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.
![father and daughter smile while holding their passports](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/Passport%20Office.png?itok=5ITo76dX)
Library By Mail
Service to mail library material to those who cannot physically visit a DCPL location due to disability or illness.
![three blue express mail post office mail boxes on a sidewalk](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/Library%20Mail.png?itok=HYfucYl4)
Assistive Technology Support
A guide to assistive technology and equipment available throughout the DCPL system.
![Two women on a video call speaking America Sign Language](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/Assistive%20Technology.png?itok=ID_RM07i)
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.
![Large scale mobile of various round shapes and colors hanging from a purple ceiling](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/DCPL210505-4310.jpg?itok=GzsgIWtu)
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.
![person looks at a black and white photograph lying in a collections box on a table](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/DCPLF-6793.jpg?itok=0LSya_EC)
Borrowing Materials
Find information on borrowing books, DVDs, eBooks and more, including checkout limits, renewal periods and placing holds.
![A person returns a book into the slot of an outdoor book drop at a library](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-03/Library%20Stock%20Photos%20%2893%20of%2094%29.jpg?itok=vMyHoMA-)
![Older man sits at a computer with headphones in](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/Riggs-0712.jpg?itok=eZUJGbOd)
GED Prep
The Adult Learning Department offers individualized GED and high school skills tutoring for adult learners, and the GED Ready Practice Test.
![Classroom setting of adults, focused on a table with an older man and younger man sitting next to eachother](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/GED%20Prep.png?itok=J9HUB-f-)
Adult Literacy
The Adult Learning Department offers book discussions and information about DC adult literacy programs through our directory.
![Older woman stands among book shelves holding a book](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/Library%20Stock%20Photos%20%2837%20of%2094%29.jpg?itok=sQtwX2KP)
Tutoring
The Adult Learning Department offers GED and CASAS tutoring in person for those needing preparation for these tests.
![two women sitting at a desk with a binder](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/Tutoring.png?itok=HW-0nnNM)
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.
![four adults sit in a circle talking with one another](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/ESL%20Class%20%281%29.png?itok=_1nlLyvM)
![group of adults on computers facing a projector screen](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/Computer%20Class.png?itok=bxW3_1sj)
![two hands fill out a job application with a pen](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/Job%20Seeker.png?itok=8Sc4E-cH)
DC Talking Book and Braille Program (NLS)
Part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS).
![Female teacher helps a young student read a book in braille](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/Talking%20Book%20and%20Braille%20Program.png?itok=VTYEGkcF)
![Woman sits at a table viewing an old yearbook with other archival materials surrounding her](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/DCPLF-6814.jpg?itok=XPT0xlgf)
![Architectural rendering of the external facade of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/MLK%20Library%20Rendering.png?itok=QFyWopuY)
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.
![Star graphic with Books from Birth logo inside of it.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-03/DCPL%20-%20Books%20from%20Birth%20-%20Logos%20-%20STAR%20-%20GREEN.png?itok=oNdGEwgI)
Tax Preparation
Get help preparing your income tax return through the library partnership with the AARP Foundation.
![scattered tax forms, two yellow pencils and a calculator](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/Tax%20Prep.png?itok=GS8PmNfY)
Peer Support Specialists
The Peer Outreach Program at DC Public Library supports library customers experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
![Close up of two hands clasped in a handshake](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/Peer%20Navigator%20.png?itok=qvbKK8kQ)
Voter Registration
DC Public Library serves as a voter registration agency throughout the year as well as a voting center during elections.
![Man and woman stand next to each other at ballot boxes that say "vote" on the side](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/Voter%20Registration.png?itok=aW1_pt_Z)
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.
![The Labs space showing three long tables with stools and sewing machines](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-03/DCPL-5092-2.jpg?itok=kIuSLyft)
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.
![From WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS by Carole Lindstrom; illustrated by Michaela Goade. Text copyright © 2020 by Carole Lindstrom. Illustrations copyright © 2020 by Michaela Goade. Reprinted by permission of Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing Holdings Limited Partnership. All Rights Reserved.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-11/We%20Are%20The%20Water%20Protectors.png?itok=paIhj54g)
![four person meeting room with table and blue chairs](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/BLV-9782.jpg?itok=EmkfRYu0)
Public Computers & Printing
Information about using public access computers, printing, and scanning.
![person sits at computer with book stacks behind them](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/2021_DeanwoodLibrary-5498.jpg?itok=wWhQ1O5J)
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.
![two sets of hands exchange a pile of books](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-03/DCPL-1315.jpg?itok=yMEr00uE)
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.
![People using the public computers at the Shaw/Watha T. Daniel Library](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/Coworking.png?itok=e47hq_BH)
Citizenship Classes
Prepare for the United States Naturalization Exam with classes at DC Public Library
![application for naturalization sits on an American flag](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/Citizenship%20Classes.png?itok=MtGC4rlw)
MLK Library Tours
Take a guided tour of the modernized Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in downtown D.C.
![woman in red dress speaks to a group standing in front of her](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/DCPLF-6761.jpg?itok=dMV_1kYY)
American Sign Language Classes and Services
Webpage breaking down the available classes and services for American Sign Language.
![A teacher showing a classroom how to sign in American Sign Language.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/ASL%20Class.png?itok=ZOTi7rLd)
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.
![The Labs space showing three long tables with stools and sewing machines](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-03/DCPL-5092-2.jpg?itok=kIuSLyft)
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.
![music and podcast recording studio with a wall of windows](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-07/DCPL-5104.jpg?itok=7VZFsjwO)
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).
![person carrying a chromebook under their arm by their side](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/Devices%20for%20Residents.png?itok=5LyoDNIU)
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.
![a gavel rests on a couple law books](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/legal%20services.png?itok=ySwg1WRN)
Small Business Help
Receive a one-on-one business consultation at the library in partnership with the DC Department of Small and Local Business.
![two women smile at each other at a check-in table for an event](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/Small%20Business%20Help.png?itok=clluwsYI)
![Digital Navigators logo featuring an image of a cell phone with wifi, internet, and wayfinding icons.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2024-04/Digital%20Navigators%20Logo%20Full%20Color.png?itok=u4UHp1T_)
DC Jail Video Visitation
DC Public Library partners with D.C. Jail in their Video Visitation program.
![a mother and baby facetime on a computer with another person](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/video%20visitation.png?itok=hrScO6N5)
Reasonable Accomodations
Request reasonable accommodations for DC Public Library events, programs, services, and Board of Trustees meetings.
![closeup of three computer keys displaying accessibility icons](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-04/reasonable%20accommodations.png?itok=UeY7CoEZ)
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.
![woman hands another woman a coffee over a cash register](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-08/PPE_5213.jpg?itok=rmMyJriU)
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.
![Image of assorted tools, including hammers, wrenches and screwdrivers](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2023-12/Tool%20Library.png?itok=mauJnZpK)
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.
![Goodmaps](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2024-01/Goodmaps.jpeg?itok=YSlV4qQh)
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.
![Lending Library by OP & DCPL: Tables, Lights, Generator, Tents, Chairs and Easels. Reserve with your library card today.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2024-03/Lending%20Library%20%281%29.png?itok=7BXmx3GF)