courtesy of dc.gov
The Northeast Library’s ribbon cutting on Monday, attended by Mayor Vincent Gray and other city officials, was just the beginning of the celebratory kick-off for the re-opening and renovation of the historic library at 330 7th Street, NE. This Saturday, the library staff is pulling out all the stops to welcome the community into the new digs.
The two libraries on the Hill serve a variety of patrons. Students, retirees, job seekers and all sorts of book lovers crowd the reading rooms, meeting spaces and computer stations. As a parent, I think I speak for many when I say, libraries are an integral part of our lives, from the great selection of books for all ages, forgiving late book policies for kids books and of course the very popular and packed rooms entertained by engaging librarians at story time events. Dear Northeast Library, you have been missed!
Start on Saturday with a building tour and family story time at 10 a.m. At 11 a.m. kids 6 through 12 can get ready for Valentine’s Day with at the “I love My Library Valentine Craft” activity. Music lovers can tap their feet at the performance by the Unified Jazz Ensemble at noon, and perhaps work up an appetite to participate in the “Decorate Your Own Cupcake” workshop at 1 p.m. That one is open to bibliophiles of all ages!
Things may calm down after lunch as the younger tots may peter out — cupcakes have the way of doing that! — and head home for naps. For adults who want to get a glimpse of the past on the Hill there will be a “Know Your Neighborhood: House & Neighborhood History” Demonstration Booth at 2 p.m. For the older kids, a bit calmer crew generally, performer Uno, Dos, Tres con Andres will join the festivities, adding to the mix with snappy Spanish songs and stories for kids 3-8 at 2 p.m.
Washingtonian has a great piece with a few photos of the renovation.
The Southeast Library will remain closed until Feb. 19 due to repairs on the water lines, and the book drop is closed. Look here for hours and other programs at the Northeast Library.