Confidence. Knowledge. Safety.

Toledo Lucas County Public Library values every person’s right to feel secure. It is a vital component of the Library’s dedication to individual growth. A new self-defense class will further empower women against threats of violence.

Maumee Branch on March 14 is hosting a free event, “Self Defense with Keeping Our Girls Safe.” Police officers from the Wauseon and Sylvania police departments will lead two hours of basic safety instruction. Attendees ages 16 and older can learn key skills of awareness and protection.

Lessons from the Experts

Rachel Stewart, a children’s librarian at Maumee Branch, said there has been strong public interest in the class. This is the type of instruction participants often pay for, and may otherwise take place at inconvenient times and locations. The course is part of the Library’s wide range of important programming.

“Our community seeks opportunities to do different things, whether it’s a watercolor class or a yoga class,” Stewart said. “Here, trained law-enforcement officers will provide valuable lessons in a comfortable, safe environment.”

‘Anything and Everything’

Stewart said the Library acts with openness and innovation in the resources it makes available. It is in service of local community needs. This self-defense course can help attendees feel more confident in themselves.

“Libraries have evolved to a place of more than just for books. Books are our bread and butter, but we are community anchors as well,” Stewart said. “We can provide anything and everything.”

Keeping Our Girls Safe, a local non-profit organization honoring Sierah Joughin, provides free area self-defenses classes. Joughin was killed in 2016 after an abduction in Fulton County. Keeping Our Girls Safe strives for a community where violence against women no longer exists.