The Ward One Library Coalition
The Mount Pleasant Library is a historic gem of Mount Pleasant and Ward One
in Washington, DC.
The Mount Pleasant Library in Ward One, WDC. |
One of the four original Carnegie libraries in DC, it
was built in 1925. It still stands as Ward One's only public library!
DC Public Library (DCPL) had planned to renovate the library as recently
as 2005-2006.
There were lots of communtity meetings and much discussion about the renovation
plans among librarians, the Friends, and Ward One residents. Many people
were excited about a restoration of the historic building, finally.
But when Ginnie Cooper was hired as the Chief Librarian in 2006, the
renovation plans were suddenly taken off the table without much public
notice.
|
See
a brief
timeline here |
Two years later, in 2008, back on the table came a library construction
plan and a budget -- Twelve million dollars to renovate, and
expand, our historic library.
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Ward One residents never asked for an expansion. Historic preservationists were
never approached by DCPL about how this idea may affect the building. Librarians
weren't asked about how an expansion may affect their service. Advisory Neighborhood
Commissioners were not included in the decision to expand.
DCPL has never truly demonstrated the need for an expansion publicly. DCPL has
never conducted a Ward One library services needs analysis. Since we only have
one library in the whole Ward, people have been wondering why couldn't we expand
library services to a satellite library somewhere else in the Ward, instead of
trying to shoehorn a large expansion into the small lot behind the library.
Parts of Ward One are not being adequately
served by the library as seen
by this map.
The Mount Pleasant Library is the only library in our Ward. |
The current library building is not being used efficiently,
with more than three-thousand square feet
underutilized as seen in these
floor-plan diagrams. |
The District Dynamos and many Ward
One neighbors are seeking changes to DCPL's proposed renovation and expansion
plans. There has been a petition
started, many
groups have written letters in opposition, we've
held rallies, and three of four Ward One Advisory Neighborhood Commissions
have passed resolutions expressing skepticism and concerns about the plans.
Help bring some logic to this important civic project.
Your concern and energy can help us win a library plan that makes sense.
Sign
the petition | Write a letter to Jim Graham, Councilmember Ward One (jim@grahamwone.com)
- Contact the Library Renaissance Project
- Volunteer with the Library Dynamos
- Ward One Library Petition
There's still time to shift the Mount Pleasant Library design so that all library users and neighbors can be satisfied with the construction plans going forward.
- Concerns Grow About Mt Pleasant Library Accessibility Issues
ANC-1C has asked Councilmember Jim Graham to help expedite a response to the ANC letter asking DCPL about remaining concerns with the Mount Pleasant library project.
- ANC 1D Passes Library Study Funding Contract
ANC-1D Resolution allowing for a matching funding contract with the community to support production of technical reports and expert advice regarding the Mount Pleasant Library project.
- Videos: 2010 Library Performance Oversight Hearing
2010 Performance Oversight Hearing to keep some accountability of DC's public library system.
- March 27, 2010, 2PM -- Save Our Library Rally
Let's keep our library open... say no to the premature closure of our only Ward One public library!
- Saturday, April 3, 2010, 4:30PM -- Three Reasons Rally
Say NO to DCPL's premature closing our our Mount Pleasant Library.
- Library Occupation Funks the Police
This dustup was only the most recent in a string of protests around the last of three original Carnegie libraries to be renovated, which has become a flashpoint for local library activists.
- Size Matters in DC Library Fight
There can indeed be too much of a good thing, according to those fighting to preserve a historic library in Northwest Washington.
- Neighborhood Watch: Residents Flash-Mob Mt. Pleasant Library Expansion
Mount Pleasant Public Library in Ward 1, set to close on Saturday for renovation and expansion, is the latest in the spotlight of the library wars.
- Neighborhood Watch: Residents Flash-Mob Mt. Pleasant Library Expansion
Mount Pleasant Public Library in Ward 1, set to close on Saturday for renovation and expansion, is the latest in the spotlight of the library wars.
- Mt. Pleasant Library Set to Close for Construction
The long-awaited overhaul of the Mount Pleasant Library is just about to begin.
- Mt. P library patrons not going quietly
Mt. P library patrons not going quietly: Activists protested closing the Mount Pleasant Library for renovation Saturday.
- Protesters Occupy Mt Pleasant Library, Chain Door Open
April 3 was the last day the Mt Peasant Library was open - for at least 18 months of renovation. On the same day of the closure, protesters held the building open at closing time with a door chained open and an occupation of the basement.
- Brief Timeline of DCPL Renovation and Expansion Plans
Get a sense of what's happened in Mount Pleasant over time.
- Expert review of DCPL's proposed plans
Several architectural and safety experts and preservationists have findings about DCPL's proposed plans.
- Seniors, Disabled Say They are Unlikely to Use New Mt. Pleasant Library
Residents of Samuel Kelsey Apartments expressed dismay when a paper “ramp” was rolled out in their parking lot on Tuesday to simulate what it would be like to use a 120 foot long and 7 foot high ramp, planned as part of a new main entrance to the Mt. Pleasant Library two blocks from their home.
- Library Busters -- Who Ya Gonna Call?
DCPL has begun the demolition of a key feature of the Carnegie Library -- the historic sunroom.
- Proposed Mt. Pleasant Library Ramp Still Not Compliant
An expert review of newly revised plans for the expansion of the Mt. Pleasant Library has determined that the building's proposed accessibility route remains out of compliance with ADA standards.
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