News - DC Library Renaissance Project

"Nader's group has helped put libraries back on the city's political radar screen, and changes already were in the works before the $45 million was offered."

- Washington Post. December 1, 2004
For the full article, click here.

Summer Reading Quest Not

At least some District children in search of books to read for the Library’s annual summer program Reading Quest will face a more arduous undertaking. Four District libraries are closed: Anacostia, Benning Road, Shaw, and Tenley

Bookmobiles that were promised to serve the neighborhoods during the shutdown, and which should have been rolling in January, are still not ready, in spite of a protracted planning period with library closings having been pushed back numerous times.

In April, after the branches had been closed for more than three months, the Library announced it was looking into leasing retail space to set up storefront libraries in the affected neighborhoods -- with new books and computers. No storefronts have yet been leased or outfitted. It is unlikely that any will open before fall.

The closed libraries cannot be reopened because they have already been emptied of all books, computers, and furniture. The exact status of the materials removed is not known.

In addition, residents of the areas around the closed libraries are complaining that the properties are being neglected. The grass has not been cut, trash is piling up, and rats are rampant. These formerly “safe spaces” have now become havens for dangerous and illegal activity.

Finally, it is predicted that cost increases due to renegotiating the construction contract , now considered to have lapsed, are predicted to run to more than 10 million dollars.

Tuesday, November 23, 2004.
Rationale for DC LRP Opposition to the Baseball Deal.

Monday, November 15, 2004.
The Library Renaissance Project writes Councilmember Jim Graham, opposing his amendment to the Baseball Stadium Legislation. Letter to Councilmember Jim Graham.

Wednesday, September 22, 2004
The DC Library Renaissance Project is holding a Round Table Discussion on Reinventing the DC Public Library System. This halh-day event will begin with a panel discussion of the challenges facing urban libraries today. To RSVP for the event, contact the DCLRP at (202) 387-7772.

Thursday, August 5, 2004
Washington Post article A Rare Chance To Redeem D.C. Libraries
by Marc Fisher; Response to the article by DCLRP Director, Leonard Minsky

Friday, May 14, 2004
DC City Council votes to increase funding to the DC Public Library (DCPL) in FY 2005 by $2.9 million to restore operating hours at all branches to 54 hours per week (up from 40). Councilmember Jim Graham (Ward 1) committed an additional $750,000 for renovations at the Mt. Pleasant Branch Library.

Friday, April 23, 2004
FY 2005 Budget Hearing for the DC Public Library
Time: 3:00 pm **NOTE changed time**
Location: John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

March 22 - April 23, 2004
Legislative Meetings with DC Council and Mayor

Saturday, March 20, 2004
Library Advocacy Training Day
Time: 9:30am - noon, Location: Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library
For all interested DC Residents who want a voice in their library's future.

September 18, 2003 - Thursday, 7 PM
Library Rally
AME CHURCH on M Street between 15th and 16th Streets, NW

August 21, 2003
Nader Laments Loss of Public Service Facilities Library Journal

A Special Thanks to Our Friends at the American Society of Microbiology for their Generous Contribution to the DC Library Renaissance Project.

Leonard Minsky, Co-Director of the DC Library Renaissance Project, accepts the proceeds from the American Society of Microbiology 5K Fun Run.

May 7, 2003
Nader Commends City Council For Saving Library Funding

April 18, 2003
Read'Em And Weep Planners want to move the MLK library. Preservationists want to gawk at the building. But does anyone care about the books?

April 16, 2003
Council of the District of Columbia Mark-up Returns $1 Million to D.C. Public Library Budget

March 23, 2003
On my mind: A Renaissance in Washington, Opinion article in American Libraries by Ralph Nader

March 20, 2003
Library Supporters From Across the District Rally to Save DC Libraries

March 17, 2003
Press Release: Response to Mayor Budget Proposal

December 17, 2002
Ralph Nader Aiding DC Public Library, Library Journal

December 10, 2002
To Help D.C.'s Libraries, Nader Rides Again
Washington Post, Marc Fisher

Mayor Williams failed 1998 Vision

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