Library

Rendering courtesy DCPL

UPDATE: DCPL notes: “The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library may include the construction of additional space for complementary non-library using a public-private partnership.”

MLK Renovation Library Building Program October 2014

Last we heard back in February Martinez + Johnson and Mecanoo Architecture Selected to Renovate MLK Library – No Decision yet on if it “will be renovated as a stand-alone library or as a mixed-use building with additional floors”. Big update from DCPL:

“The DC Public Library has revised its space estimates for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library renovation. The entire building, plus a fifth floor, will be used to offer District residents a renovated central library.

The increased library size incorporates input to the preliminary Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library renovation designs released in May. Initial estimates called for between 200,000 to 250,000 square feet in the building to be used for library service.

More than 3,000 people shared their ideas on the Library’s online crowdsourcing portal https://dclibrary.ideascale.com/; at community meetings; through focus groups with teens, staff and other groups; and through comment cards. In addition, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library Renovation Advisory Panel convened neighborhood meetings to answer questions and get ideas about the renovation.

The architects, working with Library officials, determined that more space would be needed in the building to accommodate many of the public’s ideas. The additional space will be used to provide new services including: (more…)

From DCPL:

“Who: George Clinton, singer, songwriter, bandleader, music producer and architect of Funk.

What: Shares memories and life stories from his new autobiography “Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain’t That Funkin’ Kinda Hard on You?”

When: Saturday, Nov. 1, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library;
901 G St. NW

George Clinton dominated the soul charts with a new sound, a diaper-clad guitarist, and a spaceship onstage during concerts. How George Clinton became a funk music megastar is a story for the ages. His autobiography, “Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain’t That Funkin’ Kinda Hard on You?,” provides insight into how he changed America’s music industry with wit, humor, and candor.

Also at Friday’s event, African Ancestry Inc. will reveal George Clinton’s ancestral DNA.

Due to expected high attendance registration for this event is required, and pre-purchase of the book is strongly recommended. To register and pre-purchase a book, visit here.”

901 G Street, NW

From an email:

“On Thursday April 17th at 7 pm in the Great Hall of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library the DC Public Library is proud to welcome author Corey Recko as he speaks about his new book “A Spy For the Union.” Join us as we learn the story of Timothy Webster and his life and careers as a New York City policeman and a military spy. In the mid-1850s, he left the police department and took a job for Allan Pinkerton with his newly formed detective agency. It was as a Pinkerton detective that Webster helped uncover a plot to assassinate President-elect Abraham Lincoln in 1861.

Webster went on to serve the United States as a spy in the Civil War. For a time he was the Union’s top agent, but his career came to an abrupt end when he was betrayed and became the first spy executed in the Civil War.

This program is free and open to the public [but requires a ticket]. Thank you, and we look forward to you joining us for this interesting presentation.”