Library Book Sale

Stop by the DAI to browse rare and collectible items from the nearly 100-year-old library! 

In 2016, the DAI completed a study of the museum’s library, which was established as a part of the former DAI Art School and has been closed to the public since 2009. Under the supervision of the University of Dayton’s Library Studies Department and the recommendation of a librarian and archivist, the DAI established the goal to reopen the library focused solely on the DAI’s world-class fine art collection and find new homes for the remainder of the books once housed in the museum. The majority of the books were donated to local schools and universities. Now, as the DAI is nearing the finish line of the process, we are hosting a community book sale! All proceeds from the sale will support the DAI’s library renovation project.

🗓️ When: April 4,5 and 6, 2025, noon–5 p.m.,

📍Where: Dayton Art Institute Library
(456 Belmonte Park N. Dayton, Ohio 45405)

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 How to Attend: Guests will check in at the Rike Administrative entrance to the left of the museum’s main entrance. Limit of 20 guests per hour, first come first served basis.

📚A Note About the Books: These are former library books relating to art and museums. Many show signs of wear and may not have ISBN numbers. Highlights include auction catalogs from Christy’s, Sotheby’s and Swann, and a vast collection of bound books containing years of museum and gallery bulletins.

☎️ For Questions or Concerns: call Guest Services at 937-223-4278.