South
1736 Broadway St.,
Toledo, Ohio 43609
419-259-5395
Email Manager Rebecca Kramer
M-Tu: 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
W-F: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sa-Su: Closed
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.
This branch provides a continuous Friends of the Library mini Book Sale area.
Programs:
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(W) June 3 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) June 16 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) June 30 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) July 14 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) July 21 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Train Safety and Storytime Activity
(Th) July 30 | 10:30 — 11:30 a.m. | South
Learn about train safety with resources from Operation Lifesaver! Featuring activities, crafts, and some of our favorite train books.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(W) August 5 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) August 25 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) September 1 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) September 15 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) September 29 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) October 13 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) October 27 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) November 10 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) November 24 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) December 8 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) December 22 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(W) June 3 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Summer Read with NFL star Chris Wormley
(F) June 5 | 2 — 3 p.m. | South
Sign up for Summer Read and meet Toledo native and current NFL defensive end, Chris Wormley.
Mixed Media Flower Portrait
(Th) June 11 | 11 a.m. — noon | South
Create a 3D flower portrait with fun materials.
Glovation Circus
(M) June 15 | 2:30 — 3:15 p.m. | South
A circus show unlike any other, featuring interactive entertainment for all ages!
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) June 16 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Meet the Dinosaurs! with Dinosaur Dimensions
(Tu) June 23 | 2:30 — 3:15 p.m. | South
An amazing collection of realistic puppets presents an experience like no other. From cute baby triceratops to a life size raptor, or even a t-rex – it’s a dino-experience for all ages!
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) June 30 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Tissue Paper Wreath
(Th) July 2 | 10:30 — 11:30 a.m. | South
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with a decorative wreath made by scrunching and bunching red, white, and blue tissue paper.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) July 14 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Warhol-Inspired Wildflowers with Molly Miller
(Tu) July 14 | 2:30 — 3:15 p.m. | South
Dive into the world of Andy Warhol by layering vibrant, tempera-painted flower cutouts over rich oil pastel backgrounds to create a bold, 3D floral masterpiece.
Magic Story Artistry with Yasu Ishida
(M) July 20 | 2:30 — 3:15 p.m. | South
Combining traditional Japanese theatre, music, origami, magic, and storytelling, Yasu Ishida will guide you to the enchanting land of Japan.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) July 21 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Dinosaur Craft Party
(Th) July 23 | 10:30 — 11:30 a.m. | South
Snap your scissors and get ready to glue. Bring dinosaurs back to life in a fun and colorful craft project!
Twisted Tie-Dye
(Tu) July 28 | 2:30 — 3:30 p.m. | South
Choose from your favorite Americana, rainbow, or team colors at our tie-dye party! Dye something of ours to take home with you or bring something of your own to dye. Wear clothes that can get messy.
Living Dinosaurs with Nature's Nursery
(Tu) August 4 | 2:30 — 3:15 p.m. | South
Explore life’s family tree and see how animals connect to dinosaurs. Meet live birds, reptiles, and amphibians while learning about evolution, survival, and protecting wildlife today.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(W) August 5 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Pop Bottle Fireflies
(Th) August 13 | 10:30 — 11:30 a.m. | South
What can you do with empty pop bottles? Turn them into glowing summer fireflies using simple craft supplies!
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) August 25 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) September 1 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) September 15 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) September 29 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) October 13 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) October 27 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) November 10 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) November 24 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) December 8 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) December 22 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(W) June 3 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Summer Read with NFL star Chris Wormley
(F) June 5 | 2 — 3 p.m. | South
Sign up for Summer Read and meet Toledo native and current NFL defensive end, Chris Wormley.
Creative Writing Workshop for Teens
(Tu) June 9 | 5:30 — 7:30 p.m. | South
Led by expert writer Ashton Hooley teens will share work, receive feedback, and grow in a supportive space where every writer—beginner or advanced—feels inspired and included.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) June 16 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Watercolor Wax Resist: Summer Fruits, Veggies, & More!
with 577 Foundation
(Tu) June 16 | 5 — 6 p.m. | South
Participants will explore watercolor wax resist with watercolor paint, crayons, and/or oil pastels. Inspiration includes fruits, veggies, and flowers.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) June 30 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Perler Bead Keychains
(Tu) June 30 | 2:30 — 4 p.m. | South
Create your own unique keychain using Perler or “fuse” beads. Recreate your favorite character, emoji, logo, or create a design of your own!
Perler Bead Keychains
(Th) July 9 | 2:30 — 4 p.m. | South
Create your own unique keychain using Perler or “fuse” beads. Recreate your favorite character, emoji, logo, or create a design of your own!
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) July 14 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
DIY Suncatchers
(Th) July 16 | 2:30 — 3:30 p.m. | South
Lights, colors, create! Make your own stained-glass effect suncatcher using transparency film, markers, and glue.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) July 21 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Henna Art for Teens with Henna Muse
(Tu) July 21 | 5:30 — 6:30 p.m. | South
Use henna to create our own designs on paper, as well as learn the basics of sourcing supplies and making henna paste.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(W) August 5 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Inclusive Storytime for Adults and Teens
Programming for Adults and Teens with IDD and Peers
(M) August 10 | 10 — 11:30 a.m. | South
An interactive Storytime focused on adult learners of various abilities. Join us for some stories, activities, and fun!
Shrinky Dinks
(Tu) August 11 | 2:30 — 3:30 p.m. | South
Have you ever wondered how to make Shrinky Dinks? We will color, bake and shrink pieces of plastic to make it look like glass.
Painting Panamanian Molas
Provided by the Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center
(Tu) August 18 | 4:30 — 5:30 p.m. | South
Participants will craft a variation of Panamanian molas, inspired by the intricate needlework of Guna women.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) August 25 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) September 1 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) September 15 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) September 29 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) October 13 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) October 27 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) November 10 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) November 24 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) December 8 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
(Tu) December 22 | 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | South
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile visits Library locations to provide children (aged 17 and younger) with various health services.
Papermaking with Keep Toledo Lucas County Beautiful
Programming for Adults and Teens with IDD and Peers
(M) June 1 | 10 — 11 a.m. | South
Enjoy a fun papermaking activity with Keep Toledo Lucas County Beautiful.
Lavender in the Kitchen with Luckey Road Lavender Farm
(M) June 8 | 6:30 — 8 p.m. | South
Join Luckey Road Lavender Farm in using culinary lavender in their favorite recipes.
Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County
(W) June 17 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | South
Speak with a representative from the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board about local agencies that provide mental health help, addiction treatment, and area support groups.
Native Americans: Presented by Heritage Sylvania
Programming for Adults and Teens with IDD and Peers
(M) July 6 | 10 — 11 a.m. | South
Learn how Native Americans in our region lived while exploring original artifacts then make a model of a teepee or wigwam.
Northwest Ohio Pathways HUB
(F) July 10 | 10 a.m. — noon | South
The Pathways HUB system is a free program to help connect you to medical and social services throughout the community.
Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County
(W) July 15 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | South
Speak with a representative from the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board about local agencies that provide mental health help, addiction treatment, and area support groups.
Chocolate Fondant Cake with Sur Le Pouce
(M) August 3 | 6:30 — 8 p.m. | South
In this hands-on class, learn the art of making a delicious "moelleux au chocolat" (chocolate fondant cake).
Divorce/Dissolution with Minor Children Legal Clinic
Presented by Toledo Bar Association Pro Bono Program
(F) August 7 | 10 — 11:30 a.m. | South
This information clinic provides a general overview of the dissolution and divorce process when minor children are involved. Attendees will learn what to consider before filing in Lucas County.
Inclusive Storytime for Adults and Teens
Programming for Adults and Teens with IDD and Peers
(M) August 10 | 10 — 11:30 a.m. | South
An interactive Storytime focused on adult learners of various abilities. Join us for some stories, activities, and fun!
Northwest Ohio Pathways HUB
(F) August 14 | 10 a.m. — noon | South
The Pathways HUB system is a free program to help connect you to medical and social services throughout the community.
Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County
(W) August 19 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | South
Speak with a representative from the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board about local agencies that provide mental health help, addiction treatment, and area support groups.
Northwest Ohio Pathways HUB
(F) September 11 | 10 a.m. — noon | South
The Pathways HUB system is a free program to help connect you to medical and social services throughout the community.
Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County
(W) September 16 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | South
Speak with a representative from the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board about local agencies that provide mental health help, addiction treatment, and area support groups.
Northwest Ohio Pathways HUB
(F) October 9 | 10 a.m. — noon | South
The Pathways HUB system is a free program to help connect you to medical and social services throughout the community.
Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County
(W) October 21 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | South
Speak with a representative from the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board about local agencies that provide mental health help, addiction treatment, and area support groups.
Northwest Ohio Pathways HUB
(F) November 13 | 10 a.m. — noon | South
The Pathways HUB system is a free program to help connect you to medical and social services throughout the community.
Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County
(W) November 18 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | South
Speak with a representative from the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board about local agencies that provide mental health help, addiction treatment, and area support groups.
Northwest Ohio Pathways HUB
(F) December 11 | 10 a.m. — noon | South
The Pathways HUB system is a free program to help connect you to medical and social services throughout the community.
Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County
(W) December 16 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | South
Speak with a representative from the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board about local agencies that provide mental health help, addiction treatment, and area support groups.
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: 5,1531 (1.21% of total service population)
Median age: 28
Households with children: 39.9%
Households: 1,907
Mean household income: $37,640
Population living below the poverty line: 33%
Gross square feet: 7,684 square feet
Year constructed: 2004
Collection size: 21,410 items
Programs: 116 in 2018
Meeting room size: 661 square feet
Meeting room capacity: 100 people
General Observations
- Need to balance the collection with seating and technology.
- The children’s area needs to be reworked and incorporate more interactive elements.
- There is no place now for parents to sit in the children’s area.
- The space needs to be visible for oversight and have activities for kids to do.
- The current meeting room is too small.
- The service point is located deep into the space and may be difficult to locate upon entry.
- The location of the self-checkout is not very intuitive.
- Consider relocating the self-checkout so patrons see them as they exit the building.
- When you enter the building, you don’t know where to go.
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 18 South neighbors said they wanted in an updated space.
| Rank |
Services and amenities |
Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Expanded children’s areas |
22.22% |
| 2 |
Expanded teen areas |
22.22% |
| 3 |
More study spaces |
22.22% |
| 4 |
Access to drive-through, pick-up, and drop-off services |
16.67% |
| 5 |
Expanded adult areas |
16.67% |
| 6 |
Larger and/or additional meeting room spaces |
16.67% |
| 7 |
Greater access to audio/visual equipment |
11.11% |
| 8 |
More Maker Spaces |
11.11% |
| 9 |
More technology |
11.11% |
| 10 |
Additional programming space |
5.56% |
Construction phase: Q1 2030 – Q2 2030
Dates are approximate and subject to change.
Q1 2029 | Dates and locations will be shared as soon as available
As a renowned Library philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie provided funds for the South Branch Library, which opened on Jan. 16, 1918. The South Branch has been an asset to the Old South End community. South serves a multicultural and diverse neighborhood, specializing in Latino culture with collections in English and Spanish. In 2004, the South Branch relocated to its current location. This new modern building features glass walls and original Latino artwork.
Non-fiction titles like gardening, crafts, hobbies, medicine, and philosophy are available in the Hispanic Collection at the South Branch. Many fiction titles are available, including classics and modern works, books by established Spanish-language authors, and translations of popular English fiction.
The collection represents many Spanish-speaking countries and features books by Latino-American, Latin-American, and Spanish authors. The collection contains Spanish children’s books with English translations. Music, movies, and subtitled content are also available.
