Construction Updates

Construction Updates

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The Future of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library   
        MLK rendering - rooftop

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, D.C.’s central library, is undergoing a complete modernization. The new flagship library will house a spectacular new, vibrant and transparent entryway; sculptured monumental stairs; large auditorium and conference center; creative spaces for fabrication, music production and art creation; ground level café with patio; double-height reading room; newly designed special collections space for researchers and research enthusiasts, and a roof top event space with terrace.
 

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, D.C.'s central library located at 901 G St. NW, is undergoing a major modernization to meet the needs of D.C. residents. The building, designed by modernist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, was designated an historic landmark in 2007. 

The $211 million rehabilitation, once complete, will become the center of activity for the already vibrant Chinatown area. The library closed on March 4, 2017 and construction has begun. The new library will open in the Fall of 2020.

Learn more about the modernization plans and the interim services plans.

Neighborhood Libraries

DC Public Library is building and renovating libraries across the city to provide state-of-the-art library services. To date, 20 libraries have been completely rebuilt or renovated.  One project is about to begin construction, and two more are either in the design process or set to begin design in the coming months.

Current Projects

Lamond-Riggs | Southeast | Southwest

Completed Projects

Anacostia | Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) 
Benning (Dorothy I. Height) | Capitol View | Chevy Chase | Cleveland Park 
Deanwood | Fab Test Lab| Francis A. Gregory | Georgetown | Mt. Pleasant | Northeast  
Northwest One | Palisades |Parklands-Turner | Petworth | Rosedale 
Shepherd Park (Juanita E. Thornton) | Takoma Park  
Tenley-Friendship | Shaw (Watha T. Daniel) | West End | Woodridge 

 

Check out the many awards the completed projects have received.

Green Buildings 

The library is building environmentally friendly and sustainable libraries. All new buildings and renovation meet or exceed LEED Silver Certification. Read more about the library’s green designs.

Community Input

Community input is a critical part of the design process and the library has sought feedback in a numbers of ways:

  • Community participation on architect selection panels
  • Community meetings to get feedback during the design process
  • Focus groups and surveys to learn what services a community values most
  • Outreach at neighborhood meetings
  • Online surveys and forums for public discussion