Next Phase of Community Input Begins for New South Toledo Library

Daily Dose  |  06/16/2026 9:00 am

What:
The Toledo Lucas County Public Library is hosting several community engagement opportunities in June to gather feedback on a new branch planned for Detroit Avenue near Glendale Avenue in South Toledo.

Building on feedback collected earlier this spring, this round of community input focuses on design considerations for the future branch. Residents will be invited to share input on how the building can connect to the surrounding neighborhood, reflect the character of South Toledo and create a welcoming experience for visitors.

Opportunities include feedback boards at the Heatherdowns Branch, participation during this month's Books on Tap program and community listening pop-ups hosted at local businesses throughout South Toledo.

The Collaborative and Group 4 Architecture, Research + Planning—the design team for the new branch—are helping the Library facilitate these engagement activities.

A third round of community engagement opportunities is tentatively planned for late summer.

Schedule:
Community feedback boards
June 22–July 10
Heatherdowns Branch: 3265 Glanzman Rd., Toledo

Community listening pop-ups
Wednesday, June 17: 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Books on Tap Book Club
Earnest Brew Works: 4342 S. Detroit Ave., Toledo

Wednesday, June 24: 9–11:30 a.m.
Area Office On Aging: 2155 Arlington Ave., Toledo

Wednesday, June 24: 12:15–4:30 p.m.
Kroger: 2555 Glendale Ave., Toledo

Wednesday, June 24: 5:15–7:15 p.m.
Lickity Split: 2021 Glendale Ave., Toledo

Significance:
The new library on Detroit Avenue will replace the former Toledo Heights Branch, which closed in December 2025 following operational funding cuts from the state, and the Heatherdowns Branch, which will remain open until the new location is completed in 2028.

The new site is located approximately halfway between the two branches, improving access and ensuring continued library service for South Toledo residents.

The project represents a significant public investment in South Toledo’s community infrastructure and future growth. It is expected to expand access to technology, meeting space and modern learning environments.

The design phase is underway and will continue through the first quarter of 2027. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2027, with a tentative opening planned for the second quarter of 2028.

In November 2024, Lucas County voters approved a one-mill bond to fund capital improvements across the Toledo Library system. The $153 million investment supports reconfiguration, renovation, expansion or new construction at nearly all Toledo Library locations over the next decade.

The Detroit Avenue branch is part of the first phase of the Library’s master plan, which also includes new buildings for the Washington and Holland branches, as well as a new library in Whitehouse, Ohio.

Websites:
toledolibrary.org/locations/consolidationbranch
toledolibrary.org/buildingforthefuture