Library

When Will DC Libraries Reopen For Browsing?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Wondering if you can post a question on the site about library access? Wondering why schools and retail are “reopening” but access to browse at the library is still restricted. I emailed the chair of the council cmte yesterday but haven’t heard back.”

DCPL currently says:

“As libraries open in phases, there will be limits on the services offered in each phase. Our goal is to gradually offer more services as health restrictions are relaxed. As each library will require some reconfiguration in order to accommodate the need to social distance, library services may look differently at each library based on the location’s space layout. Additionally, some of the public spaces in libraries may be needed as staff space to ensure materials are handled safely and staff can social distance.

The Library is currently open for limited in-person services. You can visit our open libraries to: (more…)

Indoor Dining is Back at 25% but “Several Activities to Remain Suspended”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by angela n.

From the Mayor’s Office:

“The pause on various Phase Two activities that began on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 will end on Friday, January 22, 2021, at 5:00 a.m. This means that beginning Friday, January 22, restaurants can allow indoor dining at 25% capacity or no more than 250 people, whichever is fewer people. Additionally, museums can open, but no more than 250 people allowed per floor and no guided tours.

DC Government services that were paused will remain suspended: (more…)

“What DC Public Library Customers Read in 2020” What was your favorite read from 2020?

By Prince Of Petworth

I always enjoy these end of the year lists from DCPL. What were some of your favorite reads?

From the DC Public Library:

“Reading has long been shown to help people cope with anxiety, learn new skills, make sense of troubling times and practice self-care. The top reads at the DC Public Library in 2020 show customers exploring and adjusting to this year’s events. Below are the most popular titles by type and format.

Top 10 Non-Fiction Ebooks (more…)

Mayor’s Order Extends Public Health Emergency through March 31, 2021 – Indoor dining at restaurants suspended from December 23 (10pm) until January 15 (5am)

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Diane Krauthamer

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Mayor Muriel Bowser issued Mayor’s Order 2020-127 to pause various activities in the District from 10:00 p.m., on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 until Friday, January 15, 2021, at 5:00 a.m. Additionally, the Order extends the state of emergency and public health emergency for Washington, DC through March 31, 2021.

Even for those activities that are not paused by Order, the Mayor strongly encourages residents to be cautious this holiday season so as to limit the spread of COVID-19.”

See the full order: >Mayor’s Order 2020-127 (PDF)

“The DC Public Library has selected DC Central Kitchen, in partnership with Occasions Catering and Chef José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup, to provide food and catering services for the modernized Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Anna Meyer via DCPL

From the DC Public Library:

“The DC Public Library has selected DC Central Kitchen, in partnership with Occasions Catering and Chef José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup, to provide food and catering services for the modernized Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. As part of managing the building’s café, meeting and special event spaces, the group will offer District residents hospitality-sector apprenticeship opportunities.

The $211 million Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library modernization added two new spaces: a 4,300 sq. ft. ground-level café connected to a new outdoor garden space and a new fifth floor that features a 14,900-square-foot rooftop, event space and catering kitchen. (more…)

“DC Public Library to Begin Phase Two Operations June 29” starting with 8 locations

By Prince Of Petworth

From DCPL:

“Starting June 29, DC Library locations will begin expanding service on weekdays as part of Phase Two. In addition to current services including picking up and returning library materials, customers will soon be allowed to enter buildings to pick up books, remote printing and use a limited number of public computers and printers.

To ensure public health and safety of library staff and users, controlled entry will be in place to limit the number of people in the library at one time. Customers must wear a face mask or covering and practice social distancing when visiting the Library. Browsing for books and meeting room reservations are not part of the Phase Two reopening. Reading rooms and outdoor terraces remain closed to the public.

Starting Monday, June 29, the following locations will be open with expanded services from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. (more…)

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