Libraries of DC

Exploring the best spots to find your next favorite story

Abby England

Short History of DC's Libraries

The District of Columbia Public Library system was originally founded an 1896 Congress act “to furnish books and other printed matter and information service convenient to the homes and offices of all residents of the District."

From 1898 until 1903, the DC Public Library was located in a house at 1326 New York Ave. NW. Shortly after its inception, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated funds to build the Central Library at Mount Vernon Square. In 1903, the new Central Library was dedicated in a ceremony attended by President Theodore Roosevelt.

The library ... equips people to learn all their lives, to embrace diversity and to build a thriving city. 

The first branch of the DC Public Library was built in Takoma Park in 1911. The D.C. library group now maintains 25 neighborhood libraries -- three of which are Carnegie built -- and one central library.

In 1972, the Central Library at Mt. Vernon Square was replaced by the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library at 9th and G streets NW. We will take a look at its renovation and redesign later in this story.

Renovated Library Highlights

Here's a few exciting library renovations across the city that offer outdoor spaces, access to public computers, and your favorite new books.

The Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library

First opened in 1957, this library was rebuilt and reopened in 2012. It now features a 100-person community room adjacent to a new outdoor patio, as well as quiet study rooms, all in an environmentally friendly design.

The Benning (Dorothy I. Height) Neighborhood Library

This library opened in 2010 and features public art by Ward 7 artists, and maintains a LEED GOLD certification. The space also received the Building of America Award in 2010!

The Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library

This newer library opened in 2012. In its construction process, the Library partnered with the D.C. Department of Local Small Business Development to launch a new Mentor-Protege program. The partnership identified small certified local businesses to be mentored by larger businesses, with the goal of creating more opportunities for small firms to work on government contracts.

Shaw (Watha T. Daniel) Neighborhood Library

This library first opened in 1975, and was redesigned and reopened in 2010. The new building was named by Wall Street Journal as one of the top buildings of the year.

The Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library

First opening in 1960, this building was redesigned in 2011. Some of its highlights include its environmentally-friendly elements, like its green roof, recycled content flooring and countertops, and sunscreens to filter direct sunlight.

The Anacostia Neighborhood Library

First constructed in 1956, this library was redesigned in 2010 and includes public art by Ward 7 artists, a children's story time room, and several quiet study rooms.

The Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library

First opened in 1957, this library was rebuilt and reopened in 2012. It now features a 100-person community room adjacent to a new outdoor patio, as well as quiet study rooms, all in an environmentally friendly design.

The Benning (Dorothy I. Height) Neighborhood Library

This library opened in 2010 and features public art by Ward 7 artists, and maintains a LEED GOLD certification. The space also received the Building of America Award in 2010!

The Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library

This newer library opened in 2012. In its construction process, the Library partnered with the D.C. Department of Local Small Business Development to launch a new Mentor-Protege program. The partnership identified small certified local businesses to be mentored by larger businesses, with the goal of creating more opportunities for small firms to work on government contracts.

Shaw (Watha T. Daniel) Neighborhood Library

This library first opened in 1975, and was redesigned and reopened in 2010. The new building was named by Wall Street Journal as one of the top buildings of the year.

The Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library

First opening in 1960, this building was redesigned in 2011. Some of its highlights include its environmentally-friendly elements, like its green roof, recycled content flooring and countertops, and sunscreens to filter direct sunlight.

The Anacostia Neighborhood Library

First constructed in 1956, this library was redesigned in 2010 and includes public art by Ward 7 artists, a children's story time room, and several quiet study rooms.

The Renovation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

A comparison of the MLK Jr. Library at its inception in 1972, and renovated in 2020.

In 1972, the Central Library at Mt. Vernon Square was replaced by the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library at  9th and G streets NW . The new main library was designed by Mies van der Rohe, regarded as one of the pioneers of modernist architecture. In 2007, the library was officially designated as an historic landmark. The library then went through a renovation period from 2017 to 2020, the results of which you can see in the video below:

1896

The District of Columbia Public Library was created by an act of Congress

1903

The new Central Library was dedicated in a ceremony attended by President Theodore Roosevelt

1972

Central Library at Mt. Vernon Square becomes the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

2017

Renovation on the library begins

2020

The renovated library opened to the public

MLK Library Modernization Final Designs Fly Thru Video

Visit your local branch today!

Now that you've seen some highlights of the beautiful public spaces our city offers, we hope you'll consider visiting your local branch or one of the libraries listed above. If you don't yet have a library card, you can begin by  applying online  and see your local librarian in person to obtain your permanent card.

A comparison of the MLK Jr. Library at its inception in 1972, and renovated in 2020.