Coming Soon … your New Main Library
Since 1888 the hub of Dayton Metro Library has been situated in Cooper Park in Downtown Dayton. While the location has remained constant, throughout our history the Library and its facilities have been evolving to meet the changing needs of the community and our patrons. The newest facility is currently being constructed around the solid structural core of the 1960s building. With the addition of a three-story tower and the relocation of back office activities to a new Operations Center down the street, there will be 114,000 square feet of public space in the new Main (four times the prior building) to provide a civic commons to inform, inspire and enrich our community for decades to come.
Here are highlights of the new Main Library you will find when it opens in 2017.
Atrium and Marketplace
- Easy access to new and popular materials
- Café
- Light-filled gathering place
Children’s Area
- Play structure and toys to encourage imagination
- Children’s Program Room
- Story Corner with tiered seating for story time
- Separate area with gaming for tweens to call their own
- Outdoor children’s patio
Teen Edge
- Active and quiet spaces
- Gaming
- Laptops that can be checked out for use in the Library
- Center for college and career readiness
- Video Recording Studio with Green Screen
Adult Areas
- Easy to browse collections on three floors
- Enclosed Quiet Reading Room
- Two open reading areas, each with a fireplace and view of the park
- Enhanced Local History and Genealogy Room
- Small Business and Nonprofit Resource Centers
Gathering Places
- Tutor, study and conference rooms that accommodate from 4 to 14 people
- Large divisible Community Room
- Eichelberger Family Forum
- Theater Off Third
- Available outside of Library hours
Opportunity Spaces
- Two flexible spaces on the first floor with afterhours access
- One designed for making, cooking demonstrations, and “messy” activities
- One ideal for expos, art gallery, training, and more
- Available for longer-term use by community organizations
And more throughout!
- Additional computers, improved Wi-Fi, and convenient power outlets
- Comfortable individual and collaborative furniture
- Six original artworks commissioned as part of ReImagining Works
Since 1888 the hub of Dayton Metro Library has been situated in Cooper Park in Downtown Dayton. While the location has remained constant, throughout our history the Library and its facilities have been evolving to meet the changing needs of the community and our patrons. The newest facility is currently being constructed around the solid structural core of the 1960s building. With the addition of a three-story tower and the relocation of back office activities to a new Operations Center down the street, there will be 114,000 square feet of public space in the new Main (four times the prior building) to provide a civic commons to inform, inspire and enrich our community for decades to come.
