Dayton Metro main branch launches ‘quiet space’ hours

Lots of visitors coming and going Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Dayton Metro Library’s main branch. MARSHALL GORBY\STAFF

Credit: Marshall Gorby

Credit: Marshall Gorby

Lots of visitors coming and going Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Dayton Metro Library’s main branch. MARSHALL GORBY\STAFF

Dayton Metro Library is rolling out “quiet space” hours at its main branch downtown starting this week, which will include new rules for gathering at the location and constraints on how many patrons can enter the building at a time.

The 215 E. Third Street location will implement the new policy from 2-6 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.

The policy prohibits groups of two or more people from congregating in any part of the main branch. At the start of quiet space hours through close, only 10 additional people will be permitted in the location every 30 minutes unless they are attending a library event or are coming to use a specific service, such as checking out a book, according to a library announcement.

Main Library Service Change: Effective today the Main Library will be a Quite Space from 2 - 6pm, Monday - Friday....

Posted by Dayton Metro Library on Wednesday, January 8, 2025

“These changes will allow us to remain open and provide services to those who wish to use the Main Library appropriately and in compliance with our Code of Conduct,” said Dayton Metro Library executive director Jeffrey Trzeciak in the library’s announcement of the new policy.

Library officials on Wednesday also included the following rules for quiet space hours:

  • Group work must be conducted in group study rooms, which are available by reservation or consultation with a library staff member
  • Video games and other group activities are no longer available in the Teen Edge area of the library
  • The Green Screen room is only available through reservation or consultation with a library staff member
  • Food and drink are prohibited in all public areas
Dayton emergency crews were outside the main branch of the Dayton Metro Library after a reported fight and an evacuation of the building. SYDNEY DAWES, STAFF

Credit: Sydney Dawes

icon to expand image

Credit: Sydney Dawes

According to the Dayton Metro Library’s website, library officials view the quiet space hours as “the best course of action due to several recent events at the Main Library involving violence.”

The main branch was evacuated in December following fights that broke out at the location. Fights involving youth shut down this and other library branches multiple times last year.

The main library branch downtown saw a large increase in police calls for service last year, primarily due to proactive patrols. As a result, library officials have increased security and reduced hours at some branches.

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