For Immediate Release
Contact: Robin Diener
202 387-8030; cell 202 431-9254
home 387-4210
WASHINGTON, DC – August 15, 2008 – Ward 2 residents plan a speak-out and read-in to call attention to sudden changes to popular designs for redevelopment of a new library in Shaw that is now four years in the making. DC Public Library officials cite budget constraints as the cause for the downgrading of design elements. Residents say community planning processes have not involved them in decision making.
What: Speak- Out about New Shaw Library
When: Saturday, August 16, 2008
Time: Noon to 2pm
Place: in front of the Shaw Giant on O Street, NW, between 9th and 10th Streets
Background:
In January 2008, DCPL leadership unveiled to Ward 2 residents a majestic new neighborhood library design that some called a “Jewel on Rhode Island Avenue.” The old brutalist building with its prison-like slot windows was to be replaced with a three story edifice of sparkling glass
with inviting interiors that would light up the street at night.
When, seven months later, DCPL posted the next iteration of the design on its website, the Shaw community and Ward 2 Leaders were stunned. The new library had devolved to the "bunker" feel of the old library, without explanation.
Not only had the structure changed, the programming plans remained unclear as well. Despite community feedback specifically asking for dedicated space for adult reading instruction and computer literacy training, these amenities are missing. And seniors living in Shaw wonder where they fit into the new library – even as they commend the programming for youth. Residents of Asbury Dwelling, located across the street from the library site, are upset with the lack of program space for their seniors.
DCPL has not been forthcoming about the drastic changes except to cite budget shortfalls. Throughout the community design process, Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper and DCPL Capital Construction Project Manager Jeff Bonvechio have refused to supply a line-item budget in response to repeated requests by members of the Shaw community.
Links:
Downloadable event announcement>>
http://www.districtdynamos.org/dynamos/shaw/speakout_8_16_08
A look at the evolution of the new Ward 2 library here >>
http://www.districtdynamos.org/dynamos/shaw/library_evolution
~ Shaw Library Study Group is an Initiative of the DC Library Renaissance Project .
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sent from Robin Diener
DC Library Renaissance Project
1530 P Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
202 387-8030
431-9254 cell
LIBRARY
DYNAMOS