10 things you’ll love about the new downtown Dayton library
A rousing poem from local artist Sierra Leone, a block-long ribbon cutting and blasts of color from confetti cannons opened Dayton Metro Library’s muchanticipated main branch downtown on Saturday, Aug. 5.
It was indeed a showy start, complete with acrobats and hoop dancers from Femme Fatale Fitness. But as the estimated 7,500 local residents who ventured into the $64 million taxpayer-supported library overlooking Cooper Park learned, the true show was the state-of-the-art library itself.
Dayton’s main library has been at the location since 1888. The new version has amenities and innovation that go way beyond the Dewey Decimal System.
And it wasn’t only about seeing the building.
Chuck Duritsch, the library’s external relations manager, said about 250 families or individuals signed up for new library card Saturday. On a typical Saturday, there are only a handful of new cards issued.
“We got praises all over the place, no disgruntled people,” Duritsch said. “We were so excited for the turnout. It looked like people were having a good time celebrating the new library.”
Duritsch said 3,799 books and other materials were checked out during the day. Another 1,358 items were checked out Sunday. Below, you’ll find 10 things we love about the new library.
“Fractal Rain,” the show-stopping steel-wire and scuplture by local artist Terry Welker, owner of Welker Studio in Kettering, is just one of the elements that make the library a visual delight.
Attention was clearly played to shapes and lines throughout the design.
The library’s bright and cheerful children’s area is going to make you wish you were just out of trainers.
There is an epic castle, an outdoor area and plenty of places for continued on