Returning to the Library

Returning to the Library

Welcome back!

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Text: We're Open! Come visit us at the library! Image: DC Public Library Logo and a boy wearing a mask reading in the MLK Children's ROom

Library Services | Safety Precautions | Hours and Locations | FAQs
 
Welcome back. We know how important the library is to you. With more than 4 million visits per year, we understand how much you value the services offered by the Library. That’s why the DC Public Library wants to help ensure the safety of our customers and staff as we reopen. The information that follows outlines the Library's current opening status. Our goal is to provide as much service to the public as possible while keeping our staff and the public safe. 
 

Library Services

As libraries open in phases, there will be limits on the services offered in each phase. Our goal is to gradually offer more services as health restrictions are relaxed. As each library will require some reconfiguration in order to accommodate the need to social distance, library services may look differently at each library based on the location’s space layout. Additionally, some of the public spaces in libraries may be needed as staff space to ensure materials are handled safely and staff can social distance. Further, the Library continues to offer robust virtual services and programming throughout the phases on the library’s website and through Facebook and YouTube. 

The Library is currently open for select in-person services. You can visit our open libraries to:
 
  • Browse and search the bookshelves for items to use in the Library or borrow.
  • Sit at tables to read or work.
  • Pick up hold items.
  • Apply for a Library card.
  • Use a computer for up to 70 minutes.
  • Use printing and scanning services.
  • Borrow Grab & Go materials for checkout near the circulation desk.
  • Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library's first, second, third and fifth floors.
  • Make appointments to visit The Labs, Center for Accessibility, Adult Learning and People's Archive in the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
  • Attend outdoor programming.
  • Reserve meeting and study rooms
  • Use the restroom.
In the coming weeks, indoor programming and events will be phased in.
 

Safety Precautions

  • Face masks are required for staff and the public.
  • Hand sanitizer is available at each location for staff and the public.

  • Eating is not allowed inside the library.

Hours and Locations

Locations

Hours
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library*
Sunday | 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday - Thursday | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday - Saturday | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Some individual departments will have different hours. Please call 202-727-0321 with any questions.

Co-Located Neighborhood Libraries**
Sunday | 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday - Wednesday | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursday | Noon - 8 p.m.
Friday - Saturday | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
**Deanwood Library, Northwest One Library and Rosedale Library.

Neighborhood Libraries***
Sunday | 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday - Tuesday | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Thursday | Noon - 8 p.m.
Friday - Saturday | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
***This includes the following locations: Anacostia, Bellevue (William O. Lockridge), Benning (Dorothy I. Height), Capitol View, Chevy Chase, Cleveland Park, Francis A. Gregory, Georgetown, Lamond-Riggs, Mt. Pleasant, Northeast, Palisades, Parklands-Turner, Petworth, Shaw (Watha T. Daniel), Shepherd Park (Juanita E. Thornton), Southeast, Southwest, Takoma Park, Tenley-Friendship, West End, Woodridge.