Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library - Central Library

The MLK Jr. Memorial Library closed on Saturday, March 4, 2017 for modernization: learn more at dclibrary.org/mlkfuture. Interim services for the MLK Library (including the Library Express location, Special Collections, and the Memory Lab) began on Monday, May 8, 2017. Please visit dclibrary.org/mlkinterim for more information on interim services.
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Elizabeth Keckley.

Elizabeth Keckley Speaks: “My Life in Washington”

See influential African American Elizabeth Keckley brought to life.  A little known leader, Keckley was seamstress and confidante to Mary Todd Lincoln.  This multimedia event will include a “now and then” slideshow of downtown Washington.  

Colorful party balloons with strings.

Spring Equinox Book Party

Celebrate with food, freebies, and fun!

Enjoy a break from your routine at this pop-up library lounge designed just for you. Let’s celebrate a season of reading with an evening of fun. We’ll have music, light refreshments, and social chess.     Meet like-minded souls who love reading and learning new things.  Discover our monthly book clubs and film series. and pick up free books that are yours to keep.  

A scene from the play, "A Matter of Worth".

A Woman’s Worth, A Playwright’s Journey

Meet Marcia Cole! An accomplished local playwright and member of the Aspiring Writer’s Circle will  discuss her creative process and the  inspired path she followed to create her play, A Matter of Worth.  

Modern Romance

LOL-Worthy Books

Laugh-Inducers You Can Read or Listen To

Sometimes we need a book that can entertain us. Sometimes, we need to be able to listen to a book rather than read it. Here is a list of giggle-inducing books that are available in both audio and print format. When it comes to audiobooks, my favorites have always been the kind that can make me laugh. Even better, each of these audiobooks is read by the funny, talented authors themselves.

The White Wolf, by Franklin Gregory

Snowy Novellas

Stories that will stay with you long after the snow has gone.

That blizzard we got in January was a great start to making up for the first half of winter 2015-2016 being downright balmy with occasional wintry weather. I know it’s late in the game, but I’m not ready to give up on the idea of more snow.

Teens, Black History Month

Fun Black History Month Events for Teens

Three fun Black History Events for Teens A Movie & Popcorn: "Slavery by Another Name" challenges one of American’s most cherished ideals: that slavery in this country ended with the Emancipation Proclamation.  This film documents how for more than 80 years, thousands of African Americans, often guilty of no crime at all, were arrested,and forced to work without pay. Feb. 12 @ 2 p.m.

New Maps Online at Dig DC

A Century of Historic Washington, DC Maps: 1760s to the Civil War

DC Punk Archive Library Basement Show

The DC Punk Archive Library Basement Show Q & A

w/ The Cornel West Theory, Time is Fire and The Black Sparks

The DC Punk Archive Library Basement Show is Thursday, February 4th with The Cornel West Theory, Time is Fire and The Black Sparks. Before you hear their music, find out what and where these artists like to read, their favorite DC venues and their visions of libraries in the future. 

Shadow Leagues (Ken Burns' Baseball) VHS cover.

Shadow Ball: Ken Burns' Baseball Series 5th Inning

Celebrate Black History Month when we screen the story of the Negro Leagues

"I don't break bats, I wear them out."  — Josh Gibson Come celebrate the era when Black baseball reigned as we screen Shadow Ball on Wednesday, February 17 at 1 p.m. in Room A-5.

Rush Hour Reads logo.

Introducing Rush Hour Reads

Books you can read in less than a week. Stories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Well, that happened.The New Year started and you made vows. Right.  Here's a diet you can keep: add more reading to your day. A few minutes during your commute or at lunch really adds up and will lead to a healthier outlook.  And you can exercise that big muscle between your ears.

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