TOLEDO, Ohio — June 27, 2025 — Construction is officially underway on the new Washington Branch Library in west Toledo, marking a major step forward in revitalizing a long-underserved neighborhood through public investment in literacy, learning, and local development.

On Thursday morning, city and county leaders, library staff, and members of the community gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new facility, which is expected to open by the end of 2026. The project is spearheaded by the Toledo Lucas County Public Library system and is part of its ongoing effort to modernize its facilities while expanding services to residents across the region.

The new Washington Branch will be 20,000 square feet, double the size of the previous building, and will include enhanced safety features, improved accessibility, dedicated youth and teen spaces, collaborative work areas, and technology hubs to meet the evolving needs of 21st-century library users.

“It’s a proven fact that the library has helped bolster local economies, improve property values, so we’re so excited,” said Jason Kucsma, executive director of the Toledo Library. “That’s above and beyond the resource it’s going to be for our community. Children are going to come here to learn to read. Parents, families will be able to connect here. This space is going to bring whole lot of life into this part of Alexis that hasn’t really seen a lot.”

The project is also designed to serve as a community anchor, providing residents with access not just to books, but to job training, internet access, workforce readiness resources, and space for public programming. Local officials say the investment is crucial in addressing economic disparities and educational gaps that have long affected parts of west Toledo.

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, who attended the event, called the library "a foundation of opportunity," noting that the development will bring long-term value far beyond its physical footprint. "We're not just building a library—we're investing in the future of this neighborhood," he said.

The new design is being developed with community input, emphasizing transparency, natural light, flexible learning environments, and ADA-compliant features to ensure inclusivity for all users. The site will also include green space, bike racks, ample parking, and energy-efficient systems as part of the city’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure.

The project aligns with the Toledo Library system’s broader strategic plan to increase equitable access to services and strengthen neighborhoods through thoughtful civic development. The Washington Branch upgrade follows recent renovations to other branches such as Mott and Main, both of which saw dramatic increases in foot traffic and community programming post-renovation.

With more than 3 million visits annually across the Toledo library network, library officials hope this newest investment will not only modernize services, but also uplift residents and attract new interest to the area.

“Libraries are no longer just places to check out books—they are places to launch careers, nurture young minds, and build community,” said Kucsma. “And this new branch is going to do exactly that.”

The library system is working with regional contractors and architecture firms on the project, ensuring local labor and design input play a role in shaping the facility. Funding for the new branch comes from a combination of local levy dollars, philanthropic contributions, and state-supported infrastructure grants.

As the construction gets underway, library officials encourage residents to stay engaged through public forums and updates on the project website.

Originally reported by WTVG Staff in 13 ABC News.