Settled by pioneers in 1795, Beavercreek officially began as a township in 1803. The first library service in Beavercreek was during the nineteen twenties when collections of books were placed in schools and local businesses by the Greene County District Library. Later on, bookmobile service was provided. By the nineteen fifties, it had become apparent that a bookmobile was inadequate to meet the needs of Beavercreek's rapidly growing population.

In 1957, a campaign was launched to get a library branch established in Beavercreek. Members of the Civic Association, Beavercreek Improvement Association and other concerned persons worked together with the Greene County Library Board to devise a workable plan for getting a library. Newly formed Friends of the Library and other organizations all worked together in obtaining funds. A tragic accident involving the death of eight Girl Scouts and their leaders also played a large part in Beavercreek's struggle for a library.

On July 1, 1959, Beavercreek's first branch library opened in a tiny, 16 x 50 ft. store-front building at 7109 Dayton-Xenia Road. Small but well supported, the little library registered nearly 2,000 borrowers during 1959-1960.

By 1962, the little library had become over-crowded, needing more space. Again, the Friends of the Library, other organizations and merchants, raised funds to find larger quarters for the library. On December 9, 1963, the library opened in a larger, store-front building, in the Lofino's Shopping Plaza on Dayton-Xenia Road. With 2,400 square feet of space, there was room for a children's section, and for conducting story hours.

The growth of new businesses and more families with children moving into the community brought the demand for more materials, and more activities for children. It was evident that a larger, more permanent library was needed.

In 1974, Fay Bartley donated approximately 1 1/2 acres of land to the Beavercreek Trustees for a library. The Beavercreek Friends of the Library, Beavercreek Historical Committee, Beavercreek Women's League, local clubs and organizations once again raised funds for a new library. A library levy was passed on July 12, 1978.

The Beavercreek Community Library opened on October 4, 1979, at its present location, 1836 Dayton-Xenia Road. The new library had 13,000 square feet of space and could hold 80,000 volumes. A special feature was a meeting room that would hold 100 people.

In 1980, Beavercreek was incorporated. Many changes occurred through the eighties and nineties. The library was automated in 1989. The Beavercreek community continued to grow. New technologies brought new demands from patrons.

In 1995, the Beavercreek Library was completely renovated. A new Children's room was created with a special area for programming. Internet access was provided for the library patrons, and for home usage through OPLIN Services. Access to new databases and other programs has been made available through the Gates Foundation.

At present, the Beavercreek Community has grown to an estimated population of 40,000 people. Once again, the library has run out of space and plans for a future renovation.

The Beavercreek Community Library was organized in response to the needs of the citizens of Beavercreek. Our goal is to continue to offer services and programs that will meet the educational, informational, and recreational needs of the community.

Taken from The Attainment of A Dream: The History of the Beavercreek Community Branch Library (1991) by Betty A. Hurst. This item is available for borrowing at the library.