Outreach Services

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Outreach Services

	937-496-8956
	937-496-4356

About the Outreach Services: The Dayton Metro Library's Outreach Services began in 1923, when Electra Collins Doren, then director of the Dayton Library, created the first Bookwagon service in the state of Ohio (and one of the first in the nation). Miss Doren was determined to bring books to areas of the community that were unable to reach the existing library facilities at the time. Many of the current library branches, such as Burkhardt and New Lebanon, were originally stops on the Bookmobile route until permanent facilities could be built. The current Bookmobile vehicle can carry 3,500 books and periodicals, serving about 50 preschool classes each week at schools, child care centers, and apartment complexes.

In 1973, library staff members using their own vehicles started a pilot project to deliver books and materials to homebound and elderly patrons. The service became official in June of that year with full-time staff members and a delivery van. Today, the Lobby Stop Library brings materials to retirement centers, nursing facilities and organizations, while Homebound Service vans continue to make more than 5000 stops a year at residents’ homes.