Northeast Neighborhood Library

This library was my salvation during my early school
years. I spent so many hours that I was given special
access to the adult services while still in elementary
school. I left the neighborhood for college and Florida.
I feel sad for not being able to share with the family.

I was thrilled to see the $10M modernization which was
long overdue. Moreover, it was thoughtfully done to
retain many of the original 1932 characteristics. The
new staircase with glass views opens the other spaces.
The meeting and study rooms with front porch area
expands functionality.

Lack of parking and nearby food options continue.
Jacob's Coffee House is one block away at
401 8th St.,NE but closes at 3 pm.

This library has good and bad qualities. It has many good qualities, including convenience (for me), excellent hours (pre-Covid; hoping they eventually go back to these hours). The city did a stellar renovation about 7 years ago to this 1932 building, including a very cute courtyard with benches, tables, and chairs. Immaculate bathrooms, meeting rooms, and study cubicles.

They have a very good mystery section actually in the library, and if you can't find a book that you want, you can request it. As another Yelper noted, it's likely that the book you want is at another library--this is a very small branch. So use the online request form. Also, they don't do interlibrary loan or regional loans, just inter-DC library loans.

But, unless it's a hot new book, they'll have your request on the shelf (DIY) in a few days. Generous borrowing policy, except for e-books, and their e-system is excellent. And there are even more good qualities; the physical library is just about perfect, and will be improved when they return to the "new books" section.

Now, the bad: the staff, every single one of them that I've dealt with since I moved back to the neighborhood in 2011. Holy moly, that's nearly 11 years ago! Staff ranges from sullen, to cranky, to rude. Now, most public library workers are idiosyncratic people, so their faux pas may be genetic, and it's definitely not personal. But I've never seen/had a staffer crack a smile or a "hello." Never mind a "how are you?" This is *not* a busy library. It has a handful of homeless people who hang out there, but seems relatively safe. So, I have no idea why the clerks/librarians/support service staff is so unpleasant. If I could go elsewhere, I would.

The Northeast Neighborhood Library is a large public library near Stanton Park on Capitol Hill. It's three floors tall with private study rooms, meeting rooms, computer stations, and many books and magazines. A few things to note:

1) Outside space: There's a small green area in the front with benches to enjoy a book when the weather is nice.

2) Kid's area: The top floor houses a large kids selection with a dedicated play area with toys. They also host events like LEGO day!

3) Lobby: They often have small exhibits teaching people about D.C. history.

Great library in NE. And super convenient for me at least - a short 15 min walk.

I recommend using the online system to make holds as it's a small library and does not carry a ton of books. They have an easy self-serve checkout and the books on hold are easy to find.

The librarians are nice and helpful, should you need assistance.

With the temporary closure of SE's library, I was forced to explore a bit more of DC's library locations because I had way too many close to overdue hardbacks that needed returning.

This is now my favorite library in the District! Beautiful architecture, easy access drop-box, plenty of street parking, and plenty of space. Went to grand reopening of the NE library this past weekend, and got to see first hand the 4th oldest District city library with the interior completely remodeled. Fun fact: This was the first library in DC to be paid for completely with public funds.

Young adult and children's sections are upstairs (which keeps the parentless adults sane), while DVDs, holds, fiction and non-fiction are downstairs. Impressive DVD collection, and I love that they have private study rooms on reservation, and plenty of community computers. Since it's further from a metro, it feels much more local than MLK or SE library, and has plenty of space to spread out.

Today was my first time going to this library. I came for baby lap time. The baby enjoyed it so much the staff were helpful and very friendly. I enjoyed meeting the other families and interacting with the other children. Will be back for more events.

I had to attend a Spelman alumnae meeting here, and it was fairly easy to find a parking space across the street from the library. It was nicely renovated, and easy to navigate once inside. I was pleasantly surprised to see the vast amount of meeting space and study spaces. The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because with street parking, you have to leave within 2 hours or move your car!

More recently renovated library ~ I love the dark wood furniture. It's a fairly small neighborhood library.

There is limited study space here. The main fiction room has a few large desks, but it seems to also be pretty filled when I visit (weekends/weekday evenings). There are also many free computers there, and it can get kind of stuffy because there is a number of people who spend their entire day surfing the web and the computers are very close to each other.

There are ~4 private study rooms you can reserve, but they have been filled when I was there. The kids and teen zone are on the second floor. There is limited seating at the teen zone, and two tables. But usually teenagers are there surfing the web/talking to friends.

It's a good library to get your books and leave. Not the best place to study. Not enough space/comfortable seating area. Unfortunately, the library doesn't get much natural light through its large windows either.

My favorite public library in the DMV is still the Rockville Library--airy, spacious, ample seats/tables/great natural light. Wish more libraries were designed like that.

I really love this place. Two separate areas for kids so it actually stays quiet AND I saw a librarian there actually kick out loud, obnoxious, rude pre-teens the other day. It was awesome.

Everyone is really friendly and helpful and there is a beautiful outdoor seating area/garden. It has several computers, although I've never used them or the wireless so I can't comment on the quality. It's in a good area but it does attract some homeless types outside. They usually sing to me so I assume that means they are nice. Always nice to me at least!

This place is a gem. You can have free wi-fi (or use any of the branch's dozen computers) and check the daily newspapers, read current magazines, check out books, DVDs, CDs, or children's books.
The children's area, which is on the second floor, is a great resource for tips on what kinds of books are good for kids. In addition, the children's room runs regular programs featuring arts and crafts or readings or puppets or singing.
Finally, if you visit the library you can also browse used books sold very inexpensively by the Friends of the Northeast Library, a non-profit that works with the library to make the place better.
Those books are for sale near the checkout desk and their are larger sales every 3 or 4 months. Visit or call the library for details.