Tiny Stacks Music Series
Dayton Metro Library
Innovation Synopsis
A partnership with the local National Public Radio station-WYSO, the International College of Broadcasting (ICB), and the Friends of the Dayton Metro Library (Friends), this is a series of concerts featuring local artists of various genres -Soul and Rhythm and Blues, Folk, Indie-Rock, Classical, Afro-Beats, Country, and Hip Hop -offered in Library branches throughout all 17 branches in rural, suburban, and urban communities served throughout Montgomery County. Concerts are appropriate for all ages, free, and open to the public.
Challenge/Opportunity
The Dayton Metro Library (DML) recognizes the need to cultivate diverse patrons in order to sustain the longevity of the library system as a free and accessible resource open to ALL, and librarianship as a profession. Maintaining diverse and relevant collections, books, and online digital materials, and services important. Programming has become some of the most sought after and recognized services we provide our communities. Examples being arts and crafts, job readiness, Social Justice Speakers Series, and STEM programming. Dayton has a rich history of music (the Home of Funk!) and a deep appreciation for its Library system. In 2012, voters approved a 134Million dollar levy allowing DML to upgrade ageing library branches and build new ones in underserved neighborhoods. To assure that our communities realize their investment in 'us' is a direct investment in them, we must provide programming interesting, engaging, and reflective of the identity and values of the region we serve.
Key Elements of Innovation
ICB and WYSO lead organizing and vetting bands and performances. These entities also record performances for future broadcast, cultivate audiences through marketing and social media outlets, and provided internship opportunities for students and community members interested in audio tech and stage performance careers. Goals: 1) shift perceptions of the Library as being only a place for quite, intellectual endeavors but a hub for cultivating community connections and a sense of belonging; 2) increase diverse and relevant programming of interest to a wide range of demographic; 3) exemplify and enhance ongoing stewardship of public monies and investments by utilizing public spaces in unconventional and relevant ways; 4) increase visits to branches, exposing visitors to the free and accessible resources and assets of their community and encourage Library usage; 4) elevate and enhance diverse and eclectic community partnerships, relationships, and resources; 5) HAVE FUN IN THE LIBRARY!
Achieved Outcomes
Our main indicator of success are the number of individuals attending each event. Variables such as branch location (the more urban and suburban branches tend to have more visitors verses our rural locations), proximity of branch to public transportation, and the occupancy capacity of the branch per fire code regulations. There have been 10 concerts thus far:
S-Miamisburg June 20, 2024, 6:00 PM- (40)
U-Electra C Doren May 16, 2024, 6:00 PM (54)
U-West Branch Library Oct 26, 2023, 6:00 PM- (65)
S-Kettering-Moraine Sep 14, 2023, 6:00 PM (65)
U-Main Branch Library Aug 12, 2023, 2:00 - PM (90)
R-Miami Township Branch Jun 22, 2023, 6:00 PM (60)
R-New Lebanon Branch Apr 20, 2023, 6:00 PM (40)
U-Northwest 8/18/2022- (82)
U-Trotwood 9/15/2022 (71)
U-Southeast 10/18/2022 (42)
R=Rural
U=Urban
S=Suburban
Five more are scheduled for the remainder of 2025, covering all 17 branches. Every artist we have hosted says "I can't believe I'm playing a library!"
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