Dayton Metro Library is excited to announce that its Reading Railroad initiative has received the Ohio Library Council’s (OLC) 2026 Library Innovation Award. The OLC’s 2026 Awards and Honors recognize individuals whose leadership, innovation, advocacy, and service have made a lasting impact on Ohio’s public libraries and the communities they serve.
“We are deeply honored to receive this award on behalf of our Library and community. Centering Black men as storytime readers is the heartbeat of Reading Railroad and reflects our commitment to literacy, representation, and lifelong learning,” said Dr. Marshall, DML’s Director of Community Impact and Innovation. “We are grateful for our children's librarians and staff members, guest readers, and community partners who make this possible.”
DML’s Reading Railroad initiative is dedicated to fostering a love of reading and learning for Black boys and young men through several signature initiatives, including Hometown Heroes and Black Boy Excellence storytimes, Fatherhood Academy, Flowers for Fathers Award Concert, Student Mental Health Symposium, and a Cataloging the Culture podcast. Reading Railroad also encourages Black men in Montgomery County to become guest readers, whether for a DML storytime or in their communities, to further inspire children to discover and develop their own love of reading.
"Reading Railroad is more than a literacy initiative. It is a journey toward purpose,” said Mr. Owens, DML’s Manager of Community Impact and Innovation. “Every book becomes a ticket, every Library a station of opportunity, and every child who learns to love reading becomes the conductor of their own future."
Additional information about DML’s Reading Railroad initiatives can be found at DaytonMetroLibrary.org/ReadingRailroad. The webpage includes a list of upcoming storytimes, book recommendations, a link to Cataloging the Culture, information on how to become a guest reader, and more.
Dr. Marshall and Mr. Owens will be formally recognized for Reading Railroad during a special ceremony in October at the Kalahari Convention Center in Sandusky as part of the OLC’s Convention and Expo.