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A teenager from Southeast. An advocate for unhoused residents. A children's librarian. A senior citizen from Ward 3. Voices like theirs shaped DC Public Library's new Code of Conduct through focus groups, surveys, and interviews at all 26 locations.
Today, the Urban Libraries Council recognized that community-driven process by naming DC Public Library a 2025 Top Innovator in Library Operations and Management. The Library was selected from more than 180 submissions from across the U.S. and Canada.
The Urban Libraries Council's annual Innovations Initiative honors public libraries that demonstrate creative and strategic approaches to serving their communities.
“The Urban Libraries Council’s Top Innovator recognition shines a light on the work of DC Public Library staff,” said Rich Reyes-Gavilan, Executive Director of DC Public Library. “I’m proud of the leadership our staff have shown in doing this work thoughtfully, alongside thousands of residents and partners in the District. Our new Code of Conduct is a leadership commitment and a practical tool that helps our staff and our customers share a safe, kind, and welcoming space grounded in equity and respect.”
Listening Across Every Ward
Over 18 months, DC Public Library conducted one of the most extensive community engagement efforts in its history. Staff visited all 26 Library locations, hosting 14 focus groups and conducting 84 interviews with customers, community partners, and Library staff. More than 2,400 residents completed surveys, and another 100 participated in focus groups. A 22-member working group representing every Library department guided the process.
Translating Community Priorities into Clear Guidelines
Residents told Library staff what mattered most: welcoming environments for families, spaces for studying and clear expectations that apply equally to everyone. Library professionals translated those priorities into specific, enforceable guidelines addressing noise levels, personal belongings, and appropriate use of Library spaces.
When the Code of Conduct was published in the DC Register for public comment, it received zero opposition during the 30-day review period. The new Code of Conduct will take effect in the new year.
DC Public Library joins programs from peers across North America. Six public libraries in total received the “Top Innovator” designation, and six others received honorable mention recognition for their work.
Information about the Library's Code of Conduct submission, honorees, and a wealth of past submissions is available on the ULC website which can be viewed here.
About Urban Libraries Council
The Urban Libraries Council is an innovation and impact tank of North America’s leading public library systems. ULC drives cutting-edge research and strategic partnerships to elevate the power of libraries as essential, transformative institutions. Across the U.S. and Canada, nearly 200 member libraries rely on ULC to identify significant challenges facing today’s communities and provide new tools and techniques to help libraries achieve stronger outcomes in education, digital equity, workforce and economic development, and race and social equity. Learn more at urbanlibraries.org.