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After nearly two years of construction, West End’s brand new library has opened to the public with more than 40,000 books available in the 21,000 square-foot space. The colorful, light-filled library is located on the ground floor of a mixed-use project, located at 2301 L Street NW, designed by architect Enrique Norten of Ten Arquitectos with interiors designed by CORE architecture + design.
According to Current Newspapers, this new project is expected to become one of the city’s most visited libraries with an estimated yearly visitation up to 250,000. What helps set it apart is that it offers 40 public access computers for visitors without a mobile device and desks with outlets to plug in phones and laptops.
Several of the sections in the building are designated for different age groups, including a section for children. In the children’s corner, there are several communal areas and a large-scale mural, called, “A Garden Party,” completed by local artist Nekisha Durrett.
We love the new Children's Room mural in the renovated West End Library. It's now open to the public! Check in @ the new location (2301 L St. NW) and let us know what you think. #KnowYourNeighborhood pic.twitter.com/qgY9s8du33
— DC Public Library (@dcpl) December 10, 2017
.@dcpl’s new West End Library opens on Saturday. Mixed-use building designed by @TEN_Arquitectos, library interior by @COREdc pic.twitter.com/gDrx2UelKg
— Sara Johnson (@SaraA_Johnson) December 6, 2017
Another installation, titled, “Paragons of the West End,” is located in the main reading room completed by local artist Adrienne Gaither. This mural offers the names of noteworthy West End residents, such as former D.C. resident Duke Ellington.
The building also hosts a courtyard, programming room, two conference rooms for up to 12 people, and five study rooms. Washingtonian further reports that Bluestone Lane, an “Australian-style” coffee chain from New York, will open in the library next month. This will be the coffee shop’s first location in the District.
Sneak peak of cool library @dcpl @dcpl_literati West End: modern, light, functional ❤️ @estibrennan @Nelibraryfriend @TonyWilliamsDC pic.twitter.com/1tycgsXuBt
— Vincent Morris (@VincentMorris) September 25, 2017
CORE architecture + design is also behind the renovation of the Mt. Pleasant Library, according to Architect Magazine. Other D.C. libraries still under development include the Cleveland Park Library and the renovation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
• West End Library Opens in D.C. [Architect Magazine]
• New West End Library on track to open next week [Current Newspapers]
• Look Inside DC’s Stunning New West End Library [Washingtonian]
• West End’s new library will open December 9 [Curbed DC]