WE'RE OPEN IN-PERSON, GRAB & GO, ONLINE!
Books & eMedia
Get Started
Search the Catalog Toledo Library App (Apple) Toledo Library App (Google Play)Can't Find It?
Local Author Submission Suggest a PurchaseeMedia Providers
Explore all eMedia Providers Bookflix Flipster Freegal hoopla OverDrive/Libby RBdigital ScienceFlix World Book eBooksMore Materials
Book Bundles Grab & Go Pick Up Get Book and Movie Picks 101 Picture Book Challenge Book & Movie Lists Book Kit Request Book Sales and Materials DonationsLocations
Locations
All Locations Birmingham Heatherdowns Holland Kent King Road Lagrange LockePrograms
Programs by Age
Youth (0-17) Young Children (0-5) Kids (6-10) Teens (11-17) Adults (18+) View Full CalendarOngoing Programs
Activities to Go Authors! Countdown to Kindergarten Saturday Morning with the Library Virtual Book Groups Virtual StorytimesTrending Now
Black Lives Matter Book Group Caldecott Read-In StoryWalk® Teen Takeover Winter ReadServices
Career & Economic Success
Business Support Computer and Technology Help Grant & Nonprofit Support Job Search AssistanceCreating & Making
Making at the Library TelescopesLocal History & Genealogy
Local History Resources Digital Collections & ExhibitsSupport
Donate Friends of the Library Library Legacy Foundation Literati VolunteerPREK-12 HELP
Get Books
Book Bundles for Everyone Book Kit Request Student Library CardsGet Recommendations
Topics by Grade Level Personalized Recommendations Book Lists by Email Accelerated Reader Search CatalogServices and Programs
Explore All Services and Programs Virtual Class Visits Online Storytimes and Programs Test ProctoringPreschool
Ready to Read Countdown to Kindergarten Childcare Kit Delivery 101 Picture Book ChallengeQuick Links
Scholastic Teachables Tutor.comResearch
Education Research Tools
Career, College & Test Prep Education & Homework HelpResearch by Category
Books & Reading Biography & Genealogy Business & Investments Consumer & Automotive Create, Learn & Make eMedia History, Law & Culture Magazines & Newspapers Science, Technology & Health Toledo & OhioNews
Library Information
About Us Construction Holiday & Saturday Hours Leadership Policies ReportsWhat's New?
COVID Safety Employment Opportunities Latest Blog PostsConnect with Us
Ask A Librarian/Contact Us Doing Business with the Library Stay ConnectedLibrary Love
Share your Library Love Read Other's StoriesMy Card
WE'RE OPEN IN-PERSON, GRAB & GO, ONLINE!
Blog
The Blog of Toledo Lucas County Public Library
Locke Library Life in the 1930s
Posted about 1 year ago by Angela B
Locke Branch Library staff found a old stash of annual reports dating all the way back to when the library first opened over 100 years ago in 1917. They were so interesting we decided to include them in a series of blog posts. The first post highlighted reports from the 1920's. Now let's examine the 1930-1939 reports to get a look into the past.
Reflections on Library History
Working in a public library is more than being book finders, we are also fixers. I have been asked to fix headphones, flipflops, backpack zippers, and baby dolls when their limbs pop off. So, I can relate to the following request from 1939.
(That “stuff” we use to mend books really does work miracles.)
In 1933, Locke may not have had puzzles for customers, but we sure do now!
This customer would also be surprised to hear that the Library now offers much more, such as GoPros, telescopes, crafting tools, cameras and beyond!
Libraries are always there for you in times of trouble. Many turned to Locke Library during the Great Depression looking for distractions from the hardships. The following snippet is from 1932.
While reading through the reports, I noticed the Locke Staff had quite a few innovative ideas for the time, like this suggestion from 1930 of creating a Marketing Department for publicity. By the way, our current Marketing Department rocks!
In 1932, Langston Hughes published an article in Children's Library Services titled, “Books and the Negro Child.” He noted only 5 books that were appropriate for African American children. Most other books that portrayed African American characters were stereotypical.
In 1935, the Locke librarians also gathered a list of children’s books that featured African American characters. Their efforts of trying to find viable materials were considerate because, at the time, it was difficult to find good literature featuring African Americans that were not stereotypical. One of the librarians, Miss Wright, was mentioned by name in the 1935 annual report for her efforts ...
The book list compiled by Miss Wright proved useful. Several teachers have sent for books for programs.
The first non-stereotypical African American main character in a children’s picture book wasn’t published until 1962 with Jack Ezra Keat’s “The Snowy Day.”
The Library is very fortunate for all of the times the news outlets highlighted Library programs, going back decades. Most recently, Locke was featured on WTOL for Deontre, our “Junior Librarian.”

This next snippet from 1931 is amusing to me because of how innocent it sounds today, but I bet it wasn’t so humorous at the time.
A few cents may not seem like a big deal, but back in 1931 $0.25 would be the equivalent to $4.13 in 2018.
I was surprised to read that the Library required references when applying for a library card. And, in 1934, a customer had the same reaction.
Below is an example of the letter sent to the references.
We are always grateful when library customers appreciate the Library, but we cannot accept tips even though many people have tried. However, we do have a Friends of the Library nonprofit organization that you can support. All the money goes back to supporting the Library and gives you perks at the same time!
People might think that libraries are dying, but this snippet from 1940 sounds like it could have been written today (except replace reference books with computers)!
History sure does repeat itself! Once again in 2019, the children’s librarian of Locke is creating a flower and vegetable garden for the children and teen to tend.

Back in 1939, the Locke librarians had the privilege to see the finishing touches of the new Main Library completed. And now, 80 years later, the Locke staff will be able to see the renovations of Main Library completed in 2019.

If you enjoyed this post, check out our previous post entitled Locke Library Life in the 1920s and be on the lookout for the next post, Locke Library Life in the 1940’s.
Suggested Library Materials
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Featured Image Credit: Image by Devanath from Pixabay.
Recent Stories
- Biographies for Grades PreK-3
- Unplugged Play resources for Grades PreK-5
- My Life in Black Music
- Love You, Hate Your Politics
- What To Watch After Bridgerton
- The Enduring Influence of Rance Allen
- 1920s America: A Decade of Great Change
- Art resources for Grades PreK-3
- Explore Art for PreK-3
- Happy Birthday Philippa Gregory!
Categories
- 101 Picture Book Challenge (53)
- Arts, Crafts and Hobbies (1)
- Arts, Crafts and Hobbies (76)
- Business and Investing (36)
- Children and Parenting (209)
- Computers and Technology (17)
- Cooking, Home and Garden (79)
- Coronavirus (35)
- Culture and Diversity (56)
- eBooks and Audiobooks (1)
- eBooks and Audiobooks (391)
- eMedia (46)
- Fiction (219)
- Health and Wellness (60)
- History and Politics (1)
- History and Politics (157)
- Library News (63)
- Local History (56)
- Movies and Music (1)
- Movies and Music (149)
- Mysteries and Thrillers (79)
- Nature and Travel (79)
- New Books and Movies (84)
- Nonfiction (2)
- Nonfiction (203)
- PreK-12 Teaching and Learning (138)
- - Grade Levels (43)
- + Preschool/ Kindergarten (17)
- + Early Elementary (1-3) (24)
- + Upper Elementary (4-5) (12)
- + Middle School (6-8) (4)
- + High School: (9-12) (10)
- - Subject Areas (35)
- Read-Watch-Do (10)
- Research and Resources (66)
- Romance (42)
- Science Fiction and Fantasy (73)
- Tech Tools and Making (13)
- Teen and Pre-Teens (84)
- Writing and Publishing (29)