Toledo Library Marks Immigrant Heritage Month with Expert Panel and Cultural Programs

Daily Dose  |  05/21/2026 9:00 am

The Toledo Lucas County Public Library will celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month this June with free programs, community partnerships and storytelling opportunities that highlight the experiences and contributions of immigrants and refugees in the region.

A featured event, “Ask Us About the U.S. Immigration System,” will bring together area experts for a panel discussion designed to answer community questions and provide a clear, accessible overview of how the system works. The session will cover pathways to permanent residency and citizenship, the structure of immigration courts and enforcement systems, and practical strategies for navigating common legal challenges. Panelists include legal, academic and community leaders from across Northwest Ohio. The program takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 9 at Main Library and is presented in partnership with Welcome Toledo-Lucas County and Welcome Bowling Green.

Observed each June, Immigrant Heritage Month honors the diverse cultures and perspectives that shape the United States and invites individuals to explore their own heritage while celebrating the stories that connect communities.

Additional programming includes "Multilingual Social Night "on June 4 and "Taste of Vietnam" on June 27, highlighting cultural exchange and connection across Northwest Ohio.

The Library will also present its annual storytelling series in partnership with Welcome Toledo-Lucas County, featuring firsthand accounts from immigrants, refugees and community members across Toledo and Lucas County. These stories will be shared through the Toledo Library’s website.

For a full schedule of events, registration details and locations, visit toledolibrary.org/newamerican/programsandservices. Programs are free and open to the public. Some may require advance registration.

Immigrant Heritage Month Programs

Multilingual Social Night
Thursday, June 4: 6–8 p.m., Sylvania
Are you learning to speak another language? Multilingual Social Night offers a welcoming space to practice language skills in an informal setting. Table leads can converse in Arabic, English, Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), Spanish and Filipino (Tagalog), with additional languages possible. Advance registration is encouraged but not required to attend. All ages and abilities are welcome. This program is presented in partnership with the Believe Center’s ESL Program and NAMI Greater Toledo’s Middle East and North Africa Leadership Initiative.

Ask Us About the U.S. Immigration System
Tuesday, June 9: 5–7 p.m., Main Library
Are you interested in learning more about the U.S. immigration system? Join us for an expert-led panel discussion designed to answer community questions and provide a comprehensive overview of current immigration topics. The session will cover pathways to permanent residency and U.S. citizenship, the structure of immigration courts and enforcement systems, and practical strategies for navigating common legal challenges.

Panelists include Eugenio Mollo Jr., clinical associate professor of law and director of the Immigrant Justice Clinic at the University of Toledo College of Law; Dr. Kefa Otiso, professor of geography at Bowling Green State University and a founding member of the New African Immigrant Commission of Ohio; and Mechelle Zarou, chief people and culture officer and deputy general counsel at the Sisters of St. Francis. The discussion will be moderated by Janelle Metzger, executive director of Water for Ishmael.

This program is presented in celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month and in partnership with Welcome Toledo-Lucas County and Welcome Bowling Green.

Taste of Vietnam
Saturday, June 27: 2–3:30 p.m., Main Library
Join us for a celebration of Vietnamese cuisine that will transport your taste buds to Southeast Asia. Sample dishes prepared by the chef (while supplies last) and take home a recipe card to recreate the dish at home. Discover new flavors and enjoy a memorable afternoon with fellow food enthusiasts. Part of the cultural cooking series celebrating Toledo and Lucas County's diverse food traditions, this event is hosted in partnership with EatWell Cafe and Welcome Toledo-Lucas County. Advance registration is requested.