DC Public Libraries Update
On June 1, the DC Public Library will increase occupancy at all open locations. Customers will be allowed to browse the collection and sit at a table or in lounge areas to read, study, or work. The Library also will expand the number of public computers available and extend the sessions from 45 minutes to 70 minutes.
Starting June 1, people will be able to:
- Browse the collection: People will be able to search bookshelves for items they want to use in the Library or borrow.
- Use tables and lounge areas: People will be able to sit at tables to read or work.
- Pick up books that they have placed on hold.
- Apply for a Library card: People can apply for a Library Card at an open location and online via the Library’s website dclibrary.org.
- Use a computer: The Library has increased the number of public computers. In addition, computer sessions are extended to 70-minutes each.
- Printing/Scanning: People can print in person by using a computer at one of the open locations or using the remote printing option. Scanning and copying are also available. Learn more at dclibrary.org/computeruse.
- Borrow Grab & Go materials: Curated book titles and bundles of books will be available for checkout near the circulation desk.
- Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library’s first, second, third and fifth floors, plus computers and special equipment in the Center for Accessibility.
- Make appointments to visit The Labs, the Adult Learning Department, and People’s Archive in the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
- Attend outdoor programming.
- Use the restroom.
In the coming weeks, indoor programming and events will be phased in and meeting, study, and conference rooms will be made available to the public.
The following measures have been put in place at library locations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19:
- Face masks are required for staff and the public.
- Hand sanitizer is available at each location for staff and the public.
The following locations will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
Anacostia, Bellevue, Benning, Capitol View, Chevy Chase, Cleveland Park, Deanwood, Francis A. Gregory, Georgetown, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Mt. Pleasant, Northeast, Palisades, Petworth, Shaw, Shepherd Park, Southeast, Southwest, Tenley-Friendship, West End, and Woodridge.
The opening of the Library’s small locations – Takoma Park, Rosedale, Parklands-Turner, Lamond Riggs Interim and Northwest One – will be phased in over the coming weeks. In the meantime, people can explore the Library’s catalog by visiting dclibrary.org, using the Library’s mobile app, or calling 311 and asking to be connected to the closest Library location.
Martha Saccocio
DC Public Library
Director, Community Engagement
(202) 604-8241 (M)
