The Local History and Genealogy Department of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library serves as the premier resource for uncovering the mysteries of Northwest Ohio. Whether filling in branches on your family tree or exploring the origins of the region, the information can be found here. Visitors can mine the past using state-of-the-art technology from today in an optimum environment for research and discovery. Located on the third floor of Main Library, 325 Michigan Street, the Local History Department is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday during the school year from 1 to 5:30 p.m. For more information call 419.259.5233.

Images In Time

In 1993, the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library undertook the awesome task of making its extensive collection of photographs available free to the public on-line. Approximately 80,000 images are now available through Images In Time, the largest on-line searchable collection of photographs in Northwest Ohio .

The pictures range from the 1870s to present day, with the bulk taken between 1880 and World War II. The majority of the photographs depict scenes in the city of Toledo, although much of Northwestern Ohio and Southeastern Michigan are represented. Photographs depict the downtown area, with a large number of Toledo area industries (Jeep, Toledo Scale, Libbey Glass, Owens-Illinois, Libby-Owens-Ford, etc.), schools, hospitals, and parks represented as well.

Images In Timeprovides visitors to the web site the opportunity to search the database by house address or street name, or by a subject or keyword.

Search Images in Time

Blade Rare Book Room:

Thanks to generous community support, Library personnel who appreciate and understand the importance of a rare book collection, and the tremendous contributions of the Blade Foundation, Main Library is fortunate to be home to the Blade Rare Book Room-a climate-controlled room that is home to rare, precious and fragile materials.

The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library has acquired an unparalleled collection of rare and beautiful books, including 18th, 19th, and 20th Century illustrated books, Native American captivity narratives, early Ohio imprints, and Ohio and Northwest Territory history. Also included in the collection are the book arts, architecture, and early books on glass and glass making. In addition, the Reading Room houses a large collection of reference materials including bibliographies, auction catalogs, books on printing, binding, and paper making. Book collectors will also find books and periodicals on the history of book collecting and book values. The value, condition, and format of the materials housed in The Blade Rare Book Room requires certain security procedures be followed when using the collection. Use of the material may require an appointment in advance. Special displays and exhibits are planned on a regular basis.