Dayton Metro Library projects close to completion

The Belmont Branch of the Dayton Metro Library exterior has been completed and contractors are building and finishing the inside of the new structure at Wayne and Waterveliet Ave. Landscaping and parking lot work are being completed. This branch and the new Stroop branch are expected to open in July of 2019. TY GREENLEES / STAFF

The Belmont Branch of the Dayton Metro Library exterior has been completed and contractors are building and finishing the inside of the new structure at Wayne and Waterveliet Ave. Landscaping and parking lot work are being completed. This branch and the new Stroop branch are expected to open in July of 2019. TY GREENLEES / STAFF

Progress is continuing on the various projects in Dayton Metro Library's $187 million facilities construction and upgrade plan, and two of projects are expected to open this year.

Dayton Metro Library’s Branch Manager Mike Hensel said all of the renovation is part of the Libraries for a Smarter Future Facilities Plan. The plan involves rebuilding and expanding the Main Library in downtown Dayton, building 11 new branches in Brookville, East Dayton/Riverside, Huber Heights, Miamisburg, New Lebanon, Northmont, Northwest Dayton, Southeast Dayton, Trotwood, Vandalia, and West Dayton.

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It also will expand and renovate five branches: Electra C. Doren, Kettering-Moraine, Miami Township, West Carrollton, and Wilmington-Stroop. The plan calls to move backroom functions in the branches to an operations center in a renovated historic building.

Dayton Metro Library Community Engagement Manager Jayne Klose said the Belmont branch of the Dayton Metro Library exterior has been completed and contractors are building and finishing the inside of the new structure at Wayne and Waterveliet Ave. Landscaping and parking lot work are being completed. This branch and the new Stroop branch are expected to open in July.

The Stroop branch of the Dayton Metro Library exterior has been completed and contractors are building and finishing the inside of the new structure at Stroop Road and Wilmington Pike. Landscaping and parking lot work are being completed.

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Some of the renovation highlights for the library’s upgrade plan include:

* improved access on Wilmington Pike,

* a larger meeting room accessible to the community outside of library operating hours,

* dedicated teen space, larger children’s area,

* enclosed quiet reading room with a fireplace,

* more computers,

* an outdoor reading terrace,

* four group study rooms.

“We are planning a grand opening from 1 to 4 p.m. on June 1,” Klose said, regarding the Stroop branch. “It is a lovely building.”

The grand opening is free and open to the public. There will be a ribbon cutting shortly after 1 p.m. then the doors will be open to see the new building and use the library services. Light refreshments will be served.

“As for the other projects, we the Southeast Branch will open in August. We will announce the date soon.,” Klose said. “Construction is underway at the Trotwood Branch which is expected to open in early 2020.”

Klose said all of the projects are seeing considerable progress being made.

“Design work just began on the West Branch. Design and construction take about two years, so it should open in the summer of 2021.,” she said.

We are still working to acquire property for the final three Branches – Burkhardt, Huber Heights and Northmont.

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