Francis Gregory Library

A Progress Report to the Community

Summary of Community Comments
May 6, 2009

DC Public Library hosted a meeting for the Francis A. Gregory Library community
to view preliminary designs for the new library and to learn about the progress of
the project. Architect David Adjaye presented a slide show of the designs. After
the presentation, the group broke out into small groups for discussion and
feedback. Each group was asked to respond to three questions. At the end, each
group presented its comments. Following is a compilation of the comments.
Some of the questions include answers that are included in italics.

1. What do you think about the possible interim locations

outlined in the presentation? Are there other locations
you would recommend the Library look into? Is a
bookmobile a viable option?

Locations Considered for Interim Space:

3233 Pennsylvania Ave. S.E.
3859 Pennsylvania Ave. S.E. (Fairfax Village Shopping Center)
3600 Alabama Ave. S.E. (Anne Beers Elementary School)
NPS Land between Francis Gregory Library and Pennsylvania Avenue
3825 Alabama Ave. S.E.
3839 to 3861 Alabama Ave. S.E.
1650 30th Street, S.E. (Randall Highlands Elementary School)
3206 to 3244 Pennsylvania Ave. S.E. (Penn Branch Shopping Center)
Bookmobile in front of library

Proximity to the current library was the chief concern expressed by participants.
The location behind Anne Beers Elementary School was preferred by most.

Some felt the locations across Pennsylvania Avenue would be acceptable,

though there was concern about children crossing the busy street.

A number of people felt the interim must be on a bus route.

Availability of parking was cited as a high priority.

Several residents expressed a desire to have a separate meeting space for
community groups while the library is being rebuilt since the interim library will
not be large enough to accommodate meetings.

Virtually all participants agreed that a Bookmobile would not serve the
community’s needs.

Several participants thought the Randall Elementary School site would be an

option if the Anne Beers site does not work out.

2. What do you think of the preliminary interior and exterior

design of the library? Are there other things you would like to
see in the design?

Overall Impressions

• Like how the design brings the outside into the library.

• Like the windows on all four sides.

• Like overall design. It fits into the community well.

• Like openness of the overall design and flexibility of design

Interior

• Like wood on walls. It provides a warm, natural look.

• Like how the windows in the children’s area are at different levels so kids
can see out.

• Like having teens separate from younger kids.

• Like openness of the staircase.

• Should have a ramp to the upper level in case the elevator breaks down.

• Need security cameras.

The library will have security cameras in all public areas except the bathrooms.
These cameras will be monitored by branch staff as well as security at the
central library.

• Would like to see a vending area or coffee café.

The library will have a vending area. Patrons will be welcome to bring in covered,
non-alcoholic drinks.

• Would like the meeting room to have a stove or microwave to heat food.

• Are there windows in the meeting room?

There are windows and skylights in the meeting room.

• Can the skylight in the meeting room be darkened/covered?

The skylight in the meeting room has retractable shades to block out light.

• Be sure to include lots of electrical outlets.

There will be electrical outlets throughout the building, including at all reading
tables so that customers can use their laptop computers.

• Why is there only a partial basement? Can more meeting space be added
by making a complete basement?

Excavation is a costly part of the building process. While a partial basement

space is needed to meet the library building program requirements for staff
space, the library has determined that all public services and programs can be
achieved on the above grade floors. Creating public space below grade would
create additional strains on the staffing load and operation budget.

The design provides multiple meeting room spaces including a large meeting
room for 100 people, two conference rooms for 12-14 people, and four small
quiet study rooms for 1-2 people.

• Would like a meeting room to accommodate 300 people.

• Would like a third level to accommodate more meeting space.

• Will the windows open?

The windows will open.

• Be sure to provide sufficient funding for maintenance.

Computers
 • Need a space for young children near adult computers so parents can
work and keep an eye on their children.

• Have computers for group use in the children’s area.

• Have more computers in the children’s area. Eight is not enough.

• Have better parental controls on the computers.

• Have clear sight lines to all computer screens so librarians can monitor
what people are doing.

• Locate computers near windows.

• Where will computers be located? Be sure to allow for privacy.

Computers will be located throughout the library. In addition, laptops will be

available for use inside the library.

Exterior

• Loved the overall exterior design.

• Where is the parking? It is not shown on plans.

• A brick exterior might fit the community better.

• Like the porch/patio. It will get people outside.

• Be sure benches are comfortable for sitting but not for sleeping.

• Would like to see seating in front and in back of library.

• Would like to see attractive landscaping in front.

• Any chance of making use of the roof?

The plans do not allow public access to the roof.

• Would like to see a green roof.

• What is the exterior material?

The exterior is a combination of steel and glass.

• We need restrooms on the first floor.

There will be restrooms on the first floor.

• Will there be a computer lab?

Computers will be available throughout the library. The library will have a laptop
cart that can be moved anywhere in the building, including the large meeting
room for computer classes.

• How many kids can be accommodated in the program room?

The large meeting room is designed for 100 people.

3. What can the library do to get the word out to more

residents in the Francis Gregory community about the building
of their new library?

• Visit local civic associations (Ft. Davis, Hillcrest, Penn Branch, Randall
Highlands, Fort DuPont Park).

• Partner with the Department of Human Services to reach its clients.

• Reach out to ANCs (7B and 7E).

• Advertise in East of the River newspaper, City Paper, Afro-American, The

Washington Post.

• Post fliers at the recreation centers, schools and senior centers.

• Reach out to PTAs at neighborhood schools.

• Reach out to churches.

• Use online social networking sites, such as Facebook.

• Ask local businesses/markets to post fliers.

• Promote this project at other D.C. libraries.

• Promote the design on the library’s home page.

• Attend Police Service Area (PSA) meetings.

• Conduct surveys with school students.

• Conduct focus groups with young people to get buy-in on the interior
finishes.