D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10-A, § 1112
1112.1 The recent modernization of branch libraries creates an exciting opportunity for many Washington, DC neighborhoods. High-quality public libraries can help anchor neighborhood and corridor reinvestment efforts. Libraries can also support many of the other goals articulated in the Comprehensive Plan, including creating space for the arts, bringing communities together across generations, providing job training and literacy programs, and promoting high-quality civic design. While recent public investment in libraries has been substantial, additional investment may be leveraged through public-private partnerships that connect library improvements to new housing and mixed-use projects.
Locate branch libraries in a systematic way to maximize access for the greatest number of Washington, DC residents, including future residents who will reside in planned new neighborhoods. This approach may result in the development of new libraries in growing population centers within the District. Coordinate the location of future branch libraries with District-wide cross-systems public facilities planning.
Explore public-private partnerships to fund the construction of new libraries, including the development of new and remodeled libraries within mixed-use projects on existing library sites. In such cases, any redevelopment should conform to the other provisions of this Comprehensive Plan, including the preservation of usable neighborhood open space.
See also Policy CSF-1.1.9 on public facilities co-location and the Urban Design Element for policies on the design of public facilities.
Neighborhood libraries should be vital centers of community learning and interaction. Library meeting space, conference space, and study space should support the role of the library as a neighborhood anchor. The services and programs offered at each library should enhance community identity and civic pride and create a safe place for all residents and families.
See also the Arts and Culture Element for related policies.
Encourage library modernization and new construction to support corridor reinvestment efforts, create spaces for arts and culture, bring together multigenerational communities, provide job training and literacy programs, promote high-quality civic design, and create partnerships that connect library
improvements to new housing and mixed-use projects.
See also the Arts and Culture Element for related policies.
When feasible, locate and integrate District-owned library facilities in mixed-use facilities, such as those containing in-line retail, housing, or office uses. This can help induce programmatic links that enhance the public impact of libraries.
Encourage provision of spaces for cultural expression, performance, and production in libraries, especially as part of modernization or new construction. These spaces can be configured to support activities, such as maker spaces, art exhibits, and cultural events and performances.
See also the Arts and Culture Element for related policies.
Periodically evaluate library use and services through DCPL Needs Assessments and make appropriate service adjustments to position DCPL to meet the needs of the community on an ongoing basis. Data on library use, services, program attendance, and material checkouts should be used to inform decisions about programming, facilities, and technology.
SOURCE: District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; 31 DCR 1049 (March 9, 1984)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Element Amendment Act of 1984, effective March 16, 1985 (D.C. Law 5-187; 32 DCR 873 (February 15, 1985)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-129; 37 DCR 55 (January 5, 1990)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989 NCPC-Recommended Amendments, and Closing of Public Alleys in Square 669, S.O. 88-452, Act of 1990, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-132; 37 DCR 2213 (April 6, 1990)); as amended by District Government Land Use Temporary Amendment Act of 1994, effective October 1, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-190; 41 DCR 5360 (August 12, 1994)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1994, effective October 6, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-193; 41 DCR 5536 (August 19, 1994)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Amendment Act of 1994, effective March 21, 1995 (D.C. Law 10-235; 42 DCR 30 (January 6, 1995)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1996, effective April 18, 1996 (D.C. Law 11-110; 43 DCR 530 (February 9, 1996)); as amended by Second Technical Amendments Act of 1996, effective April 9, 1997 (D.C. Law 11-255; 44 DCR 1271 (March 7, 1997)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 1998, effective April 27, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-275; 46 DCR 1441 (February 19, 1999)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1999, effective April 12, 2000 (D.C. Law 13-91; 47 DCR 520 (January 28, 2000)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (D.C. Law 16-300; 54 DCR 924 (February 2, 2007)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 2008, effective March 25, 2009 (D.C. Law 17-353; 56 DCR 1117 (February 6, 2009)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2010, effective April 8, 2011 (D.C. Law 18-361; 58 DCR 908 (February 4, 2011)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2021, effective August 21, 2021 (D.C. Law 24-20; 68 DCR 006918 (July 16, 2021)).