Washington DC Public Libraries

Libraries are great places for preschoolers, and great resources for parents and caregivers, too! No matter where in Washington, DC you are, you’re bound to be right around the corner from a public library. Not only are there endless books and media to check out, there are also fun activities for your preschooler. Read on to learn more about the central branch, then check back often as we feature other locations!

The central library of the DC Public Library system is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library. It’s located at the corner of 9^th and G Streets, NW. There are 27 community, neighborhood, and kiosk libraries throughout the district.

The central branch of the library is easily accessible by all lines of the Metro. The web page for each branch gives directions, as well as bus routes and stops, parking information, and the nearest Metro stop. These directions are thorough, and will even tell you which exit to take out of the Metro station.

 

However, be aware that if you are using the elevator for a stroller or to save your preschooler from navigating the escalators, there’s usually only one exit out of the station you can take, so you may get turned around a bit. For example, for the central branch, the web site suggests exiting Metro Center at the 11^th St exit, but the only elevator is at 12^th St. It’s still a short walk, and there are maps outside each exit of the surrounding area.

 

At the central branch, there is a garage under the library. There was not too much traffic in the block around the library itself, but the rest of the area is fairly busy.

 

You will have to through a metal detector and put your bags through an x-ray machine, so traveling light is helpful. You can use strollers in the building and it’s quite large, so younger preschoolers may want to ride.

The children’s area at the central branch is on the second floor, and like other collections of the library, is a separate room with doors that can be shut to the rest of the library. It’s still pretty quiet, but you won’t have to worry about your preschooler’s voice disturbing other library patrons.

 

The collection is huge, and you’ll find books in many different languages. There are kid sized tables and chairs, and a few puzzles if your preschooler wants a break from the books.

 

Take advantage of the separate restrooms for children in the children’s area. Adults are allowed to accompany small children. General restrooms are on the 3^rd floor and are not kept up as well.

At the central branch, Preschool Story Time is Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 for ages 3-5. Story Time is held in a room off the main children’s area. This room is also big, so it can accommodate lots of kids. This room also stores a lot of books and other media, and may distract wandering preschoolers, especially if they aren’t close to the reader. Story Times generally have a theme and an activity to go along with the stories. Periodically, the library will hold special events as well.

 

The neighborhood is safe during the day, but it is best to leave before dark. As in other parts of the city, you may see homeless people sleeping in alleys or be approached by panhandlers.

901 G St NW

Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 727-1248 (Children’s Division direct line)

 

M-Th: 9:30AM to 9PM

F-Sa: 9:30AM to 5:30PM

Su: 1PM to 5PM