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{{Short description|Main public library in Washington, D.C.}}
{{About|the main public library of Washington, D.C||Martin Luther King Jr. Library (disambiguation)}}
{{About|the main public library of Washington, D.C||Martin Luther King Jr. Library (disambiguation)}}
{{ infobox library
{{ infobox library
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| image = Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.jpg
| image = Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.jpg
| caption =
| caption = The library in October 2016
| country = United States
| country = U.S.
| type = [[Public library]]
| type = [[Public library]]
| scope =
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The '''Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library''' ('''MLKML''') is the central facility of the [[District of Columbia Public Library]] (DCPL), it was constructed and named in honor of the American [[civil rights]] leader Dr. [[Martin Luther King Jr.]] It is located in the 901 G St. NW in [[Downtown (Washington, D.C.)|Downtown]] [[Washington, D.C.]], with its main entrance between 9th and 10th St. in the opposite corner of [[Gallery Place station]], and the [[Smithsonian American Art Museum]]. The library is located in and around the [[Chinatown, Washington, D.C.|Chinatown]], [[Mount Vernon Square]], and [[Penn Quarter]] neighborhoods.<ref>Let's Go Washington, D.C. 13th Edition, page 73</ref>
The '''Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library''' ('''MLKML''') is the central facility of the [[District of Columbia Public Library]] (DCPL), constructed and named in honor of the American [[civil rights]] leader [[Martin Luther King Jr.]] Its address is 901 G St. NW in [[Downtown (Washington, D.C.)|Downtown]] [[Washington, D.C.]], with its main entrance between 9th and 10th St. on the opposite corner to [[Gallery Place station]], and the [[Smithsonian American Art Museum]]. The library is located in and around the [[Chinatown, Washington, D.C.|Chinatown]], [[Mount Vernon Square]], and [[Penn Quarter]] neighborhoods.<ref>Let's Go Washington, D.C. 13th Edition, page 73</ref>


==History==
==History==
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The city's previous central library, in Mount Vernon Square, was donated by industrialist [[Andrew Carnegie]] and dedicated in 1903.
The city's previous central library, in Mount Vernon Square, was donated by industrialist [[Andrew Carnegie]] and dedicated in 1903.


City leaders started to identify the need for a new central library by at least 1961. A [[Booz Allen Hamilton]] report sponsored by the city government and issued that year found that the library was inadequate in size and technology, located in the city's "worst slum" and that "At any hour of the day or night, a collection of derelicts loaf around the Library and sleep on the curved bench in front." It called for a new library downtown at an estimated cost of $12 million.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Clopton |first=Willard |date=August 30, 1961 |title=$12 Million Main Public Library is Proposed for Heart of Downtown |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>
A 1961 [[Booz Allen Hamilton]] report sponsored by the city government found that the library had become inadequate in size and technology, was located in what was now the city's "worst slum", and that "At any hour of the day or night, a collection of derelicts loaf around the Library and sleep on the curved bench in front." It called for a new library downtown, at an estimated cost of $12 million.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Clopton |first=Willard |date=August 30, 1961 |title=$12 Million Main Public Library is Proposed for Heart of Downtown |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>

=== Construction ===
=== Construction ===
Architect [[Ludwig Mies van der Rohe]] designed the 400,000 square foot (37,000 m<sup>2</sup>) steel, brick, and glass structure, and it is an example of [[modern architecture]] in [[Washington, D.C.]] This library was [[Ludwig Mies van der Rohe|Mies's]] only public library, and his only building constructed in Washington, D.C. {{citation needed|date=August 2015}}
Architect [[Ludwig Mies van der Rohe]] designed the 400,000 square foot (37,000 m<sup>2</sup>) steel, brick, and glass structure, an example of [[modern architecture]], in [[Washington, D.C.]] This library was Mies's only public library, and his only building constructed in Washington, D.C. {{citation needed|date=August 2015}}


The building was completed in 1972 at a cost of $18 million. By the early 2000s, years of deferred facility maintenance were widely apparent.<ref>{{cite news
The building was completed in 1972 at a cost of $18 million. By the early 2000s, years of deferred facility maintenance had become widely apparent.<ref>{{cite news
|first=Eric M.
|first=Eric M.
|last=Weiss
|last=Weiss
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}}</ref>
}}</ref>


On June 28, 2007, the [[District of Columbia]]’s Historic Preservation Review Board designated this building a historic landmark. The designation, which applies to the exterior as well as interior spaces, seeks to preserve Mies' original design while allowing the library necessary flexibility to operate as a contemporary library facility. It was listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 2007.<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|2008a}}</ref>
On June 28, 2007, the [[District of Columbia]]'s Historic Preservation Review Board designated the building a historic landmark. The designation, which applies to the exterior as well as interior spaces, seeks to preserve Mies' original design while allowing the library the necessary flexibility to operate. It was listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 2007.<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|2008a}}</ref>
[[File:Martin Luther King Library-performers.jpg|thumb|Performers in front of the library's entrance as part of the 2009 Music Al Fresco Series]]
[[File:Martin Luther King Library-performers.jpg|thumb|Performers in front of the library's entrance as part of the 2009 Music Al Fresco Series]]


The building's lobby includes a large mural of Dr. [[Martin Luther King Jr.]] created by artist [[Don Miller (artist)|Don Miller]].
The building's lobby includes a large mural of [[Martin Luther King Jr.]] created by artist [[Don Miller (artist)|Don Miller]].


===Renovation===
===Renovation===


[[Mecanoo]] [[Architectural firm|architecture firm]] was selected to renovate the library, the renovation process started on March 4, 2017. The renovation cost $211 million, and the library reopened in 2020 after 3.5 years.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dcs-ambitious-stunning-new-mlk-library/2020/10/05/4696cf02-02a3-11eb-897d-3a6201d6643f_story.html|title=D.C.'s ambitious, stunning new MLK Library|date=5 October 2020|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/mlkfuture | title=Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library Modernization | date=2 March 2020 }}</ref> The entire interior was completely redone and included a new auditorium, dance studio, recording studios, tool library, offices, and a rooftop garden.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2020/07/17/mlk-library-will-reopen-september-giving-dc-renewed-central-library/|title=MLK Library will reopen in September, giving D.C. a renewed central hub|date=17 July 2020|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/node/53852 | title=MLK Library Architect Selection Process | date=7 July 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/mlkreopening | title=Grand Reopening of the MLK Library &#124; Family Festival | date=16 September 2021 }}</ref>
[[Mecanoo]] [[Architectural firm|architecture firm]] was selected to renovate the library, starting on March 4, 2017. The renovation cost $211 million, and the library reopened in 2020 after 3½ years.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dcs-ambitious-stunning-new-mlk-library/2020/10/05/4696cf02-02a3-11eb-897d-3a6201d6643f_story.html|title=D.C.'s ambitious, stunning new MLK Library|date=5 October 2020|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/mlkfuture | title=Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library Modernization | date=2 March 2020 }}</ref> The entire interior was completely redone, and included a new auditorium, dance studio, recording studios, tool library, offices, and a rooftop garden.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2020/07/17/mlk-library-will-reopen-september-giving-dc-renewed-central-library/|title=MLK Library will reopen in September, giving D.C. a renewed central hub|date=17 July 2020|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/node/53852 | title=MLK Library Architect Selection Process | date=7 July 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/mlkreopening | title=Grand Reopening of the MLK Library &#124; Family Festival | date=16 September 2021 }}</ref>


===Covid-19===
===Covid-19===
When the library reopened, with limited services, after the renovation the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic was affecting the United States]]. The library closed again following a phased management of the pandemic. It was a center for COVID-19 testing and distribution of masks as a contribution in the city's management of [[COVID-19]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://wtop.com/dc/2021/09/mlk-librarys-grand-reopening-draws-festive-crowd/ | title=MLK Library's grand reopening draws festive crowd | date=25 September 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://coronavirus.dc.gov/testyourself | title=Test Yourself &#124; coronavirus }}</ref> while providing some library services.
{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Washington, D.C.}}

After the renovation, the library reopened its doors with limited services, and closed its doors again following a phased management of the pandemic, it has been a center for COVID-19 testings and distributions of masks as a contribution in the city's efforts against [[COVID-19]] propagation,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://wtop.com/dc/2021/09/mlk-librarys-grand-reopening-draws-festive-crowd/ | title=MLK Library's grand reopening draws festive crowd | date=25 September 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://coronavirus.dc.gov/testyourself | title=Test Yourself &#124; coronavirus }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19 | title=Covid-19 }}</ref>{{Circular reference|date=April 2023}} while at the same time served the patrons needs.


== Accessibility ==
== Accessibility ==


The library follows [[Accessibility]] regulations in accordance with [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990]] (ADA):
The library follows [[accessibility]] regulations in accordance with [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990]] (ADA):


* Doors and elevators [[Wheelchair]] accessible in every floor.
* Doors and elevators [[wheelchair]] accessible on every floor.
* One Topaz HD magnifier that allow users with impaired vision to read documents with small fonts in the font size most convenient from them, it includes a brightness dial, a magnification dial, a color dial, its ergonomic design allows choose the screen's height and orientation, while the tray allows the smooth movement of the texts, the lock button can be used to read, hold or write documents.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/node/2251 | title=List of Adaptive Technologies | date=15 February 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnuekvj5dxQ | title=Freedom Scientific Topaz vs. Humanware Prodigi &#124; Low Vision Video Magnifiers | website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref>
* One Topaz HD magnifier that allow users with impaired vision to read documents with fonts in the size most convenient from them. It includes a brightness dial, a magnification dial, a color dial, and its ergonomic design allows the screen's height and orientation. A tray allows smooth movement of the texts, and the lock button can be used to read, hold or write documents.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/node/2251 | title=List of Adaptive Technologies | date=15 February 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnuekvj5dxQ | title=Freedom Scientific Topaz vs. Humanware Prodigi &#124; Low Vision Video Magnifiers | website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref>
* ADA computers for persons with [[visual impairment]] or [[physical disabilities]].
* ADA computers for persons with [[visual impairment]] or [[physical disabilities]].
* Four wide [[elevators]] for patrons and more elevators for staff use.
* Four wide [[elevators]] for patrons, and elevators for staff use.
* One [[Public toilet|restrooms]] for each gender in 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th floors and two family restrooms with [[Changing table|baby changing stations]] located in the 5th floor.
* One [[public toilet]] for each gender on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th floors, and two family restrooms with [[Changing table|baby changing stations]] located in the 5th floor.
* [[Air conditioning]] to cool the library in summer and [[heat pump]]s to warm it in winter, and [[Ventilation (architecture)|ventilation]] on every floor.
* [[Air conditioning]] to cool the library in summer, [[heat pump]]s to warm it in winter, and [[Ventilation (architecture)|ventilation]] on every floor.
* Proper lightning for reading.<ref>{{cite news |title=America's libraries are essential now — and this beautifully renovated one in Washington gives us hope |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/americas-libraries-are-essential-now--and-this-beautifully-renovated-one-in-washington-gives-us-hope/2020/07/15/d7b0bbc6-c5ed-11ea-b037-f9711f89ee46_story.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=2020-07-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330110534/https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/americas-libraries-are-essential-now--and-this-beautifully-renovated-one-in-washington-gives-us-hope/2020/07/15/d7b0bbc6-c5ed-11ea-b037-f9711f89ee46_story.html |archive-date=2023-03-30 |url-status=live |last1=Kennicott |first1=Philip}}</ref>
* 2 set of stairs are located in the front of the building and 2 more set of stairs are located in the back of the building that can also be used in case of fire or outages.


* Lighting designed for reading.<ref>{{cite news |title=America's libraries are essential now — and this beautifully renovated one in Washington gives us hope |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/americas-libraries-are-essential-now--and-this-beautifully-renovated-one-in-washington-gives-us-hope/2020/07/15/d7b0bbc6-c5ed-11ea-b037-f9711f89ee46_story.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=2020-07-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330110534/https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/americas-libraries-are-essential-now--and-this-beautifully-renovated-one-in-washington-gives-us-hope/2020/07/15/d7b0bbc6-c5ed-11ea-b037-f9711f89ee46_story.html |archive-date=2023-03-30 |url-status=live |last1=Kennicott |first1=Philip}}</ref>
==Collections==
* Two sets of stairs at the front of the building, and two at the back, for routine use and as fire exits.


=== Special collections and exhibitions===
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library houses several of the library system's special collections.


The '''Washingtoniana collection''' includes books, newspaper archives, maps, census records, and oral histories related to the [[History of Washington, D.C.|city's history]], with 1.3 million photographs from the ''[[Washington Star]]'' newspaper and the theatrical video collections of the [[Washington Area Performing Arts Video Archive]].<ref name="special">{{cite web |url=http://dclibrary.org/research/collections |publisher=D.C. Public Library |title=Special Collections |access-date=2009-12-14}}</ref>
===First floor: New books, DVDs and Audiobooks===

On the first floor there are sections for new books, movies, television series and audio books.

===Second floor: Children collection, teen collection and Center for Accessibility===

The second floor contains three main sections and also study rooms:

* '''Children collection''': Contains books for early readers, also DVD movies, audio book and other materials that can be used at the place or borrowed by the patrons. it includes an exit to the wooden slide for children that allows them to slide down to the first floor and entrance.
* '''Alma Thomas Teen Space''': Is a space for study and work, it counts with armchairs, chairs and tables, books, graphic novels and four computers where teenagers can do their works. It was named after African-American artist [[Alma Thomas]],
* '''The Center for Accessibility''': It is located in the west section, room 215 has [[Braille magazines]] and specialists in adaptive technologies to assist disabled people.<ref>[https://dclibrary.org/services/accessibility Center for Accessibility] at official library site</ref>

=== Third floor: Reading rooms ===

There are two main reading rooms on the third floor, the East and Grand (West) rooms, and study rooms and collaborative spaces between the main reading rooms.

* The East reading room with magazines and other materials.

* The Grand reading room (west reading room) holds a collection of books for adults, along with tables and chairs for independent or collaborative reading or work.

===Fourth floor: History collection and Special collections and exhibitions===

The '''Washingtoniana collection''' includes books, newspaper archives, maps, census records, and oral histories related to the [[History of Washington, D.C.|city's history]] with 1.3 million photographs from the ''[[Washington Star]]'' newspaper and the theatrical video collections of the [[Washington Area Performing Arts Video Archive]].<ref name="special">{{cite web |url=http://dclibrary.org/research/collections |publisher=D.C. Public Library |title=Special Collections |access-date=2009-12-14}}</ref>


The Black Studies Center was established along with the MLK Library in 1972 to collect documents related to the [[African diaspora]] focusing on [[African American culture]].<ref name="special"/>
The Black Studies Center was established along with the MLK Library in 1972 to collect documents related to the [[African diaspora]] focusing on [[African American culture]].<ref name="special"/>


===Special exhibits===
===Special exhibits===
In the summer of 2023, the library showed 12 original drawings from [[Leonardo da Vinci]] in a free exhibit entitled ''Imagining the future - Leonardo da Vinci: In the mind of an Italian genius''. The drawings were originally made in the 1400s and 1500s. The exhibit ended on August 20, 2023.
In the summer of 2023, the library showed 12 original drawings by [[Leonardo da Vinci]] from the 1400s and 1500s until August 20, 2023, in a free exhibit entitled ''Imagining the future - Leonardo da Vinci: In the mind of an Italian genius''.


==Services==
=== Auditorium ===
A 291-person state-of-the art auditorium on the fifth floor is used for hosting live performances, lectures, and film screenings, including performances by the [[National Museum of the United States Navy]]'s band,<ref>{{cite web |title=Veterans Day Concert with the U.S. Navy Band |url=https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/5734282 |website=DC Public Library Event |language=en}}</ref> and [[Wolf Trap Opera]]'s world premiere of BORN FREE by [[Edward W. Hardy]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cristi |first1=A. A. |title=Wolf Trap Opera Announces World Premiere Of Edward W. Hardy's BORN FREE |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/washington-dc/article/Wolf-Trap-Opera-Announces-World-Premiere-Of-Edward-W-Hardys-BORN-FREE-20220520 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en |date=May 20, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lineage: Poems of Margaret Walker {{!}} Wolf Trap |url=https://www.wolftrap.org/calendar/performance/22opera/lineage.aspx |website=www.wolftrap.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Edward W. Hardy |url=https://austinchambermusic.org/people/edward-w-hardy/ |website=Austin Chamber Music Center}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lineage: Poems of Margaret Walker {{!}} Live Music Project |url=https://www.livemusicproject.org/events/67130/lineage-poems-of-margaret-walker |website=www.livemusicproject.org}}</ref>


The DC Public Library Foundation (DCPLF) received a $2.7 million donation from [[Jeff Bezos]] 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’ donation was the largest ever received by the foundation.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Austermuhle |first1=Martin |title=D.C. Public Library Trustees Vote To Name Auditorium After Jeff Bezos |url=https://dcist.com/story/22/01/28/mlk-library-to-get-bezos-auditorium/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128193742/https://dcist.com/story/22/01/28/mlk-library-to-get-bezos-auditorium/ |url-status=live |archive-date=January 28, 2022 |website=DCist |language=en |date=January 28, 2022}}</ref> It was suggested that the auditorium be named after Bezos,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Austermuhle |first1=Martin |title=D.C. Public Library trustees vote to name auditorium in MLK Library after Jeff Bezos |url=https://www.npr.org/local/305/2022/01/31/1076936394/d-c-public-library-trustees-vote-to-name-auditorium-in-m-l-k-library-after-jeff-bezos |website=NPR.org |language=en |date=January 31, 2022}}</ref> but this was criticised by council members including [[Charles Allen (Washington, D.C., politician)|Charles Allen]] and D.C.'s shadow representative to Congress [[Oye Owolewa]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Public Library |first1=D.C. |title=DC Public Library Foundation Receives Donation From Jeff Bezos |url=https://www.dclibrary.org/node/69059 |website=District of Columbia Public Library |language=en |date=20 December 2021}}</ref>
=== Computers ===

The library has 31 computers with internet access and office applications. The computers can be used in 70 minute increments, which may be renewed repeatedly if no other patron is on wait list for the same terminal. There are 8 guest terminals that can be used temporarily for up to 15 minutes.

===Meeting and study rooms===

Meeting and study rooms can be reserved at any information desk on the day of use, and also can be reserved in advance online. Patrons can reserve a study room for 3 hours, two times a day. Some of the study rooms include [[projector]] and a [[projection screen|screen]], so patrons can use a bigger screen for their study or conference sessions.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/services/meetingrooms | title=Meeting and Study Rooms | date=4 January 2016 }}</ref>

1st floor: meeting rooms 105-B to 105-E.

2nd floor: meeting rooms 201-I to 201-L and accessibility program rooms 205-A and 205-B.

3rd floor: meeting and study rooms 302-A to 302-L.

4th floor: conference rooms 401-A to 401 G, and 405 (Tables 1 to 12) at the Local History Center (The People's Archive).

===Center for Accessibility===

[[File:DC library Center for Accessibility.jpeg|thumb|left|alt=Room 215 has Center for Accessibility |{{center|Room 215 has Center for Accessibility}}]]

The Center for Accessibility provides customers with disabilities equal access to library resources and services:
[[File:Braille magazines at DC public library 2.jpeg|thumb|right|alt=Braille magazines at DC public library.jpeg |{{center|Braille magazines in room 215}}]]

* Library staff provides disability-related cultural programming,
* Book clubs,
* Accessible game nights throughout the year.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/7176904 | title=Accessible Board and Card Game Night }}</ref>
* Classes in American Sign Language and Assistive Technology.
* DC Talking Book & Braille Program - National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)
* Library by Mail (Formerly LSTAR).
* Classes on Assistive Technology: [[JAWS (screen reader)|AWS (screen reader for Windows)]], [[VoiceOver|VoiceOver (Screen reader for apple products)]] and [[Google TalkBack|TalkBack (Accessible tool and screen reader for Android devices)]].
* Beginning [[braille]] classes, among others.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/7174500 | title=Braille Class }}</ref>

===Hotspot===

The library offers free [[Wi-Fi]] accessible by personal computers and cellphones that support Wi-Fi connectivity.

===Printers and scanners===
The library includes 2 printers and offers library patrons 20 free color or black and white pages. Scanning services are also available.

===Online services and mobile applications===

The library offers an online catalog of its materials.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://catalog.dclibrary.org/client/en_US/dcpl | title=DCPL }}</ref>

===Mobile phone charging stations===

The library includes 6 charging stations for [[mobile phone]]s and other equipment on both the second and third floors. Wall and floor power connectors are also available to charge laptops and other personal equipment in reading rooms and working tables.

===Self-checkout Kiosks===

Four self-checkout Kiosks that allow patrons to borrow materials are located on the first floor.

===Income tax help===

The Library hosts income tax return preparation for qualified residents.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/6331406 | title=Income Tax Assistance }}</ref>

===Passport acceptance center===

The library staff can assist patrons with applying for a new passport or renewing a current one.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/passports | title=DC Public Library Passport Acceptance Office | date=27 October 2015 }}</ref>

=== The Auditorium ===
The Auditorium is located on the fifth floor. It is a 291-person state-of-the art theater used for hosting live performances, lectures, and film screenings, including performances by the [[National Museum of the United States Navy]]'s band<ref>{{cite web |title=Veterans Day Concert with the U.S. Navy Band |url=https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/5734282 |website=DC Public Library Event |language=en}}</ref>, and [[Wolf Trap Opera]]'s world premiere of BORN FREE by [[Edward W. Hardy]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cristi |first1=A. A. |title=Wolf Trap Opera Announces World Premiere Of Edward W. Hardy's BORN FREE |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/washington-dc/article/Wolf-Trap-Opera-Announces-World-Premiere-Of-Edward-W-Hardys-BORN-FREE-20220520 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en |date=May 20, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lineage: Poems of Margaret Walker {{!}} Wolf Trap |url=https://www.wolftrap.org/calendar/performance/22opera/lineage.aspx |website=www.wolftrap.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Edward W. Hardy |url=https://austinchambermusic.org/people/edward-w-hardy/ |website=Austin Chamber Music Center}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lineage: Poems of Margaret Walker {{!}} Live Music Project |url=https://www.livemusicproject.org/events/67130/lineage-poems-of-margaret-walker |website=www.livemusicproject.org}}</ref>

The DC Public Library Foundation (DCPLF) received a $2.7 million donation from [[Jeff Bezos]] 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’ donation is the largest ever received by the foundation in its 35-year history.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Austermuhle |first1=Martin |title=D.C. Public Library Trustees Vote To Name Auditorium After Jeff Bezos |url=https://dcist.com/story/22/01/28/mlk-library-to-get-bezos-auditorium/ |website=DCist |language=en |date=January 28, 2022}}</ref> To recognize Bezos's $2.7 million donation, DCPL Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan recommended naming the auditorium after him.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Austermuhle |first1=Martin |title=D.C. Public Library trustees vote to name auditorium in MLK Library after Jeff Bezos |url=https://www.npr.org/local/305/2022/01/31/1076936394/d-c-public-library-trustees-vote-to-name-auditorium-in-m-l-k-library-after-jeff-bezos |website=NPR.org |language=en |date=January 31, 2022}}</ref> This received criticism from council members such as [[Charles Allen (Washington, D.C., politician)|Charles Allen]], and D.C.’s shadow representative to Congress [[Oye Owolewa]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Public Library |first1=D.C. |title=DC Public Library Foundation Receives Donation From Jeff Bezos |url=https://www.dclibrary.org/node/69059 |website=District of Columbia Public Library |language=en |date=20 December 2021}}</ref>

===Marianne's Cafe===

Marianne's Cafe is located on the first floor, it offers coffee, as well as breakfast and lunch. The cafe occasionally offers catering in collaboration with Chef [[José Andrés]]’ ThinkFoodGroup. It is run by [[DC Central Kitchen]] and is named after American chef [[Marianne Ali]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/node/67541 | title=DC Central Kitchen to run modernized Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library's cafe and catering operations | date=9 November 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://dccentralkitchen.org/mariannes-by-dc-central-kitchen/ | title=Marianne's by DC Central Kitchen }}</ref>

===Drinking fountains===

There are [[drinking fountain]]s are located on every floor of the library.

=== Restrooms ===

Library public restrooms are located all floors except the first floor, they include gendered restrooms and family restrooms.


===Terrace and garden===
===Terrace and garden===


The terrace and gardens are located on the fifth floor, surrounding the Auditorium. It includes a garden with a view of a section of Chinatown and G, H and 9th streets. There are also seating areas under roof cover, for patrons to enjoy in inclement weather.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/mlk-library-dc-updates | title=5 Reasons to Visit the Newly Renovated Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C. | date=10 January 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://washington.org/find-dc-listings/martin-luther-king-jr-memorial-library | title=Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library &#124; Washington DC }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonian.com/2020/08/04/photos-look-inside-the-mlk-librarys-211-million-renovation/ | title=PHOTOS: Look Inside the MLK Library's $211 Million Renovation - Washingtonian | newspaper=Washingtonian - the Website That Washington Lives by | date=4 August 2020 }}</ref>
The terrace and gardens are on the fifth floor, surrounding the Auditorium. There is a garden with a view of a section of Chinatown and G, H and 9th streets. There are covered seating areas for use even in inclement weather.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/mlk-library-dc-updates | title=5 Reasons to Visit the Newly Renovated Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C. | date=10 January 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://washington.org/find-dc-listings/martin-luther-king-jr-memorial-library | title=Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library &#124; Washington DC }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonian.com/2020/08/04/photos-look-inside-the-mlk-librarys-211-million-renovation/ | title=PHOTOS: Look Inside the MLK Library's $211 Million Renovation - Washingtonian | newspaper=Washingtonian - the Website That Washington Lives by | date=4 August 2020 }}</ref>

===The Labs (Level A)===

The Labs are a creative space available to library patrons. The Labs are currently located in the basement, on the level A of the library, accessible via 2 elevators and the building stairs.

In July 2013 the DC Public Library opened the Digital Commons area on the second floor, it included a 3-D printer, an [[Espresso Book Machine]], computers, and a "Dream Lab" composed of meeting spaces and cubicles with devices for collaborative work, it was created to attract startup companies and community organizations without permanent offices to use wireless Internet, DVD players, projectors, and Smart Boards.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dcist.com/2013/07/dc_library_digital_commons_opens_to.php |title=D.C. Library Digital Commons Opens with 3-D Printing, Book Pressing, and Lots of Computers: DCist |access-date=2014-01-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918175940/http://dcist.com/2013/07/dc_library_digital_commons_opens_to.php |archive-date=2013-09-18 }} DCist Article, retrieved July 17, 2013</ref> During the renovation the Digital Commons was renamed to The Labs and moved to the Level A of the library. The Labs offer the following services:

* Twelve computers for design and audiovisual production applications, including adobe creative suite and [[Cura (software)|Cura]], among others.
* A studio lab for video editing, podcasting, and blogging.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/labs/studio | title=Studio Lab | date=24 October 2018 }}</ref>
* A editing room, where patrons can design 3D objects with [[Tinkercad]], [[SketchUp]], [[OpenSCAD]], and [[Blender (software)|Blender]].

==== Studio Lab ====

The Studio Lab requires patrons to take a 30-minute safety orientation, after which they may reserve lab space. Lab spaces with more additional equipment may also require equipment certification courses. The studio lab offers the following services (with session limits):

* Audio recording studio (3 hour sessions)
* Band, green screen, photography or voice practice studio (2 hour Sessions)
* Dance studio (3 hour sessions, with up to 2 per month).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/labs/fablab#schedule | title=Fabrication Lab | date=2 August 2019 }}</ref>
* Universal Laser Systems
* Sewing machines

==== DIY Memory Lab ====
* A DIY Memory Lab Transfer Session, it is received In-person. This memory lab that teach patrons how to digitalize or preserve their recorded memories.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/labs/memorylab | title=The Memory Lab | date=7 January 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkhdzV2DbW0&list=PLu-TWTa5uhupHUOYDQllzGfh3GUyFOCbF&index=1 | title=The Labs at DC Public Library -- Studio Lab | website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref>

==== Fab Labs ====
[[File:Ultimaker 3.jpg|thumb|right|Ultramaker 3]]

The Fab Labs allow patrons to fabricate physical works. Use of the Fab Labs requires a free membership for patrons 13 years or older. Machines can be reserved in advance online, as sessions on the machines are limited.

'''3D printing:''' The Labs have four [[Ultimaker#Ultimaker 3|Ultramaker 3]] 3D printers that allow patrons to print their own 3D objects. Patrons are required to take a 3D printing class and a safety course before using the printers. User-provided USB drives are needed to transfer CAD files to the printers.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/labs/fablab | title=Fabrication Lab | date=2 August 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/labsatdcpl | title=The Labs at DC Public Library | date=24 October 2018 }}</ref> The software used is [[Cura (software)|Cura]], the file type used is stereolithography (.slt). The cost of printing is 5 cents per gram.

==Clubs==

'''MLKML''' holds many official club meetings that are announced in tis website as part of patron services, some of them are the following:

* MLK Chess Club: A club for chess players of all ages and skill levels that have meetings the second Saturday of every month between 2:00 P.M. and 3:30 P.M. on room 401E<ref>{{cite web | url=https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/7010771 | title=MLK Chess Club }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/taxonomy/term/52 | title=Chess Club }}</ref>
* Board Game Club: An after school board game club for children's.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/7742437 | title=Board Game Club }}</ref>
* Anime Manga Club: A club for anime fans for discussions, activities and trailer screenings that meets the second and fourth Saturday of each month between 2:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. on room 401.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/6393943 | title=Anime Manga Club }}</ref>


== Landmark designations ==
== Landmark designations ==
In June 2007, the DC Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), designated the building exterior, enclosure, and the interior public spaces on the ground floor as historic landmark, it is in the DC Inventory of Historic Sites. In the same year, it was listed in the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref>https://www.ncpc.gov/docs/7610_Concept_Alternatives_Book_Oct2014.pdf {{bare URL PDF|date=May 2023}}</ref>
In June 2007 the DC Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) designated the building exterior, enclosure, and the interior public spaces on the ground floor as a historic landmark; it is in the DC Inventory of Historic Sites. In the same year, it was listed in the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref>{{Cite report|url=https://www.ncpc.gov/docs/7610_Concept_Alternatives_Book_Oct2014.pdf|title=Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library Renovation Project - Environmental Assessment and Cultural Resources (Section 106) Consultation|author=((MARTINEZ+JOHNSON ARCHITECTURE and mecanoo architecten))|publisher=MLK Library|date=9 October 2014<!--from PDF source-->}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 257: Line 121:
[[Category:Public libraries in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Public libraries in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Ludwig Mies van der Rohe buildings]]
[[Category:Ludwig Mies van der Rohe buildings]]
[[Category:Penn Quarter]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Penn Quarter]]
[[Category:1972 establishments in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:1972 establishments in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Chinatown (Washington, D.C.)]]
[[Category:Chinatown (Washington, D.C.)]]

Latest revision as of 19:09, 6 January 2025

This article is about the main public library of Washington, D.C. For other uses, see Martin Luther King Jr. Library (disambiguation).
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
The library in October 2016
Map
38°53′55″N 77°1′29″W / 38.89861°N 77.02472°W / 38.89861; -77.02472
Location901 G St. NW
Washington, D.C., U.S.
TypePublic library
Established1972
Architect(s)Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Mecanoo Edit this on Wikidata
Branch ofDistrict of Columbia Public Library
Collection
Size1,334,479 volume Edit this on Wikidata
Other information
Websitedclibrary.org/mlk

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (MLKML) is the central facility of the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL), constructed and named in honor of the American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Its address is 901 G St. NW in Downtown Washington, D.C., with its main entrance between 9th and 10th St. on the opposite corner to Gallery Place station, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The library is located in and around the Chinatown, Mount Vernon Square, and Penn Quarter neighborhoods.[1]

History

[edit]
See also: Carnegie Library of Washington D.C.

The city's previous central library, in Mount Vernon Square, was donated by industrialist Andrew Carnegie and dedicated in 1903.

A 1961 Booz Allen Hamilton report sponsored by the city government found that the library had become inadequate in size and technology, was located in what was now the city's "worst slum", and that "At any hour of the day or night, a collection of derelicts loaf around the Library and sleep on the curved bench in front." It called for a new library downtown, at an estimated cost of $12 million.[2]

Construction

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Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed the 400,000 square foot (37,000 m2) steel, brick, and glass structure, an example of modern architecture, in Washington, D.C. This library was Mies's only public library, and his only building constructed in Washington, D.C. [citation needed]

The building was completed in 1972 at a cost of $18 million. By the early 2000s, years of deferred facility maintenance had become widely apparent.[3]

On June 28, 2007, the District of Columbia's Historic Preservation Review Board designated the building a historic landmark. The designation, which applies to the exterior as well as interior spaces, seeks to preserve Mies' original design while allowing the library the necessary flexibility to operate. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.[4]

Performers in front of the library's entrance as part of the 2009 Music Al Fresco Series

The building's lobby includes a large mural of Martin Luther King Jr. created by artist Don Miller.

Renovation

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Mecanoo architecture firm was selected to renovate the library, starting on March 4, 2017. The renovation cost $211 million, and the library reopened in 2020 after 3½ years.[5][6] The entire interior was completely redone, and included a new auditorium, dance studio, recording studios, tool library, offices, and a rooftop garden.[7][8][9]

Covid-19

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When the library reopened, with limited services, after the renovation the COVID-19 pandemic was affecting the United States. The library closed again following a phased management of the pandemic. It was a center for COVID-19 testing and distribution of masks as a contribution in the city's management of COVID-19,[10][11] while providing some library services.

Accessibility

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The library follows accessibility regulations in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA):

  • Doors and elevators wheelchair accessible on every floor.
  • One Topaz HD magnifier that allow users with impaired vision to read documents with fonts in the size most convenient from them. It includes a brightness dial, a magnification dial, a color dial, and its ergonomic design allows the screen's height and orientation. A tray allows smooth movement of the texts, and the lock button can be used to read, hold or write documents.[12][13]
  • ADA computers for persons with visual impairment or physical disabilities.
  • Four wide elevators for patrons, and elevators for staff use.
  • One public toilet for each gender on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th floors, and two family restrooms with baby changing stations located in the 5th floor.
  • Air conditioning to cool the library in summer, heat pumps to warm it in winter, and ventilation on every floor.
  • Lighting designed for reading.[14]
  • Two sets of stairs at the front of the building, and two at the back, for routine use and as fire exits.

Special collections and exhibitions

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The Washingtoniana collection includes books, newspaper archives, maps, census records, and oral histories related to the city's history, with 1.3 million photographs from the Washington Star newspaper and the theatrical video collections of the Washington Area Performing Arts Video Archive.[15]

The Black Studies Center was established along with the MLK Library in 1972 to collect documents related to the African diaspora focusing on African American culture.[15]

Special exhibits

[edit]

In the summer of 2023, the library showed 12 original drawings by Leonardo da Vinci from the 1400s and 1500s until August 20, 2023, in a free exhibit entitled Imagining the future - Leonardo da Vinci: In the mind of an Italian genius.

Auditorium

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A 291-person state-of-the art auditorium on the fifth floor is used for hosting live performances, lectures, and film screenings, including performances by the National Museum of the United States Navy's band,[16] and Wolf Trap Opera's world premiere of BORN FREE by Edward W. Hardy.[17][18][19][20]

The DC Public Library Foundation (DCPLF) received a $2.7 million donation from Jeff Bezos 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’ donation was the largest ever received by the foundation.[21] It was suggested that the auditorium be named after Bezos,[22] but this was criticised by council members including Charles Allen and D.C.'s shadow representative to Congress Oye Owolewa.[23]

Terrace and garden

[edit]

The terrace and gardens are on the fifth floor, surrounding the Auditorium. There is a garden with a view of a section of Chinatown and G, H and 9th streets. There are covered seating areas for use even in inclement weather.[24][25][26]

Landmark designations

[edit]

In June 2007 the DC Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) designated the building exterior, enclosure, and the interior public spaces on the ground floor as a historic landmark; it is in the DC Inventory of Historic Sites. In the same year, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.[27]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Let's Go Washington, D.C. 13th Edition, page 73
  2. ^ Clopton, Willard (August 30, 1961). "$12 Million Main Public Library is Proposed for Heart of Downtown". The Washington Post.
  3. ^ Weiss, Eric M. (March 16, 2006). "Outdated Eyesore or Modern Masterpiece?". The Washington Post. p. DZ01.
  4. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 15, 2008.
  5. ^ "D.C.'s ambitious, stunning new MLK Library". Washington Post. 5 October 2020.
  6. ^ "Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library Modernization". 2 March 2020.
  7. ^ "MLK Library will reopen in September, giving D.C. a renewed central hub". Washington Post. 17 July 2020.
  8. ^ "MLK Library Architect Selection Process". 7 July 2016.
  9. ^ "Grand Reopening of the MLK Library | Family Festival". 16 September 2021.
  10. ^ "MLK Library's grand reopening draws festive crowd". 25 September 2021.
  11. ^ "Test Yourself | coronavirus".
  12. ^ "List of Adaptive Technologies". 15 February 2019.
  13. ^ "Freedom Scientific Topaz vs. Humanware Prodigi | Low Vision Video Magnifiers". YouTube.
  14. ^ Kennicott, Philip (2020-07-15). "America's libraries are essential now — and this beautifully renovated one in Washington gives us hope". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 2023-03-30.
  15. ^ a b "Special Collections". D.C. Public Library. Retrieved 2009-12-14.
  16. ^ "Veterans Day Concert with the U.S. Navy Band". DC Public Library Event.
  17. ^ Cristi, A. A. (May 20, 2022). "Wolf Trap Opera Announces World Premiere Of Edward W. Hardy's BORN FREE". BroadwayWorld.com.
  18. ^ "Lineage: Poems of Margaret Walker | Wolf Trap". www.wolftrap.org.
  19. ^ "Edward W. Hardy". Austin Chamber Music Center.
  20. ^ "Lineage: Poems of Margaret Walker | Live Music Project". www.livemusicproject.org.
  21. ^ Austermuhle, Martin (January 28, 2022). "D.C. Public Library Trustees Vote To Name Auditorium After Jeff Bezos". DCist. Archived from the original on January 28, 2022.
  22. ^ Austermuhle, Martin (January 31, 2022). "D.C. Public Library trustees vote to name auditorium in MLK Library after Jeff Bezos". NPR.org.
  23. ^ Public Library, D.C. (20 December 2021). "DC Public Library Foundation Receives Donation From Jeff Bezos". District of Columbia Public Library.
  24. ^ "5 Reasons to Visit the Newly Renovated Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C." 10 January 2022.
  25. ^ "Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library | Washington DC".
  26. ^ "PHOTOS: Look Inside the MLK Library's $211 Million Renovation - Washingtonian". Washingtonian - the Website That Washington Lives by. 4 August 2020.
  27. ^ MARTINEZ+JOHNSON ARCHITECTURE and mecanoo architecten (9 October 2014). Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library Renovation Project - Environmental Assessment and Cultural Resources (Section 106) Consultation (PDF) (Report). MLK Library.
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