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On Thursday, April 13, the Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs held their final budget oversight hearing, this time for DC Public Library.
Most of the hearing was centered around three issues: the renovation of Southeast Library and its closing for two years without a temporary replacement, the renovation/potential reconstruction and moving of Shepherd Park Library and the need for a library on Kennedy Street in Northwest.
Residents were upset that Southeast Library will not have a replacement while it is closed for renovations and do not like the thought of having to go to Northeast Library as a potential replacement. They want something in the neighborhood.
Shepherd Park Library needs to be renovated, but DCPL has mentioned building a whole new library on Walter Reed's new project. Shepherd Park residents are unhappy for several reasons, especially since the new library is expected to be 5,000 square feet smaller and that Walter Reed will be private property.
Ward 4 residents have spoken out that they wanted to renovate Shepherd Park Library AND build a library to serve Brightwood Park/Manor Park. However, DCPL stated that they wanted to build ONE library and it is to replace Shepherd Park Library on Walter Reed's campus. Brightwood Park and Manor Park residents support a renovation of Shepherd Park, primarily where it currently sits, but want a library in their own neighborhood, specifically on 5th and Kennedy Streets, NW.
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