Centerville Library News

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