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In the News: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library Reopening

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library reopened on September 24 after undergoing a complete modernization. The transformed flagship library now features: a spectacular new, vibrant and transparent entryway sculptured monumental staircase a large auditorium and conference center 

All Large Library Locations To Resume Limited Operations November 9

Chevy Chase, Georgetown and Palisades Libraries will Reopen

Starting Monday, November 9, the Chevy Chase, Georgetown and Palisades Neighborhood Libraries will open with limited services. These three locations are the District's remaining large neighborhood libraries. Their 20,000+ square-feet footprints allows people to practice social distancing. The Chevy Chase, Georgetown and Palisades Neighborhood Libraries will follow the system’s current operating schedule and be open on weekdays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Life in Washington During COVID-19 Captured in Library’s “Archive This Moment DC” Collection

88 photos submitted by District residents in DC Public Library's first release of collection showing daily activities and sights during the city's stay-at-home order

In April, the marquee on the Anthem music venue read, 'We'll get thru this" as the District worked to mitigate the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) with a stay-at-home order. At the World Central Kitchen in the U Street Corridor, Dreaming Out Loud program alumni donned face masks while preparing meals for seniors and homebound residents.  

Mayor Bowser Cuts Ribbon on New Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and District leaders celebrated the completion of the three-year, $211 million Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library modernization. In 2016, Mayor Bowser accelerated the project funding by two years to allow for a 2020 reopening. Ultimately, the project, delivered on time and on budget, took a total of just more than six years.

Library Adds Autorenewal and Extends Quarantines for Checked Out Items

Measures reduce required trips to Library and incorporate new research on COVID-19 and Library materials

The DC Public Library is implementing two new practices in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Library will automatically renew items currently checked out and has also extended the quarantine period for materials returned to the library from 72 hours to 96 hours.   

DC Public Library to Begin Phase Two Operations June 29

14 locations will soon offer limited public computing

Starting June 29, DC Library locations will begin expanding service on weekdays as part of Phase Two. In addition to current services including picking up and returning library materials and picking up remote printing, customers will soon be allowed to enter buildings to use a limited number of public computers and printers. The number of computers will start small on the 29th and increase in two weeks.

Richard Reyes-Gavilan Named Chair of Urban Libraries Council Executive Board

Innovation and Action Tank Comprised of North America’s Leading Public Library Systems

The Urban Libraries Council elected DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan as the chair of its 2020-2021 Executive Board during a membership meeting held virtually yesterday.

DC Public Library Expands Curbside Pick-Up Locations to Each Ward

Extended Hours Offered at Eight Locations

Starting today, the Anacostia, Benning, Cleveland Park, Mt. Pleasant, Northeast, Shepherd Park, West End, and Woodridge libraries will offer curbside pick-up and return services on weekdays. Additionally, remote printing, which allows customers to send documents electronically for printing, will be available.   Each location will be open from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM and from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The locations will be closed from 2:30-3:00 every day for sanitizing  

DC Public Library Offers Unlimited Copies of eBooks on Race and Privilege

In the letter from the Birmingham jail, Dr. King said “there is a type of constructive, nonviolent tension which is necessary for growth.” In response to recent events, the DC Public Library seeks to create constructive tension to help people talk, and learn, about racism.

Reopening

DC Public Library to Offer Select Services During Phase One Reopening

Take-out Service at Anacostia and Cleveland Park Locations Begins Friday

Library customers will soon be able to borrow and return physical items from the DC Public Library. On May 29, take-out service will be offered at the Anacostia and Cleveland Park libraries as part of Mayor Bowser's plan to reopen the District.  Because the District’s Public Health Emergency remains in effect, library service will be restored in phases. This approach allows the library to ensure the safety of customers and staff and to begin replenishing its physical collection.  

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