COMING SUNDAY
Changes in Dayton’s library system, including a $63 million renovation of the main downtown library, are part of a statewide building boom.
Dayton Metro Library has plans for more than $25 million of renovations and expansions to libraries in Dayton, Kettering and West Carrollton.
The Belmont and East branches are less than two miles apart, but both of them are small, with less than 13,000 square feet. Dayton Metro Library Executive Director Tim Kambitsch said the plan is to combine the buildings and form a new southeast campus.
“We want to create larger facilities that have greater amenities,” he said.
Dayton Metro Library plans to build a new 24,000-square-foot library at the corner of Wayne and Watervilet avenues near Belmont High School. The cost of the project is estimated at $10 million. Negotiations are under way to figure out how it would best serve the school and prepare students for life after graduation.
“Libraries are meant to be a resource,” Kambitsch said “We want to make sure we have information available to help high school kids make good career choices.”
The Kettering branch, located at 3980 Wilmington Pike, will be expanded from 13,000 square feet. Approximately $8.9 million is being invested into the property. Laura Placke, who frequents the library with her son, said she wants the expansion to include more reading options for young people.
“My 12-year-old has a hard time finding the books that he likes,” Placke said. “We are hoping they keep the kids in mind when they are working on the library.”
In West Carrollton, the current branch at 300 E. Central Ave. will be enhanced from 10,000 square feet to 15,000 square feet. Kambitsch said the goal is to improve the libraries so they are not outgrown by the population, or fall behind in the services provided.
“We expanded the West Carrollton branch about 15 years ago,” Kambitsch said. “We are doing it again and asking the community what changes they would like to see.”
Public forums on the design of the new libraries will be held in July. Renovations are schedule to be completed by summer 2o18.
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