IRL: In Real Life

The past half-decade has been challenging for the District of Columbia. Beginning with a global pandemic, followed by a national racial reckoning that triggered the Black Lives Matter and Don’t Mute DC movements, an insurrection at the Capitol, and, most recently, the dismantling of the federal workforce and challenges to D.C.’s autonomy, residents have experienced profound and persistent anxiety.

Amid this local unease, in 2023, the United States Surgeon General declared social isolation a public health crisis, citing the role the internet—once expected to bring people closer together—has had in deepening loneliness. Excessive screen time has contributed to disconnection, undermining personal well-being and civic life, especially for young people. A recent international study of nearly 300,000 children found that higher screen use increased the likelihood of aggression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Growing research makes clear that this crisis extends across age, income, and education levels.

The tension between digital connectivity and human connection is not new to public libraries. For more than 30 years, public libraries have been leaders at connecting residents online. In the mid-1990s, following a transformative Gates Foundation grant, libraries across the country began providing high-speed internet access and digital literacy instruction. While equitable access to technology remains essential—especially for low‑income residents—the rapid, largely unchecked acceleration of artificial intelligence makes it more critical than ever for public libraries to leverage their physical spaces and strengthen their commitment to in-person connection. DC Public Library is uniquely positioned to meet this moment.

Since 2009, Washington, D.C. has invested hundreds of millions of dollars modernizing its public library campus. More than 20 buildings—nearly one million square feet—have been transformed and the process will continue throughout the next decade. These inspiring, award-winning spaces, within three-quarters of a mile of nearly every District resident and staffed by dedicated library workers, offer the physical and social infrastructure needed to counter isolation and bring people together in meaningful ways.

The new DC Public Library strategic plan, “IRL” (In Real Life), builds on this foundation. Borrowed from online language distinguishing digital experiences from tangible, human connections, IRL reflects the Library’s commitment to strengthening real-world well-being. In the coming years, DCPL will focus on three foundational elements of well-being: joy, belonging, and resilience. By nurturing joy, the Library will be a place where visitors feel delight, wonder, and inspiration. By strengthening belonging, the Library will create a place for all to feel welcome. By building resilience, the Library will serve as a source of stability and empowerment. Together, these commitments will reaffirm our libraries as dynamic, community spaces that help residents thrive in a digitally saturated world.

-Richard Reyes-Gavilan

DC Public Library’s strategic priorities articulate a vision for supporting joyful, inclusive, and resilient community life in the District. IRL offers a flexible approach to improve resident life by prioritizing meaningful in-person experiences in an increasingly fractured, screen-dominated world.

Joy | Cultivating Moments of Delight and Discovery

While constant streams of troubling news can leave residents feeling despair, DC Public Library will stand as a beacon of hope and happiness. Joy is essential to individual and community well-being. Through vibrant cultural experiences that celebrate DC’s creativity, neighborhood programs that spark curiosity, and innovative community events that bring people together, the Library will create an environment where wonder and delight flourish. By cultivating joy, we strengthen the social fabric of our city and remind residents that even in challenging times, there is beauty and connection to be found and appreciated.

Belonging | Creating a Place for All to Feel Welcome

At DC Public Library we believe that every person deserves to feel seen and valued. Our commitment to belonging means paying particular attention to populations that need additional support to strengthen their connection to society. These populations include boys and men who are increasingly detached from emotional and social well-being; new Americans who are facing alarming barriers to community integration; and individuals experiencing homelessness who we know benefit from the Library’s participation within the District government’s human services network. Through inclusive services, culturally responsive programming, and partnerships that promote belonging, we strive to ensure that libraries are places for books and information, as well as centers of dignity, safety, and opportunity.

Resilience | Serving as a Source of Strength and Wellness

In an era of rapid change and uncertainty, resilience is the foundation and key to thriving. The United Nations describes resilience as the capacity to prevent, withstand, adapt to, and emerge stronger from challenges. Today in the District, these challenges include job insecurity, digital overload, the spread of toxic misinformation, and the associated anxiety that accompanies all of it. DC Public Library envisions a city where every resident has the tools to navigate these complexities with purpose. Through programs and spaces that nurture well-being, we will empower individuals and communities to reclaim control of their lives, embrace growth, and build a future defined by strength and confidence.

Providing Rich Cultural Experiences

The modernized Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (MLK Library) has become a cultural destination, drawing visitors from across the region through dynamic programs, permanent and touring exhibits like the Negro Motorists Green Book, and citywide events such as Art All Night. These offerings have helped revitalize downtown DC by attracting residents and visitors at a time of declining foot traffic. Many initiatives originate at MLK Library and then expand to neighborhood libraries, supported in part by revenue from private events and contributions from the DC Public Library Foundation. Building on this success, DC Public Library is expanding cultural programming across all locations. Neighborhood libraries are being assessed for exhibit potential, staff are encouraged to develop local displays, and author talks and cultural events and exhibits are being increased systemwide.

What DCPL Will Do: 

• Increase the number of systemwide exhibits, local history and cultural events, and artist partnerships, leveraging Foundation support to seed new programming and bring higher-profile experiences throughout the District, including major thematic exhibitions such as one celebrating DC sports fandom, currently in development. 
• Deepen our role in revitalizing downtown through the Downtown Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Coalition by working collaboratively with coalition partners and broadening activation of MLK Library and other downtown spaces with exhibitions, performances, festivals, and public art installations.

Enhancing Programming for Children and Teens

DCPL provides essential programs for young people—Storytime, Books from Birth, Beyond the Book, Summer Challenge, PowerUP!, and broad access to diverse collections. However, a post-pandemic attrition of youth librarians has reduced programming across the library campus. A major priority is rebuilding the staffing infrastructure for consistent, branch-led programming for children and teens. Partnerships will supplement staff-led activities, supporting a richer range of offerings. These actions will culminate in standardized youth programming across the system. 

What DCPL Will Do: 

• Rebuild and strengthen the youth-services workforce: DCPL will aggressively pursue the funding needed to staff every branch with qualified, dedicated youth-serving professionals. 
• Reimagine how we recruit and retain great children’s and teen librarians: DCPL will pilot new hiring strategies, update job descriptions, expand qualifications, and develop retention supports to attract and keep exceptional staff. 
• Restore frequent, consistent programming for children and teens in every neighborhood: Residents will see more early childhood learning programs, more after-school options, and more intentional engagement with teens.

Cultivating Community Building Events

DCPL continues to design programs that spark joy, discovery, and connection. Events such as the Bellevue/William O. Lockridge Library Back-to-School Bash, community swaps, Mt. Pleasant Library’s music concerts, and MLK Library’s wildly popular Mahjong nights, demonstrate the appetite for gatherings that bring residents together. 

All libraries will develop signature annual events and recurring programs that reflect neighborhood interests and foster social connection, reducing isolation and strengthening community bonds.

What DCPL Will Do: 

• Empower every branch to create a signature annual event: Each library will design a standout, community-driven event that reflects neighborhood identity and becomes a yearly anchor for connection. 
• Boost the number and variety of communitybuilding gatherings: Staff will be supported and encouraged to collaborate with residents on recurring programs—concerts, swaps, celebrations, game nights, and more—that consistently bring neighbors together.

Uplifting Boys and Men

To address the growing national concern that boys and men face increasing challenges in education, relationships, and civic life, DCPL is developing a sustained set of programs that support boys and men at every stage of life. Partnerships with community organizations and specialists will help create opportunities that foster belonging, build confidence, and strengthen social ties. 

Author talks, panel discussions, and skillbuilding workshops will feature role models from diverse fields, highlighting pathways to academic success, career development, emotional wellness, and civic engagement. Collaboration with schools and youth-serving organizations will ensure young men are connected to DCPL’s programs and spaces and to each other. Through consistent outreach and a welcoming environment, the Library aims to serve as a trusted source of support and community.

What DCPL Will Do: 

• Launch and evaluate a targeted pilot to support teen connectedness: DCPL will partner with Boys Who Write to support a small, initial cohort of teens, assess the program’s impact, and use the results to inform targeted expansion. 
• Build a coordinated slate of programs that uplift boys and men: DCPL will design more intentional, evidence-informed programs addressing social connection, skill building, emotional health, and positive identity development.

Welcoming New Americans

DCPL is committed to supporting immigrants and newcomers as they build community and navigate life in the District. The library system has strengthened its language capacity through bilingual staff, multilingual signage, world language collections and materials, and participation in the District’s Language Access Program. Current offerings include ESL Conversation Circles—both online and in person—and multilingual programs delivered by staff and partners. 

The work of welcoming new Americans will expand through additional multicultural events, Know Your Rights sessions, legal clinics, and tailored workforce development opportunities. To reach residents unfamiliar with libraries or hesitant to engage with government agencies, DCPL will broaden partnerships with immigrant-serving organizations, embassies, and cultural attachés.

What DCPL Will Do: 

• Expand and improve services for New Americans and multicultural residents: Staff and external partners will work together to strengthen programs, cultural events, legal rights education, and workforce support tailored to immigrant needs. 
• Hire DCPL’s first Multicultural Customer Experience Coordinator and launch a Multicultural Advisory Committee to ensure more multilingual programming, stronger world language collections, clearer signage, and increased engagement with immigrant-serving organizations, cultural groups, and embassies.

Strengthening the District's Human Services Network

Libraries serve as essential spaces for individuals experiencing homelessness, including those needing mental health support. Over the past decade, DCPL has built a compassionate service model—hiring social workers, mental health specialists, and peer navigators, and developing strong partnerships across the human services ecosystem. Programs like Coffee and Conversation connect individuals to care, housing, and support, and affirm the dignity of every person who enters our libraries. 

The most critical needs of individuals experiencing homelessness are best served by specialized human and social services agencies and organizations. By deepening collaboration with service providers, DCPL can focus on creating more programs that foster community and purpose while relying on specialized agencies to deliver direct services beyond the scope of library work. 

What DCPL Will Do: 

• Expand a proven model of compassionate engagement citywide: With support from the Library Foundation and Bedford Falls Foundation, DCPL will significantly scale the Coffee and Conversation program, bringing resources, purpose, and dignity to more residents across the District. 
• Create a visibly more inviting, bettercoordinated experience along G Street NW and under the MLK Library loggia: DCPL will partner with the Downtown DC BID, government agencies and neighbors to launch a G Street Corridor Working Group focused on activating public space, improving safety, and addressing the needs of unhoused individuals encamped along G Street NW.

Prioritizing Digital Wellness and Rethinking our Relationship with Technology

DCPL will work to position itself as a trusted resource for digital wellness. New programs and materials will help residents of all ages—particularly parents and youth—build healthier digital habits and navigate issues such as device management, algorithmic literacy, privacy, cybersecurity, and the societal impacts of technology overuse. These efforts will include tips and guidance, instructional programs, public discussions, and partnerships with schools.

What DCPL Will Do: 

• Create opportunities for residents to discuss and collaborate on essential and emerging technologies, helping to provide muchneeded human and community context to the technologies that are integrated into our lives. 
• Launch a comprehensive digital wellness initiative: DCPL will design new programs, workshops, and resources that help residents understand how devices, platforms, and algorithms shape daily life—and how to develop healthier digital habits. 
• Offer practical tools for navigating technology: Parents, caregivers, and youth will gain access to guidance on device management, online safety, privacy, and the social and developmental impacts of technology overuse. 

Promoting Community Health

DCPL’s partnership with the DC Department of Health during the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the Library’s ability to support public health. Libraries continue to host health insurance information sessions, medical screenings, and wellness programs such as yoga. DCPL’s building designs increasingly emphasize wellness through natural light, nature-inspired elements, and inviting communal spaces.

What DCPL Will Do: 

• Increase access to free, high-quality wellness opportunities: DCPL will provide a wider range of programs—covering nutrition, mindfulness, fitness, and emotional well-being—available at libraries throughout the District. 
• Enhance spaces that promote calm, comfort, and overall well-being: DCPL will include more wellness-oriented design elements and experiences intended to reduce stress and support both physical and emotional health while using library spaces. 

Connecting Residents to Jobs and New Careers

The capital region lost more than 50,000 jobs in 2025. To address ongoing job instability in the region, DCPL is expanding support for residents seeking employment and career transitions. Current offerings—digital literacy and artificial intelligence upskilling classes, jobseeker clinics, résumé assistance, and job fairs—will grow to include a wider slate of courses, certifications, and bilingual instruction. 

Stronger collaboration with DC agencies including the departments of Human Resources, Employment Services, Small and Local Business Development, and the Workforce Investment Council, will improve pathways to careers and support entrepreneurs. Staff training will be enhanced to bring these services to more library locations. 

What DCPL Will Do: 

• Continue to enhance career-building opportunities through strategic partnerships: DCPL will work with direct service providers, government agencies, and workforce organizations to deliver programs that lead directly to jobs, skills, and new career pathways.
• Increase staff-led and partner-led workforce programming across the system: DCPL will deliver more digital and AI upskilling sessions, certification-oriented courses, small-business supports, and bilingual offerings at more branches. Staff training and competencies around workforce development will be prioritized.
• Make career advancement more accessible in every neighborhood: DCPL will provide a robust menu of job-seeker and entrepreneurial resources closer to home.

Building an Informed and Active Citizenry

DCPL’s role in civic engagement and information literacy is more important than ever. Libraries serve as voter registration, ballot drop-off, and polling sites. DCPL offers legal and tax aid, operates a Passport Acceptance Office, and partners with the DC Board of Elections on voter education. 

To counter misinformation, DCPL is developing educational programs and neighborhood discussion groups focused on artificial intelligence, paired with expanded staff training. 

What DCPL Will Do: 

• Deepen partnership with the DC Board of Elections to strengthen voter education: DCPL will continue to provide up-to-date training on ranked choice voting and any future changes to the District’s election processes, ensuring that residents have accurate, trusted, and accessible information.
• Equip staff with comprehensive training on artificial intelligence: DCPL will build a robust AI literacy curriculum so staff can confidently help residents understand emerging technologies, ask better questions, and make informed decisions. 
• Support for residents in becoming informed citizens and thoughtful consumers of information: DCPL will provide tools, programs, and trusted guidance that strengthen civic knowledge, digital discernment, how to navigate mis-anddisinformation, and overall confidence in engaging with civic life. 

Addressing Staffing Needs: Recruitment, Training, and Retention

Achieving the goals of this strategic plan requires hiring and retaining the right staff, updating position requirements, creating new roles, strengthening career pathways, and developing staff skills. A particular focus is replenishing staffing for children and teens. A review of the staffing model will help ensure DCPL has the structure needed to support its mission. 

Investing In What Differentiates Public Libraries From All Other Public Spaces: Books

As much as residents value the tremendous growth in library programming, one truth has remained unchanged in more than a century: people come to the library because they love and want books. A vibrant, well-curated collection, remains the heart of the public library experience. More than any other service, books are what bring people into our doors and keep them coming back again and again. DCPL will continue to advocate for resources for books and continue to diversify the types of reading materials offered, recognizing that readers’ needs and voices must be central to the implementation of the plan.

Sustaining a Strong Commitment To Safety

To support the safety of staff, visitors, and buildings, DCPL will continue to hire public safety officers, with the ultimate goal of having a dedicated officer for each library location. The library will also emphasize staff training and preparedness. Additional improvements that will strengthen library safety include upgraded CCTV systems, expanded vehicle capacity for roving officers, and a new, user friendly incident reporting system. 

Elevating Our Voice: Strengthening Marketing, Communications, and Engagement

DCPL will broaden its reach through enhanced marketing, deeper partnerships with government agencies, Friends, volunteers, and expanded involvement in community events. Neighborhood library staff will play a larger role in local outreach, both in person and online. Website improvements will include service-specific pages and better discoverability.

Simplifying Partnership and Program Agreements

To make it easier to work with partners, DCPL is streamlining internal processes for partnership and program agreements, providing expanded staff training, and improving coordination with other DC agencies. 

Understanding and Improving Service to Our Customers

DCPL is introducing new customer experience guidelines, staff appearance standards, and a comprehensive training program to strengthen service quality. A new feedback system will help staff track concerns, suggestions, and compliments, guiding future improvements. Collections will continue to be shaped by checkout data, demographics, and staff insights, with expanded world-language materials to better reflect neighborhood needs.

The Library conducted community and staff engagement that informed this plan: 

• Nine focus groups that included 73 Library partners, 
  stakeholders and staff; 
• Thirteen interviews with key staff and Library partners; 
• An online community survey with 938 responses; and 
• An online staff survey with 163 responses.

Later, the Library’s cross-departmental Senior Management Team and additional staff shaped the plan through two collaborative design sessions and fifteen goals discussions. 

Engagement findings highlighted DCPL’s value in providing core services including books, cultural programming, technology access and welcoming community spaces. They also identified opportunities to improve the Library’s reach and impact by better distributing programs and services across neighborhood library locations, improving multilingual access, addressing safety concerns and demands for social services, strengthening staff capacity and development, expanding and expediting partnerships, and improving awareness of library offerings. Summaries of the input received can be found on the Library’s website.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. 

Strategic Plan Acknowledgments

We extend our sincere appreciation to Mayor Muriel Bowser and her team for their steadfast support of the DC Public Library. We also thank the DC Council for its ongoing leadership and commitment to our mission. We are grateful to the Friends of the DC Public Library for their thoughtful input and encouragement throughout this process. The DCPL Board of Trustees and the DCPL Foundation have been invaluable thought partners, offering insight and perspective that helped shape this plan. Most importantly, we are deeply grateful to the dedicated staff of the DC Public Library—whose work strengthens our city every day—and to all who contributed ideas, feedback, editing, design, and more to bring this plan to life.