Federation of Friends

Interim Libraries Coming Soon: Pepco and the Library’s building contractor are close to establishing permanent power at the Benning and Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Interim Libraries. This has been the hold-up and recent rainstorms have made this task more difficult. While both libraries have temporary generators that allow enough light for the contractors to work, it is not enough power to fully operate the building, which is mandatory for opening to the public. When the electrical connection is established, the buildings will open to the public as soon as possible. It’s all of our hope that these interim libraries will open immediately and the communities will again have full access to what DCPL has to offer.

Procurement Legislation Passed!: At the City Council legislative session on Tuesday, July 10 the D.C. Public Library passed the final hurdle in establishing an independent procurement authority. The measure to adopt the Library’s procurement rules was passed unanimously! This is a major accomplishment and will make it easier to buy books and other library material and those that pertain to our efforts to build new libraries. Soon we will have our own procurement staff.

Community Meetings Planned: Community meetings have now been scheduled on building new Benning and Tenley neighborhood libraries. Our first such “Hopes and Dreams” meeting at Anacostia attracted an enthusiastic group of residents. We expect the same to happen here. Although the meetings will be promoted through many channels, it’s important you help get the word out, too! Here is the schedule:
• Benning – July 31, 6:30 pm (BEN Interim Library, 4101 Benning Road, NE)
• Tenley – August 1, 6:30 pm (TEN Interim Library, 4200 Wisconsin Avenue, NW)
A meeting for the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library will be scheduled soon.

Benning Neighborhood Library: Many of you are aware that a lawsuit has been filed against the Library, Board of Trustees and Mayor to halt the demolition of the Benning Neighborhood Library and plans to build a new library in its place. Since this is ongoing litigation I cannot comment on the suit and no one in the Library should be making comments. Our General Counsel is working closely with the City’s Office of Attorney General legal staff to litigate this action. I will keep everyone aware as the case moves forward.

New Internet Policy: A change to the Library’s Internet policy is being presented to the Board of Trustees at the July 25th meeting. Before it reaches them, DCPL employees will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed changes so their thoughts and ideas can be incorporated into the Board’s review of the proposed policy.