2/24/09 Meeting Summary
Notes from the Community Meeting on the Renovation of the Mount Pleasant Library
February 24, 2009
Councilmember Graham started off the meeting noting how pleased he was with the turnout. He stated that the paramount issue is how the community feels they have been engaged. He noted that you have to experience engagement and that people need to feel that they are a stakeholder and that they are a part of the decision. He has asked the Mayor for a “pause” in the process and to step back and to make sure people feel that they are engaged. Graham noted that the Mount Pleasant Library was the last Carnegie Library built in DC and that it has a special place in his heart.
Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper thanked the Councilmember for his support and lauded him for the $1 million in exterior renovations that he helped to fund and for finding the funds for an interim library location. Cooper explained the “Library Program” and handed out a 1-page summary of the 80-page document. DCPL is using the same program plan for all libraries in the system. It includes roughly 22,000 square foot of programmed space; a single entrance; and dedicated spaces for three different age levels in the Children’s room. All things that are challenges in the Mount Pleasant renovation. She also noted technology, code complaince, and the size of the lot and building to be challenges. She also explained why the larger meeting room matters in the design.
Archie Williams explained the process that had occured to date and it included:
- 12/6/07 – ANC1D Commissioner (Edwards) and Friends President (Huffine) were consulted on the selection of an architect
- 3/1/08 – First “Hopes and Dreams” meeting occurred
- 6/26/08 – Notice to ANC transmitted addressing scope of the planned renovation
- 10/08 – Third meeting held. Notice to Condo Association provided
- 10/22/08 – DCPL met with the Condo Association about their concerns (2 meetings)
- 12/15/08 – Historic Mount Pleasant engaged (2 meetings)
Williams noted that a display has been placed in the branch and the Web site is an important tool in the process of community engagement. It contains designs, there is a feedback e-mail address, and meeting notes are posted there.
Jack McKay noted that the Mount Pleasant Library serves all of Ward 1 and that the outreach outside of the neighborhood had been negligible.
Someone noted that the librarians in the branch have not been consulted about the proposed design and DCPL confirmed that they were working with professional space planners and had not engaged the staff. Cooper noted that a meeting with branch staff is now scheduled to hear their concerns.
Gregg Edwards spoke about the numerous communications from the ANC that he felt were not answered.
Someone asked when the study conducted by Pedro Avilles would be made available, Joy Micks, DCPL Communications Director said the study and a summary of it would be made available in 2 weeks.
Chris Otten of the Adams Morgan ANC and the “District Library Dynamos” stated that a cookie-cutter program is inappropriate and suggested that a needs assessment is necessary before proceeding.
Henry Mierberg, the architect, then did a presentation of the designs as they are now and addressed the enry design, expansion location, and historic compatibility. The design has not changed substanitally although they are considering a limestone shell around the glass front it seems. They had numerous examples of modern additions to classical facades and discussed the merits of “blending in” and “standing out.”
It was suggested that DCPL scale back the renovation and build a satellite library and meeting space in Eckington/Ledroit Park on the other side of Ward 1.
Fay Armstrong summarized Historic Mount Pleasants’ objections. They include the ramp (they prefer to maintain two entrances) and the addition (they would perfer it be at the rear of the property).
Ginnie Cooper confirmed that the Library System does need an overarching serives and facilities plan. She said the Board had preferred to demonstrate that library services can work in DC first. They feel that has been done and they now need to work on a plan. She warned that there is a possibility that DCPL would choose to curtail this renovation completely but she agreed to a 30-day process before any decision is made.
Those are my notes and recollections. Anyone that attended can feel free to correct my summary of the events as I noted them. RLH