Capitol View Library

The Capitol View Library underwent an $8.6 million renovation. The library reopened March 2019 with a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Bowser, Councilmember Gray, Councilmember Grosso, DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan and Library Board of Trustee members.

The renovated library offers welcoming spaces for children, teens and adults.

Services and Features

- A dramatic new exterior facade

- More welcoming entrance into the building

- New, expanded windows

- New public art 

- Expanded space, including more space for children, adults and teens

- New computer training lab with 12 computers

- Environmentally friendly design

Public Art Competition

The DC Public Library partnered with the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) to solicit proposals from local artists for the design, fabrication and installation of a permanent work of public art on the plaza in front of the Capitol View Library. Submission deadline was Feb. 1, 2019.
Learn more here.

Project Background 

The renovation of the Capitol View library took place in two phases.  The renovation of the interior was the first phase and the renovation of the exterior was the second phase. The Library selected the local design build team of R. McGhee & Associates and Broughton Construction for this project.
 

Phase 1: Interior Renovation

The interior improvements include:
 

• Improved entrance into the building
• Expanded space, including more space for children, adults and teens
• Upgrades to the heating, air conditioning and electrical systems
• New computer training lab with 12 computers
• New windows
• More meeting and study spaces in varying sizes
• New, larger elevator
• New furniture, carpet and fixtures
• Environmentally friendly design

Phase 2: Exterior Renovation

The goals of the exterior renovations were to create a welcoming sense of arrival, an attractive facade and reconnect the library to the neighborhood.

• New dramatic facade
• Expanded windows
• New landscaping including plants and seating
• New art for the plaza
• New lighting

Awards and Certifications

• LEED Silver Certification from the US Green Building Council 2019

Community Engagement

Community feedback was an important part of the design process. The Library conducted a community survey and hosted multiple community meetings to gather input.

The Survey: 100 people responded to the survey. 63% preferred that children's services be located on the 2nd floor.
Read comments from the survey here.

Community Meetings:
Feb. 6, 2018 the Library hosted a community meeting and shared the final exterior design. 
View the presentation.
Dec. 5, 2017 the Library hosted a community meeting to share options for the exterior renovation and the timeline for phase two of the renovation. 
View the presentation.
Read the community comments.

Sept. 19, 2017 the Library hosted a community meeting to discuss plans for the exterior of the library building.
View the presentation.

July 19, 2017 the Library hosted a community meeting to talk about the exterior renovation and to gather community input regarding the design goals.
View the presentation.
Read the community comments.

Feb. 9, 2017 the Library hosted a community meeting to discuss the interior plans.
View the presentation.
 
June 16, 2016 the Library hosted a community meeting. The design team presented two proposed options for the interior renovation at a community meeting and gathered feedback. 
View the presentation.
Read the community comments.
 

History of the Capitol View Library

To learn more about the history of the Capitol View Library check here.

Questions or concerns? Contact Martha.Saccocio@dc.gov.