D.C. Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper Wins 2013 Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Architecture

Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper at the renovated Georgetown Library

From a press release:

Mayor Vincent C. Gray today congratulated D.C. Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper for being named a winner of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2013 Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Architecture. She was honored for leading a campaign that has reinvented libraries in the District and raised public awareness of design excellence.

“The District has benefitted tremendously from Ginnie’s leadership in emphasizing the importance of libraries as spaces for learning, as focal points for neighborhood gatherings and as sources of community pride,” said Mayor Gray. “Not only has she transformed our public library system, but she has brought some of the world’s most innovative, beautiful and sustainable architecture to neighborhoods all over D.C. Her work has beautified our city and inspired more residents to visit and use their libraries.”

“I am honored to receive this award from the AIA,” said Cooper. “The Library has been working hard to transform buildings and services. This award helps validate that the District is offering residents the world-class Library they deserve.”

Ginnie is one of two Jefferson Award honorees this year. Architect Michael Pyatok is also being honored for his career’s work in improving the quality of design in affordable and low-income housing. AIA noted that Cooper’s work has resulted in well-known architects designing iconic libraries that stand out as community beacons. The announcement also noted that residents have noticed, embraced and used libraries at levels not seen in the District in decades.

Cooper came to District in 2006 with the task of transforming the city’s public library system. Since that time, 14 libraries have been renovated or rebuilt. Also since Cooper’s arrival, the number of books borrowed has more than tripled.

The D.C. Public Library (DCPL) system has received 36 awards for new or renovated buildings.

DCPL facilities that have received awards since 2008 include: (after the jump)

Anacostia Library

· AIA North Carolina Research Triangle Chapter Merit Award, Unbuilt Category (2008)

· AIA North Carolina Chapter Merit Award, Unbuilt Category (2009)

· AIA North Carolina Committee on the Environment (COTE) (2010)

· Washington Building Congress Craftsmanship Award for Special Construction – Thermal and Moisture Protection Category (2011)

· LEED GOLD Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (2012)

· AIA D.C. Chapter Award of Merit in Architecture (2012)

Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library

· Building of America Award (2010)

· Associated General Contractors Washington Contractor Award (2010)

· National Association of Contractors and Builders Proclamation Award (2010)

· Developers and Builders Alliance Community Advancement Award, Best Developments of the Year, USA & Canada (2010)

· North American Copper in Architecture Award, New Construction (2010)

· Icestone Installation Award, Commercial Interiors (2010)

· Washington Building Congress Craftsmanship Award for Special Construction – Thermal and Moisture Protection Category (2011)

· LEED Gold Certification, US Green Building Council (2012)

Deanwood Library

· Editor’s Choice Award, Innovative Architecture & Design Awards contest, Recreation Management magazine. (May 2011)

Francis A. Gregory Library

· American Institute of Potomac Valley Design Award, Institutional Category (2012)

Georgetown Library

· Award for Stewardship, the District of Columbia Historic Preservation Office (2009)

Mount Pleasant Library

· AIA D.C. Chapter Honor Award, Unbuilt Category (2009)

Petworth Library

· Craftsmanship Award (for the new terrazzo floor), Washington Building Congress (2011)

· AIA DC Chapter Award (2011)

Takoma Park Library

· Vision Award, The Committee of 100 on the Federal City (2009)

· Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation, D.C. Historic Preservation Office (2009)

· Award of Merit in Renovation/Restoration, Mid-Atlantic Construction (2009)

Tenley-Friendship Library

· AIA North Carolina Chapter Honor Award (2011)

· LEED Gold Certification, U.S. Green Building Council (2011)

· Washington Building Congress Craftsmanship Award, Doors and Windows/Curtainwall Category (2012)

· AIA D.C. Chapter Award of Excellence in Architecture (2012)

Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library

· Mid-Atlantic Construction Award of Merit, Cultural (2010)

· AIA D.C. Chapter Award for Merit & Presidential Citation for Sustainable Design (2010)

· Top 10 Buildings in Washington, D.C., Urban Land Institute (2010)

· National Association of Contractors and Builders Proclamation Award (2010)

· Developers and Builders Alliance Community Advancement Award, Best Developments of the Year, USA & Canada (2010)

· One of the top buildings of 2010, Named by Wall Street Journal (Dec. 2010)

William O. Lockridge/Bellevue Library

· AIA D.C. Chapter Award of Merit in Architecture (2012)

· American Institute of Potomac Valley Design Award, Institutional Category (2012)