Dayton’s ambitious library expansion initiative, aided by a $187 million bond measure passed in 2012, has upgraded existing library facilities and built impressive new ones.
But one secondary effect is that other longstanding neighborhood branches, some with long histories, were closed due to consolidation.
As we’ve seen with Dayton’s many schools that were shuttered in recent decades, the end result of this type of closure is often deterioration followed by demolition.
But one beloved historic library will see new life thanks to the vision of the new owner who recently purchased the structure from the Dayton Metro Library.
The plan is to turn the former Dayton View Library at 1515 Salem Ave into a preschool and a children’s dental practice.
This use has been welcomed by both the libraries as well as the “mission of safety, prosperity and quality of life” advocated by the Salem Ave Peace Corridor organization.
The former library opened in 1930, making it one of the oldest in the system. The first library branches in Dayton to be built were Carnegie Libraries, one each on the east and west side. The next branch was the Electra C. Doren library in Old North Dayton which opened in 1928, two years before the Dayton View branch.
When the library announced it would close in 2016, it “caused an uproar among some community members because they valued and cared so much about the important asset.”
Tim Kambitsch, executive director of the Dayton Metro Library, has had extensive conversations with community members, and he says that “there are probably more people who remember it from their childhood than any other branch we’ve had.”
The Dayton View branch, designed by Albert Pretzinger, has been hailed for its architecture. Tim Bement, a past president of the Dayton AIA chapter, wrote about what he likes about the building:
The English Tudor Revival architecture features red brick and Bedford stone with a slate roof, as well as dramatic cathedral ceilings with exposed and masterfully carved heavy timber structure inside. The open, flowing floor plan lends itself nicely to the specific use for which it was designed … The footprint of the library building makes the best use of its triangular shaped plot of land at the corner of Salem and Wabash avenues.
So far, eight former library branches that were closed as part of the expansion project have been sold and are welcoming new uses.
And this new project on Salem Ave is perhaps the one that Daytonians are most pleased to see.
I went to Colonel White HS in the 60s, and spent a lot of time in the Salem library.
Growing up in Dayton View meant this WAS my library. My family lived on North Euclid, and it was a short walk to Salem Avenue. I enjoyed the look of the building, even as a child. It was a magical place, with large windows, wonderful shelves of books, and kind librarians. As I grew and opened my mind to new interests, the library was still there for me. The knowledge to be found within that building has stayed with me, even after my family moved away from it. I owe this building my gratitude for allowing me to learn within its walls. Truly happy this building has a second lease on life.
I lived further down on Euclid. As a kid in the late 50’s and 60’s it was a nice little walk to the library and back. But we didn’t think any thing about that then’
I loved the Carnigie style building and how quiet it was inside.
We couldn’t wait to become old enough to cross Salem Ave to get to our second home. Short walk from Otterbein and Radcliffe.
Hopefully this reopening will take shape soon. As of fall 2023 this building is still vacant and unused. It’s a crying shame. At least it’s been maintained and not boarded up and left to vagrants and nature.