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Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.jpg
Country United States
Type Public library
Established 1972
Location 901 G St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Coordinates 38°53′55″N 77°1′29″W / 38.89861°N 77.02472°W / 38.89861; -77.02472Coordinates: 38°53′55″N 77°1′29″W / 38.89861°N 77.02472°W / 38.89861; -77.02472
Branch of District of Columbia Public Library
Website dclibrary.org/mlk

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (MLKML) is the central facility of the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL). Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed the 400,000 square foot (37,000 m²) steel, brick, and glass structure, and it is a rare example of modern architecture in Washington, D.C.

This library was Mies's last building, his only public library, and his only building constructed in Washington, D.C. The building was completed in 1972 at a cost of $18 million. Maintenance was then somewhat neglected and there were problems with the HVAC system. DCPL has recently restored lighting on the entire first floor. DCPL has also recently completed elevator and restroom renovations throughout the building.

On March 4, 2017, the building closed to begin a modernization, including a major reconstruction of the interior of the building. The modernization process is expected to last for three years, with a planned re-opening in 2020. Interim services for the central library begin May 8, 2017. A "Library Express" location and administrative offices will be located at 1990 K Street NW and an operations center established at 1709 3rd Street NE.

On June 28, 2007 the District of Columbia’s Historic Preservation Review Board designated this building a historic landmark. The designation, which applies to the exterior as well as interior spaces, seeks to preserve Mies' original design while allowing the library necessary flexibility to operate as a contemporary library facility. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.

Named in honor of the American civil rights leader, the building's lobby includes a large mural of Martin Luther King, Jr. by artist Don Miller.

Prior to 1972, Washington's central library was a 1903 Andrew Carnegie-funded building located in Mount Vernon Square. That building was used by the University of the District of Columbia, and is currently occupied by the Historical Society of Washington, D.C.


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