Kent
3101 Collingwood Boulevard,
Toledo, Ohio 43610
419-259-5340
Email Manager Brooke Cox
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) 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.
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!
Life-Size Candy Land
(W) December 2 | 4 — 5 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.
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.
Fireside Storytime
(W) December 9 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Gather around the fireplace for cozy stories and crafts and get a sweet treat to take home with you!
Handmade Holiday
(W) December 16 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
In this season of giving, enjoy an opportunity to make a gift to share with someone special. Be prepared, your gift will be sure to make them grin!
Gamer's Station
with Nintendo Switch
(M) December 21 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Calling all gamers!--stop in for Nintendo Switch gameplay and a variety of fun tabletop games.
Obstacle Course Extravaganza
(W) December 23 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Hop, duck, and weave your way through an obstacle course we will create together using hoops, stepping stones, and even tape and string!
Shrinky Dinks
(W) December 30 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Create a piece of art you can carry with you by drawing on plastic! We will bake your design to shrink it and turn it into a keychain.
Microscopic Marvels
(W) January 6 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Dive into the microscopic world! Explore fascinating objects and materials up close using handheld microscopes.
Build-a-Palooza
(Th) January 14 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Use magnetic cubes and tiles, Lego, and K'NEX to create amazing structures! How high can you go? Can you make something using only green pieces? Work together to beat each challenge.
Button Making
(W) January 20 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Make a wearable button using a preprinted design or create your own design with drawing/coloring supplies!
Gamer's Station
with Nintendo Switch
(M) January 25 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Calling all gamers!--stop in for Nintendo Switch gameplay and a variety of fun tabletop games.
Stories and Shenanigans with Frogtown Players
(W) January 27 | 4 — 4:45 p.m. | Kent
Frogtown Players bring stories to life! Join local storytellers as we share fun books, theatre games, and creative art projects. Every child gets a book to take home. Come read, play, and imagine!
Marble Run Fun
(W) February 3 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Work together to overcome obstacles as you engineer giant marble runs!
I LOVE to Craft
(W) February 10 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
If you love to craft, celebrate Valentine’s Day and show your love to others by making something special for them!
The Art of Alma Thomas
(W) February 17 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Learn about the life and art of Alma Thomas, who was a teacher and artist that painted beautiful, happy things. We will read stories about her and make art inspired by her colorful, abstract artwork.
Gamer's Station
with Nintendo Switch
(M) February 22 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Calling all gamers!--stop in for Nintendo Switch gameplay and a variety of fun tabletop games.
STEM Challenge: Makey Makey Piano
(W) February 24 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Create a piano out of bananas, Play-Doh, and more using the Makey Makey circuit kit.
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.
Teen Cafe
(M) November 9 | 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.
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.
Teen Cafe
(M) November 23 | 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.
Fall Bakery Workshop with Luvable Sweets
(M) November 30 | 3:30 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Create and decorate a collection of festive fall treats using a variety of seasonal candies, cookies, pretzels, chocolates, and decorative accents. Bakery boxes will be provided to take treats home.
Teen Cafe
(M) November 30 | 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) 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.
Sew Your Own Ornament
(M) December 7 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Create your own felt winter ornament! Learn to use a needle and thread to sew simple stitches and attach a button.
Teen Cafe
(M) December 14 | 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.
Gamer's Station
with Nintendo Switch
(M) December 21 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Calling all gamers!--stop in for Nintendo Switch gameplay and a variety of fun tabletop games.
Teen Hot Chocolate Party
(M) December 28 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Enjoy a tasty treat and easy craft at our Teen Hot Chocolate Party.
Teen Cafe
(M) January 4 | 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.
Reading Essentials Kit for Teens
with Create & Xpress
(M) January 11 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Make a beaded bookmark, book charm, and reading tracker to keep you motivated all year long.
Teen Cafe
(M) January 18 | 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.
Gamer's Station
with Nintendo Switch
(M) January 25 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Calling all gamers!--stop in for Nintendo Switch gameplay and a variety of fun tabletop games.
Teen Cafe
(M) February 1 | 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.
Teen Vision Boards
(M) February 8 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Create a vision board as a reminder to stay motivated to achieve future goals.
Teen Cafe
(M) February 15 | 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.
Gamer's Station
with Nintendo Switch
(M) February 22 | 4 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Calling all gamers!--stop in for Nintendo Switch gameplay and a variety of fun tabletop games.
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.
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
(Sa) October 24 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.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.
Résumé Workshop
(M) November 9 | 9:30 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
Get help creating or updating your résumé and completing online job applications. One-on-one assistance available.
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.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) November 19 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Kent
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
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.
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and LOSS Program
(W) December 9 | 10 a.m. — noon | Kent
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and Postvention Program serves all Lucas County residents with prevention resources and supports.
Art Tatum Book Club
Integrated: How American Schools Failed Black Children
(Sa) December 12 | 2:30 — 3:30 p.m. | Kent
A discussion group highlighting Black literary works with the Art Tatum African American Resource Center.
Résumé Workshop
(M) December 14 | 9:30 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Kent
Get help creating or updating your résumé and completing online job applications. One-on-one assistance available.
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.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) December 17 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Kent
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
Art Tatum Book Club
Integrated: How American Schools Failed Black Children
(Tu) December 22 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Kent
A discussion group highlighting Black literary works with the Art Tatum African American Resource Center.
Art Tatum Book Club
Something We Said: Richard Pryor, A Notorious Word, and Me
(Sa) January 9 | 2:30 — 3:30 p.m. | Kent
A discussion group highlighting Black literary works with the Art Tatum African American Resource Center.
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and LOSS Program
(W) January 13 | 10 a.m. — noon | Kent
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and Postvention Program serves all Lucas County residents with prevention resources and supports.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) January 21 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Kent
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
Art Tatum Book Club
Something We Said: Richard Pryor, A Notorious Word, and Me
(Tu) January 26 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Kent
A discussion group highlighting Black literary works with the Art Tatum African American Resource Center.
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and LOSS Program
(W) February 10 | 10 a.m. — noon | Kent
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and Postvention Program serves all Lucas County residents with prevention resources and supports.
Create Your Own Travel Journal
(W) February 10 | 6 — 8 p.m. | Kent
Artist Liz Hayes will guide you through making a hard back travel journal, introducing techniques for your pages such as hand sewing, gluing, medium techniques, stamping, collage, and image transfer.
Art Tatum Book Club
I'll Make Me a World
(Sa) February 13 | 2:30 — 3:30 p.m. | Kent
A discussion group highlighting Black literary works with the Art Tatum African American Resource Center.
Classic Black Movies
Love Jones (109 Minutes, R)
(W) February 17 | 6 — 7:30 p.m. | Kent
Watch a movie featuring a Black cast celebrating a milestone year since release.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) February 18 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Kent
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
Art Tatum Book Club
I'll Make Me a World
(Tu) February 23 | 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Kent
A discussion group highlighting Black literary works with the Art Tatum African American Resource Center.
Spoken Word Mixer | Toledo Library’s Black History Month
(W) February 24 | 5 — 7:30 p.m. | Kent
Please join members of the Library’s African American Appreciation Coalition in celebrating Black History Month with a space to meet, network, and share your talents.
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and LOSS Program
(W) March 10 | 10 a.m. — noon | Kent
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and Postvention Program serves all Lucas County residents with prevention resources and supports.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) March 18 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Kent
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
Lucas County Benefit Bridge Assistance
(M) March 29 | 1 — 5 p.m. | Kent
Meet with a Lucas County Benefit Bridge representative to see if you qualify for the program, have questions answered, and apply.
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and LOSS Program
(W) April 14 | 10 a.m. — noon | Kent
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and Postvention Program serves all Lucas County residents with prevention resources and supports.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) April 15 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Kent
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and LOSS Program
(W) May 12 | 10 a.m. — noon | Kent
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and Postvention Program serves all Lucas County residents with prevention resources and supports.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) May 20 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Kent
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and LOSS Program
(W) June 9 | 10 a.m. — noon | Kent
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and Postvention Program serves all Lucas County residents with prevention resources and supports.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) June 17 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Kent
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and LOSS Program
(W) July 14 | 10 a.m. — noon | Kent
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and Postvention Program serves all Lucas County residents with prevention resources and supports.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) July 15 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Kent
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and LOSS Program
(W) August 11 | 10 a.m. — noon | Kent
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and Postvention Program serves all Lucas County residents with prevention resources and supports.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) August 19 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Kent
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and LOSS Program
(W) September 8 | 10 a.m. — noon | Kent
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and Postvention Program serves all Lucas County residents with prevention resources and supports.
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities
Customer Assistance and Outreach
(Th) September 16 | 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. | Kent
Meet one-on-one with City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities Customer Service representatives to learn about discounts and programs designed to make your water and sewer bill more affordable.
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and LOSS Program
(W) October 13 | 10 a.m. — noon | Kent
Mercy Health Suicide Prevention and Postvention Program serves all Lucas County residents with prevention resources and supports.
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.
