How do I get my PIN number?

To get a PIN number for the first time, you must visit any DC Public Library. If you have forgotten your PIN, you must also visit a library branch to change it. PIN numbers cannot be provided over the Internet or the phone. This security measure protects your account. Please bring a photo ID so we can verify your identity.

How do I change my PIN number?

You must know your current PIN number. Go to the library catalog. Log in to your account.

Click on Your Account and follow the instructions to change your PIN.

How do I reserve a meeting room?

You can call to reserve a room, or you can use our meeting room scheduling software to create, view, schedule or edit a reservation. You can find out the room capacity and see other information about the room you’d like to reserve. Visit the meeting rooms page for more information.

No Public Parking at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library

Why has public parking been eliminated?

Because of reductions in the FY2010 budget which began October 1st, the library eliminated public parking at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library.

Where can library users park?

There is metered parking on streets near the library, or library users can park in any nearby paid parking lot.  The closest lots to the library are 8th Street between G and H streets (PEPCO building), and H Street between 9th and 10th streets.  Users can also access the library via public transportation.  Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library is accessible via Metro green, red, blue, orange and yellow lines and several bus routes.

Where will library users who require handicapped accessible spaces park?

There are designated spaces in front of the library on G St.  Additionally, anyone with a valid handicapped sticker may park on the street for free in any legal space.

Who will be allowed to park in the garage?

The parking garage will become a staff only garage.  However, arrangements will be made for library volunteers to park in the garage.  Volunteers should contact libraryvolunteers@dc.gov for more information.  Additionally, special guests such as presenters, exhibitors or contractors will be allowed to park.

Library Hour Changes

Why did library hours change?

The change in hours is the result of a nearly 11 percent or $4.8 million budget reduction in the library's FY2010 budget. While the library is facing a tough budget year, we are committed to keeping the library open for as many hours as possible. Seventy percent of the library’s budget is spent on staff, and most staff serve the public directly. Reducing this cost means reducing the hours libraries can be open. Even with the reduction, library service is available to District residents seven days a week.

What are the new hours?

• All neighborhood libraries will be closed on Sundays.
• The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will be closed on Monday and Tuesday mornings, opening from noon – 9 p.m. on those days.
• The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will be open on Sundays all year long. Previously, MLKML was open on Sundays from 1– 5 p.m. between Labor Day and Memorial Day. MLKML is accessible by all Metro lines and several bus routes.

What can I do the help the library?

The library is always in need of support. We have a growing number of volunteers who do wonderful work, and we welcome more. We use volunteers to teach classes, conduct workshops, shelve books and much more. If you are interested in volunteering, please e-mail us or call 202-741-5803.

Will the hours be restored in the future?

At this time, we do not anticipate library hours being restored.

What will happen to programs or meetings?

We will continue to have programs and events. They will be scheduled during the hours that the library is open. You can continue to attend or book meetings at MLKML and neighborhood libraries during the hours the libraries are open. Additionally, we will continue to provide the books, technology and other library materials that people expect from their library.

Will hours be further reduced if there are more budget cuts?

We don’t know.  We are hopeful that library hours will not need to be reduced further.  If the library’s budget is further reduced, we will need to look at a range of reductions.