Today, Mayor Adrian Fenty, joined by Councilmember Marion Barry, Councilmember Harry Thomas, Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper and members of the District of Columbia Board of Library Trustees celebrated the opening of the Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library with a ribbon-cutting. The new library, located in the Shops at Parkland at 1547 Alabama Ave., replaces the Parklands-Turner Kiosk.
“My administration is continually looking for opportunities to improve delivery of public services,” said Mayor Fenty. “We are pleased that Parklands-Turner residents now have more convenient access to some of the District’s best community resources.”
Construction of the new Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library began in late July 2009.
The 4900-square-foot facility includes 25,000 books, CDs, DVDs and other library materials; 20 public access computers; free Wi-Fi internet access; and space for adult, teen and children’s programs.
“The library’s circulation has been increasing by 80% city-wide and we expect this library’s location will help continue this growth,” said Ginnie Cooper. “The community already visits the Shops to eat, shop and bank. Once people see the books and DVDs that they can check out for free, the computers that offer high-speed internet connections and the spaces for programming, visiting this new library will become a larger part of this community’s routine. There are a lot of children in this community and I am looking forward to seeing them here for story times, homework help or just to hang out.”
The $878,000 facility is one of five libraries opening in fiscal year 2010. Libraries will also open in Northwest One, Benning, Anacostia, and Shaw.
