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Temporary shipping container-turned-library to open in NoMa

Expect fabrication lab courses and work space, a tool library, and more

By Michelle Goldchain
Rendering via D.C. Public Library

NoMa is going to get a brand new, temporary library in the form of a shipping container. As first reported by Washington Business Journal, the D.C. Public Library (DCPL) plans on creating a “Container Lab” in one 40-foot and one 20-foot shipping container on a vacant lot at 1150 First Street NE.

Rather than be used for storage, the shipping container will house educational programming for fabrication lab courses and work space, a tool library, and bike repair tools and classes.

Another temporary “Fabrication Lab” will also be constructed at the Reeves Center at 2000 14th Street NW. The 1,900-square-foot temporary facility will offer equipment like a laser cutter, 3-D printers, soldering tools, CNC machines, and 3-D scanners. The lab will also house the DCPL’s passport office, according to the Washington Business Journal.

The opening date for the Container Lab and Fabrication Lab has not yet been revealed.

• Here’s a new use for a shipping container: a D.C. library [Washington Business Journal]