Perhaps a secret whispered among Georgetown residents? The Georgetown Library stands as a repository of knowledge and local history. It is a place where stories are kept safe.
Established in 1935, the Georgetown Library is more than just a building. It is a cornerstone of the community. The library’s story began long before its doors opened on R Street. In 1867, George Peabody donated funds to establish a library in Georgetown. His vision was to create a space for citizens to learn and grow.
The Peabody Library Association was formed. William Wilson Corcoran chaired the board. They invested Peabody’s donation wisely. In 1872, the Peabody Library opened in the Curtis School. It was located across from St. John’s Episcopal Church. The District of Columbia Public Schools provided a room free of charge.
As Georgetown grew, so did the need for a larger library. Local citizens sought to build a more spacious facility. In 1934, Congress allocated $150000 for a new branch of the D.C. Public Library. A site was chosen on Wisconsin Avenue and R Street. This location was once the Georgetown Reservoir. The hill became known as Book Hill.
Nathan C. Wyeth designed the Georgetown Library in the Colonial Revival style. The architecture blended seamlessly into the neighborhood. The library opened its doors in October 1935. It quickly became a beloved institution.
In 1976, the Georgetown Library was renovated. It was modernized to better serve the community. The library was designated a regional library in 1977. This meant longer hours and more services for patrons. The Peabody Library Association dissolved in 1979. Its holdings were donated to the D.C. Public Library. The condition was that they remain in the Georgetown branch.
The Georgetown Library maintains a Peabody Room. This special collection focuses on Georgetown’s history. It includes books, maps, photos, letters, and clippings. The Peabody Room is the only local history collection in any D.C. neighborhood library. Jerry McCoy currently runs the Peabody Room.
Tragedy struck in 2007. A fire severely damaged the Georgetown Library. Much of the building was affected. The roof collapsed. Some of the library’s holdings were irreparably damaged. This included items from the historic Peabody collection.
However, the community rallied to restore the Georgetown Library. Repairs and a major renovation were completed in 2010. The library was brought back to its former glory. The Peabody Room was moved to the third-floor attic.
Today, the Georgetown Library stands as a testament to the enduring power of community and the importance of preserving local history. Its doors are open to all. The Georgetown Library invites everyone to explore its collections.