This May, we’re thrilled to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month by honoring the vibrant history, creativity, and cultural contributions of Jewish communities across the United States. First observed in 2006, this month invites us to explore stories from across the diaspora—through great book recommendations from the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, rich oral histories, online resources, films, music, and more. It’s a wonderful time to deepen our understanding of Jewish life in Washington, D.C., and the many ways Jewish Americans have shaped our shared culture.

We also invite you to join us for a special celebration: Songs of Social Consciousness, on Sunday, May 17 at 1:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Together we’ll explore the powerful musical legacy of Jewish artists whose folk anthems and protest ballads fueled movements for civil rights, peace, and equality. The acclaimed klezmer band LOX & VODKA will bring these stories to life with their lively, participatory performance—complete with spirited rhythms, circle dances, and songs from around the world. Come ready to clap, sing, and celebrate the enduring power of music to spark change and bring communities together. 

DC Public Library is excited to announce Blue Sky Morning as the Spring 2026 Beyond the Book featured title. This gentle, beautifully illustrated picture book invites readers to slow down and savor the small wonders of everyday life. As young Eunny moves through her morning—pausing to notice pink petals, shifting autumn leaves, and the endless blue sky—children are encouraged to take their time, breathe deeply, and find joy in the world around them. With its mindful storytelling and rich, detailed artwork, Blue Sky Morning offers a soothing reminder of the beauty woven into even our busiest days. 

Join us on Thursday, May 14 at 6 p.m. at the Lamond‑Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library for an inspiring celebration of women in the arts. We’re thrilled to welcome renowned art historian and curator Dr. Adrienne L. Childs, whose acclaimed work illuminates Black representation, creativity, and identity across centuries of visual culture. With leadership roles at major institutions and her forthcoming book Ornamental Blackness (Yale University Press, 2025), Dr. Childs brings a powerful and engaging perspective on how art shapes our understanding of culture, beauty, and belonging.

During this special community gathering, Dr. Childs will share stories from her curatorial practice—including the exhibitions Riffs and Relations and Imagine: Celebrating Black Female Creativity—while highlighting the vital ways women and girls influence the arts. Whether you’re an artist, student, parent, or simply someone who loves visual storytelling, you’ll discover new pathways for creativity, mentorship, and empowerment. Come be part of an evening that honors women’s voices, celebrates Black artistic brilliance, and invites all ages to claim space in the world of art. 

DC Public Library is excited to welcome a playful new visitor to six locations across the District: Building Stories, a children’s exhibit featuring colorful kiosks illustrated by Washington, D.C.–based artist Trap Bob. Adapted from the National Building Museum’s acclaimed exhibition, these kiosks invite young readers and their families to explore how buildings, neighborhoods, and everyday spaces shape the stories we love. By highlighting the built environment as a character in children’s literature, Building Stories helps kids discover how the world around them influences their own imaginations—and how they can help build a future that’s more sustainable and equitable for all.

To celebrate the exhibit, libraries across the city will host special Building Stories–themed story times, where families can enjoy listening to a visiting National Building Museum educator read books featured in the exhibit, sing songs, and participate in a coloring craft and building activity afterwards. Families are invited to drop in, read together, and explore the kiosks at Bellevue/William O. Lockridge, Capitol View, Chevy Chase, Palisades, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, and Shepherd Park/Juanita E. Thornton. Come join the fun and see how stories—and the places we live—connect in inspiring new ways. 

DC Public Library is proud to spotlight our ongoing partnership with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) through a new exhibition of works from the CAH Art Bank Collection, now on view on the fourth floor of the MLK Library. This annual rotating display highlights the rich and varied creativity of artists from across the District and the region. Founded in 1986, the Art Bank Collection now includes more than 3,000 works—most of which are on view throughout DC government buildings—reflecting decades of local artistic production and the stories that shape our city.

This year’s selection features ten works by artists representing all eight wards, as well as Maryland and Virginia. From emerging voices to nationally recognized figures like Sam Gilliam and Alma Thomas, the Art Bank Collection continues to elevate a broad spectrum of creative talent. We invite the community to celebrate the installation at an opening reception on May 7 at 6 p.m. and experience firsthand the vibrancy and diversity of art rooted in our region.