The last open day of the current Washington branch was (Sa) Aug. 9. Construction is estimated to be completed in Q4 of 2026.
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE:
In 2019, the Toledo Library enlisted HBM Architects and Interior Designers to develop a facilities master plan that examined its locations and provided a list of priorities and recommendations to help move TLCPL forward. This working plan was based on data collected during 2018 and continues to evolve based on the changing needs of the communities the Library serves. Below are key takeaways for the Washington Branch.
A digital copy of the full 200-plus page facilities master plan is available upon request.
Branch overview (based on 2018 data)
Service population: 30,670 (6.94% of total service population)
Median age: 38
Households with children: 29.8%
Households: 13,131
Mean household income: $52,841
Population living below the property line: 11%
Gross square feet: 13,250 square feet
Year constructed: 1986, expanded in 2001
Collection size: 67,629 items
Programs: 195 in 2018
Meeting room size: 1,415 square feet
Meeting room capacity: 70 people (meeting room is subdividable)
General Observations
- The library is noisy at all times and in need of quiet space.
- The children’s area is too small.
- The children’s area and magazine room jut-outs get too hot and awkwardly segment the interior space while limiting flexibility.
- Roof lines may make expansion challenging.
- It might be easier to demolish the building rather than re-think the roof structure.
- The large, enclosed entryway tends to be a wind tunnel and trash collector.
- The entry/lobby needs to be more functional and inviting.
- Shelves were recently cut down and lowered.
- There are not enough or adequate bathrooms in the branch.
- The library recently tried to add parking behind the branch but it wasn’t possible.
- Would like more technology and collaboration areas.
- The meeting room is not big enough.
- THe library is difficult for people to find and could stand to be in a busier location.
What is the last day the current Washington Branch will be open?
The last open day of the current Washington branch is (Sa) Aug. 9, 2025.Â
When will the new Washington Branch be open?
Construction is estimated to be completed in Q4 of 2026.
What are the closest Library locations to visit while awaiting the new branch opening?
West Toledo | 1320 Sylvania Avenue
Sylvania | 6749 Monroe Street
Sanger | 3030 W. Central Avenue
Where is the new location?
3025 W. Alexis Road
What will happen to the existing buildings on the property?
The old Food Town and outbuildings will be demolished. The storefront building near Alexis Road with current tenants will remain in place as they have leases that expire at the end of 2026. Then this property will be renovated to house the Friends of the Library.
What will the property look like?
The new Library will sit at the front of the property near Alexis. The Library will build an operations center building where the Food Town currently sits. The operations center will house the Library’s Technical Services Department, a warehouse, central purchasing, and logistics. There will be ample green space, including walking paths, and other amenities connecting Tremainsville to the campus.
Will the property continue to have vehicular access from both Alexis and Tremainsville Roads?
No. Only the Alexis Road entrance will be used for Library access. This will eliminate the issue of people racing through the parking lot between Alexis and Tremainsville Roads, which poses a severe safety risk. There will be pedestrian access from Tremainsville, and we will also have a vehicle entrance on Tremainsville just for the operations center.
Will there be a stop light or crosswalk installed at the Alexis Road entrance?
The City of Toledo Plan Commission, in coordination with City transportation engineers, has determined that neither a light nor a crosswalk is needed at this time. The current roadway design accounts for a grocery store with a higher volume of traffic than that expected of a public library. This isn’t a decision controlled by the Library. Please share any traffic concerns with your City Council Member. You can find your Council Member (both in-district and at-large) and their contact information on our Civic Center.
Will the new branch be handicap-accessible and ADA-compliant?
Yes! Accessibility is a top priority. We are working closely with the architects and the Ability Center to ensure the branch exceeds all current ADA requirements as well as additional features to make our space as welcoming as possible for all abilities.
Will the new branch be environmentally friendly?
Also, yes! It is much easier to make new buildings energy efficient, use sustainable materials, and design for green space. Library customers and surrounding community members can expect many environmentally friendly features at the new branch location.Â
- Create a welcoming destination for all ages.
- Exceed safety and accessibility standards and become the most accessible public library.
- Foster a connection to outdoor spaces.
- Encourage curiosity with a powerful design that prioritizes simple geometry and flexibility
- Serve as an economic catalyst for the surrounding community.
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 251 Washington neighbors said they wanted in an updated space.
| Rank |
Services and amenities |
Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Access to drive-through, pick-up, and drop-off services |
38.25% |
| 2 |
Expanded children’s areas |
29.88% |
| 3 |
Expanded adult areas |
27.09% |
| 4 |
More Maker Spaces |
17.53% |
| 5 |
More technology |
15.94% |
| 6 |
Expanded teen areas |
14.74% |
| 7 |
More study spaces |
13.15% |
| 8 |
Greater access to audio/visual equipment |
10.36% |
| 9 |
Larger and/or additional meeting room spaces |
9.16% |
| 10 |
Additional programming space |
6.37% |
Design phase I: Q3 2024
Construction phase I: Q2 2025 – Q4 2026
Dates are approximate and subject to change.
Completed activities:
- Architect (Bostwick Design Partnership) and construction management (Lathrop) firms in place
- Listening sessions completed Jan. 28 and Feb. 6, 2025
- Permitting secured
- Foundation poured
- Structural steel frame built
Current activities:
- Steel detailing
- Underground plumbing and electrical work
- Inspections ongoing
What’s next:
- Enclose building (before winter)
- Foundation work for the warehouse.
- Design work for Friends of the Library location (in current retail shopping area)
Thank you! The listening sessions are complete. Please call 419.259.5200 for any questions or concerns.
The Washington Branch was established in Trilby School in 1928. In 1961, it moved to a new building on Whitmer Drive, which it outgrew. In 1986, the Branch moved to a new building at 5560 Harvest Lane, where it experienced enthusiastic, ever-increasing demand for Library services. After a 2002 addition and remodel, the Branch was 12,645 square feet, including two meeting rooms, two quiet study rooms, and a children’s area. In Aug. 2025, the Branch was temporarily closed while a new building was constructed on Alexis Road.
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS
