Deborah Fallows, co-Founder of Our Towns Civic Foundation, writes about the 2025 ULC Innovation Award-winning "Reading Railroad" program from Dayton Metro Library.

"This report, from Dayton, Ohio, is about a library that has just been recognized by the ULC for its original and innovative new steps to deepen its connections with its community. Before and during a recent trip to Dayton, I had a chance to speak with some of the people who have designed and worked in the program. They told me about the difference it has made in Dayton, and the possible implications for communities elsewhere.

"This year, ULC announced 6 Top Innovators, from a field of over 180 applicants in a broad sweep of categories. Full disclosure: I was on a panel of judges for the ULC’s innovation awards several years ago.

"One winner from the ULC for 2025 particularly caught our eye. It comes from Dayton, Ohio, an Our Towns favorite community for its collaborative spirit, strong institutions of higher ed, and hearty appetite for downtown development."

Read the article.