Construction Updates

The Future of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library Building

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 $208 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 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, 19 libraries have been completely rebuilt or renovated.  One project is currently under construction, and three more are either in the design process or set to begin design in the coming months.

Check out the many awards the completed projects have received, or read the Library Services and Facilities plan here.

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