West Toledo Library retains charm

Published: Friday, 10/24/2014 - Updated: 41 seconds ago

BY MARK REITER BLADE STAFF WRITER

Editor's note: This version of the article corrects the operating hours of the West Toledo Library.

A steady stream of patrons with young children and others, many toting books and DVDs, have been in and out of the West Toledo Library this week as the branch reopened after being closed for more than a year.

With its original multicolored slate roof, tudor-style architecture, and exposed wood support beams, the branch in the Five Points-Library Village neighborhood is among the oldest in the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library system

The library at 1320 Sylvania Ave. now ranks among the most technologically advanced branches in the county system and offers patrons renovated, enhanced gathering space and a 2,500-square-foot addition for the new childrens section.

Julie Bursten, branch manager, said parents and children lined up outside the door, eagerly waiting to get through the new back entrance on the first day Monday.

After we changed the sign on the door on Monday to open, there were maybe 10 kids and their parents in here, she said.

Once inside, they got to play, read, and learn among the enchanted forest of one-of-kind sculptured trees, adorned with tiny gnome doors, dragon tail, snails, and birds in the childrens area.

Everyone who comes in wants to know if the doors open. Its very cool, Ms. Bursten said about the eight-foot tall pieces.

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West Toledo Library retains charm