Envision a space where community thrives. The Tenley-Friendship Branch Library is such a place. This library stands as a beacon of knowledge and community in the Tenleytown neighborhood.
The Tenley-Friendship Library’s story began long before its current award-winning building. A public library branch first opened in the area in 1926. It occupied a single room in the Janney School. By October 1927 the library found a new home. It moved into a rehabilitated police department building at 4539 Wisconsin Ave NW. For 32 years, the Tenley Library served the community from this reused space. The library even had caretakers. David Carroll and his wife lived in an apartment above the library for nearly 20 years.
In 1955, the Board of Education allocated a portion of the Janney School grounds for a new library. Construction however didn’t commence until July 1959. There was a heated debate over the location. Some residents wanted the space reserved for recreational facilities. The city insisted on the central location near public transportation. Architect Clark T. Harmon designed the new library. It opened in 1960.
The current Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library opened in January 2011. The Freelon Group designed it to look like an open book. It features a vegetative green roof and other sustainable design elements. The Washington Post even called it one of the best things for D.C. in decades. However, the library experienced some problems with a leaky roof for years.
The Tenley-Friendship Library offers many resources. These include computers, study rooms and WiFi. It also provides audio loops and CCTV magnifiers. Large print keyboards and Pocketalkers enhance accessibility. The library even has a mail-in ballot drop box.
The Friends of the Tenley-Friendship Library support the library. They were the first Friends group in the D.C. Public Library system, established in 1972. Originally, they advocated for the continuation of the second-floor children’s room. Today they host author talks and raise funds through donations and book sales.
The Tenley-Friendship Branch Library stands as a testament to community. It embodies a commitment to knowledge and sustainability. From its humble beginnings in a schoolroom to its modern green design, the library has adapted to meet the needs of Tenleytown. So next time you’re seeking knowledge or community, remember the Tenley-Friendship Library. It’s more than just a building. It’s a vital part of the neighborhood.