Visitors concerned with safety, access challenges at new Dayton Metro Library branch

DAYTON — The West Branch of the Dayton Metro Library opened its new location at the corner of U.S. 35 and Abbey Avenue last week, but now some are raising concerns about access and safety to get to it.

Aaron and Tracy Sorrells live in the neighborhood across the 7-lanes of U.S. 35, but they still have made a point to visit the new branch.

>> Coronavirus: CDC considering updates to masking guidance

“It feels a little dangerous cause the children have to come from that side they have to cross,” Aaron told News Center 7′s Candace Price.

But, they say the location was needed for the section of town it serves.

“Our area really needed this library,” Tracy said. “They library is just beautiful.”

The Sorrells’ weren’t the only people with concerns about potential danger in getting to the library.

“I was thinking was it accessible for the type of people that they’re trying to encourage to come here,” said Key Hall, who was visiting the branch Wednesday. “I’m not so sure for people that maybe don’t have a car if it’s really accessible.”

>> Court documents: Police investigating Germantown man’s death as suspected homicide

Dayton Metro Library said it held several community forums to get input when they were planning for the new branch.

“Dayton Metro Library has the utmost concern for the safety of our patrons,” the library said in an emailed statement. “The property at 35 and Abbey was overwhelmingly the preferred location.”

The library said it has already has recognized the challenges being next to the highway present.

“The Library immediately began to work with the City of Dayton to identify opportunities for improvement both at the Abbey Avenue crosswalk and the nearby underpass at Adelite, which residents reported their children were already using,” a statement read. “We’re pleased with the initial improvements the City has made at the Abbey intersection, and we know that plans are in the works for additional safety measures and pedestrian enhancements from both access points.”

Despite the challenges, visitors still say they are happy and excited about the library’s presence in the community.

“It’s just an inviting place for the black community to really have somewhere to sit…talk and read…just enjoy one another,” said visitor Keith Daniels.

©2022 Cox Media Group