Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper today joined Ward 8 community members to take another step forward for library improvement in the District as they broke ground on the new Washington Highlands Neighborhood Library at 115 Atlantic St., SW.

"This is another step in bringing world-class amenities to all of the District's neighborhoods, said Mayor Fenty. "When the new library opens, residents will have more convenient access to some of the District's best community resources."

The new library will open in Summer 2011 and will include: space for 80,000 books, CDs, DVDs and other library materials; 32 public-access computers and free Wi-Fi Internet access; a large meeting room for up to 100 people and two conference rooms for up to 14 people.  Like all other library buildings under construction, a LEED Silver Certification is expected.

"This new library will feature both an inspiring design and critical city services," said Ginnie Cooper. "Youth looking for additional educational resources, adults applying for jobs online and community groups looking for meeting space will all have their needs met here."

The new library was designed by award-winning architecture team Adjaye & Associates and Weincek Associates.  Coakley & Williams, Inc will partner with Blue Skye Development, LLC to build the new Washington Highlands Neighborhood under the Library's Mentor-Protege program.  Developed with the DC Department of Local Small Business Development, the program partners small certified local businesses with larger businesses to create more opportunities for smaller firms to work on government contracts.  

During construction, library services will be provided at the interim library located at 4037 S Capitol St., SW.