Toledo Public Library Assistant Library Director Brandi Harma (L) and Library Director Sheri McFate (R) served soups and sweets to local library patrons. Photo by Vanessa Roudabush.

The Toledo Public Library held a soup luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 8, for voters to enjoy after casting their ballots. Following this year’s hectic election season, there’s nothing like comfort food to calm the soul.

“This is our fourth year [for the soup luncheon]. We did it for three years up till Covid hit, so this is our first time doing it since 2019,” said the Library Director, Sheri McFate. “It’s a way to fundraise for the library and make people aware the library is here. People think of soup in the fall, and you want something that warms you up.”

Assistant Library Director, Brandi Harms, explained who all contributed.

“The soup luncheon is put on by not only the library but the Library Foundation and Board of Trustees. They volunteer to make the soup, [dessert] bars and come in and serve,” she said.

It was also a good opportunity for a reminder from Library Director McFate.

After voting, community members enjoyed savory hot soups, delicious dessert bars with a refreshing coffee, and sweet fruit punch accompanied by a pleasant conversation. Photo by Vanessa Roudabush.

“We’re still here. We’re open. Come check out a book. We offer a lot of services [for the community]. We have wifi. If it’s cold or hot and you want to come in and sit [with] your laptop, you certainly can,” she said.

McFate hopes to expand the library’s programming soon.

“There will be more programming we hope to incorporate. Maybe not necessarily soup luncheons, but things like games where we can get families involved. We’re open to suggestions for programming,” she said.

The next community event at the library will be a craft event during Hometown Holiday on Nov. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m.