Dayton Metro Library Receives Prestigious Innovation Award

Dayton Metro Library (DML) has been named a Top Innovator for 2025 by the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), North America’s leading nonprofit for urban libraries. This recognition is in honor of DML’s Reading Railroad Initiative, which fosters a lifelong love of reading and learning by supporting Black boys, men, and their support systems.

“This award demonstrates the power of public libraries to uplift communities locally and globally with forward-thinking solutions,” said Dr. Karlos L. Marshall, Director of Community Impact and Innovation at DML. “We hope that Reading Railroad can become an international blueprint that strengthens literacy ecosystems for all children and families.”

ULC’s Innovations Initiative is a yearly showcase of exemplary projects from its nearly 200-member libraries across the U.S. and Canada. It seeks to highlight how the library’s role as an essential public institution is evolving to meet the changing needs of communities. From initiatives that promote civic engagement and intellectual freedom to projects that enhance digital connectivity and economic mobility, libraries are at the forefront of addressing today’s challenges.

Reading Railroad was selected as a Top Innovator by a distinguished panel of judges. The project won in the category of Education: Children and Adults for its originality, measurable outcomes, and the potential for other libraries to replicate and implement this successful initiative. More than 180 library projects in six categories were submitted by ULC members from across the U.S. and Canada to be considered for the top awards.

DML joins world-class programs from peers across North America. This marks the first time that DML has won the highest honor for a national or international library award.

Six public libraries in total received the “Top Innovator” designation, and six others received honorable mention recognition for their work.

“The Innovations Initiative highlights the best of what libraries across North America offer their communities,” said Brooks Rainwater, President and CEO of the Urban Libraries Council. “In a year that has proved especially challenging for libraries, this year’s winners, honorable mentions, and nominees all demonstrate our urban libraries are as important, resilient, and forward-thinking as ever.”

In 2025, DML’s Reading Railroad Initiative drew attendance from nearly 1,000 program attendees. This included Black Boy Excellence Storytimes across DML’s 17 branches and its Hometown Hero Guest Reader Series, a signature storytime featuring local Black male leaders like Commissioner-elect Darius J. Beckham. Reading Railroad also highlights the importance of Black men in the library profession through its monthly podcast, Cataloging the Culture.

Signature annual events like Flowers for Fathers, Student Mental Health Symposium, and The Black Child Book Fair Tour support and celebrate people of all ages.

“We also want to thank all of the DML staff, guest readers, and partners who made this award possible,” stated Robert Owens, Manager of Community Impact and Innovation. “We look forward to creating mindful programs that continue to be innovative, inspiring, and impactful to help libraries change the world one idea at a time.”

Information about the winning project from DML, honorees, and a wealth of past submissions is available at urbanlibraries.org/innovations. Additional information about DML’s Reading Railroad Initiative can be found by visiting DaytonMetroLibrary.org/readingrailroad.