Libraries

American Institute of Architects

The AIA maintains an extensive circulating library of books on architecture, design, and construction; non-members can purchase annual borrowing privileges.

College Park Community Library

This all-volunteer community library is located in the basement of the Church of the Nazarene, and opened in February 2012.  Hosts readings, films, community meetings.  Has internet access and over 9,000 books.

DC Public Libraries

With 26 locations, the DCPL has extensive collections, offers public programs, and maintains special collections in DC History, the History of Georgetown, and African American History.  Of special interest is the library’s online exhibit, “The Black Renaissance” and “DC By the Book,” an interactive map of literature set in the city.

Dumbarton Oaks

Dumbarton Oaks is a research institution associated with Harvard University.  They operate a museum of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art, maintain magnificent historic gardens, and run a research library.

Foundation Center

The Foundation Center runs a non-circulating library with information on foundations, corporate giving programs, and government grants in the US and abroad. Provides resources for non-profit organizations and for individuals seeking financial support. Offers classes in fundraising. DC is the location of one of their five sites across the US.

Historical Society of Washington

Carnegie LibraryThe Historical Society maintains the Kiplinger Library, a research collection of DC history.  They also host exhibitions and special events, publish the journal Washington History, and co-sponsor the annual DC Historical Studies Conference.

Library of Congress

LoC interior (roof)The LoC is an amazing resource. Information on the extensive collections (books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, prints, recordings, etc.), as well as the numerous public programs including readings and films and author talks. Special features of the site include “This Day in History”; web exhibits on such topics as Thomas Jefferson, Russia, and Bob Hope; the American Memory section with connections to original reference materials; a children’s section, “The Poet and the Poem” webcasts, the Archive of Recorded Poetry and “Poetry 180,” an initiative begun by former poet laureate Billy Collins to provide daily poems designed to be read by high school students. LoC Publications prints books, catalogues, and pamphlets about the library and its holdings.  Also of special interest is the National Book Festival, the Center for the Book, with affiliated centers across the nation, the US Copyright Office, and the Office of the US Poet Laureate.

National Archives

National ArchivesThe National Archives and Records Administration has collections of government records, including census and military records.  They maintain a museum, offer free geneology workshops, and host films and lectures.

Smithsonian Libraries

Arts&Industries rooflineThe Smithsonian Institution maintains 22 libraries to complement their museum collections, and offer a range of online exhibits.  Of special note are the Dibner Collection on science and technology, and the Cullman Collection on anthropology and the natural sciences.

Textile Museum

The Textile Museum at The George Washington University maintains the Arthur D. Jenkins Library of Textile Arts, with literature and visual resources.  While international in scope, the holdings emphasize the traditional cultures of the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

US Geological Survey

The USGS has the largest earth science library in the world, with collections in the areas of geology, hydrology, cartography, and biology, in four locations: Denver, Flagstaff, Menlo Park, CA, and Reston,VA.