Library delays opening of new $64M building

June date now put off till Aug. 5 for minor projects, staff training.

The Dayton Metro Library at 215 E. Third St. was scheduled to open June 17. The new date is Aug. 5.

The Dayton Metro Library has delayed by nearly two months the opening of the new $64 million Main Library.

The library at 215 E. Third St. was scheduled to open June 17. The new date is Aug. 5.

Minor construction projects still must be completed, and the certificate of occupancy from the city of Dayton still has to be obtained, Chuck Durisch, the library’s external relations manager, said.

Officials also want to make sure books and equipment are completely in place and staffers are properly trained for the library’s opening, Durisch said.

“We want to make sure our staff is ready to serve,” Durisch said. “We just wanted to make sure it is all ready to go, and we didn’t think we could finish it all by June 17.”

The Main Library project is part of a $187 million construction project that includes new and renovated buildings systemwide.

The library closed on Sept. 10 at 215 E. Third St.

The main library’s services and materials are being held temporary home at 120 S. Patterson Blvd., the former Hauer music building.

The Dayton Metro Library Foundation hosted The Main Event, a fundraising gala, at the library on April 22.

Details are being developed about what will happen during the free, community open house to be held noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 5, Durisch said.

MARSHALL GORBY / STAFF Dayton Metro Library recently held a preview celebration and sneak peek for its new downtown main branch at the corner of Patterson and Third streets in Dayton. A free community open house is slated for noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5.