“It’s a way to keep accessibility to our materials and resources. We exist to be open. This is a way to stay open. Like all of our programs or initiatives or any kind of policy we institute, we evaluate it as we go. And we shift as the need of our patrons shift,” said Debi Chess of the Dayton Metro Library.
And only 30 people are allowed in at a time.
The library’s release says, “Thirty patron appointments will be available each day. Appointments to visit the Branch can only be made online (same-day walk-in appointments will not be accommodated). Appointments are available for all ages and may be made in one of three ways: Visit DML’s online appointment system, visit the Branch during other open hours, or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937-463-2665.”
Patrons can make appointments on the library’s website.
“While the Southeast Branch has been closed between 2:30-4 pm, Monday-Friday, this new policy will allow for consistent access while managing the volume of patron visits. Appointment times can be used to access the Library’s services, such as computer use, browsing the Library’s collections, checking out materials, obtaining staff assistance, etc.,” the library’s statement said.
The Southeast Branch last fall eliminated some of its afterschool hours because of large fights between teenagers inside the facility.
The branch library shuts down before the final bell of Belmont High School, which is next door. Multiple Belmont students were involved in a violent melee inside the library in September.
All six Dayton Metro Library branches in the city saw sizable increases in police calls for service last year. Police call data includes incidents in which officers self-dispatched to those locations.
Dayton police responded to about 585 calls for service last year to the downtown branch at 215 E. Third St., according to police data. Calls for service to that address were up 116% compared to 2023.
Police last year made 55 arrests at the main library, which was a 139% increase from 2023.
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