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DC Public Library Seeks Food Operations/Workforce Development Partner for Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

Library issues request for proposals for café service and rooftop catering

Over the last decade, the District’s food and beverage industry has grown by 29 percent. To help ensure that District residents have an opportunity to learn the skills needed for the estimated 52,000 jobs in this sector, the Library is seeking a partner to develop, manage and operate a workforce development model for food service operations in the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.   

Statement from Richard Reyes-Gavilan Regarding the Death of Phillip Freelon

Phil Freelon played a critical role in the transformation of the DC Public Library. In addition to designing the iconic Tenley-Friendship and Anacostia neighborhood libraries, he was an early and authoritative voice that supported the modernization of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. In 2012, Phil was commissioned to develop a concept for a reimagined MLK Library and his work ultimately helped convince the Library, city leaders, and the public that the landmarked Mies van der Rohe building could indeed be transformed into an inspiring center for community education.

Library Testifies About Potential Impact of Tariffs on Chinese Products

(Washington, DC)- Today, Kim Zablud, the Library's director of public services testified before the Office of the United States Trade Representative on the impact or proposed 25 percent tariffs on approximately $300 billion worth of Chinese products. Zablud discussed the impact that would have on the limit book buying power because a high number of books are printed and bound in China.    

Mayor Bowser Expands eCycle DC to Allow Residents to Recycle Electronics at Neighborhood Libraries

Residents can drop off electronics free of charge from June to December at library locations

Today, Mayor Bowser announced that District of Columbia Public Library will hold collection events this year at libraries in all eight wards to allow District residents and businesses to responsibly recycle their used electronic equipment through the Department of Energy & Environment’s eCycle DC program.  

Southwest Library Closing June 1

The Southwest Library will close permanently on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 5:30p.m. to allow for the construction of the new Southwest Library. Construction of the new Southwest Library will begin later in June at 900 Wesley Pl. SW. The DC Public Library is working with Perkins+Will and Turner Construction as the design/build team for the new library which is fully funded at $18 million. The new library will feature: Environmentally sustainable design with solar panels and a green roof More public space Lots of natural light

Library Acquires Women in the Life magazine

Will digitize magazine documenting Black lesbian community issues from 1993 to 2003

In honor of its 25th Anniversary, DC Public Library will digitize and provide access to Women in the Life magazine.  “The DC Public Library is proud to add the Women in the Life magazine to the growing list of journals it will digitize and make available to students, researchers, and residents,” said Richard Reyes-Gavilan, executive director of the DC Public Library. “This magazine tells an important story from a unique viewpoint that reflects the rich, diverse and dynamic history of the District.”

Library hosts month of programming focused on race and isolation with ‘Heads of the Colored People’ Author

Nafissa Thompson-Spires’ short-story collection focus of 2019 DC Reads

In 2019, America still celebrates the first African-American who achieves a milestone. But how does that person deal with the pressure and the loneliness that can come with being the first or the only African-American? This May, the Library will explore those themes with programs centering on Nafissa Thompson-Spires's "Heads of the Colored People” as part of the 2019 DC Reads celebration.  

Local Artist, Teacher Selected for Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library Public Art

Nekisha Durrett to Design Art for Two Double-height Glass Walls

The DC Public Library has selected artist and DC Public Schools (DCPS) teacher Nekisha Durrett to create a treatment for the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library’s new glass-walled vestibule. As part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library’s $211 million modernization, the main entrance of the building at 901 G St NW will create a sense of openness and welcome when it reopens in 2020. New double-height glass walls showcasing two grand, monumental staircases and the public art are replacing the brick walls flanking the vestibule's east and west sides.

West End, Cleveland Park Libraries Receive Architectural Honors 

Two of the newest DC Public Library buildings are 2019 honorees of the Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA|DC). The West End Library won the 2019 DC Chapter Design award and the Cleveland Park Library received the 2019 Urban Catalyst award.

Mayor Bowser Celebrates Modernization of Capitol View Library in Ward 7

The Mayor’s Recently Released Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Includes an Additional $1 Million for Continued Improvements

On Saturday, March 23, Mayor Muriel Bowser cut the ribbon on the modernized Capitol View Library in Ward 7. In addition to celebrating the updated Capitol View Library, the Mayor also announced that she has committed $1 million in her proposed Fiscal Year 2020 budget for continued improvements to the facility.  

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