3 floors of books! There's a coffee n snack shop at the main entrance too. They have cool seating and plugs to charge your electronics, meeting rooms, computers and probably a lot more. It's fantastic read more

See all

What a lovely library! Full of art, lots of cozy places to sit and work, free parking. There are security guards roaming the building, but honestly... it is not remotely sketchy. Libraries have become a vital resource for people who need support. Go meet your neighbors! read more

There's just something about a library that brings me joy and this location is no exception. We live in Springboro, about a 30 minute drive, but somehow ended up at The Dayton Library twice in a week! Last weekend, it was a stop on a food tour that we took. A library representative showed us around a bit and talked about their beautiful prism art piece hanging overhead. Today, we were back, helping work on a community art piece to be used in a memorial for the 2019 shooting victims in the Oregon District. This is exactly what a library should be. A place for the community to come together. All of the employees we encountered were very helpful and friendly. If you're in the area, check them out! read more

See all

I went to lunch in downtown Dayton and found the library. I walked in after my lunch and asked about a library card. The librarians were super kind and helpful and I was able to get my library card very quickly. Unfortunately I was not able to browse books but the library is huge and I can't wait to go back when I have more time! read more

Dayton Metro Library - Main - Dayton Metro Library - Libraries Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Man, this place is pretty nice. There are plenty of different spots to hole up and spend a few hours which is awesome. They have free covered parking underground. But, the types of people loitering around and amount of security has me second guessing. The constant feel of needing to double check my belongings, as well as the police presence makes me think I should spend my time elsewhere. read more

See all

Came in the other day to get some work done and I really love the space. All the tables were clean and it was a beautiful space to work. They also have a parking garage so you don't have to fight for downtown parking. Just make sure if you park in the garage that you keep to the left (oops). There is also a Coffee Hub inside the library that makes a real good breakfast sando and has some excellent people working there. The coffee was also steller and I would absolutely recommend this library to anyone looking for a quiet place to read or work. Support our local libraries! I cannot say it enough!! read more

Dayton Metro Library - Main - Apple crisp latte and breakfast sandwich - Libraries Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

What a wonderful library! Very clean, renovated and new. Excellent selection, and super nice librarian staff. Highly recommend the Berry Quiet Room on floor 2 for any studying. read more

Dayton Metro Library - Main - Libraries Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

What a beautiful new library with so many wonderful spaces the community can utilize. I love the floor to ceiling windows, the huge middle staircase, the chairs scattered about the floors to cozy into with a book, and the vast materials available to read. I started coming to this location weekly for a class and really enjoy it. It's just beautiful and I always find parking for free which is an added bonus. I noticed the community rooms are usually a buzz with groups and love it's an active library. I appreciate the variety of classes they offer and look forward to attending some more. I have never been alarmed or felt the need for protection but security is enforced and quite visible on my visits there. Be sure to check out the art on the walls from local artists and read what inspired them. Enjoy your visit! read more

Dayton Metro Library - Main - Libraries Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

I can't wait to bring my little boy here to explore together. This place is so huge that it even has its own underground parking lot. As of this moment Parking is free. But it looks like they might be stalling machines that dispense tickets?? The inside is spacious, shiny and new! There's an area that looks like it's used for performances and the kids area looks quite fun. It's nice to have something so close to home. It will be the perfect place to walk with my thirteen month old when hubby's working and we need some entertainment. read more

Beautiful rebuild! There is parking beneath the building and at least for the time being, it's free. There is a cute outdoor patio on the second floor. It's nice that they have so many security guards and feels safe. I liked that they have so many outlets for laptop and phone chargers. My favorite thing is all the natural light! Beautiful! read more

Dayton Metro Library - Main - Main lobby - Libraries Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

The Dayton Library (main branch) has a lot going for it. The vast majority of the staff are committed, friendly professionals that really make the place. The material selection is very good for a library of its size. However, there are a lot things that detract from this facility. It's used as a hangout by a large number of people who have no interest in books or learning. Because of this, the library has employed several security guards. A certain percent of the staff are rather beaten down. The computer bank, by far the most popular part of the library, is antiquated and usually has a long line. On the whole, this is a great community resource. Unfortunately it has been called on to perform the services of a community center and homeless shelter and is suffering because of it. read more

I needed to kill two hours and this did it for me. Found a few nice books in this well-organized library. Probably my first library in a decade. Maybe I'm too New York, but this place was full of thug life and street hicks that made me have my guard up the way I do when back home. That radar usually dont get set off very often when I'm out of town (and I been to some grimy ass places.) Anyway, after skimming/reading a book on non-profits and about iwo jima, I headed back to the airport for my flight home. Thanks, DML! read more

What I like about events such as Dayton Urban Nights is it gives you a taste of places you might not think about going during an evening out...such as a library! During the event, the library was showcasing a zydeco group (I *heart* zydeco!) so it was nice to be able to escape inside, rest, and enjoy a little music. During their break they let the little ones play with the accordions and other instruments whilst JMack and I stole a few minutes to check out some of the books. They had a good selection of books and most seemed new and up-to-date. It seemed well-equipped to serve the community with banks of modern computers and plenty of helpful staff. Like many public libraries, the Dayton one has been hit by budget cuts and no longer has Sunday hours, but opening open for the Urban Nights event was a great way for the community to take part in the library. read more

This library reminded me of my elementary school library, just 5 times bigger. I went on a rainy, cloudy, yucky, cold Saturday. So I didn't get to experience the overwhelming presence of nefarious characters, luckily. (That was something I was concerned about before visiting.) The vast majority of contents available for checking out are all located on the first floor. I walked up to the second floor and it seemed to have a lot of offices for community programs. However, those did not seem to be of service on Saturday, the lights were mostly all off upstairs. The collection was nicely laid out. Maybe a little crowded. Overall, for a 'main' library, I thought I'd find more character to lend towards an experience rather than just a library. Hopefully by me returning books late and paying my fines I can help contribute towards a better library one day! read more

I love going to the library but have had nothing but problems with a staff member when I called to get my "expiration date" cleared up. There is one lady that works in circulation (I believe) that I have had to talk to twice (with a year or 2 gap in between conversations) that is VERY rude. The first time it happened I wrote a letter and someone responded stating that it would be taken care of. Fast forward to summer 2010 when this "expiration date" issue came up - I called and had to talk to this lady again. She was rude, she kept cutting me off and when I interrupted her to ask a question she acted like that was the most appalling thing to happen in the world. As the conversation continued I got really upset and hung up on her called back later and told them to take me out of the system. I'd rather drive to Centerville and use their library system because they have friendly staff members. If you have to act like a jerkface to everyone you talk to on the phone because you hate your job that much I urge you to find a new field or retire (as that lady sounded old enough to). The thought has crossed my mind to going back - but it leaves as soon as it enters my mind. read more

Dayton Metro Library - Main - taken from the net - Libraries Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

I love the Dayton Metro Library. One of my more recent (but not really recent) memories is going there with my then boyfriend (now husband) and checking out copious amounts of French new wave films. Thank you Dayton Metro Library for giving me the gift of Jean Luc Godard. read more

After 40 years of visiting public libraries of all sizes all over the USA, I have to say the physical plant at the Dayton Metro Library central branch is in a sorry state of decay. The Genealogy collection has excellent resources, however I will not return due to the appalling lack of cleanliness in the public restrooms on the first floor. I have visited Forest Services outhouses that smelled cleaner than Library 1st floor restroom. On my sales calls at this same building just a few years ago, I was offered the use of the staff restrooms which are properly maintained. I was quite surprised to find the ground in grime & smell in the public restroom. You won't "enjoy the go" here. read more