The Library has many supports and services to help you get where you want to go. Check out the guides and important library information on how you can best use the library to accomplish your goals.
Find the Services You Need
Passport Acceptance Office
Renew your passport or apply for a new one at The Passport Acceptance Office at DC Public Library.
Library By Mail
Service to mail library material to those who cannot physically visit a DCPL location due to disability or illness.
Assistive Technology Support
A guide to assistive technology and equipment available throughout the DCPL system.
Public Art & Exhibits
The DC Public Library celebrates art and exhibits as a source of learning, discovery, growth, and connection. The Art and Exhibits Program at DC Public Library is a portal to the library’s resources and a laboratory for engagement with Washington, D.C.’s past, present and future.
Scans from The People's Archive
Learn how to order scans or copies from The People’s Archive collections. Please note some scans include fees.
Borrowing Materials
Find information on borrowing books, DVDs, eBooks and more, including checkout limits, renewal periods and placing holds.
GED Prep
The Adult Learning Department offers individualized GED and high school skills tutoring for adult learners, and the GED Ready Practice Test.
Adult Literacy
The Adult Learning Department offers book discussions and information about DC adult literacy programs through our directory.
Tutoring
The Adult Learning Department offers GED and CASAS tutoring in person for those needing preparation for these tests.
ESL Groups
The Adult Learning Department offers English Conversation Circles for those looking to improve their speaking and listening skills. This department also offers Citizenship Classes for those looking to pass the US Citizenship Exam.
DC Talking Book and Braille Program (NLS)
Part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS).
Books from Birth
All children who live in DC are eligible to receive a free book by mail each month from birth until age five to build their home libraries.
Tax Preparation
Get help preparing your income tax return through the library partnership with the AARP Foundation.
Peer Support Specialists
The Peer Outreach Program at DC Public Library supports library customers experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
Voter Registration
DC Public Library serves as a voter registration agency throughout the year as well as a voting center during elections.
Digital Preservation (Memory Lab)
A do-it-yourself (DIY) service at the Labs that provides you equipment to digitize home movies, scan photographs or slides and more! Step-by-step instructions are available letting you control the process of your personal archiving project from start to finish.
A brief equipment tutorial is required at the beginning of a user’s first session.
Beyond the Book
Beyond the Book engages developing readers ages 5 to 8 and their families in the joy of reading through quality literature, imaginative installations, and fun activities and events.
Public Computers & Printing
Information about using public access computers, printing, and scanning.
Interlibrary Loan
Interlibrary Loan is a way to request books, microfilm, articles and other material not owned by the DC Public Library. The service is available to DC Public Library customers with current library cards in good standing.
Coworking at DC Public Library
DC Public Library is your neighborhood coworking destination. From supporting your day-to-day work with flexible workspaces to growing your skillset to get that promotion to striking out on your own and starting your first business, the library has the spaces, services and resources for all the ways you work.
Citizenship Classes
Prepare for the United States Naturalization Exam with classes at DC Public Library
MLK Library Tours
Take a guided tour of the modernized Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in downtown D.C.
American Sign Language Classes and Services
Webpage breaking down the available classes and services for American Sign Language.
Maker Space and Machinery (Fabrication Lab)
The Fabrication Lab, or Fab Lab, a library maker space provides you with equipment, programs and tools to explore, learn and make. The Fabrication Lab connects you with other D.C. makers and helps you scale your creative and entrepreneurial projects.
Dance and Recording Studios (Studio Lab)
The Dance and Recording Studios, or Studio Lab, provides space to focus on exploring, learning and celebrating dance, music and sound production, photography and videography.
Devices for Residents
This device pilot program is part of the District’s Tech Together DC initiative and is funded through the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF).
Legal Support Services
In partnership with the Neighborhood Legal Services Program and Legal Counsel for the Elderly, DC Public Library is happy to provide legal assistance services.
Small Business Help
Receive a one-on-one business consultation at the library in partnership with the DC Department of Small and Local Business.
DC Jail Video Visitation
DC Public Library partners with D.C. Jail in their Video Visitation program.
Reasonable Accomodations
Request reasonable accommodations for DC Public Library events, programs, services, and Board of Trustees meetings.
Marianne’s by DC Central Kitchen
Located on the first floor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Public Library in downtown, DC, Marianne’s by DC Central Kitchen builds on the hugely successful DC Central Kitchen Cafe model.
Tool Library in the Labs
Have an upcoming DIY project? Discover what you can do with the brand new Tool Library DIY Space at the Labs at MLK Library! Save money and storage space and use the tools you need right here at the library. The Tool Library DIY space is available by reservation only - coming soon.
Goodmaps
Navigate the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library with Goodmaps. Goodmaps Explore is a free assistive app designed to help the visually impaired navigate indoor spaces independently.
Event Supplies Library
Are you planning an event? DC Public Library has partnered with the DC Office of Planning to bring you their Event Lending Library to the Labs at MLK Library.
Appointments at The People's Archive
Make an Appointment with The People's Archive to meet with staff and connect with their special collections.
