Dayton Metro Main Library
The Main Library has catalyzed significant commercial and residential investment in this post-industrial downtown. The original library turned away from the street and adjacent park that were perceived as unsafe and neglected.
The new, expanded library brings light, eyes, and activity to both the street and park. The primary street elevation is activated by a dramatic entry connecting street to park and is enlivened with an outdoor overlook and independently accessible 24/7 lobby, café, and maker spaces.
The spacious, light-filled interiors promote positive social interactions among diverse users. The “daily readers,” the small number of users who spend long hours in the library, are served with dispersed clusters of technology, charging stations, and generous space for personal belongings.
Taking a pro-urban stance, the children’s area was relocated from its second-floor hideaway to a prominent ground-floor location with a children’s garden that engages the park.
A dramatic three-story atrium draws people up and through the library. Its widening volume, reflecting the Miami River Valley, is crisscrossed by community bridges that serve as platforms for classes, performances, and even weddings.
In contrast, quiet corners allow for individual study, reading, and contemplation. Sunlit spaces, intuitive wayfinding, and generous volumes make this a treasured destination that has transformed how the community views the library and the downtown.