West Dayton Library construction on schedule for 2021 opening

(EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of the story included errors regarding the location of the new library.)

Construction continues on the 24,000-square-foot Dayton Metro Library branch that will be a centerpiece of the 34-acre airplane factory site at 300 Abbey Ave. at U.S. 35 in west Dayton.

The new West Dayton Library site is expected to open before the end of the year, and “hopefully a grand opening can be held in December,” said Diane Farrell, director of library external relations and development.

Due to weather conditions, Farrell said construction was behind about 10 days.

Officials hope the library’s investment will be spark other redevelopment on the west side.

The new facility will replace the Madden Hills and Westwood library branches, which are located less than a mile away.

The new West branch will be roughly double the size of the two libraries it replaces.

The new branch will have 50 computers, meeting spaces, a community room, study spaces and conference areas.

The building will offer a “marketplace area” where its materials are kept, a recording room and a tech lab.

The children’s area will have a program room with a small performance area.

The Dayton Metro Library also has selected proposals for artwork to be installed in the new West Dayton Library, It is part of the Reimagining Works program.

The libraries have been rebuilt across the system after voters easily approved a bond issue in 2012. When completed, Montgomery County will have 17 new libraries that supporters called “community assets sure to be a destination for learning and gathering for people of all ages.”