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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Marcelo in the Real World

On the Spectrum

Teen Reads Featuring Protagonists with ASD

These five books feature protagonists on the autism spectrum.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder. Reading about autistic characters will foster acceptance and help teens understand and value the experience of their friends with autism. The stories demonstrate the similarities between people on the spectrum and typically developing teens, while portraying autistic characters in a positive light and remaining true to experience.

We the Drowned, by Carsten Jensen

Where's the Family Tree?

Family Saga Novels from Around the World

Looking for a nice long book to curl up with where you can get lost in the story of a family and the circumstances that surround them? The kind that makes you feel sad when you’ve come to the end? Maybe learn a little bit about a foreign country and its history in the bargain? Look no further. Below, in no particular order, are five novels from five authors whose love for their countries and their histories comes through in the wonderful family narratives they penned.

Join the Oral History Edit-athon!

Bring oral histories to life

Dive into the history of our city and revive decades' worth of oral histories from the Library's Special Collections in this unique three-hour workshop on Wednesday, April 27 at 6 p.m. You'll learn the basics of working with oral histories while cutting a raw interview from the March on Washington 50th Anniversary Oral History Project into a short, engaging piece to share with the whole world. 

Meet the Artists: DC Punk Archive Library Basement Show

The Official Q & A

In preparation for the upcoming DC Punk Archive Library Basement Show with local bands Foul Swoops, Thaylobleu and Mission Creep, we asked the musicians a few questions about their literary habits and local music haunts. Check out your favorite bands' favorite books below:

Marita Golden

Tell Your Story: An Introduction to the Art of Memoir Workshop

Are you interested in memoir writing?   Award winning author, Marita Golden, will offer a four-week memoir writing workshop, featuring four 90-minute sessions once a week during the months of April and May. The workshop will focus on how to turn memories, ideas and life into literature and create a compelling narrative that touches the mind and heart of the reader.  Participation is limited to 25 people.  

Seventy New Maps Added to Growing Collection in Dig DC

Historic D.C. Maps from the Civil War to the Turn of the Century

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.

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