Dayton metro library - Miami township branch

A short introduction

If you have been following some of my past posts, you probably noticed that I love libraries and books. When I still lived in Europe, I was very frustrated about the fact that it took forever for newly released books to be translated into my language and then it took another forever for my local library to get them. And if I was unlucky enough, it would take another forever to actually get the book because several people got it before me and I had to place it on hold.

Sometimes, I considered just buying books that I really wanted to read, but then I realized that buying books would be too big of an expense, and even if I managed to sell some of the books later, I would still be losing a significant amount of money. So I decided to keep testing my patience and waited for the books to arrive to my library.

Almost two years ago, I moved to the United states of America, and one of the many things I love here, is how well stocked their libraries are. I have been reading more books here than ever before. And one of my favourite libraries in the area is called Dayton metro library - Miami township branch, and in this entry, I will tell you more about it. Enjoy!

So many books, so little time to read them all!

Where is Dayton metro library - the Miami township branch situated?

You will find the Dayton metro library - the Miami township branch in a very close proximity to the Dayton mall. Long story short, this library is in a perfect location for some after - shopping relaxation.

You will find this library on 2718 Lyons road, next to the RTA bus station. I am mentioning the bus station because it can be a bit tricky trying to turn into the library parking lot while also trying to avoid the buses that are trying to turn on the street. Silver lining - the buses are bright green, so they are easily spotted. 

The Dayton metro library - the Miami township branch has a pretty small parking lot, considering how big the library is, and a lot of parking spots are reserved for the disabled people and pregnant women. So far, I was pretty lucky with getting parking spots there - it only happened to me twice that I had to drive in circles for a few minutes until someone decided to leave.  

A part of the Dayton metro library - Miami township branch, as seen from the parking lot.

And if the parking lot is full and you are thinking of parking in a handicapped spot- do not do it. I have seen several people get a ticket because they parked in a handicapped spot (which is the closest to the library entrance) and just hopped inside to return the books.  

The way to the entrance.

A quick look inside

The Dayton metro library - the Miami township branch looks pretty futuristic on the outside. Once you enter the lobby, you will notice self check out and return machines, and right in front of you, there will be shelves with newly arrived books. Yes, you are right, this is my favourite part of this library.  

Where to start looking for my next book? I usually just start at the beginning and look through most of the shelves. Then, I pick two or three books that caught my attention the most.

If you start walking towards the far end of the library, you will pass the main desk, which will be on your left side. Then, there will be the area with public computers on your right, which also includes movies, videogames and music CDs. Adult books are situated at the far end on the right, and the kids section is situated on the left.  

The main desk is pretty small for such a big library, but there is plenty of staff members in the library at all times, in case you need help with anything.

Music CDs and movies can be found in this section of the library. And I have to give them the credit - their selection is quite impressive. You might not need that Netflix subscription after all!

Unfortunately, I cannot become a member of this library, because it is not in my district. You can read more about that rule in my Wright public library post that I wrote a few months ago. What I usually do is just go there and bring my laptop if I need internet, and just sit down and read. They have an amazing study room, but it is usually filled with local studends, and it can become pretty loud, even though it is a library. The good thing about this library is that, luckily, you are allowed to stay in there even if you are not a member. Good for me!  

My favourite reading corner at this library.

Whenever I read there, I usually prefer to do so in the kids section, not in the study room, because it is usually empty (except for an occassional screaming child) and they have really comfortable chairs.

Special events

Dayton metro library - Miami township branch often hosts interesting special events. Last month, they invited a few writers from Ohio to the library to host a reading session, and the authors were available for quastions afterwards, and they were even signing books.

One of the events that I attended in fall, was a presentation from a guy who investigates paranormal activity and focuses mainly on UFOs. I am personally undecided whether I believe in such things or not, but when listening to him and his theories, extraterrestial life suddenly sounded so plausible. And the best thing about these events is that they are absolutely free. Authors usually bring their books that you can purchase afterwards, but there is absolutely no pressure and no obligation to spend any money.

A few words for the end...

Dayton metro library - Miami township branch is a great library. It has a lot of available books, new books arrive there fast, their study room is amazing, and they often host some pretty cool special events, including visits and readings from some of the famous authors. And these are the reasons I spend at least a few hours a week  in this library!