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After more than a decade of service to Northwest DC, the Petworth Library will temporarily close on December 11 for a renovation designed to meet the evolving needs of its neighborhood.
The project marks the Library's first major update since its $12.4 million restoration in 2013, when it reopened with expanded technology access, additional meeting spaces, and enhanced programming capabilities. Now, the library system is delivering on a commitment made nearly two decades ago: to maintain its buildings.
A New Layout for Changing Needs
The renovation will reshape how people move through and use the library. The most dramatic change relocates Adult and Youth Services to separate floors, acknowledging that families with young children and adults seeking quiet study space have different needs. The reconfiguration allows for age-appropriate programming and collections while creating more flexibility in how each floor can be used during the day. Parents with toddlers will have dedicated early literacy spaces, while students and researchers will have quiet areas optimized for concentration.
Modernizing Systems and Spaces
Beyond the new layout, the renovation addresses both visible and behind-the-scenes improvements. New flooring, wallcoverings, and furniture throughout the building will create a cohesive, updated look. Window replacements will bring in more natural light. Improved signage will make navigation easier.
Less visible but equally important upgrades include a new Building Automation System that will allow centralized control of heating and cooling, improving comfort while reducing energy costs. The addition of acoustical panels will reduce noise issues in study areas, and a water bottle refill station reflects contemporary sustainability practices. Moya Design Partners designed the renovation, and Chiaramonte Construction Company will do the construction.
Community Input and Interim Services
Before the closure, residents are invited to a Design & Build Team Open House on November 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Petworth Library. The event provides an opportunity to view renderings of the planned improvements and ask questions of the design and construction team.
During the renovation, all Petworth Library services will be available at the Mount Pleasant Library, located at 3160 16th Street NW. The interim location offers the full range of programs and resources, including public computers and printing, meeting and study rooms, digital navigator assistance, assistive technology support, Books from Birth and Beyond the Book programs, and voter registration services.
For residents unable to visit a library in person, the Library by Mail program provides free home delivery of books, DVDs, and magazines to eligible DC residents with disabilities or underlying health conditions.
A Systemwide Strategy for Upkeep
The Petworth project reflects a broader shift in how the DC Public Library approaches its facilities. Rather than waiting for systems to fail, the Library is proactively scheduling maintenance and improvements across multiple locations.
Mount Pleasant Library recently completed similar work, including HVAC system replacement, roof repairs, and new teen space furniture. Shaw Library will receive comparable updates to its layout, technology, and finishes. Other locations: Bellevue/William O. Lockridge, Woodridge, and Northeast—have aging HVAC systems slated for replacement.
This coordinated approach stems from the Next Libris Facilities Master Plan, which committed the library system to maintaining buildings over their lifecycle rather than allowing deferred maintenance to accumulate. The strategy allows for better planning, coordinated shutdowns, and more efficient use of resources.
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