A Civic Commons for Social Transformation | |
Public libraries are a civic commons to democracy, education, and boundless opportunities for upward mobility. Responding to the signs of the time to deliver innovative services and programs that meet pressing community needs will always be a core tenant of Dayton Metro Library. | |
We seek to pay homage to our collective past while embracing the possibilities of tomorrow. This includes establishing education and cultural programs for Newest Americans, cultivating spaces for courageous conversations, and amplifying our local economy by supporting diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses. | |
Read more about DML's EDI initiatives here. | |
Plaza Comunitaria and Hispanic Heritage | |
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National Hispanic Heritage Month:
Between Sunday, September 15 and Tuesday, October 15, Hispanic heritage is celebrated. The 2024 theme is Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together, encapsulating the "spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity that define the Hispanic experience."
This year, DML brings new programs that are meant to build a resilient community. Check out a few below!
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¡Jueves Primero mi Salud! My Health First Thursday!, Main Library, Opportunity Center, Thursday, September 5, 5:30 - 7 pm (Adults)
Alter Making Workshop/Taller: Creando Altares, Main Library, Eichelberger Forum, Saturday, September 14, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm (All Ages)
Crafty Kids: Dia De Los Muertos Mini Alters, Southeast Branch, Saturday, October 26, 11 am - 1 pm (Families)
Catrina Face Paining Workshop, Main Library, Opportunity Center, Saturday, September 28, 11 am - 2 pm (All Ages)
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Additional National Hispanic Heritage Month DML programs can be found here! | |
Social Justice Speaker Series Continues | |
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DML and series sponsor Friends of the Dayton Metro Library are pleased to continue the Social Justice Speaker Series, which aims to understand and demonstrate the effects of social justice in society.
This series is comprised of unique, award-winning and professional speakers. Patrons will have the opportunity to listen to them discuss some of the most critical social justice issues of today, as they provide insights from their professional fields and personal journeys.
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Athletics and Activisms - The Journey of a 1968 Olympic Medalist, Main Library, Eichelberger Forum, Thursday, August 1, 6 - 7:30 pm (Adults and Teens)
*This event coincides with the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Seating may be limited and will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.
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DML will host More Than a Game: Activist Athletes Who Took a Stand, a special exhibit that showcases African American athletes who have been voices for change.
It will be on display at the Main Library in the Atrium, from Thursday, August 1 through Tuesday, September 3, and is in collaboration with a public history graduate student at Wright State University and the National Afro-American Museum and Culture Center.
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Get Educated and Become Engaged | |
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Brown vs. Board of Education - 70th Anniversary
Commemorative Discussions
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Watch the recording of the Cheryl Brown Henderson interview here. | |
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The year-long celebration to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education continues at DML.
The commemoration kicked off in May with a Social Justice Speaker Series program with Cheryl Brown Henderson, daughter of the late Rev. Oliver L. Brown. who was the lead plaintiff in what is known today as Brown v. the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas.
Rev. Brown, along with a team of attorneys for the NAACP and 12 other parents in Topeka, Kansas, filed suit on behalf of their children against the local Board of Education for segregating public schools.
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To deepen educational opportunities on the impact of this historical moment, DML has compiled three events with esteemed panelists from diverse spheres of social influence. They will provide perspectives, anecdotes, and historical insights, illuminating light on the landmark Supreme Court decision. | |
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Additionally, DML will host How Does the City Commission Work? on Tuesday, September 17, from 7 - 8 pm, also in the Eichelberger Forum. Patrons of all ages are invited to learn how to get involved in their communities and how the Dayton City Commission works during this non-partisan, educational session.
A special information session and Q+A featuring Dayton City Commissioner Shenise-Turner Sloss and voter registration will be available.
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Disability Pride Month honors the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community.
It is celebrated in July because the Americans with Disabilities Act, the world’s first comprehensive civil rights law for disabled people, was signed into law on July 26, 1990.
The diagonal line on the Disability Pride flag represents how disabled people creatively “cut across” and navigate barriers.
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The colored stripes represent, from left to right: physical disabilities, neurodiversity, less-visible/undiagnosed disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, and sensory disabilities.
The gray background honors and mourns disabled people who have died due to ableism, violence, negligence, rebellion, illness, and eugenics; it also represents rage and protest against the mistreatment of the disabled community.
This flag, with its muted colors, replaced the original disability pride flag in 2021 to be more accessible.
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Gem City Black Business Month | |
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Help DML and the Greater West Dayton Incubator support Black entrepreneurs, business owners, and creatives during the Third Annual Gem City Black Business Month. National Black Business Month was founded in August 2004 by two Black entrepreneurs, Frederick E. Jordan and John William Templeton. They designated August to champion the support of Black businesses annually.
DML proudly supports Black entrepreneurs through technical assistance services, education, programming, and procurement and supplier diversity opportunities.
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Current and aspiring business owners can contact Camille Hall, Business Services Specialist, via email or 937.496.8633 for more information. | |
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Programs:
Uplifting Our Roots Pop Up Shop, West Branch, Saturday, August 10, 1 - 5 pm, registration required for vendors (Families)
Growing Black Business Symposium, Main Library, Bassani Theater Off Third, 3rd Floor, Saturday, August 24, 10 am - 12:30 pm, registration required (Adults)
Once Upon a Time: An Entrepreneur’s Story, West Branch, Monday, August 26, 6 - 7:30 pm, registration required - limited spots remain! (Adults)
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Far too often, our stories are told for us with assumptions we make about those we cross paths with every day.
In a journey to discover peoples' true stories, authors Guo and Vulchi traveled the country and interviewed over 150 Americans to explore how listening deeply to the stories of others is the first and most crucial step we can take towards negating racial inequity in our culture.
Recommended by: Megs Francis (they/them), Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Assistant Director
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DML is committed to providing access to all of our events. If you would like to request accommodations for sign language interpretation, audio amplification, and/or language translation please contact us through the method that best meets your needs. Additional accommodations may be available upon request. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
You can submit an Accommodations Request on our website or call our Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.
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All DML locations will be closed Monday, September 2, in observance of Labor Day.
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Follow Us On Social Media! | |
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Mon, Tue, Thu: 9:30am - 8:30pm | Wed, Fri, Sat: 9:30am - 6pm
All Locations Closed Sunday
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