“Shh” whispers the Dahlgren Memorial Library. Its walls hold secrets. It’s not just a building. It’s a repository of knowledge. A place where medical history unfolds.
The Dahlgren Memorial Library began as a small collection in 1912. Dean George M Kober of Georgetown University’s School of Medicine founded it. His personal books formed its core. So did those of Surgeon General John B Hamilton. Faculty donations swelled the collection. It resided in the medical school building on H Street NW.
The library wasn’t always grand. It expanded steadily. It served Georgetown University Hospital and the School of Medicine. A Carnegie Foundation grant in 1931 brought the dental school’s collection into its fold. In 1956 the nursing school’s materials were added. The library became the “Georgetown University Medical Center” Library. It was then called McNally Memorial Library.
In 1930 it moved to a new building. The Medical Dental Building built in 1928 was its new home. Both the collections and the student body grew. Medicine nursing and dentistry thrived. So did Georgetown University Hospital. A new building was needed. In January 1971 they dedicated the John Vinton Dahlgren Memorial Library. It is better known as DML.
Many librarians shaped its destiny. P A Corrigan served from 1921 to 1926. Allen R Crutchley followed from 1927 to 1930. John P Cooney worked from 1930 to 1937. Margaret C O’Byrne had a long tenure from 1937 to 1972. Bobby R Carter served from 1973 to 1978. Naomi C Broering served from 1978 to 1996. Jane L Blumenthal directed it from 1996 to 2005. The current director is Jett McCann. He was appointed in 2007.
The Dahlgren Memorial Library stands tall. It’s more than bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to medical progress. It reflects the dedication of countless individuals. It silently preserves the stories of healing and discovery. It continues to serve Georgetown University Medical Center. It supports faculty staff and students. Step inside and experience its quiet power.