All Library locations remain closed as Ohio safely reopens. All eMedia and many online tools are still available with your Library card. Have a question? Ask one of our librarians! Contact Us
Main Library
325 Michigan Street
Toledo, Ohio 43604
Welcome to Main Library
Main Library Manager
Meg Delaney
419.259.5200Email Meg
Welcome! In addition to serving the downtown neighborhood, we are the flagship and central resource for the whole system. Our expert staff has deep expertise to help you with researching your current hot topic, finding a good book to read and helping you navigate technology.
Come for the information and be inspired by the amazing spaces in which you can relax, take a class, or do some work.
We’re here for every stage of your life – what do you need today?
features
Computers & Technology:
- 69 Windows PCs
- 36 Windows laptops
- 16 MACs
- 20 children’s PCs
- 6 children's early learning stations
- 2 book scan stations
- Making equipment
- Free WiFi
Self-Services:
- Faxing, copying, scanning
- ToleGo Public Bikes
Event, Meeting & Study Rooms:
- 30 person capacity Community Room
- 214 person capacity Large Glass Meeting Room
- 312 person capacity McMaster Center
- 200 person capacity McMaster Lobby
- Quiet study room(s) available
Parking:
- 300 parking spots (includes 9 handicapped accessible spots)
- 2 electric vehicle charging stations
- 10 bicycle spots
Fees: parking is free for the first two hours, after 7 p.m., and on weekends. Otherwise, parking is 50 cents per half-hour up to a maximum of $6 per day.
Main Library Departments
Business & Workforce
available by appointment
Maybe you want to follow your life's passion. Maybe you see a business need in your community. Our expert staff is ready to help you:
- Learn about the business you're interested in
- Know your competition
- Define your overall goals
- Create a business plan
We also have dozens of great business research tools and materials that you can access for free with your Library card. Need help getting started? To make an appointment or for more information about Business & Workforce, email Manager David Topoleski.
Children's Library
and Teen space
Located on the second floor, our Children's Library is the perfect place to bring young ones for fun, learning and play! Enjoy features like the Rainbow Fish Tank and the Mystery Wall and explore signature areas including:
- The Susan M. Savage Family Place: Creativity Lab
- The Dorothy Louise Kyler Foundation Children's Computer Center
- The Joseph and Judith Conda Family School Readiness Room
- ProMedica Picture Book Room
- Jennifer Fisher Nancy Drew Collection
Teen Space:
Located on the first floor, our new teen space is a great place for junior high and high school students to hang out with friends, play video games and grab the latest graphic novel or book series.
For more information about our children and teen spaces at Main Library, contact Manager Mary Rava Miller.
Computers & Media
on the first floor
Check out your favorite movie, music album or TV show, use one of our public computers or attend a technology training in our new Teaching Lab. To learn more about Computers & Media, contact Manager Terwase Ngur.
Make an appointment with our experts at Main Library:
Monday - Saturday, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Making and Studio Equipment:
Record your next hit at the Library! Our Main Library location features an incredible range of audio and video equipment, studio space, 3D and large format printers, Cricut machines and other great tools for making. To learn more about making at the Library, contact Assistant Manager Rebecca Ransberger.
Fact & Fiction
on the first floor
We're here to help you find your next great read! The Fact & Fiction Department, located on the first floor, houses our nonfiction and fiction books for adults. Stay tuned for exciting news about a new Writer in Residence program coming in the future.
For more information about Fact & Fiction, contact Manager Erin Connolly.
Local History & Genealogy
on the third floor
Find resources and services offered through our Local History & Genealogy Department including digital collections and exhibits, obituaries, digitization services and our new Community Photo Album.
- The Blade Rare Book Room
- Rogowski-Kaptur Labor History Room
- Digitization lab
To learn more about Local History & Genealogy, contact Manager Jill Clever.
Main Library Features
Sarnies at the Library
Cafe`
Grab a book and then grab a bite to eat - at Main Library!
Sarnies brings the best deli sandwiches and new chopped salads to the area using only the freshest ingredients. Fresh breads are baked daily, salads and sauces are made using local ingredients and cookies are baked from scratch.
Find Sarnies on the first floor of Main Library.
Cafe` Hours:
Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday: 1 - 5 p.m.
Art & Soul
Gift Shop
Art & Soul features a variety of curated items from local and surrounding area artists as well as Toledo Library logo wear and memorabilia. All of the original pieces are handmade and/or small batch. Find beautiful gifts for friends or for yourself with items including jewelry, pottery, glass, paper, wood, children's items and more. Find Art & Soul on the first floor of Main Library.
Store Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Passport Services
We are a full service Passport Acceptance Agency, which means we can take your photo and assist with filling out the forms, and then file the paperwork with the Department of State. Use our checklist to ensure you have everything you need and then stop in to complete the registration process. Find Passport Services on the first floor of Main Library.
Passport Hours:
Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.
Steinem Sisters Collection
The Steinem Sisters Collection is a feminist collection that explores the lives and achievements of women. Created to honor Gloria Steinem, the collection champions the historical, cultural and political contribution of women; and strives to provide a welcoming space for women of all walks of life to share their truths. The types of materials we collect are first and foremost “feminist materials”- which are those materials that uphold women’s rights and interests in defining and promoting political, economic, personal and social equality of the sexes. This collection was made possible due to a generous donation by The Steinem’s Sisters Collective.
Donate to the Steinem Sisters Collection Fund. To learn more about the Steinem Sisters Collection, contact Assistant Manager Rebecca Stanwick.
Staff and History
Main Library Managers
Main Library Manager
Business & Workforce Manager
Children's Library Manager
Computers & Media Manager
Fact & Fiction Manager
Local History & Genealogy Manager
History & Renovation
Main Library has been a downtown Toledo landmark since it opened on September 5, 1940. Today, more than half-a-million visitors check out nearly one million items annually. In addition to a large collection of books, CDs, videos, DVDs and reference materials, Main Library offers ample community meeting spaces, the Blade Rare Book Room and the Creativity Lab: the Susan M. Savage Family Place.
In 2001, Main Library was expanded to 271,000-square feet. In 2019, it underwent its latest renovation which added making equipment, studio space, a cafe, gallery and store on the first floor, as well as additional meeting and work space on the parking level and first floor. The Children's Library also received a substantial renovation to add more value to young Library customers.
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