The grant will allow the Library to

• restore its historic reading rooms and foyer;
• relocate and integrate its circulation and research desks for better customer service;
• create a small conference room and study area. 

“We are very grateful to the Eichelberger Foundation for this generous gift, which will give us the opportunity to implement some much needed improvements and updates to this beautiful building,” said Wright Library Director Kristi Hale.​

​Restored historic reading rooms and centralized information desk
Wright Library’s building is a registered historic landmark with Tudor architecture, vaulted ceilings, Globe Wernicke book shelves, and stained glass windows.
Improvements to the historic front reading rooms and foyer will include:

• new light fixtures appropriate to the architecture;
• refinished original furnishings and woodwork;
• supplemental furnishings;
• convenient power access; and
• new carpet.

​In addition, a customized central information desk will be designed to improve functionality and customer service.

Additional study and meeting space
The Eichelberger Foundation grant will also be used to create a small conference room on the main floor, equipped with technology for collaborative projects and group study. Additional study tables and chairs will be located outside the new conference room.
 
“Over the past few years, we conducted extensive research to discover the priorities of Oakwood residents for Wright Library. We learned that they have a very high regard for Wright Library as an important Oakwood institution, and they want to see its historic beauty preserved and its functionality and accessibility improved. While there are many major renovations that we cannot afford to implement right now, this gift will allow us to restore and update the historic parts of the building in a way that will make Oakwood residents very proud,” Hale said.
 
Jack Eichelberger was a graduate of Oakwood High School, a local attorney and a lifelong resident of Oakwood. Sally, his Irish-born wife, worked with Jack for many years in his law office and was a devoted member of the Dayton Women’s Club. The couple lived on Runnymede Lane abutting the Dayton Country Club golf course in a home originally built by the Talbott family. 

“Jack had a real affection for his hometown,” said Library Trustee Lu Ann Stanley. ”The Eichelberger Foundation Trustees have been looking for a number of years for a suitable opportunity to enhance the Oakwood community in Jack and Sally’s memory. This generous grant will allow us to preserve the historic areas, improve the Library’s functionality, and provide additional meeting and study space for our patrons. We are incredibly grateful to the Eichelberger Foundation Trustees.” 

The project is slated to begin in late 2017. The Library’s Board of Trustees selected local architectural firm LWC, Inc. after reviewing several competitive bids.

“Over the past few years, we conducted extensive research to discover the priorities of Oakwood residents for Wright Library. We learned that they have a very high regard for Wright Library as an important Oakwood institution, and they want to see its historic beauty preserved and its functionality and accessibility improved.”

- Kristi Hale, Wright Library Director

Donate to Wright Library at the Dayton Foundation online here. All gifts to support the Wright Library Foundation are fully tax deductible as allowed by law. Donations of any amount help support the mission of the library and are very appreciated. 

Visit the Wright Memorial Public Library Foundation webpage here.

 

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About The Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation