As part of DC Public Library’s Building Program, the new Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library, is one in a series of new libraries in Washington that are designed to be flexible and open, to meet the needs of the community now and in the future. Located in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, DC, the $12 million facility is located along Rhode Island Avenue, NW at 7th Street, on a triangular urban site near Howard University. The new 22,800 square foot library marks this important intersection as a civic and educational node for the community. Filling the 9,850 square foot site, the building is comprised of three stories— one below grade and two above. The entry plaza at the east end of the site welcomes the public to the library and displays a 22 foot sculpture by local artist Craig Kraft.
The main lobby provides access to the lower level which houses community spaces including a 100 person multi-purpose room, as well as access to the library proper. The ground floor houses the new materials and catalog stations for the general collections, the children’s library and the main service point and staff area. The upper level of the library houses the bulk of the adult collection, including reference and periodical sections, young adult and adult reading rooms. There are online catalogs dispersed throughout the floor, with access to the DC Public Library electronic resources available at all locations. The library has 32 computers for public use, providing internet access to all in the community. The library also offers two 10-person conference rooms and individual study rooms to allow for collaborative work in a non-disruptive setting. On opening day the collection comprised 40,000 books, DVDs, CDs and other library materials. The library has space to allow the collection to expand to up to 80,000 items.
A graphic mural in the upper level displays a collage of portraits depicting over 250 members of the community and an inspirational quote from President Barack Obama’s inaugural address which reads, “We know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.”
Designed to meet LEED Silver Certification, Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library incorporates a vegetative green roof, displacement air system, solar control and daylight management and extensive use of recyclable and renewable materials. The building utilizes a corrugated, perforated aluminum screen wall system across its southern façade. With a 40% open area, the screen wall sits three feet in front of an expansive glazed curtain wall and provides sufficient shading of the upper level reading room while allowing natural daylight to enter the space. The shading system allows a reduced dependence on artificial lighting and its related energy costs as well as protects the Library’s collection from harmful solar exposure.
The District of Columbia’s Mayor Adrian M. Fenty presented the firm with a National Association of Builders and Contractors Proclamation Award in recognition of the firm’s design contributions to the District’s libraries. Resounding praise has come from the community, evident in the crowds that gathered outside as the library prepared to open its doors for the first time. The Washington City Paper echoes this sentiment stating, “Aesthetically and technically, the building is a modern masterpiece.”