D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10, r. 10-A1110
Map 11.1 shows the location of DCPL facilities. As noted earlier, the current system includes the central library, 25 branches, and a kiosk. 1110.1
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library was dedicated in 1972 and occupies over 400,000 square feet in a multi-story Downtown structure. It draws users from across the District and also serves as a neighborhood library for residents in its immediate vicinity. It houses the Washingtoniana Room-a repository for local history of the District and its residents. It also houses data from the decennial census dating back to 1800. 1110.2
The average age of the branch libraries is 46 years old and there have been no new libraries opened since 1988. Four branch libraries were closed in 2004 for rebuilding as the first phase of a 10 year rebuilding plan. 1110.3
Circulation trends in the District reflect the challenges faced by the library system. Recent rankings place the District 15th among 67 large U.S. cities in terms of library circulation and utilization per capita. However, the circulation of materials decreased by 11 percent District-wide between 2001 and 2004. Most of the DCPL's existing libraries are candidates for replacement due to outdated designs, inability to accommodate modern technology, and general inefficient use of floor space. 1110.4
Plans for the modernization or relocation of the central library are underway. One proposal under consideration would relocate the library to the site of the former Washington Convention Center. Regardless of where it is located, the new or modernized central library should support all the services that DCPL provides to District residents, including a literacy center, multi-purpose space, meeting and gathering rooms, and learning stations. 1110.5
Renovation or relocation of the branch libraries presents similar opportunities. A branch library is one of the few local government buildings that residents visit throughout their lifetimes. Each branch should reflect the needs of the residents who use it. Like schools and recreation centers, libraries should be a source of civic pride and a center of community life. The number of branch libraries in the District of Columbia relative to its population is comparable to similarly sized cities as shown in Table 11.1.
Map 11.1: DCPL Sites
Table 11.1: Branch Libraries: Number per 1000 Population, Selected Cities 1110.8
Policy CSF-3.1.1: State-of-the-Art Public Library System
Ensure that the District has a state-of-the-art Central Library and branch libraries that meet the information and life-long learning needs of District residents. 1110.9
Action CSF-3.1.A: Central Library
Relocate or upgrade the central library with a modernized or new central library that includes state-of-the-art library services and public space both within and outside the building. The central library should be an architectural civic landmark - a destination and gathering place for residents from across the city. It should provide performance space, display areas for art and exhibitions, and multi-purpose space for meetings and programs. Regardless of its location, the central library should continue to be named in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1110.10
Action CSF-3.1.B: Branch Libraries
Completely overhaul, upgrade, or re-build each branch library to provide a safe and inviting space that provides services and programs that address the needs of local residents. Each branch library should be designed to provide a minimum of 20,000 square feet of floor space with a clearly visible entrance and an open, inviting and attractive facade. 1110.11
Action CSF-3.1.C: Library Funding
Explore new dedicated funding sources for the operation and maintenance of each library. This includes annual funding for collections development and programming as well as building repair and maintenance. 1110.12
Action CSF-3.1.D: Archival Storage
Include space for storage of archival and historical records for the District of Columbia in the programming and planning of future library facilities. 1110.13
The provisions of Title 10, Part A of the DCMR accessible through this web interface are codification of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As such, they do not represent the organic provisions adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The official version of the District Elements only appears as a hard copy volume of Title 10, Part A published pursuant to section 9 a of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1994, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1 -301.66)) . In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions accessible through this site and the provisions contained in the published version of Title 10, Part A, the provisions contained in the published version govern. A copy of the published District Elements is available www.planning.dc.gov.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10, r. 10-A1110