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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.  

Statement From Gregory M. McCarthy on Mayor Bowser's FY 2020 Budget

If you believe that libraries are an integral part of our city’s educational and social fabric, Mayor Bowser’s budget proposal for the opening of our new downtown Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library next year is very welcome news. She is making available to us the resources and people we need to ensure that this new civic jewel will shine with programs to match its architectural virtues. Get ready, DC. You’re going to have a flagship library like you never imagined!   ###

In the News - STAR: Books from Birth

In the three years since the STAR: Books from Birth program started, more than 43 thousand children have participated. Recently Voice of America profiled the program and a family that has benefitted from having books delivered every month. To see the story, click here. 

Capitol View Interim Library Closing March 16

Renovated Capitol View Library to Open March 23

The Capitol View Interim Library, located at 220 49th Street SE, will close on March 16 at 5:30 p.m. The renovated Capitol View Library, located at 5001 Central Ave. SE, will open on Saturday, March 23 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and community day starting at 11 a.m.   The updated library features: - A new exterior facade - Improved entrance into the building - Expanded windows  - New public art  

In the News: Northwest Current Covers Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library Modernization

In this week's Northwest Current, Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan was interviewed about the status of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library modernization. The building, which is scheduled to open in 2020, is 51 percent complete. In the article, Reyes-Gavilan discussed what people will see when they return to the building and how the renovations will continue to support the values that King preached. 

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