife.
Why Aren’t You Drawing a Bird Right Now? These Books Will Help
April 8th is Draw a Bird Day! Stock up on some of these great books to inspire your best avian art.
Pitch-Perfect Picks: Best Books on Baseball to Celebrate Opening Day
Just in time for Opening Day in Major League Baseball, here are some of the best books on the old (and new!) ballgame.
Get Your Irish On for St. Patrick’s Day
No matter where you're from, everyone is a little bit Irish. What better way to celebrate than by diving into a great book or film celebrating Irish culture?
5 Books to Read Before the Total Solar Eclipse
Toledo is lucky to be in the path of totality for the upcoming total solar eclipse.
10 Great Green Day Media to Celebrate 30 Years of Dookie
Three decades ago, Green Day released one of the biggest punk albums to ever break into the mainstream. Check out our 10 favorite albums, books, and movies from and about these East Bay pop punk icons.
Exploring Birds All Year Round!
Take a look at these suggestions on birds and birding as a great way to explore outdoors in the colder months ahead!
5 Books to Read Before the Solar Eclipse
Toledo is lucky to be in the path of two solar eclipses in the next year! The first is October 14th, the second April 8th.
On International Museum Day, Visit One of the Toledo Area’s Fine Museums
Some of the world's finest museums are closer than you think!
Prehistoric Creatures (That Are Also Not Dinosaurs!)
Five wonderfully illustrated books about prehistoric animals that are definitely not dinosaurs. From trilobites to mammoths, many of these creatures once roamed Northwest Ohio.
What Are You Drawing for Draw a Bird Day? These 10 Books Will Help You…Draw a Bird
It’s officially Draw a Bird Day. Celebrate by busting out a pencil and paper and doodling your favorite bird—artistic skill is optional!
5 More Books for Teaching Children to Read
Helping our children learn to read can be daunting, but fear not; these books will help you navigate successfully!
Explore Your Metroparks
Here are some books to help you get the most out of your favorite Toledo Metropark!
Ability Awareness resources for Upper Elementary (4-5); Middle School (6-8)
We hope that this list of both fiction and nonfiction titles for your middle grades reader will inspire ability awareness.
Healthy Kids resources for Preschool/ Kindergarten; Early Elementary (1-3)
Help your young child develop habits to stay healthy.
Banned Books Week 2021: Resources for Middle School (6-8); High School: (9-12)
Teaching frequently challenged books can be a daunting task. Banned books are guaranteed to contain controversial subject matter demanding thoughtful and provoking dialogue.
Social Emotional Learning Resources for Grades 1-5
Social emotional learning (SEL) encourages the development of self control, self awareness and the interpersonal skills needed to succeed in school and life. We hope this collection of library materials will inspire you to think of many ways you can promote social emotional learning among the children in your life.
Life Cycles resources for Early Elementary (1-3)
Investigate plant and animal life cycles with these library resources.
Light and Shadow Leap Into Science resources for Early Elementary (1-3); Upper Elementary (4-5)
What is light? How does a shadow form? Children have many questions about the nature of light, these library resources can help to guide them to a logical understanding.
Gardening resources for Preschool/ Kindergarten; Early Elementary (1-3)
Many of the libraries have community gardens for you to pick from. After you read these books, check out the community gardens at the Birmingham, Lagrange, Locke, Maumee, Mott, and Toledo Heights branches.
Cinco de Mayo resources for Preschool/ Kindergarten; Early Elementary (1-3)
Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory of Mexico in a battle with France. People of Mexico and in the United States celebrate with fiestas, food, and crafts. Learn more about it in these books and other resources.
eBooks About Rain for Little Learners (Preschool, Kindergarten, and Grades 1-3)
Have you ever heard that April showers bring May flowers? Rain is important to help everything grow.
Best Books for Preschool and Kindergarten
Is your preschool or kindergarten-aged child looking for something new to read? Check out this curated list of best books for Preschoolers and Kindergarteners for your little one to enjoy!
Science Fiction resources for Early Elementary (1-3)
Out of this world selections for budding science fiction readers.
WW2 Fiction resources for Upper Elementary (4-5); Middle School (6-8)
A list of 9 World War Two fiction titles appropriate for Upper Elementary and Middle School audiences.
Best Series Books for Grades 4-5
A book series motivates children to continue reading to see what happens next. This selection highlights the first book in these popular children’s series.
Energy Education for Grades 4-5
In honor of Earth Day, take a deeper look at how we get electricity to power our homes (and lives) and whether there are more sustainable and healthier ways to obtain this resource from the environment.
Science Fiction resources for Upper Elementary (4-5)
Do you need a good Science Fiction title to read? Check out these recommendations curated from the youth librarians at Toledo Lucas County Public Library for upper elementary students, grades 4-5!
Forces and Motion Resources for Preschool, Kindergarten, and Early Elementary Students
Help young children undertand some of the universal laws of forces and motions with these engaging library resources.
Graphics and Comics for Grades 6-8
Adventure, magic, and good friends can be found in these books of amazing artwork. Try one of our recommendations for middle schoolers! A Library card and PIN will be required to access many
Graphics and Comics for High School
A graphics or comics exists for everyone. Adventure, magic, romance, and history can be found in these books of amazing artwork.
Ohio Biographies resources for High School: (9-12)
Biographies on famous people from Ohio for your next report.
Poetry Resources for PreK-Grade 3
Poems are words put together using rhythm, patterns, and rhymes to express thoughts and emotions. April is National Poetry Month.
Earth Day Resources for Preschool-Grade 3
Earth Day a day to remind us to take care of our world. We reflect on our planet, our environment, and learn what we can do to help keep the Earth healthy.
Poetry Books for Grades 4-5
Get rhyming with these fun poetry books.
Mysteries for High School Readers
If you want amateur detectives and thrills, grab one of these novels that you won’t want to put down.
National Library Week resources for PreK-Grade 3
National Library Week resources for Preschool/ Kindergarten; Early Elementary (1-3)
Best Books for Grades 7-8
Finding just the right book for a seventh or eighth grader can be a challenge. Let your librarians help you with a few of our favorite fiction titles.
Fantasy Books for Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Escape to these far off worlds with Middle School Fantasy Books
Science Fiction for High School Readers
Titles for High School students who already love Science Fiction or want to delve into the genre.
Comics and Graphic Novels for Grades PreK-3
Are you an avid comic reader and looking for comics and graphic novels to share with your little one? This list will introduce your child to the wonderful world of comics and graphic novels!
Sports Fiction for Grades 4-5
Fun sports reads for athletes and fans
Best Books for Second Grade Readers
Looking for books for a second grader? Here are wonderful picture books and easy readers specifically chosen for this age group. Books in series are noted. A Library card and PIN will be required to access many of the resources listed. Need help with your card or PIN? Contact your nearest location or call 419-259-5200. Need a new card?
Best Books for Fourth Grade Readers
Trying to find books perfect for your fourth grade reader? Take a look at these diverse books specifically chosen for this grade level.
Best Books for Grades 9-10
Check out these titles for students in 9th and 10th Grade looking for their next great read
Best Books for Grades 11-12
Escape the stress of decisions about the future with these books for Juniors and Seniors in High School
April Fool’s Day for Grades PreK-3
April Fool’s Day is celebrated this year on Thursday, April 1, 2021. Whatever your prank, joke or pun, make it a great time to celebrate with a smile.
Comics and Graphic Novels for Grades 4-5
Go on exciting adventures and experience thrilling new worlds with these graphic novels.
Biographies for Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Do you wonder what life is like for famous magicians, inventors, activists, presidents, or soldiers? Find out about their life stories by reading these biographies.
Dental Health Resources for Preschool/ Kindergarten
Books about dental health for preschool and kindergarten age children.
Ohio Biographies for Grades 4-5
Be proud of our Ohio heritage. Research the lives of famous and noteworthy Ohioans from the past to present times
Poetry for Middle School Readers
Middle school comes with a lot of feelings. Poetry is a beautiful outlet of those feelings. Share these great books with your middle schooler.
Women’s History Month for PreK-3
March is Women's History month and is a great time to discover and celebrate women and their many contributions throughout history.
The Motivation to Be or How to Wait in This New Year of So Much Anticipated Waiting
To be or not to be--that is the question,” says Bill Shakespeare’s Hamlet. But is it? As simple as Hamlet tries to frame that question, just simply being - is easier said than done in this year 2021, when after months of having to put things off we are asked to do even more. More. Waiting.
Presidents’ Day for Grades PreK-3
President’s Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February. It was originally a celebration of George Washington, the first president, but now it is a celebration for all presidents.
100th Day of School for PreK-3
Celebrate 100 days of learning!
Fantasy Books for Grades 1-3
Books about dragons, magic and adventure for beginning readers.
Valentine’s Day Picture Books for Grades PreK-3
Celebrate Valentine's Day with these books about love, friendship and kindness!
Best Books for Sixth Grade Readers
Time to get lost in a good book!
Biographies for Grades 4-5
A selection of biographies for 4th and 5th graders.
Great Ideas for Teachers and Parents: Resources for Teaching Grades K-8
Calling all teachers (professional AND/OR parental)! We’ve gathered the most recent teaching support materials in print to help get everyone through learning at home. Nature Play Workshop for Families A Year of Forest School:
Homeschooling Resources for Grades PreK-12
Below are just some of the materials that may be helpful to teaching children at home. Whether you’re new or experienced, there are resources available to help you. The Independent Learner’s Guide to Successful
Biographies for Grades PreK-3
Who was the first Black woman in space? Who invented crayons? Explore colorful life stories with preschool and early elementary students.
Arctic Animals resources for Grades PreK-3
Learn more about Arctic animals with these resources.
Art resources for Grades PreK-3
Here are 12 books (a mix of fiction and nonfiction) that are perfect for introducing young readers to the world of fine art. These books are a great place to start whether you’re looking for inspiration, fun facts, or just a good story!
Martin Luther King, Jr. resources for Grades 4-5
Do you want to know more about one of the most well-known activists for the Civil Rights Movement? Start here!
Martin Luther King Jr., Day for PreK-3
Learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement.
Animal Hibernation for PreK-3
What happens to certain animals during the Winter? Some hibernate- they stay in their homes and rest during the cold Winter months.
Snowy Days for PreK-3
What do you like to do when there’s a snowy day? Do you make forts, have a snowball fight, or snuggle up to read?
Caldecott Winners for PreK-3
The Caldecott Medal is given to one children's picture book a year. The award winners are announced every January.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. resources for Grades PreK-3
Explore these titles and find out more about one of the greatest leaders of our time, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Music Themed Books to Read to Your Child for Grades PreK-3
A variety of music-themed stories with a wide range of appeal for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and elementary age children.
Community Helpers resources for Grades 1-3
Learn how community helpers use their skills and knowledge to benefit all people.
New Year’s resources for Grades PreK-5
Celebrate the 2021 New Year with these great eBooks.
Poetry Books for Grades 9-12
A beautiful list of books in verse and poetry collections for young adult readers.
Historical Fiction for Middle School Readers
A comprehensive list of Historical Fiction books appropriate for Middle School students in various formats.
Historical Fiction for High School Readers
A variety of historical fiction for high school readers.
Kwanzaa resources for Grades K-5
Kwanzaa eBooks for grades K-5
Christmas (Secular) resources for Grades PreK-5
Christmas eBooks for grades PreK-5 to enjoy.
Religious Christmas resources for Grades PreK-5
Religious Christmas Holiday eBooks for grades K-5
American Civil War resources for Grades 9-12
Spanning four years and resulting in more than 620,000 American casualties, historians regard the American Civil War as one of the most divisive eras in US history. Let the Library guide you to some excellent resources for furthering your research of this part of our past.
Animal Hibernation resources for Grades PreK-3
Animal hibernation is a fascinating adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
Winter Solstice resources for Grades PreK-5
Warm up with some books about the first day of winter.
Winter Weather Resources for Grades PreK-3
Have fun learning about a variety of winter weather conditions.
Hanukkah Stories for Grades PreK-5
Hanukkah eBooks for grades PreK-5
Spread Kindness for PreK-3
Even small acts of kindness can change the world.
Better Together for PreK-3
Explore our differences and similarities. What makes you special? What does community mean?
Thanksgiving Resources for Grades 1-3
Children’s Thanksgiving books and media range from funny stories of escaped turkeys to more sober histories of settlers and Native Americans, and reflections on thankfulness.
Elections & Voting for PreK-3
Read-Watch-Do! - Learn about elections and voting with these eBooks, movies and activities.
Election Resources for Grades 4-5
Resources on elections and voting for grades 4 and 5.
Biome and Ecosystem Resources for Grades 4-5
Biomes are a large naturally occurring community of plants and animals occupying a habitat. Ecosystems are the interactions between the living things and the non-living things in a biome. Want to learn more? Check out these great resources from your Library!
Stay Healthy for PreK-3
Learn about germs and how doctors help keep us healthy with these eBooks, movies and activities. Use your Library card and PIN to access these resources.
Landforms Resources for Grades 1-5
Landforms are the features that make up the surface of the Earth. From mountains to valleys, and all the plateaus in between, the library has resources to help you explore landforms.
Spanish Resources for Middle School (6-8); High School: (9-12)
Have you ever wanted to learn a new language? Are you currently studying Spanish and could use a little extra help? Check out these great resources from your Library!
Holocaust Resources for High School Learners
Are you overwhelmed with the number of resources to help your students learn? Let the Library help! Check out these trusted resources on the Holocaust, selected by our knowledgeable librarians for high school learners.
Resources for Middle School Studies of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome
Are you overwhelmed with the number of resources to help your students learn? Let the Library help! Using trusted resources and expert knowledge, our resourceful librarians have gathered a collection of credible and reliable resources – both electronic and books on Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, specifically for Middle School students.
September 11 Resources for High School Students
Are you overwhelmed with the number of resources to help your students learn? Let the Library help! Using trusted resources and expert knowledge, our resourceful librarians have gathered a collection of credible and reliable resources – both electronic and books on 9/11, specifically for High School learners.
So You Still Say You Hate Musicals
Thanks to the new streaming movie, everyone's talking about Hamilton again. But you feel left out of the conversation because you hate musicals. Let us help.
