dayton metro library

New Buildings Bring New Volunteer Opportunities To Library

May 31, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

David Hicks, Volunteer Services Manager, Dayton Metro Library

New, improved Dayton Metro Library facilities mean new opportunities for volunteers, and Volunteer Services Manager Dave Hicks is up to the task. Hicks has added eight new volunteer positions since he was hired into the position in September, 2015, and is open to suggestions and ideas for more.

“I enjoy hearing feedback from staff and volunteers about their experiences,” said Hicks.

Already in 2016, 2,445 volunteer hours have been contributed. With two new facilities scheduled to open in Brookville and New Lebanon, more volunteers will be needed as Greeters and Program Helpers.

New volunteer positions at the Dayton Metro Library include:

Conversation Partner helps new Americans practice English conversation skills
Reading Buddies offer one-on-one reading encouragement to children.
Library Mascot wears the child-friendly Cosmo costume at Library and community events.
Maker Kit Helpers share their skills and interests during labs and activities using 3D printers, circuits, computers, kitchen tools, textiles and more.
New Facilities Greeters welcome patrons to their new Libraries, offer assistance with new technology, directions and information.

“Currently our most pressing needs are for help with the Summer Meal Program at our new Northwest Branch Library,” said Hicks. “We need volunteers to assist Library staff in distributing meals, set up and clean up for this program which takes place four days each week.”

Hicks has worked for the Dayton Metro Library since 1997 in various roles. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Wright State University, and also earned Masters degrees in Human Resources Management and Library and Information Science.

Summer is a busy time at all Dayton Metro Libraries. Activities keep children and teens engaged during the school break, and the Library’s Summer Challenge awards prizes for reading and program attendance.

“Volunteers are needed to help with all the programs and Summer Challenge details,” said Hicks. “When the New Lebanon and Brookville Branches later this year, we’ll need Greeters to welcome patrons to the new facilities.”

In the fall, Homework Helper volunteers will be active, along with Conversation Partners and Reading Buddies.

A complete list of volunteer opportunities and online application is available at http://daytonmetrolibrary.org./about-us/volunteer.

Questions about volunteering can be directed to Dave Hicks at (937) 496-8638 or emailed to [email protected].

Kids Superhero “Party in the Park”

August 4, 2015 By LIbby Ballengee

Kids are you ready to have fun before school starts back up? Grab your favorite superhero costume and get your Mom or Dad to bring you downtown to Cooper Park for an epic “Party in the Park.” This is a free event – so no allowance money necessary!

The Dayton Metro Library is hosting this awesomeness, which includes: international dancing and singing, live animals, an activity zone, puppets, sidewalk art, face painting, and more! There are going to be contests for costumes, dancing and paper airplane flying, with prizes. Wow! The whole day is planned to be fun for the whole family – so remember to invite your brothers and sisters too.

The Library is also revealing the name for their new mascot! Adults and kids from across the region voted, and this will be the grand unveiling of their names.

This party is August 8th from 1-4pm at Cooper Park. Rain or shine. Cost of admission and activities is free. Food trucks will be on hand for purchase of food and beverages.

PS… Kids, I’ve heard a rumor that some of your favorite cartoon characters may make an appearance – so don’t miss it! (virtual fist bump)

You Can Own A Piece Of Library History

July 8, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

As the Main Library prepares to shift to temporary quarters in its new Operations Center, and branch libraries undergo major renovation during the Libraries for a Smarter Future project, the Dayton Metro Library Foundation is auctioning pieces of the Library’s past to enhance its future. Furniture, file cabinets, card catalogs, tables, chairs and many other items are up for bid. All proceeds benefit the Dayton Metro Library Foundation, which in turn supports the Dayton Metro Library.

Bidding begins on Wednesday, July 8. All items are on display on the first floor of the Main Library, 215 E. Third Street in Dayton. Items up for auction include:
·         Oak library tables and chairs
·         Wooden file cabinets
·         Wooden card catalogs
·         Jadeite saucers and plates
·         Lounge chairs
·         Desks
·         Coffee tables

Bids must be made in person (bids on a limited number of Featured Collectibles will be accepted online until the morning the auction closes). Bidding on General Interest Items closes at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23. Bidding on Featured Collectibles closes at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 30. Payment must be cash or check only.

“Most items are early 1960s mid-century modern, but some pieces were from the original Library and appear to be early 20th century,” said Jayne Klose, Manager of Community Engagement. “Items that are especially unique or collectible are auctioned separately.” Manufacturers and designers represented include Gunlocke, Herman Miller, Jens Risom and Knoll.

Go to www.daytonmetrolibrary.org/foundation/auction for a listing of all items and an FAQ with auction details. For more information, call (937) 463-BOOK.

The Return of the Story Slamm

November 10, 2014 By Megan Cooper

Shelly “Gladgirl” Hulce had an idea. An idea to connect a community. An idea to have some fun. An idea to share some great stories.

A fan of The Moth radio hour, she contacted the national team, but was told Dayton wasn’t quite big enough to bring the show there. So, she started her own storytelling program in 2012.

As Story Slamm was just passing its one year anniversary in Dayton, Hulce shared with Sharon Short, “We’ve become very distant in our culture. We have mass communication and social media, and so we can hear and read each other’s stories, but rarely do we get in the same room, look into the storyteller’s eyes, observe their movements, while hearing a story. For the storyteller, it’s about giving a piece of yourself to the listener. For both storyteller and listener, it’s a deeper connection than reading or hearing the story from a distance.”

In 2013, Gladgirl stepped back from coordinating Story Slamms when other endeavors took priority. Story Slamms lost a bit of momentum, but the idea was always one that sparked a concept of community and fun for Dayton Metro Library Special Collections Manager and local actor Jamie McQuinn. Regarding bringing Story Slamms back to Dayton, McQuinn says, “I missed it. It was always a great time and I hated that it went away. I contacted Shelly and we thought this would be a great way to bring it back and connect people to the Library.”

Story Slamm is a great night that comes with some rules. McQuinn sums it up, “Tell a short story. First person. It happened to you. It should be “true”… It can be funny, or sad, or surprising. Tell your story in ten minutes or less. No notes or props. Don’t have a story to share? Come and listen. It is always entertaining.” (If you want some inspiration – check out some stories here.)

The crowds come for various reasons. Some people enjoy an expanded, first-person storytelling experience that expands beyond 140 characters. Others are practiced storytellers around the dinner table, and want to bring their favorite family tales to the public. Some just enjoy sitting back and being entertained. Patrick Hillier is a frequent attendee and fan of Story Slamm. He shares that he loves the event for the blending of the casual environment with the “intimate nature of sharing and learning about each other through tales from our lives. You get a chance to tell a short but interesting story from your past or sit back or just listen and maybe learn something.”

The final Story Slamm of 2014 will be at the Huber Heights Branch of the Dayton Metro Library on Tuesday, November 18 at 7 p.m. Six-eight presenters will each tell a 10-minute story based around a “Thankfulness” theme. McQuinn hosts. To fit everyone in, storytellers are asked to register by contacting Jennifer Spillman at 937-496-8611 or [email protected]. If you’d rather just sit back and listen, advance registration is preferred by not required. Judges or a small audience will vote on the best story based on uniqueness and delivery; best story of the evening wins a prize!

ShakesBeer: A Double Dose of Craft

September 29, 2014 By Megan Cooper

Question:

What is ShakesBeer?

A) A casual mix and mingle for downtown residents and employees.

B) A fun way to enjoy Shakespeare’s Othello through a modern (and much shortened!) production.

C) An opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at one of Dayton’s local craft breweries.

Answer:

All of the above!

Dayton Metro Library is hosting a free after-work networking event on Thursday, October 9 at the Main Library (215 E. Third Street, Dayton) with a double dose of craft.

First up: Enjoy the craft of acting from The Human Race Theatre Company as they perform a shortened and modern version of Shakespeare’s Othello (40 minutes of tweets and deceit) at the Main Library in Downtown Dayton. Then: Head across the street to Warped Wing to enjoy craft beer. Take a tour, take home a special pint glass (first 50 attendees), and enjoy locally-brewed beer available for purchase.

Don’t miss this free event for your opportunity to mix and mingle with other downtown residents and employees in a casual and quick ShakesBeerian adventure.

What’s on tap?

4:30 p.m. – Mix and mingle with fellow downtowners at the Library while you peruse the diverse items from the ShakesBeer collection: plays, modern movie remakes, home brew how-tos, great soundtracks, best brewery guides and more.

5 p.m. – Showtime! The Human Race Theatre Company presents their original production #othello. Adapted and directed by Aaron Vega. All the knavery of this classic tragedy fits into a fast-paced 40 minutes.

5:45 p.m. – As the show wraps, actors will be available for questions and comments about how plays translate from the page to the stage, and you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the fine craft of acting.

6 p.m. – We got our Shakes in, now for the Beer. Head across the street as Warped Wing offers a tour of the craft brewery to see behind-the-scenes magic. First 50 attendees to hand in their ticket will take home a free pint glass!

Banned Book Readers Jailed in Dayton

September 24, 2014 By Megan Cooper

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”49924″ border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]The last week of September, libraries, booksellers, publishers, writers and readers celebrate free access to ideas and information with Banned Books Week. The Dayton Metro Library joins in the celebration, September 22-25. Several Dayton Metro Libraries will feature book displays and have activities to commemorate the First Amendment.

The East Branch Library’s “Jail Cell” has become a Banned Books Week tradition. This is the 8^th year participants will step inside a symbolic jail cell inside the Library, located at 2008 Wyoming Street, and read from banned or challenged books. Hear rebels read these banned books aloud by watching the live stream online during regular Library hours.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]“It’s a very powerful talking point with patrons and visitors to the Library, and it’s not just about Banned Books Week,” said Eric Wirick, Reference Assistant at the East Branch Library. “Most people are surprised that the Library will stand up for their rights, and they usually leave feeling very proud of their Library.”

Banned Books Week began in 1982 when the Supreme Court ruled that students’ First Amendment Rights were denied when Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut, and eight other titles were removed from junior and senior high school libraries. Since then, books of all sorts have been challenged in schools and libraries across the country for reasons as varied as “profanity” (Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson), “racially offensive” (Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain), “witchcraft” (the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling), and “grammatically incorrect” (ttyl by Lauren Myracle). Other banned books can be found online.

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Dayton Metro Library Launches Reading Hero Initiative

September 15, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

The Dayton Metro Library is launching a brand new initiative this fall called Be A Reading Hero. Presented in partnership with The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and 22 different community agencies, this literacy and safety collaboration connects first responders with children and families at the Library.

“With the enthusiastic participation of area police, fire and emergency personnel, we’re offering fun and educational programs for all ages this fall,” said Tim Kambitsch, Dayton Metro Library Executive Director. “The Library’s role as a community center makes it the perfect location for first responders to meet and build relationships with the people they serve.”

Free programs, including storytimes with police officers and firefighters, career talks with first responders, and safety presentations by Dayton Children’s Hospital, will take place at many Dayton Metro Library locations throughout the county.

As part of the Reading Hero initiative, the Library is assembling Cruiser Bags for first responders to use in the field. These bags contain small toys, stickers and books intended to provide comfort and distraction to children during stressful or emergency situations.

“We are grateful to our partners, Dayton Children’s Hospital, G4S and AAA/Allied Group, for working with the Library and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to make this exciting new collaboration a reality,” said Kambitsch. “We are especially indebted to the Reading Heroes themselves who work every day to make our communities safe.”

Tim Kambitsch and Sheriff Phil Plummer officially kick off the Be A Reading Hero program on Wednesday, September 17, 9:30-10:00 a.m. at the corner of Fourth Street and Patterson Boulevard in downtown Dayton. Representatives from the many participating agencies, including area police and fire departments, CareFlight and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, have been invited to attend. Fire trucks, cruisers and other vehicles will be on hand. The cruiser bags will be premiered at this kickoff event.

For a complete list of Reading Hero programs, pick up a copy of the new Fall issue of Spotlight On Your Library or visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org\ReadingHero.

Participating Agencies:

Brookville Fire Department

Brookville Police Department

CareFlight Air & Mobile Services

Dayton Fire Department

Dayton Police Department

Harrison Township Fire Department

Huber Heights Fire Department

Huber Heights Police Department

Kettering Fire Department

Kettering Police Department

Miami Township Police Department

Miami Township Fire-Rescue

Miami Valley Fire District

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

New Lebanon Fire Department

New Lebanon Police Department

Ohio State Highway Patrol

Trotwood Fire & Rescue

Trotwood Police Department

Vandalia Fire Department

Vandalia Police Department

West Carrollton Fire Department

West Carrollton Police Department

Sponsored by: Dayton Children’s Hospital, G4S, AAA Allied Group

Presented by: The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and The Dayton Metro Library

Free Summer Party Downtown

August 2, 2014 By Megan Cooper

The Dayton Metro Library is inviting the whole community to a Summer Party. There will be free entertainment, games, contests and hands-on activities for the whole family on Saturday, August 9, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Main Library and in Cooper Park, downtown Dayton.

Chuck Duritsch from the Dayton Metro Library says, “We want to celebrate not only our summer readers who worked hard and met their goals, but also have a fun afternoon for everyone!”

What’s in store?

Visit the Technology Petting Zoo to see the latest gadgets, then pet puppies from the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. Make your own cotton candy, then ride a blender bike and make a smoothie. Time the Rubik’s Cube champ, learn break dancing skills from Deja Kru, and meet a young Yo-Yo Master. Book swaps, henna tattoos, physical challenges, chess games, storytimes, oh my! There’s too much to mention. Suffice it to say there are activities throughout Cooper Park and inside the Main Library as well – plenty for adults and children to have a fun, free afternoon. Food vendors will be on hand for the purchase of food and beverages, but all other activities (from the Active Zone to the Zoot Theatre puppets) are FREE.

“This is a chance for families to come together for a fun, free event to celebrate the summer,” said Diane Farrell, Director of External Relations for the Library. The Library invites you to come enjoy an afternoon with your friends, family and neighbors at the Dayton Metro Library as we wrap up a super summer and get ready for a fabulous fall!

More details from the Library:

The event features:

Hands-on activities, crafts and experiments
The Kids BookMobile
The Batmobile with Batman and Robin
Curious George, The Cat in the Hat, Heater and Gem from The Dayton Dragons and costumed Star Wars characters
The Zoot Theatre Company puppets
Music by DJ Dan Edwards
An active zone with hula hoops, jump ropes, Frisbees, bubbles and bikes
A Book Swap for all ages, plus more!

Partner organizations and guests include:

Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission teaching bike safety
Humane Society of Greater Dayton showcasing pet adoptions
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery meeting animals up close
Muse Machine – leading active story and dance
Ohio Virtual Academy and Chaminade Julienne High School – getting hands on with STEM labs and slime
Rosewood Arts Center – exploring comic book art
ThinkTV – PBS Kids Island
Time Warner Cable – science behind cotton candy
Dayton Mom-Spot Blog – book and swag bag giveaways
Welcome Dayton – language activities
Prevent Blindness Ohio – coloring and eye health
EarthFare – Sun Safety
Yo-Yo demonstrations, break dancing and the national Rubik’s Cube champion

Admission and all activities are free. Food trucks will be on hand for the purchase of food and beverages. Summer Reading Club participants of all ages can bring their completed folders to the Party for special prizes.

For more information, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s External Relations Department at 937-496-8901.

Dayton Library To Commission Original Local Art

July 16, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

“ReImagining Works” consists of 17 projects for the new libraries; original, commissioned interior and exterior artwork will be sought periodically for the next three years. The first project is underway at the Electra C. Doren branch. The ReImagining Works initiative continues with three simultaneous Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for three separate buildings. These RFPs are for Main Library (downtown), as well as the Miami Township and Northwest branches. All commissioned pieces will be conceived in response to an artwork held in the permanent collection of The Dayton Art Institute. The commissioned work will be owned by the Dayton Metro Library.

The process begins with community members, and particularly patrons of the library, voting on their favorite DAI artworks. Voting will take place for each building, and then selected artworks will be included in each full Request for Proposals. Any aspect of the selected artwork can be utilized as source material for the submission. The RFP will also outline the art opportunity spaces for that building. Additionally, there is a theme or focus for each of the buildings, which will be outlined in the RFP.

The first step is to submit an “Intent to Apply.” If you plan to submit a proposal for any of the projects, we encourage you to fill out your Intent to Apply form now.

The deadline for Main, Miami Township and Northwest proposal submissions is Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014. After the Aug. 7 deadline, maquettes may be requested for 3-dimensional and suspended artworks, or for other complex proposals. If a maquette is requested, a stipend will be provided. An artist or the artist’s representative must be available to present to the committee on Friday, Sept. 5. Access the RFPs below:

Main Library RFP (PDF) Miami Township Library RFP (PDF) Northwest Library RFP (PDF)

RFP submissions will only be accepted electronically, as a single PDF of no more than 10MB. DAI and DML employees and their immediate families are not eligible to apply for commissions. Proposals must include the following:

A sketch and narrative explanation of the proposed artwork
Explanation of relationship between source material and proposed artwork
Detailed schedule of materials, including attachment to existing surface and lighting needs
Artist’s CV, biography and information about similar projects completed
Six to nine images of completed artwork of similar scale and material
A budget, showing that all artist’s or artists’ fees, materials, creation and installation costs will be covered by the requested amount.

Jane A. Black, Director of Engagement at The Dayton Art Institute. The Dayton Art Institute is the project manager for ReImagining Works. She will hold two informational meetings at DAI for artists: on Friday, July 18, 4-5:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 26, 2-3:30 p.m. Additionally, Ms. Black will schedule individual, 15-minute phone calls with artists on Monday, July 21, 1 to 3 p.m.; Monday, July 28, 10 a.m.-noon; and Wednesday, Aug. 6, 4:30-7:30 p.m. RSVP for the 7/11 or 7/26 meeting or schedule a time to discuss your proposal by emailing Jane Black.

ReImagining Works: Collaboration Between Dayton Metro Library and Dayton Art Institute

April 28, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

ReImagining Works is a project that will put original works of art into each new or newly-remodeled Dayton Metro Library location. Artwork will be created by local artists, inspired by existing works in the Dayton Art Institute’s permanent collection. Eventually, each Library will display a new piece of art which is a result of collaboration among the Art Institute, the Library, Library users and artists in our region.

“Libraries and museums are both places of discovery,” said Tim Kambitsch, Library Executive Director. “ReImagining Works provides a unique partnership which benefits two community treasures – The Dayton Metro Library and The Dayton Art Institute. With potentially new audiences, this collaboration lends itself to future art-related programming in our new hands-on activity spaces.”

The first ReImagining Works project is for the E.C. Doren Branch Library. Six options from the Dayton Art Institute’s collection are offered as inspiration for a new piece which will be placed in the newly added outdoor terrace at the Library. The artwork options can be viewed at the Library’s website, DaytonMetroLibrary.org. Public voting for which piece should be reinterpreted is open through May 9 online or in person at the E.C. Doren Branch Library’s temporary location, 359 Maryland Avenue. Different art options will be presented for future re-interpretation projects.

ABOUT DAYTON METRO LIBRARY

The Dayton Metro Library is one of the oldest and largest public library systems in Ohio, consistently ranking among the best in the nation. The DML consists of 20 branch locations inMontgomery County, Outreach Services and the Main Library in downtown Dayton. In order to fulfill its mission to inform, inspire and enrich the community, the DML offers programs, materials and services for all ages and stages of life. It is funded in part by a portion of the state income tax and local levy support.

Specialized services and resources are available for schools, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, literacy providers and job seekers. The library houses a unique collection of local history materials. Computers are available free of charge for public use and computer instruction is available at many library locations.

In November, 2012, Montgomery County voters passed a $187 million bond issue to fund new construction and renovations for the DML. Highlights of the multi-phase, multi-year project include consolidating branches from 20 to 16, establishing an offsite operations center and completely renovating the Main Library. When the project is complete in 2017, library users will enjoy modern, efficient facilities providing superior services and technology for the 21st century. Progress on the project is posted regularly on the DML website at DaytonMetroLibrary.org.

Bargains for Everyone at the Dayton Metro Library Spring Booksale

March 20, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Dayton Metro Library’s Big Spring Booksale! The sale takes place April 4-6 at Hara Arena’s East Hall, 1001 Shiloh Springs Road. Sale hours on Friday are 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. while supplies last. Admission and parking are free.

There are thousands of books for children and adults, plus CDs, DVDs, audiocassettes, videos and more, all at bargain basement prices. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library, which in turn supports the Dayton Metro Library with sponsorship of the summer reading clubs, The Big Read and other vital financial assistance.

“Shoppers should stop by the special collection area at the sale,” said Chris Corba, booksale coordinator for the Friends. “We’ll have an assortment of books pulled from the library’s local history collection available for purchase. There will also be some used library furniture available as well. These items will be individually priced.”

If you need more information about the booksale, please contact the library’s Community and External Relations office at 496-8901.

ABOUT DAYTON METRO LIBRARY

The Dayton Metro Library is one of the oldest and largest public library systems in Ohio, consistently ranking among the best in the nation. The DML consists of 20 branch locations in Montgomery County, Outreach Services and the Main Library in downtown Dayton. In order to fulfill its mission to inform, inspire and enrich the community, the DML offers programs, materials and services for all ages and stages of life. It is funded in part by a portion of the state income tax and local levy support.

The Big Read is Back and It’s Wild!

February 20, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

After taking last year off, the Big Read community reading project is back and it’s wild, literally! Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail is the Big Read selection for 2014. This is the ninth year for the project which invites the community to read and talk about the same book. The Big Read runs March 10-April 19 with book discussions and other activities taking place throughout the Dayton area.

Wild is equal parts outdoor adventure tale and personal memoir of grief and healing by author Cheryl Strayed. It has been a New York Times Bestseller, an Oprah’s Book Club selection and is currently being made into a major motion picture starring Reese Witherspoon.

The Big Read kicks off on Sunday, March 9, at 2:00 p.m. in the Dayton Metro Library Auditorium with “A Hike on the Wild Side.” Local hikers Brent and Amy Anslinger will share a first-hand account of their own hike on the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. They’ll share experiences from their 2,650 mile journey on foot through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The Anslingers will also present their program on Monday, March 10, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark.

“If you enjoy a stroll in nature, a rugged hike in the mountains or just hearing about them from the comfort of a chair, the Anslingers will spark your imagination. Then read Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail and talk about it with your friends and neighbors, ” said Jean Gaffney, Manager of Acquisition and Collection Development for the Dayton Metro Library and co-chair of The Big Read committee.

There will be many opportunities for readers to meet and talk about the book. Discussions are scheduled at public libraries as well as Books and Co., Wright State University, The University of Dayton, Brixx Ice Co., coffee shops and other venues. The outdoor wrap-up event at Hills and Dales MetroPark, “The Big Read Hits the Trail,” is scheduled for April 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.Events include outdoor hiking instructions, equipment vendors, food trucks, giveaways and more. Visit BigRead.org for a complete schedule of events, book reviews, author information and more.

“The Big Read is a great opportunity to get people reading and talking together,” said Jean Gaffney. “This particular book gives us a lot to talk about. It appeals equally to outdoor adventurers and people looking for a book about personal reflection and redemption. The fact that it will soon be a feature film is a bonus!”

The Big Read is sponsored by Books and Co. and Friends of the Dayton Metro Library. Partners include: Dayton Metro Library, Franklin-Springboro Public Library, Greene County Public Library, Five Rivers MetroParks, National College, Preble County District Library, Project READ, Sinclair Community College, Tipp City Public Library, Troy-Miami County Public Library, University of Dayton, Washington-Centerville Public Library and Wright Memorial Public Library.

ABOUT DAYTON METRO LIBRARY

The Dayton Metro Library is one of the oldest and largest public library systems in Ohio, consistently ranking among the best in the nation. The DML consists of 20 branch locations in Montgomery County, Outreach Services and the Main Library in downtown Dayton. In order to fulfill its mission to inform, inspire and enrich the community, the DML offers programs, materials and services for all ages and stages of life. It is funded in part by a portion of the state income tax and local levy support.

Dayton Metro Library Celebrates Funk: Local Roots of a National Phenomenon

February 13, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Dayton, Ohio, was in many ways the epicenter of funk music in the 1970s and 80s. Local funk bands achieving national success include the Ohio Players, Slave, Lakeside, Heatwave, Sun, Zapp, and Faze-O. The Dayton Metro Library celebrates the local roots of funk music with local musicians, teachers and others who will share their experiences and reflect on the era. The free program takes place on Saturday, February 15, 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium, 215 E. Third Street, downtown Dayton. The short film Dayton, Ohio: The Land of Funk by Adam Greaser will also be shown.

Featured guests at the program will be:

Dr. John “Turk” Logan was a disc jockey and program director at WDAO Radio who promoted funk music, gave air time to local bands and helped propel them to national success.
Marshall “Rock” Jones was a founding and long-time member of the Dayton’s first nationally renowned funk band, the Ohio Players. Although they toured the world and gained 14 gold and platinum awards for their music, the Players kept Dayton as their home base and mentored many of the future funk musicians from Dayton.
Larry Lee was a former student mentored in music at Roosevelt and RothHigh Schools. He played with members of several local funk bands before becoming an NFL player with the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos. After retiring from football, he returned to music and created the band Back in the Day.
Kweku Ayangade (formerly Donald Sutton), a former music teacher at Roosevelt and Roth High Schools, mentored many of Dayton’s outstanding funk musicians, including Larry Lee who said he was “instrumental in my life”
Basim Blunt is host of the funk music radio show Behind the Groove on WYSO. He helped train students from Dayton Public School’s Ponitz Career Technology Center to interview artists and musicians in connection with the exhibit Visual Voices: Visions of the Funk at the SchusterCenter. “I hope Dayton will realize that fans from all over the world revere the music that came from this city,” he says.

The library event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the library’s External Relations Department at 937-496-8901.

Library Seeks Entries in Teen Photography Contest

February 2, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Dayton Metro Library invites creative teens to show off their photography skills by entering the 2014 Teen Photo Contest sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Entries will be accepted February 3 through March 3, 2014, from any teen in grades 7-12 living in the greater Dayton area. The contest categories are Color, Black & White, Digital Enhancement and Phone Photo.

All photos must be submitted by email to [email protected]. Please put “Photo Contest Entry” in the subject line and include name, contact info, school, grade, photo title and category in the body of the email. Teens may enter up to three photos. If entering separate categories, please send separate emails.

All photos will be printed and placed on display in the Main Library’s auditorium and an awards/reception will be held on April 22. Prizes will be awarded for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place in each category. Winners will receive $100 for first place, $75 for second place, and $50 for third. Amy Kollar Anderson, Artist and Gallery Coordinator for the Rosewood Gallery, will judge the entries and select the winners.

A popular choice award will also be offered. All viable entries into the contest will be featured on Pinterest and votes can be cast by liking a picture (with a Pinterest login). The Pinterest link will be announced in early March. The winners of the Popular Choice Award in each category will win a $25 gift card to a photo store.

Questions about this contest can be sent to Elaine Fultz, Teen Specialist – [email protected] or call 937-496-8510

The Dayton Metro Library is one of the oldest and largest public library systems in Ohio, consistently ranking among the best in the nation. The DML consists of 20 branch locations in Montgomery County, Outreach Services and the Main Library in downtown Dayton. In order to fulfill its mission to inform, inspire and enrich the community, the DML offers programs, materials and services for all ages and stages of life. It is funded in part by a portion of the state income tax and local levy support. Specialized services and resources are available for schools, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, literacy providers and job seekers. The library houses a unique collection of local history materials. Computers are available free of charge for public use and computer instruction is available at many library locations. In November, 2012, Montgomery County voters passed a $187 million bond issue to fund new construction and renovations for the DML. Highlights of the multi-phase, multi-year project include consolidating branches from 20 to 16, establishing an offsite operations center and completely renovating the Main Library. When the project is complete in 2017, library users will enjoy modern, efficient facilities providing superior services and technology for the 21st century. Progress on the project is posted regularly on the DML website atDaytonMetroLibrary.org.

Dayton Metro Library Adds New Digital Product Line: What’s all the hoopla?

December 10, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Dayton Metro Library has a brand new service for patrons who enjoy digital movies, television shows and music. The service, called Hoopla, offers thousands of titles from major Hollywood studios and record companies for downloading or instant streaming on smart phones, tablets and computers, free of charge. Only a Dayton Metro Library card is needed to access the service from the library’s website, DaytonMetroLibrary.org.

“Anticipating a huge number of our patrons will receive new ereaders, tablets and smart phones this holiday season, now is the perfect time for us to expand our digital library offerings,” said Jean Gaffney, manager of Acquisition and Collection Development at the library. “We already offer audio books and ebooks through Overdrive, and digital magazines with Zinio. Now Hoopla provides thousands of movie titles, television episodes and CDs for downloading or streaming to computers and portable devices.”

Hoopla offers more than 3000 movies, 9000 television episodes and 300,000 full-length music CDs, with new releases scheduled each week.

“Hoopla fills a need for our patrons who want to take their entertainment with them wherever they go,” said Gaffney. “You don’t have to wait to borrow anything, and the automatic return means there are no late fees. The service is completely free.”

To access Hoopla, visit the library’s website at DaytonMetroLibrary.org. Users must have a Dayton Metro Library card and PIN number to register. Library cards are free to anyone residing in the state of Ohio. Cards must be issued in person at any Dayton Metro Library location. For more information, call the library at 496-8904.

Library Seeks Feedback

November 20, 2013 By Megan Cooper 1 Comment

New Main Library Community Forum

Would you like to be among the first to see the preliminary design concepts for the new Main Library? Join the architects designing the flagship facility for Dayton Metro Library on Thursday, November 21^st from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium. You will see the first renderings and have the opportunity to provide input on the proposed new facility that promises to be a downtown destination for patrons of all ages.

This is the FINAL of three community forums hosted by the Library in preparation for a major overhaul. The library is a major community asset for research, education, entertainment and more – how will these changes affect you? The architects are there to talk plans and hear feedback. Take an hour to learn about the new growth and expansion of your library.

Keep up with all the information at the facilities page!