Northeast Neighborhood Library

Great kids’ space (with books within easy reach even for toddlers) and nice book selection. Still can’t get over how beautifully renovated this is – bright and airy, accented historical details with a few modern touches, including furnishings, such as pouf like seating for little kids. Friendly staff. Community meeting space. Love this community gem.

More recently renovated library ~ I love the dark wood furniture. It’s a fairly small neighborhood library.
There is limited study space here. The main fiction room has a few large desks, but it seems to also be pretty filled when I visit (weekends/​weekday evenings). There are also many free computers there, and it can get kind of stuffy because there is a number of people who spend their entire day surfing the web and the computers are very close to each other.
There are ~4 private study rooms you can reserve, but they have been filled when I was there. The kids and teen zone are on the second floor. There is limited seating at the teen zone, and two tables. But usually teenagers are there surfing the web/​talking to friends.
It’s a good library to get your books and leave. Not the best place to study. Not enough space/​comfortable seating area. Unfortunately, the library doesn’t get much natural light through its large windows either.
My favorite public library in the DMV is still the Rockville Library – airy, spacious, ample seats/​tables/​great natural light. Wish more libraries were designed like that.

With the temporary closure of SE’s library, I was forced to explore a bit more of DC’s library locations because I had way too many close to overdue hardbacks that needed returning.
This is now my favorite library in the District! Beautiful architecture, easy access drop-​box, plenty of street parking, and plenty of space. Went to grand reopening of the NE library this past weekend, and got to see first hand the 4^th oldest District city library with the interior completely remodeled. Fun fact: This was the first library in DC to be paid for completely with public funds.
Young adult and children’s sections are upstairs (which keeps the parentless adults sane), while DVDs, holds, fiction and non-​fiction are downstairs. Impressive DVD collection, and I love that they have private study rooms on reservation, and plenty of community computers. Since it’s further from a metro, it feels much more local than MLK or SE library, and has plenty of space to spread out.

This is a wonderful library that part’s of a fantastic library system. At the intersection of Maryland & 7^th, the library is housed in a beautiful Georgian revival style building and includes a lovely outdoor patio. The inside isn’t quite as grand but has so very much to offer at so very little cost (your taxes hard at work!).
The library itself is divided into fiction and non-​fiction rooms with a separate area for DVDs and an upstairs for children. They have a wide selection of books, everything from 5 copies of classics like Invisible Man to recent big hits like Freedom. The DVD collection is extensive with lots of TV shows from The Wire (you need to watch this immediately if you haven’t) to Law & Order. You could easily stop by and find something to take home. If you’re picky, however, you can also request to have a book (or DVD) from another DC library sent over. I’ve never had a problem finding a book in the DC system and they’re usually available for pick-​up within a week. And if you’re still not convinced, there are a ton of books, music, shows and movies which you can download from the DC Public Library website straight to your laptop or phone.
The library also has a dozen or so computers, but I’d suggest bringing your own laptop (free wifi, obviously). With the children’s room upstairs the library stays relatively quiet, although if you come on Saturday there’s likely to be a man in the fiction room watching a show or movie on his laptop — without headphones. Where is the nasty librarian when you need her?
The library also hosts a number of events for the community like family story times, movie nights and book clubs. There are very inexpensive books for sale at the semi-​annual Book Sale. The library is opened daily, except Sunday, and on Monday and Wednesday stays open until 9pm for all you working folks. As DC residents this is a great free service that you really shouldn’t let go to waste.

I really love this place. Two separate areas for kids so it actually stays quiet AND I saw a librarian there actually kick out loud, obnoxious, rude pre-​teens the other day. It was awesome.
Everyone is really friendly and helpful and there is a beautiful outdoor seating area/​garden. It has several computers, although I’ve never used them or the wireless so I can’t comment on the quality. It’s in a good area but it does attract some homeless types outside. They usually sing to me so I assume that means they are nice. Always nice to me at least!

For a public library, the NE Neighborhood Library has an awful lot of TV series on DVD. If I didn’t know any better, I wouldn’t thought that I was standing in Blockbuster. DC Public Libraries are probably one of the most under-​appreciated places around town. You’re probably thinking, «with Amazon and the Internet, why should I bother with the public library?» Because you’re already paying for it (assuming you a DC resident). The NE branch has a respectable collection of books and ample space just to hang out. The Friends of the Northeast Library program offers great prices during its semi-​annual sales. And, the NE Branch is cleaner than most other DC Public Libraries (at least it doesn’t smell). Overall, there’s very little reason why you shouldn’t be dropping by if you live nearby. [Last Visit: January 19, 2010]

This place is a gem. You can have free wi-​fi (or use any of the branch’s dozen computers) and check the daily newspapers, read current magazines, check out books, DVDs, CDs, or children’s books.
The children’s area, which is on the second floor, is a great resource for tips on what kinds of books are good for kids. In addition, the children’s room runs regular programs featuring arts and crafts or readings or puppets or singing.
Finally, if you visit the library you can also browse used books sold very inexpensively by the Friends of the Northeast Library, a non-​profit that works with the library to make the place better.
Those books are for sale near the checkout desk and their are larger sales every 3 or 4 months. Visit or call the library for details.