A central piece of Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s mission is engaging all communities with its vast offerings, including those who are traditionally underserved. A new federal grant will expand the Library’s outreach to migrant farm workers and their families across northwest Ohio.

Personalizing Resources

The Library is seeking a principal investigator to implement and lead this important program. The position will coordinate with local institutions and migrant communities, enable access to resources and conduct user surveys. Much of the work will take place around Toledo, Fremont and Bowling Green.

Tim Hagen, adult services coordinator, said this program is the first of its kind in the state.

“The role will really be multifaceted, as far as day-to-day scope of the work,” Hagen said. “We hope the principal investigator will be the boots-on-the-ground person to make site visits and network with support agencies.”

Jesus Salas, a member of the Library’s Board of Trustees, was also instrumental in the program’s creation. Salas and Hagen presented last summer to the State Library of Ohio and secured funding. The grant will help cover position pay and an outreach vehicle.

The program will ideally create a replicable model for other Ohio libraries. Survey results will also allow the Library to better address barriers to access for this population. The service is important for the Library to pursue because of its unique position of trust and connection to service agencies.

“I feel very strongly that most communities, certainly in Toledo and Ohio, have tremendous trust in the Library. It’s one of our biggest assets, and a key reason why the Library should take on this initiative,” Hagen said.

Apply Online

Applicants should be fluent in both English and Spanish, understand library principles and have strong communication skills. Compensation is negotiable, with an expected pay range of $35,000 – $55,000. Interested applicants should email a letter of interest and resume to Executive Administrative Assistant Susan Gannon.