Kent
3101 Collingwood Boulevard,
Toledo, Ohio 43610
419-259-5340
Email Manager Tiana Tutu-Anokye
Services:
We’re happy to be a good neighbor by providing free self-serve meeting rooms. (Self-serve means you may move furniture, but you will need to return room to original set-up. Technology support may be available.) Users of this space must agree to and follow the Library Community Room policy.
Quiet study rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis during open hours. There are often quiet study tables too, but they are within the main library space.
There is no art display at this time.
Programs:
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) August 6 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) September 3 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) October 1 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) November 5 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) December 3 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Art Club
(W) July 22 | 1:30 — 2:30 p.m. | Kent
Using different mediums and tools each month, contribute to an art project that will be displayed at the library!
Crazy Craig's Juggling Variety Show
(Th) July 30 | 1:30 — 2:15 p.m. | Kent
Hold on to your seats! Crazy Craig is here and will blow your socks away with his high energy, interactive, family comedy, juggling variety show!
Paper Flower Crowns
(W) August 5 | 1:30 — 2:30 p.m. | Kent
The Toledo Pride festival is held each year in August. Celebrate by making a paper flower crown inspired by LGBTQIA+ figures Frida Kahlo and Marsha P. Johnson.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) August 6 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Life-Size Candy Land
(W) August 12 | 1:30 — 2:30 p.m. | Kent
Venture through gumdrop hills and lollipop woods in a life-size game of Candy Land! You can look the part by crafting a candy hat and enjoy eating some candy while you play.
Campfire Fun
(W) August 19 | 1:30 — 2:30 p.m. | Kent
Gather ’round the “campfire” for some stories, s’mores, and crafts!
Art Club
(W) August 26 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Using different mediums and tools each month, contribute to an art project that will be displayed at the library!
Frame a Friend!
(W) September 2 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Decorate a picture frame and “frame a friend”! These small magnetic picture frames are perfect for lockers and refrigerators.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) September 3 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Martial Arts for Kids
(W) September 9 | 4 — 4:45 p.m. | Kent
Have a blast with Sempai Shelly Blanco from Ohio Martial Arts learning a variety of kicks and punches as well as self-defense techniques.
Gamer's Station
with Nintendo Switch
(M) September 14 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Calling all gamers!--stop in for Nintendo Switch gameplay and a variety of fun tabletop games.
Line Art Inspired by Marta Minujín
Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month
(W) September 16 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month by creating a collage inspired by Argentinian artist Marta Minujín. Create experimental art pieces that use bold and neon colors that are eye-catching and interactive.
STEM Challenge: Build a Paddle Boat
(W) September 23 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Use engineering skills to build a rubber-band-powered boat that can zip across the water.
Button Making
(W) September 30 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Express yourself by creating a wearable art button.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) October 1 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Pokémon Training
(M) October 5 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Meet Pokémon Professor Ken to learn to play Pokémon. Learn to build decks, play a few games for fun, or challenge the Professor to a game to win Pokémon Prize Packs!
Gamer's Station
with Nintendo Switch
(M) October 12 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Calling all gamers!--stop in for Nintendo Switch gameplay and a variety of fun tabletop games.
Marble Run Fun
(W) October 14 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Work together to overcome obstacles as you engineer giant marble runs!
Create a Catrina Mask
Provided by the Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center
(Th) October 15 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
We will be painting masks of La Calavera Catrina, which resemble the sugar skulls commonly seen during Day of the Dead, and adding flowers and other embellishments to create a fun and decorative mask.
DIY Lava Lamps
(W) October 21 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Create your own colorful lava lamp and learn about physical and chemical reactions in the process!
Halloween Craft Party
(W) October 28 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Are you ready to put a spooky twist on some fun projects? We'll provide all you need to craft your way to Halloween!
Why Trees Matter: Papermaking with KTLCB
(W) November 4 | 4 — 4:45 p.m. | Kent
Learn the importance of trees and their impact on the environment with Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful. Simulating a recycling facility we will turn old paper into paper pulp then into new paper.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) November 5 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Gamer's Station
with Nintendo Switch
(M) November 16 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Calling all gamers!--stop in for Nintendo Switch gameplay and a variety of fun tabletop games.
Fall Craft Fun!
(W) November 18 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
What helps you enjoy autumn? Fluttering leaves, bonfires and trips to the orchard all make fall special. Make a craft to remember and celebrate the wonder of Fall!
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) December 3 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Pom-Pom Creatures
(M) July 27 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Kent
Let your imagination run wild! Make pom poms by hand and turn them into anything you can imagine!
Gamer's Station
with Nintendo Switch
(M) August 3 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Kent
Calling all gamers!--stop in for Nintendo Switch gameplay and a variety of fun tabletop games.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) August 6 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Origami for Beginners
(M) August 10 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Kent
Explore the fundamental origami folds and learn new origami designs.
Women in Politics
Steinem Sisters/Art Tatum Resource Center Collaboration
(W) August 12 | 6:30 — 8 p.m. | Kent
The Steinem Sisters Collection and the Art Tatum African American Resource Center are collaborating on a special Talking Circle focusing on Women in Politics.
Teen Cafe
(M) August 17 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Kent
Come to the Teen Café, a place to sit and chat with friends, play games or just chill with other teens.
Teen Cafe
(M) August 24 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Come to the Teen Café, a place to sit and chat with friends, play games or just chill with other teens.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) September 3 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Gamer's Station
with Nintendo Switch
(M) September 14 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Calling all gamers!--stop in for Nintendo Switch gameplay and a variety of fun tabletop games.
Improv Party
(M) September 21 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Are you quick-witted? Do you like to make others laugh? Are you a natural storyteller? Expand your creativity, acting, and problem-solving skills with these fun and engaging improv games!
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) October 1 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Gamer's Station
with Nintendo Switch
(M) October 12 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Calling all gamers!--stop in for Nintendo Switch gameplay and a variety of fun tabletop games.
Scary Snacks & Scarier Stories!
(M) October 19 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Celebrate spooky season by writing your scariest story. Don’t forget the blood-curdling and goosebump inducing details! Afterwards, enjoy a deliciously scary treat, but watch out for wriggling worms!
Special Effects Makeup
with Toledo School for the Arts
(Sa) October 24 | 2 — 3 p.m. | Kent
Learn to transform yourself and others into incredible creatures with the stroke of a brush! Experts from the Toledo School of the Arts will guide you in a basics course for special effects makeup.
Teen Fear Factor
(M) October 26 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Conquer your fears through gross, messy, and fun challenges.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) November 5 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Gamer's Station
with Nintendo Switch
(M) November 16 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Calling all gamers!--stop in for Nintendo Switch gameplay and a variety of fun tabletop games.
Shots for Tots n Teens
(Th) December 3 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Shots 4 Tots is an immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
Computer Training Open Lab
(M) July 27 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Get help with Microsoft Office, computer basics, and internet skills. A librarian will be available to assist and answer questions.
Resume Weekly
(Tu) July 28 | 1 — 2:30 p.m. | Kent
Get help creating or updating your resume and completing online job applications. One-on-one assistance available.
Art Tatum Book Club
Black in Blues by Imani Perry
(Tu) July 28 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Kent
A discussion group highlighting Black literary works with the Art Tatum African American Resource Center.
Computer Training Open Lab
(M) August 3 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Kent
Get help with Microsoft Office, computer basics, and internet skills. A librarian will be available to assist and answer questions.
Resume Weekly
(Tu) August 4 | 1 — 2:30 p.m. | Kent
Get help creating or updating your resume and completing online job applications. One-on-one assistance available.
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County
(M) August 10 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County (OMJLC) provides tools, resources, and assistance necessary to help individuals create and facilitate a successful job search plan—walk-in welcome.
TRIO: one-stop shop for help with adult education
(Tu) August 11 | 11 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), adults ages 19 and over can receive free one-to-one assistance.
Women in Politics
Steinem Sisters/Art Tatum Resource Center Collaboration
(W) August 12 | 6:30 — 8 p.m. | Kent
The Steinem Sisters Collection and the Art Tatum African American Resource Center are collaborating on a special Talking Circle focusing on Women in Politics.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) August 18 | 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Owens Community College will be on hand to discuss the different adult learning paths that Owens offers and the financial assistance opportunities available, including grants and scholarships.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Tu) August 18 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Th) August 20 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
Toledo Repair Cafe
(Sa) August 22 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
Bring in your clothing, small appliances, bicycles, jewelry, housewares and toys for repairs free of charge!
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Sa) August 22 | 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Tu) August 25 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
Combee: Harriet Tubman Book Discussion
(Tu) August 25 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Kent
This is a second discussion group for the book "COMBEE: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War".
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Th) August 27 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Sa) August 29 | 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
Sow and Reap Gardens for Adults Herb Gardens
Herb Gardens (Make & Take)
(Tu) September 1 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Participants plant a small herb container using 2–3 herbs.
TRIO: one-stop shop for help with adult education
(Tu) September 8 | 11 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), adults ages 19 and over can receive free one-to-one assistance.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Tu) September 8 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Th) September 10 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Sa) September 12 | 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County
(M) September 14 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County (OMJLC) provides tools, resources, and assistance necessary to help individuals create and facilitate a successful job search plan—walk-in welcome.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) September 15 | 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Owens Community College will be on hand to discuss the different adult learning paths that Owens offers and the financial assistance opportunities available, including grants and scholarships.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Tu) September 15 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Th) September 17 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Sa) September 19 | 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Tu) September 22 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
Art Tatum Book Club
A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black
(Tu) September 22 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Kent
A discussion group highlighting Black literary works with the Art Tatum African American Resource Center.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Th) September 24 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Sa) September 26 | 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Tu) September 29 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Sa) October 3 | 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Tu) October 6 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Th) October 8 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Sa) October 10 | 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County
(M) October 12 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County (OMJLC) provides tools, resources, and assistance necessary to help individuals create and facilitate a successful job search plan—walk-in welcome.
TRIO: one-stop shop for help with adult education
(Tu) October 13 | 11 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), adults ages 19 and over can receive free one-to-one assistance.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Tu) October 13 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Th) October 15 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
Black Culture Game Night with Comedian Host
(Th) October 15 | 6 — 7:30 p.m. | Kent
The African American Appreciation Coalition is having a Game Night this fall! Black culture games and light snacks will be provided. Bring a friend and potentially walk away with the grand prize!
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Sa) October 17 | 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) October 20 | 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Owens Community College will be on hand to discuss the different adult learning paths that Owens offers and the financial assistance opportunities available, including grants and scholarships.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Tu) October 20 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
Upcycled Bookmark Making with TC Acrylics
(Th) October 22 | 6 — 7 p.m. | Kent
In this hands-on class, you’ll create your own custom bookmark using upcycled pieces from original pour paintings—each one filled with color, movement, and story.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Th) October 22 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Sa) October 24 | 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Tu) October 27 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
Art Tatum Book Club
Great Expectations
(Tu) October 27 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Kent
A discussion group highlighting Black literary works with the Art Tatum African American Resource Center.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Tu) November 3 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County
(M) November 9 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County (OMJLC) provides tools, resources, and assistance necessary to help individuals create and facilitate a successful job search plan—walk-in welcome.
TRIO: one-stop shop for help with adult education
(Tu) November 10 | 11 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), adults ages 19 and over can receive free one-to-one assistance.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Tu) November 10 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
A Chocolate Experience with Luvable Sweets
(M) November 16 | 6 — 7 p.m. | Kent
Create a delicious and customized chocolate bar. In order to allow as many people as possible to enjoy these very popular classes, please only register for this class at one location.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) November 17 | 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Owens Community College will be on hand to discuss the different adult learning paths that Owens offers and the financial assistance opportunities available, including grants and scholarships.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For beginner and intermediate level learners
(Tu) November 17 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Do you want to learn English by improving your language skills? We can help! Enjoy a flexible learning experience by attending the interactive classes in-person or virtually.
Art Tatum Book Club
Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes: A Mystery
(Tu) November 24 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Kent
A discussion group highlighting Black literary works with the Art Tatum African American Resource Center.
TRIO: one-stop shop for help with adult education
(Tu) December 8 | 11 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), adults ages 19 and over can receive free one-to-one assistance.
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County
(M) December 14 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
OhioMeansJobs Lucas County (OMJLC) provides tools, resources, and assistance necessary to help individuals create and facilitate a successful job search plan—walk-in welcome.
Owens Community College Adult Learning Opportunities
(Tu) December 15 | 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kent
Owens Community College will be on hand to discuss the different adult learning paths that Owens offers and the financial assistance opportunities available, including grants and scholarships.
Building for the future:
A digital copy of the full 200-plus page facilities master plan is available upon request.
Branch overview (based on 2018 data)
Service population: 13,315 (3.1% of total service population)
Median age: 37.1
Households with children: 27.6%
Households: 5,822
Mean household income: $36,072
Population living below the poverty line: 41%
Gross square feet: 17,172 square feet
Year constructed: expanded in 2011
Collection size: 36,602 items
Programs: 442 in 2018
Meeting room size: 2,215 square feet
Meeting room capacity: 206 people (meeting room is sub-dividable)
General Observations
- This is a busy, well-used branch.
- The building feels cluttered.
- The spaces seem very segmented and not unified.
- Consider reorganizing the building.
In spring 2024, the Library sent a survey to the Lucas County community to learn what you love about your Library and how we could improve our buildings to better meet your needs. This is what 36 Kent neighbors said they wanted in an updated space.
| Rank |
Services and amenities |
Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Expanded children’s areas |
25.00% |
| 2 |
Expanded adult areas |
22.22% |
| 3 | More study spaces |
22.22% |
| 4 |
More technology |
22.22% |
| 5 |
More Maker Spaces |
19.44% |
| 6 |
Additional programming space |
16.67% |
| 7 |
Expanded teen areas |
16.67% |
| 8 |
Access to drive-through, pick-up, and drop-off services |
13.89% |
| 9 |
Greater access to audio/visual equipment |
13.89% |
| 10 |
Larger and/or additional meeting room spaces |
11.11% |
Construction phase: Q2 2030 – Q# 2030
Dates are approximate and subject to change.
Q1 2030 | Dates and locations will be shared as soon as available
The Kent Branch first opened in 1917 and was the first full-service location. In 1974, a fire destroyed the original Branch. The Library then operated temporarily out of a storefront on Collingwood Boulevard. The new Branch opened in 1976 at its current location in the former Academy of Medicine Building. In 2010, the Library received a $2.2 million federal stimulus grant for broadband, which enabled remodeling the building, hiring additional staff, and adding more computers.
The Art Tatum African American Resource Center, located in the Kent Branch Library, provides historical and educational information on African American culture and heritage. Established in 1989, the Tatum Center Collection comprises nearly 10,000 materials, including books, magazines, videos, and photos for all ages.
