The Blade Rare Book Room

A public library serves as a source of information, as well as a community resource for the collection and preservation of rare and valuable pieces.

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.