Library News

Neighbors helped shape library plans

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Current Newspapers, 9/10/08

I want to take this opportunity to thank the residents of the Shaw community for their ongoing commitment to and involvement in the planning of their new library. The new Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library will be a 20,000-square-foot state-of-the art facility that will have a host of wonderful books and other library materials, programs for children and teens, adult literacy help, senior activities and much more.

This new three-story library will also host at least 32 public access computers, plus a mobile laptop cart that can be used for computer training classes. It is your library,
and I am pleased with how much the community has assisted the D.C. Public Library in shaping it.

While we’ve had some challenges, we have a design concept
that is within budget, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, and flexible enough to meet the needs of the community now and in the future.

The next steps are to plan for breaking ground this fall. As we move forward, we will share information through our Web site, dclibrary.org, and at the interim library.

We are also excited that you will be able to view the progress of the construction through a Web cam.

We look forward to another community meeting closer to the opening in the spring of 2010 to discuss the library’s programs and services.

On behalf of the D.C. Public Library, I would like to thank the community for your continued support of your new Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library.

Ginnie Cooper
Chief Librarian, D.C. Public Library