Birmingham Library Celebrates 100 Years as cornerstone of east side community

TOLEDO, Ohio — The Birmingham Branch of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library marked a historic milestone on Saturday, celebrating 100 years of serving the east Toledo community.

The century-old branch, which has faced several threats of closure throughout its history, remains a cornerstone for residents. 

For longtime visitors like Barbara Halasz, the anniversary represents more than just a birthday for the building.

“It’s heartwarming. It really is, and that I’ve lived to see that,” said Halasz. “It had its ups and downs. They wanted to close it, but we thought, no, we’re not closing the library. So here we are today.”

Jason Kucsma, executive director of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, said the Birmingham branch is more than a spot to borrow books.

“Our branches are community anchors,” said Kucsma. “They serve as community centers — places for people to celebrate with one another, to learn, to grow, and to connect.”

Halasz, who now lives in nearby Oregon, Ohio, still visits the branch regularly for its welcoming atmosphere.

“Everybody is just so helpful and they still are,” she said. “I still come here just because I like the girls, and it’s more cozy and quaint.”

The branch has also been home to staff like Jacey Duffer, who began working at the library at age 16 and has spent 28 years with the library system. She’s witnessed the branch’s evolution alongside its patrons.

“It has grown so much from when I started — just the building and the community,”  said Duffer said. “It’s awesome to see because the library is such a great community member, and we love being a part of it.”

Duffer credits the community’s loyalty for keeping the branch alive for a century.

“Everybody that’s coming in, doesn’t matter where you come from or what led you here, everybody gets the same welcoming spirit,” she said. “That’s why Birmingham has been in existence for so long.”

The library system will continue celebrating the Birmingham branch’s centennial with events and programs throughout the year, honoring its legacy as a cultural and social hub in East Toledo.