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 The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is excited to host a conversation with trailblazing and award-winning leaders in the performing arts, entertainment, and tech on Wednesday, May 24 at 6 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
Ballerina and New York Times best-selling author Misty Copeland, will be talking about her latest book The Wind at My Back with Melonie D. Parker, Chief Diversity Officer at Google and Phylicia Rashad, renowned actress and Dean of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University. This conversation will explore the importance of mentorship as you build your career no matter what field you choose, as well as what it means to use your experiences and platform to bring about change for future generations.
DC’s favorite teen art contest is right around the corner! Know Your Power, presented in partnership with Pepco, is a teen civic engagement art contest that aims to empower young people to become active members of their communities by using their creative voices to speak truth to power and raise awareness of the important issues facing us today. The contest invites teenagers to submit an original artwork - in the mediums of writing, film & photography, illustration, and music - between May 22 and August 15 for a chance to win fabulous prizes and have their work showcased on the library website.
In addition to the art contest, teens are invited to join DC Public Library for the Know Your Power Summit on June 3 at 2 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. The summit will feature guest speakers illustrator Tracie Ching and author Jason Reynolds. In the spirit of the Know Your Power arts contest, teens will discuss how creativity can be used to bring social change and create original works of art and music in workshops hosted by Words, Beats, and Life and DCPL's Teen Council. By participating, teens can unleash their creativity, voice their opinions, and become agents of change in their communities and beyond.
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The DC Public library’s Capital Bicycle Club photography collection on DigDC is an incredible archive that celebrates the rich history of cycling in the nation’s capital. Comprised of photographs dating from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, this collection captures the joy and excitement of biking in a bygone era. From scenic rides through Rock Creek Park to group rides with friends and family, the Capital Bicycle Club collection provides a fascinating glimpse into a time when cycling was rising in popularity. The initial goal of the Club was to affect public perception of the bicycle by working with local officials on safety measures. As part of Club rules, members were instructed to use bells during the day and lamps at night to avoid collisions with pedestrians. Such measures secured local rights for Club members, and wheelmen in general, while influencing new municipal bicycle policies across the United States.
As we celebrate National Bike Month, this collection serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of biking and the important role it has played in shaping our communities and culture. Check out the full collection on DigDC!
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Join us at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library as we celebrate Black Pride from May 26 - May 29! With author talks and a community vogue competition, the week's events showcase and honor the contributions of Black LGBTQIA+ individuals here in D.C. and beyond. All ages and backgrounds are invited to come together and celebrate diversity and inclusivity in our city. Join us for:
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Author Talk: Celeb Stylist Ty Hunter "Makeover From Within" |Tuesday, May 23, 7 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Founder of Swerv Magazine Jamil Fletcher will be chatting with stylist Ty Hunter about his book Makeover from Within: Lessons in Hardship, Acceptance, and Self-Discovery. Ty will discuss his career journey working with stars like Beyonce and Bill Porter and answer a series of questions from the audience.
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Black History Illustrated, A Native Son Conversation | Thursday, May 26, 6:30 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
The DC Public Library is excited to bring Native Son, a community created to inspire and empower Black gay and queer men, to Washington, D.C. Founder and Multimedia maverick Emil Wilbekin will sit down with the NAACP award-winning artist George MacCalmanfor a 45-minute conversation about his debut title Illustrated Black History: Honoring the Iconic and Unseen.
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And the Category Is.... An afternoon with Ricky Tucker | Saturday, May 27, 1 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Join the Library and Loyalty Bookstores for an afternoon of rich conversation with Ricky Tucker, author of And the Category Is... Joined by the House of Garcon's Michael Roberson and Reginald Douglass of Mosaic Theater, Ricky will discuss his love letter to New York's ballroom community and its abundant legacy and influence in popular culture. Following the event, head up to Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library for And the Category Is... Community Vogue Showcase & Competition at the Mt. Pleasant Library feat. Ricky Tucker.
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Looking for more DC Black Pride events happening around the city? Check out the DC Black Pride 2023 website for more!
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Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library Closed on May 20
The Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library will be closed on Saturday, May 20 for the installation of concrete benches outside of the location. That day we invite you to visit the closest library locations, the Takoma Park Library and the Woodridge Library.
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This Week At the Library
See what programs are coming up this week in person and online at the Library!
Ward 1 | Mt. Pleasant Library
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Youth Poet Laureate Tour | Tuesday, May 16, 5 p.m.
Teens are invited to hear spoken word poetry performed by Youth Poet Laureates and participate in a poetry writing workshop.
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Ward 2 | West End Library
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Old & New American Songs | Thursday, May 18, 6:30 p.m.
In partnership with AMERICAN PURPOSE, join the library for a salon-style moderated discussion on how music provides a perspective on fusion, inclusion, and social progress in America.
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Ward 3 | Tenley-Friendship Library
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Books From Birth Graduation Celebration | Saturday, May 20, 12 p.m.
Congratulations on completing the Books from Birth program! Join us for a special celebration of this major accomplishment.
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Ward 4 | Petworth Library
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The Washington Ballet Dance for All | Friday, May 19, 4 p.m.
Learn from The Washington Ballet what it’s like to train as a dancer! Meet a professional dancer in costume, observe a movement demo, participate in a lesson and discover classical ballet!
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Ward 5 | Woodridge Library
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AAPI Heritage Month Scavenger Hunt | Friday, May 19, 3:45 p.m.
Go on a scavenger hunt at the library! Prizes available for those who participate.
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Ward 6 | Southeast Library
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BookTok Book Club | Thursday, May 18, 7 p.m.
Read and discuss books popular on TikTok! This month’s read is Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid.
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Ward 7 | Capitol View Library
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Jazzy Colors | Wednesday, May 17, 12:30 p.m.
If you are an adult looking for a relaxing, fresh, and new activity that will relieve stress from your busy life, come listen to the Sounds of Smooth Jazz while coloring!
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Ward 8 | Bellevue/William O. Lockridge Library
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Family Storytime | Monday, May 22, 10:30 a.m.
Hear stories and sing songs! For ages birth to 5 with caregivers.
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Central Library | Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
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Medi-Tech Tuesdays | Tuesday, May 16, 5:30 p.m.
Presented by College Bound, This program exposes students to different career options by allowing them to interact with a variety of speakers in the STEM fields.
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Find all upcoming programs in your library or online on our calendar!
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 The DC Public Library Foundation is partnering with the Institute for Racial Equity in Literacy (IREL) for another beautiful summer of powerful learning for educators from across the country at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
Co-directors Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul and Tricia Ebarvia are excited to bring educators together around the shared promise of a just and equitable literacy education for all kids. This summer, IREL is offering two *new* 3-day sessions designed for today's teachers and with today's challenges in mind.
- Session 1 | Reading Toward Freedom (K-12) - July 16-18
- Session 2 | Writing Toward Freedom (3-12) - July 20-22
The professional development sessions are open to all PK-12 literacy educators, administrators, librarians/media specialists, coaches, and consultants.
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 Trans Pride Washington, DC is back May 20! Following in the footsteps of trailblazers like SaVanna Wanzer, founder of Trans Pride in DC, Trans Pride Washington, D.C. is excited to bring you trans-centered programming where trans folx lead the way! The full day of conference activities will take place on Saturday, May 20 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, DC. Activities include:
- Workshops
- Panel discussions
- Keynote address
- Resource and exhibitor fair
- Networking
- and much more!
Stay tuned for a full agenda and learn more through the link below:
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