At long last, we’re getting our library back. The Southeast Library (403 Seventh St. SE), one of the oldest DC Public Library (DCPL) buildings, will reopen to the public Thursday, Sept. 10.
The library closed for a $33 million modernization Jan. 4, 2024.
The project increases the capacity of the 104-year-old carnegie building, one of the most popular in the District system. An additional floor was excavated below what was formerly the underground level. It is directly accessed via a new, universally-accessible main entrance on South Carolina Avenue SE.
The new library has double the space for adult seating, almost triple the space for children and families, another 50 percent more computer and book space and an additional 25 percent in meeting and conference spaces.
Children are major beneficiaries of the design, a desire indicated by the community in feedback. The lower floor is dedicated to children’s books, computers and activities and including smaller study rooms. Families are provided for on the main floor as well, where a large flexible meeting room is designed so it can also be used for conferences, meetings or family activities, complete with space for stroller parking. The ground floor, as the middle level is called, also includes a conference room, computer station, holds and new books.
The main historic floor, still directly accessible from the historic Seventh Street entrance, becomes the upper floor, retaining historic features such as walnut paneling and the fireplace.
In addition to five study rooms, the upper floor houses the adult book and media collections, a large study room, and various spaces for quiet work and reading. The layout is reconfigured to place shelves flat against the wall, opening up sightlines throughout the space.
All of it is tied together by a light from a restored skylight at the center of the historic library, illuminating all three floor through a light well located in the center of the building where there was once a stairwell.
The universal entrance is through a new tower addition, which will link the library to the neighboring townhouse and house the interior stairs, elevator and washroom facilities.
The DC Public Library is generally open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Stay updated on final opening times and any planned grand opening activities as information is issued by following HillRag.com.
