Section 10-A1109. CSF-3 LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SERVICES

 

1109.1As one of world’s leading centers of information and knowledge, the District of Columbia must have a state-of-the-art public library system. A revitalized library system must combine high quality physical buildings with new technology, an expanded Internet presence, inviting public spaces for meetings and gatherings, and programs and collections that meet the needs of all citizens. Our libraries should help children succeed in school, help adults improve their reading skills, and support career advancement and life enrichment goals. The District should aspire to nothing less than greatness as it creates a library system that demonstrates the city’s commitment to meeting the educational and life-long learning needs of all of its residents. 1109.1

 

1109.2The District’s public library system is planned and managed by the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL), an independent agency. The Board of Library Trustees sets policy for DCPL. Its nine members are unpaid District residents appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council for a maximum of two five-year terms. There are currently 27 library facilities, including the central Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, four community libraries, 21 neighborhood libraries, and one kiosk. 1109.2

 

1109.3The District’s public library system faces many challenges. It lacks the facilities, technology, and collections necessary to deliver the services District residents need. The facility problems are the result of decades of deferred maintenance and the absence of funding for capital improvements. 1109.3

 

1109.4In late 2005, the Mayor’s Task Force on the Future of the District of Columbia Public Library System produced a Blueprint for Change that recommends rebuilding the library system from the ground up. New service priorities are identified, along with a call for new physical facilities, collections, and programming. The Blueprint calls for a new central library to replace the outmoded Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library and a complete overhaul of the branch libraries. The report recommends that the new central library should meet all service priorities and that the branches should be more specialized, with service priorities tailored to address the needs of local residents. 1109.4

 

notation

The provisions of Title 10, Part A of the DCMR accessible through this web interface are codification of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As such, they do not represent the organic provisions adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The official version of the District Elements only appears as a hard copy volume of Title 10, Part A published pursuant to section 9a of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1994, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1 -301.66)) . In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions accessible through this site and the provisions contained in the published version of Title 10, Part A, the provisions contained in the published version govern. A copy of the published District Elements is available www.planning.dc.gov.