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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 

Library Leaders Celebrate Bezos $2.7 Million Donation to DC Public Library’s Developing Reader Program

The DC Public Library Foundation (DCPLF) has received a $2.7 Million donation from Jeff Bezos, founder and executive chair of Amazon, to expand the DC Public Library’s developing reader program, Beyond the Book. Bezos’ donation is the largest received by the DC Public Library Foundation in its 35-year history.

DC Public Library Foundation Receives Donation From Jeff Bezos

Largest-ever donation to the foundation will support new reading and literacy program for DC children

The DC Public Library Foundation (DCPLF) today announced that it has received a donation from Jeff Bezos, Founder and Executive Chair of Amazon to support Beyond the Book, the extension of Books From Birth, one of the DC Public Library’s most important and beloved literacy programs for young children. Bezos’ $2.7 million donation is the largest ever received by the Foundation in its 35-year history.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library Receives the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Award

One of three projects to earn the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s highest honor 

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library has served the District of Columbia since 1972. At one point, years of deferred maintenance had taken their toll on the building. As a result, it was considered too old, too big and too far beyond repair to remain the city’s central library. Now, after a three-year, $210 million modernization, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library has earned the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s highest honor, the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Award. 

Library Reimagined: A Tour in Dance

D.C. Native, and Dance Theatre of Harlem member, Alexandra Hutchinson celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

Alexandra Hutchinson grew up in Southwest Washington, D.C. She frequented the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library and the Southwest Library. Now a member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Hutchinson and her ballet partner Derek Brockington perform throughout the District's central library in a new piece, entitled "Library Reimagined: A Tour in Dance."

This Saturday at the Library: Michael W. Twitty, Tyler Gordon, 123 Andrés, Black Alley, Step Afrika! and Bela Dona

Reopening events start at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library with more than 12 hours of programs

Last year, the District marked completing the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library’s $211 modernization with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the public was not able to attend the event. One year later, the DC Public Library wants to give District residents and Library customers the celebration they deserve.  On Saturday, Sept. 25, the Library is kicking off a season of reopening events at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library by hosting more than 12 hours of programs, performances and tours of the District’s flagship library. 

"Engaging Beyond Our Walls" grant will turn libraries into hubs for creating neighborhood games using local history and landmarks

American University and DC Public Library receive 2-year grant

Learning about a local sculpture by texting it. Taking an audio tour or a story walk using a cell phone. Soon, people in 25 communities across the United States could learn how to make outdoor games and other interactive experiences at their library.

DC Public Library Begins Sunday and Holiday Hours

Beginning September 12, the DC Public Library will continue its service expansion by offering Sunday and holiday hours at eight locations.   One Library location in each ward will be on Sundays, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. They are:   Anacostia (Ward 8) 1800 Good Hope Road SE   Dorothy Height/Benning (Ward 7) 3935 Benning Road NE   Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (Ward 2) 901 G St. NW   Mount Pleasant (Ward 1) 3160 16th St. NW  

Local Radio Legend Kojo Nnamdi Narrates DC Public Library’s Home Rule Exhibit

“Up From the People: Protest and Change in DC” Part of Modernized Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library Connecting Dr. King to Local Activism

For more than two decades, Kojo Nnamdi has explored the forces impacting local politics on the radio show bearing his name. Now, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, people can hear him explain District resident's fight for self-governance as part of a new exhibit “Up From the People: Protest And Change In DC."

Nearly 2,000 Images Added to Library's Go-Go Archive

The Chip Py Photograph Collection documents Go-Go performances, musicians, celebrities and figures.

Do you remember seeing Rare Essence at Tradewinds? Or maybe you followed Chuck Brown to almost every venue where he performed. If you did, you probably saw a man taking photos on stage. That man is "Chip" Py.   Since 2010, Py has photographed Go-Go performances around the Washington region. Now customers can view these amazing images at the DC Public Library.

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