PoP Preview – Tenley-Friendship Library

It’s been really fun checking out all the new libraries opening up. First we checked out the celebrated Shaw Library and then new Georgetown Library. On Wed. I was able to once again meet with chief librarian Ginnie Cooper and check out the Tenley-Friendship Library located at 4450 Wisconsin Ave, NW (right across from the Tenleytown-AU metro) which will officially open up on Monday, January 24 with a grand opening party on Saturday, February 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The original Tenley library closed way back at the end of ’04. I think many will agree it was worth the wait. And stay tuned for the Petworth Library which will open up Feb. 28th.

Like Shaw there are many windows flooding the library with light. Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper says the “quality of the light is magical”. The Public area is around 22,000 square feet. And there is also a green roof. There are around 45 computers and they are all Apple computers. The library will have 8 full time staff members.

The first floor hosts the new arrivals, dvds and children’s section while the second floor holds the adult and teen sections. Like the other libraries we’ve visited, substantial meeting rooms have also been incorporated. There will also soon be art installed on the second floor that celebrates the neighborhood. Finally, the configuration of the library can easily change as technologies advance (ie less books and more tablet computers one day…)

So how do you guys think this one compares to Shaw and Georgetown?

Lots more photos including inside after the jump.

As you enter a vestibule area on the first floor.

Part of children’s section on first floor.

Nice Apple computers, 45 total

Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper tries out one of the super comfortable reading chairs.

Another style of reading chair.

2nd Floor space dividing public space from large conference room.

And of course lots of books (from 2nd floor)

And good ones too.