** Ed: As part of the IFLA WLIC 2016 series whereby articles are contributed from libraries which delegates can opt to visit during the conference, we are now into our seventh article contribution. This time round, the Publications Team would like to thank Toledo Lucas County Public Library for their article contribution. **
For over 175 years, the Toledo Lucas County Public Library has built and maintained a collection of resources for customers to borrow, answered questions, provided places for meeting and study, and offered educational and informational programs. Today we proudly serve the City of Toledo and Lucas County with 20 convenient locations.
On an average day, over 8,700 people walk through our doors, including nearly 2,000 people at Main Library and 1,100 at Sanger Branch. There are over 25 scheduled events, including storytimes, computer classes, puppet shows, educational presentations, technology training, and STEM and maker activities, to name just a few. Over 20 walk-in activities are available, and a meeting room is in use at every location. In addition, nearly 18,000 items are checked out, over 1,800 titles are downloaded, and all of our over 700 computers are used, many for the entire day. We also have four unique vehicles that travel throughout Lucas County delivering materials and specialized services. Beyond these activities, there are many more initiatives, programs and opportunities the Library is proud to provide in partnership with other organizations across Toledo and Lucas County.
Perhaps the best way to learn the value of the Library today and its importance into the future is to explore our Mission, Vision, and Values. The principles identified here attempt to preserve the best of the Library’s past, recognize the challenges of the present, and best prepare ourselves, along with the residents of Toledo and Lucas County, for the future.
Our Mission – Engage all of our communities, inspire lifelong learning, and provide universal access to a broad range of information, ideas, and entertainment.
Our Vision – To continue evolving Library services to best meet the needs of the many and diverse communities we serve and be a catalyst for positive change in all corners of Toledo and Lucas County.
Our Values – In all of our efforts we will seek to build an organizational culture that is…
Welcoming – The Library respects and values diversity, equity, and fairness.
Innovative – The Library encourages creativity, experimentation and new ideas to better serve the residents and customers.
Objective – The Library supports the free exchange of information and ideas.
Accountable – The Library takes responsibility for its actions and services.
Collaborative – The Library works with others to strengthen Toledo and Lucas County.
If you are in Columbus for the IFLA World Library and Information Congress, consider this an invitation to not only the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, but the Toledo community and the beautiful Northwest Ohio region. Conference attendees and guests are encouraged to contact the Toledo Lucas County Public Library for tours of Historic Main Library – called the Jewel of the City – featuring gorgeous Art Deco design paired with aspirational, cutting-edge modern architecture, Vitrolite glass murals, a rare book room and archive, a celebrated original art from children’s books collection, immersive research collections, a rooftop garden, café, Friends of the Library gift shop, theater, and gallery spaces.
Colleagues may find similar interest in our celebrated programs too. Which includes Make U (our “maker” initiative), our Business Technology Department specializing in Job and Career guidance and Business and Grant resources/assistance, Rare Book Room, Digitization, Local History & Genealogy department, Outreach Services, our nationally renowned author and speaker series Authors! Authors!, and a host of other library services.
Whether you visit for an afternoon, a day, or longer, the Toledo Lucas County Public Library and community welcome you. For further information, please visit www.toledolibrary.org
Contributed by Mr Ben Malczewski, Media Relations Coordinator at Toledo Lucas County Public Library .
Posted by Justin Tan, Editor.