Culture, Connections, and Community

Culture. Connections. Community — these three words embody the mission, spirit, and longstanding legacy of the public service of Dayton Metro Library. The mantra of "Free to Belong" is more than a saying or a catchphrase. It is a belief system and way of being that is exhibited through the diversity of our programs, partnerships, and services. We seek to positively impact all Montgomery County residents, while amplifying support systems and social connectedness for the region’s most vulnerable populations. 

Libraries are often regarded as third spaces by many, but for some, DML serves as the only place where they are free to be. Our programs are a bedrock of inclusion and innovation as we remain steadfast in our commitment to being a hub for cultural programming that is responsive to community needs. 

Programs:

LGBTQIA+ History Talk, New Lebanon Branch, Thursday, June 6, 6 - 7:30 pm: Discuss the history of LGBTQIA+. (Adults)

Pride Day, Trotwood Branch, Wednesday, June 12, 9:30 am - 6 pm: Fun activities will take place all day. (All Ages)

Two Hillbillies and a Queered Conversation, Miami Township Branch, Tuesday, June 18, 7 - 8 pm (Adults)

This program is made possible in part by

Ohio Humanities, a state affiliate of the

National Endowment for the Humanities.

DML Pride!, Main Library, Eichelberger Forum and the Atrium, Friday, June 28, 6:30 - 9 pm: Enjoy a movie screening of Pride (Rated R, 2014) (Adults)

Additional Pride programs can be found here.

Resources:

Looking for something LGBTQIA+-related to read? Check out a staff-curated list of titles that DML recently cataloged!

Additionally, DML has a web page dedicated to Pride with resources for all ages. Here, you'll find community resources and more recommend reads.

For those interested in researching and studying the topics of sexuality and gender, DML's free database, Archives of Sexuality and Gender, powered by Gale, would be ideal.

It provides a robust and significant collection of primary sources for the historical study of sex, sexuality, and gender with material dating back to the 16th century!

A Brief History:

Juneteenth is an American holiday celebrated in honor of the legal abolishment of slavery, specifically in Texas in 1865, and the emancipation of African American citizens throughout the United States. “Juneteenth,” a portmanteau of “June” and “nineteen,” is celebrated on June 19 and is also known as “Emancipation Day” or “Freedom Day.”

It is considered to be the oldest commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United State...  

Read the Full Article Here

Programs:

DML welcomes the African American Visual Artists Guild (AAVAG) to Artists Talk at Bassani Theater on Thursday, June 13, from 6 - 8:30 pm, featuring artists Nathan Connor, Andrea Cummings, Clarice More, and Cedric McGhee. All ages are welcome.

Moderated by Karen D. Brame of DML's Special Collections, AAVAG artists will discuss their work in a new traveling exhibit titled "What's New?" that is on display in the Main Library's Second Floor Gallery through Thursday, June 30.

Check out additional Juneteenth programs.

Pictured: AAVAG artist Andrea Cumming's work titled Everybody Needs a Flag

June also honors the contributions of refugees around the world for their strength, courage, and perseverance with World Refugee Day on June 20.

Dayton values newcomers because they bring hope and progress to our city, DML will host a World Refugee Day Celebration in the Main Library's Eichelberger Forum, Saturday, June 22, from 11 am - 2 pm...

Read the Full Article Here

During the month of May, Older Americans are celebrated, and in Ohio there are more than 2.8 million residents age 60 or older, which account for nearly one-quarter of Ohio’s total population. Each year, the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) announces the theme for the Older Americans Month...

Read the Full Article Here

Be in Our "Free to Belong" Video

Share your enthusiasm for Dayton Metro Library and help spread the word by completing this form for your chance to appear in our upcoming broadcast commercial!

Read more about DML's EDI initiatives here.

All DML locations will be closed Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth, and Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

Mon, Tue, Thu: 9:30am - 8:30pm |  Wed, Fri, Sat: 9:30am - 6pm

  All Locations Closed Sunday

To support the Dayton Metro Library, please visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org/Donate