Community Rejects New Ward 8 Library Design

For Immediate Release: July 1, 2009
Contact: Robin Diener, Library Renaissance Project
202 387-8030; 202 431-9254 cell, rdiener@savedclibraries.org

Community Rejects New Ward 8 Library Design
Marion Barry’s Absence Noted

Washington, DC -- Ward 8 -- Washington Highlands/Bellevue

DC Public Library officials faced near unanimous opposition last night from Ward 8 community leaders and residents who objected to the design for a new library to replace the existing Washington Highlands branch (1959). Attendees at an “update” sponsored by DCPL were either opposed to the design, in favor of a renovation rather than a rebuild, or just upset with the project process.

“The design has no kinship with the neighborhood,” lamented Theresa Jones, Chair of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 8D. “It’s a one-hundred-year mistake that our children will suffer.”

Fellow Commissioner Ab Jordan expressed dismay that the project was so far along. “None of us has been engaged on this. If you had involved people from the beginning, you would have ameliorated the hostility.”

Phil Pannell, a former Library Trustee, also noted the absence of Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry. “Our Ward 8 councilmember has been totally MIA on this library issue.”

Gamely answering the community’s questions was David Adjaye, world famous architect recently chosen to design the African-American Museum on the Mall, as well as this and another DCPL library. Adjaye acknowledged that the futuristic library design could seem out of place now, but future generations would embrace it. He cited his reason for becoming an architect as his belief that “buildings can be inspirational and give delight.”

Commented resident Charles Turner, “This is not a delight.”

In a recent resolution, ANC 8D asked DCPL to “cease any further action towards the replacement” of the library.

Also in attendance was Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper, who remained silent throughout most of the evening.

View drawings of the designs for new Washington Highlands at the DCPL website: http://www.dclibrary.org/dcpl/cwp/view.asp?a=1273&q=569481

The Library Renaissance Project is a non profit organization founded by Ralph Nader in 2002 to protect and promote the public interest in the District’s library system. It is not affiliated with and does not represent the trustees or administration of the DC Public Library. This message is provided for informational purposes to the media and other parties who have requested updates about developments affecting the public interest in the DC Library. If you do not wish to receive messages from us, please let us know by contacting: rdiener@savedclibraries.org

/press_releases/