Takoma Park Neighborhood Library
🏢 DC Public Library · Washington, District of Columbia
Takoma Park Neighborhood Library
Built with a $40,000 Andrew Carnegie gift and opened in 1911, the Takoma Park Neighborhood Library holds the distinction of being Washington's first neighborhood branch library. One of four Carnegie-funded libraries still serving DC residents, it sits within the Takoma Park National Register Historic District and received an extensive interior makeover in 2009. The branch today serves one of the city's most diverse communities, with particular strength in Spanish-language services.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–8pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–8pm |
| Thursday | 12pm–8pm |
| Friday | 10am–6pm |
| Saturday | 10am–6pm |
| Sunday | 1pm–5pm |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 416 Cedar Street NW, Washington, DC 20012
Phone: (202) 576-7252
Website: dclibrary.org
Plus Code: 87C4XXFH+QW (Washington, DC)
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📖 About Takoma Park Neighborhood Library
The Takoma Park Neighborhood Library opened in 1911, funded by a $40,000 gift from steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie — making it the first neighborhood branch library in Washington, DC's history. Before the current building opened, the community was served by the Takoma Club and Library, a small lending library that had operated since May 1, 1900. The Carnegie-funded building is one of four such structures still serving DC residents and is listed within the Takoma Park National Register Historic District, designated in 1983. In 2009 the library underwent an extensive interior renovation to modernize its spaces while respecting the historic exterior. The branch today serves a deeply diverse neighborhood that includes many Spanish speakers, reflecting the cultural richness of far-northwest DC's Ward 4. An accessible entrance is located on 5th Street NW. The library sits about a mile from the Maryland city of Takoma Park — distinct from the DC neighborhood of the same name.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Washington DC's first neighborhood branch library — opened 1911, built with a $40,000 Andrew Carnegie gift
- One of only four Carnegie-funded library buildings still serving DC residents
- Listed within the Takoma Park National Register Historic District (designated 1983)
- Extensive 2009 interior renovation modernized the space while preserving the historic Carnegie exterior
- Serves one of DC's most linguistically diverse communities; strong Spanish-language collection and services
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
DC Public Library cardholders have access to a robust digital collection — stream, borrow, and research from anywhere:
📚 Services
- Public computers, Wi-Fi, printing, and copying
- Assistive technology support and DC Talking Book & Braille Program (NLS)
- Books from Birth for newborns and young children
- Beyond the Book program
- Voter registration assistance
- Meeting and study rooms
- Accessible entrance on 5th Street NW
- Interlibrary loan through DC Public Library system
🎸 Programs
- Baby Lap Time for pre-walking infants
- Inklings New Fantasy Book Club
- Children's storytimes and youth programming
- Teen programs and homework help
- Community events and adult programs
📍 Nearby DC Public Libraries
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Washington · Browse all District of Columbia libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Takoma Park Neighborhood Library historically significant?
The Takoma Park Neighborhood Library is Washington DC's first neighborhood branch library, opened in 1911 with a $40,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie. It is one of only four Carnegie-funded library buildings still serving DC residents today, and the building sits within the Takoma Park National Register Historic District (designated 1983).
What is the connection between the DC library and the city of Takoma Park, Maryland?
The library serves the Takoma neighborhood in Ward 4 of Washington DC — a distinct community from the neighboring city of Takoma Park, Maryland, located about a mile away across the DC-Maryland border. The two share a name and historical roots, but the DC library is a branch of the DC Public Library system, not the Maryland city's library.
Is there an accessible entrance at the Takoma Park Neighborhood Library?
Yes. The accessible entrance to the Takoma Park Neighborhood Library is located on 5th Street NW, rather than on Cedar Street where the main facade faces. Patrons who need step-free access should use the 5th Street entrance.
What are the Takoma Park Neighborhood Library's hours and is it open on Sundays?
The library is open Monday through Wednesday 9 am–8 pm, Thursday 12 pm–8 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am–6 pm, and Sunday 1 pm–5 pm. The Sunday afternoon hours make it one of the few neighborhood branches open all seven days of the week.
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