The New Main Library in downtown Dayton is in the final weeks of preparation before the Grand Opening & Community Celebration on Saturday, August 5, 12-5 pm.
Nearly three miles of fixed shelving have been installed in the new Library. Now, more than 335,000 volumes will be put in place. Collections that had been stored at the Westwood Branch and Gentile Building during construction, as well as the collectionthat had been available to the public at the Temporary Downtown Branch, are taking their places on the shelves.
The Temporary Downtown Branch was closed last week in order to move the collection out. It reopened on Monday with service limited to public computer access and pick-up of materials on hold only. It will close permanently to the public on Wednesday, August 2, at 6:00 p.m.
Special Collections (Local History and Genealogy materials) are being settled into their new space in The Dayton Room on the Main Library’s second floor. Special Collections include vintage books and materials that require special care in handling. The Dayton Room also features flatbed and cradle scanner/copiers that visitors can use to digitize and preserve their own family documents.
“At the old Main Library, Special Collections were tucked away in the basement,” said Jamie McQuinn, Special Collections Manager. “We are looking forward being in the new Main Library, where Genealogy and Dayton History have a prominent, convenient location on the second floor. Researchers will love our new spaces.”
Also this week, more than 2,200 pieces of new furniture are being set up and arranged throughout the building. From desks and tables to comfortable chairs and couches, the new Main Library will be filled with bright, functional new furnishings.
For more information on the Dayton Metro Library’s facilities improvement projects, go to DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call (937) 463-BOOK.
