(Washington, DC) – Mayor Muriel Bowser is set to celebrate the grand reopening of the historic Southeast Library on Thursday, September 10 at 11 a.m. This event marks the completion of a $41 million modernization project that preserves the library’s historic character while significantly enhancing its facilities. Originally opened in 1922, the Southeast Library is the second-oldest neighborhood library in Washington, DC, and one of only four Carnegie libraries built in the city during the early twentieth century.
The extensive renovations have doubled the library’s size through a major underground expansion, which now includes dedicated spaces for children and teens, a new central skylight, public study and meeting rooms, as well as updated technology infrastructure. This initiative aligns with the Bowser Administration’s commitment to investing in neighborhood libraries throughout the District; since 2015, all 26 DC Public Libraries have received funding for renovations, modernizations, or expansions.
The reopening ceremony will feature notable attendees, including Councilmember Charles Allen of Ward 6 and Councilmember Matthew Frumin of Ward 3, alongside Richard Reyes-Gavilan, Executive Director of the DC Public Library, and Shanel Anthony, Chair of the DC Public Library Board of Trustees. The event will take place at the Southeast Library located at 648 South Carolina Avenue SE, with the closest Metro station being Eastern Market and the nearest Bikeshare station at Pennsylvania Avenue & 8th Street SE.
Members of the press who wish to attend the event are encouraged to RSVP via email. For those unable to attend in person, the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment will provide a live feed of the event, accessible through various platforms including the mayor’s official website, Channel 16 (DCN), and her social media channels.
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