The new library is estimated to cost just more than $5.1 million, paid for by a $187 million county bond issue that was passed in 2012. It will sit on 4.090 acres of land.
The new library will be 13,000 square feet, compared to the current library that is 10,000 square feet just a few blocks down the road on East Main. The old library had been built in the mid 1960s.
The plot of land at East Main and MacGregor was purchased from the Trotwood Community Improvement Corporation, according to the Executive Director of the Dayton Metro Library Tim Kambitsch.
“This new larger branch is another step forward for Trotwood. New and returning visitors will see new technology paired with traditional library collections in an inspiring and comfortable environment,” Kambitsch said. “The library will offer a range of flexible meeting spaces for residents of all ages to learn, collaborate, and grow.”
The property purchase was paid for by the library’s property cost funds, which include money from existing donors. When the current library is no longer in use, it will be sold, and that money will replenish those funds.
The library’s board of trustees will accept bids for the contractor for the new library until Jan. 31 and will decide on a bid at a meeting on Feb. 11.
Kambitsch hopes when the contractor is selected, the construction will begin at the end of February or beginning of March, depending on the weather. The new library is planned to open within the first quarter of next year.
The new library will feature local works of art from three Dayton area artists. Michael Bashaw, Nick Stamas and Judy Campbell White will create a sculpture, montage and painting that will be on display.
The old library will be purchased by the city of Trotwood with an agreement with the Montgomery County courts to house the new municipal court’s Western Division that is currently in New Lebanon.
Voters approved the Dayton Metro Library bond issue in 2012 that is being used to fund 12 new branch libraries, the new Main Library, four renovated and expanded branches and the Operations Center.
"As always, we remain grateful to the voters of Montgomery County for making this possible, and understanding the transformative power of 21st century libraries," Farrell said. "And, we are committed to bringing each community the branch they envision, providing the amenities they need, while being responsive to community need and delivering our mission to inform, inspire and enrich while being good stewards of the tax payers' funding."
The plot of land around 855 E. Main St. once housed a small shopping mall and bowling alley, but it has been empty for a couple of decades, according to Kambitsch.
Kambitsch said the board is still developing plans for future library locations around the Miami Valley and hopes to have more projects soon.
For a description on the works of art coming to the Trotwood Branch of the Dayton Metro Library, visit the library's website.
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