The Centerville Library is officially open again, following the completion of Phase One renovations. Visitors will notice new flooring, updated restrooms, and comfortable furniture throughout the building. There is an airiness to the space now, thanks to skylights painted a pale blue, and the rounded window wall – once hidden – is fully visible from inside. There are plenty of inviting places to read, work, or study, and several meeting rooms, as well as the 12-seat conference room, are available.
Holds can now be picked up to the left of the main desk.
One of the biggest changes is the relocation of the Children’s Room from the south side of the building to the north side. The new space features large windows, a redesigned service desk, new furniture, fresh carpet, and updated lighting. All materials – including books, Read Alongs, Launch Pads, ‘Brary Bags, board games, and so much more, are back in place. The collection has expanded to include Tonieboxes® and a variety of characters available for checkout.
Construction crews will still be on-site as Phase Two begins, continuing through most of the summer. This next phase will add a dedicated teen area, more meeting rooms, renovated Community and Storytime Rooms, and a prepared space for the future relocation of the Creativity Commons makerspace.
We are excited to welcome you, and we appreciate your patience as improvements continue.
West-facing curved window wall
We are six months into the Centerville Library renovation, which will improve facilities and expand services. Because people use library spaces differently than they did 30 years ago when the Centerville Library was built, the renovation will position the library to serve you better. The plan aims to allow more natural light, highlighting the library's signature curved window wall.
The renovation is progressing beautifully and right on schedule. The demolition phase has opened exciting new possibilities, with several walls removed to showcase two stunning window walls that will frame the new Children's Room.
North-facing new Children’s Room
Despite the ongoing construction, the library remains open to serve our community, though with temporarily limited collections for browsing. Patrons can still conveniently pick up their holds at the Centerville Library location.
The renovation also addresses long-standing patron requests by adding dedicated meeting rooms, creating valuable community gathering spaces.
The enhanced design emphasizes openness and brightness, creating a more welcoming environment for visitors of all ages. With completion scheduled for early next summer, the entire community will have much to celebrate when we unveil this revitalized space.
A reminder: While not expanding the building footprint, square footage previously designated for staff use is being opened for patron use.
Framing of two new meeting rooms
In addition to adding meeting rooms and more accessible restrooms, replacing original flooring and furnishings, creating outdoor spaces, and providing a dedicated teen area, we will relocate Creativity Commons to the Centerville Library from RecPlex.
Current Creativity Commons
Creativity Commons, the only public DIY makerspace in Montgomery County, will triple in size, with added equipment and its own classroom for programming.
The library is not asking taxpayers for additional funding, as the project will be funded through carefully saved resources. In fact, the Washington-Centerville Public Library has not asked for an increase in local taxpayer funds since 2011. The last renewal levy was in 2021.
This shot was taken looking toward the front entrance.
We're thrilled to announce that the Centerville Library renovation is slated to begin in early March.
The project will kick off Monday, March 3. During the first phase, the library will operate with limited services and reduced hours. The Children's Room will remain open, although seating will be limited. In the Community Room, we will offer hold pickups, small portions of our collections for browsing, two computer workstations, Wi-Fi, and copying/scanning services. Curbside hold pickup will remain as an option throughout the project.
The temporary hours will be:
The first phase of construction is expected to end early 2026, when more services and hours will be restored.
We appreciate your patience as we work to transform the Centerville Library into a more modern, functional space for our community. Despite the temporary inconveniences, we're confident the improvements will greatly enhance your library experience when completed.
In addition to updated flooring and furnishings, we'll significantly increase usable public space to feature new meeting rooms, accessible restrooms, a dedicated teen area, and the relocation of Creativity Commons from RecPlex - which will triple in size.
Additionally, just a reminder that this renovation is funded through our carefully saved resources. The Washington-Centerville Public Library hasn't requested additional taxpayer funds since 2011, with our last renewal levy occurring in 2021.
Thank you for your support.
Posted: February 22, 2025
On Tuesday, November 19, The Centerville Library held a Public Forum to unveil the design plans and share frequently asked questions about the renovation. It was well attended, and a few media outlets covered the event, including Dayton24/7Now.
Patrons seemed pleased with the design plans. They appreciated the fact that a staff area of 3,000 square feet is being opened for patron use. Additionally, they were excited to see more meeting spaces as well as the outdoor spaces for both children and adults. They also liked that Creativity Commons would be relocated from RecPlex to the Centerville Library and have expanded space and hours.
The Centerville Library was built 30 years ago, and still retains much original flooring and furniture. The renovation will improve facilities and expand library services. People are using libraries differently than they did 30 years ago, so the changes will position the library to serve patrons better in the future. Plans include adding meeting rooms – which patrons often request – and more accessible restrooms. Outdoor spaces will be created, as well as a dedicated area for teens.
The project will be funded through carefully saved resources. In fact, the Washington-Centerville Public Library has not asked for an increase in local taxpayer funds since 2011. The library will not completely close, but will maintain essential services including hold pick-ups, Wi-Fi, the Children’s Room, some computer workstations, scanner and copier access, and a small sampling of most collections. Programming and meeting room access will be suspended throughout the renovation, but they will be available at Woodbourne Library.
The project is expected to begin in March 2025, and is estimated to take 14-15 months.
Throughout the project, the library will share updates here on the website. We will also share posts frequently on social media, so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for updates and some behind-the-scenes construction videos. Subscribe to the Get in the Know newsletter to have updates sent to your inbox.
Posted: November 22, 2024
Washington-Centerville Public Library (WCPL) invites community members to preview plans for its upcoming renovation project at a public forum on Tuesday, November 19 from 4PM - 5:30PM at Centerville Library. During this forum, Director Fultz and representatives from the architectural firm LWC will present the renovation blueprints and answer community questions. Read the press release and Dayton Daily News article.
Posted: October 28, 2024
Washington-Centerville Public Library (WCPL) has purchased a 4,340 square foot building at 561 Congress Park, Washington Township for administrative and support services. This building will make more space available for public use at Centerville Library. “With the addition of this Congress Park location, we will be able to adjust the layout of Centerville Library in the near future to provide additional services and space for patrons,” said Liz Fultz, director. The Congress Park location will function as office and garage space for support services and will not serve as a library branch. The sale was finalized on September 15 for $435,000.
In 2021, WCPL sold a vacant lot on Mandel Dr. for $500,000 that was owned by WCPL since 1977, originally acquired by former long-time Trustee Dorothy Yeck, for one dollar.
Posted: September 21, 2023
