Woodridge Neighborhood Library
🏢 DC Public Library · Washington, District of Columbia
Woodridge Neighborhood Library
Woodridge Neighborhood Library has been a Ward 5 anchor since January 16, 1958, when it first opened at its Hamlin Street NE location. The 2016 rebuild — 20,000 square feet designed by Wiencek & Associates and Bing Thom Architects — introduced the first rooftop terrace in the DC Public Library system, a two-terrace design that today hosts community events, concerts by the DC Punk Archive, and one of the city's most distinctive library environments.
🕑 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: 1801 Hamlin Street NE, Washington, DC 20018
Phone: (202) 541-6226
Website: dclibrary.org
Plus Code: 87C5W2GC+XG (Washington, DC)
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📖 About Woodridge Neighborhood Library
Woodridge Neighborhood Library traces its roots to 1929, when a small sub-branch opened at 2206 Rhode Island Avenue NE. The full branch relocated to 1801 Hamlin Street NE, where it opened on January 16, 1958. After closing for nearly three years for a comprehensive reconstruction, the library reopened on September 26, 2016, in a brand-new 20,000-square-foot facility designed by Wiencek & Associates and Bing Thom Architects at a cost of $16.5 million. The rebuilt Woodridge became the first DC Public Library branch to feature a rooftop terrace — in fact it has two — making it a distinctive gathering space in the Woodridge neighborhood of Ward 5. The terraces have hosted concerts, community events, and DC Punk Archive programming, underscoring the library's role as a cultural hub beyond traditional lending. Today the branch offers a parking lot, three meeting rooms, two study rooms, a full suite of assistive technology, and the complete DC Public Library digital collection.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Home to DC Public Library's first rooftop terrace — two outdoor terraces used for concerts, community events, and DC Punk Archive programming
- Rebuilt from the ground up in 2016: 20,000 sq ft, $16.5 million, designed by Wiencek & Associates and Bing Thom Architects
- Branch history dates to January 16, 1958, with a precursor sub-branch at Rhode Island Ave NE going back to 1929
- Three meeting rooms of varying sizes plus two study rooms — among the most meeting-room capacity of any DC neighborhood branch
- On-site parking lot, accessibility devices (Pocketalker, Ubiduo), and mail-in ballot drop box
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Woodridge cardholders can access the full DC Public Library digital collection for free:
📚 Services
- Public computers, printing & scanning, and free Wi-Fi
- Assistive technology: CCTV/magnifier, JAWS/ZoomText, large-print keyboards, Pocketalker, Ubiduo
- Three meeting rooms (various sizes) and two study rooms
- Two rooftop terraces for community events
- On-site parking lot
- Mail-in ballot drop box
- DC Talking Book and Braille Program (NLS)
- Books from Birth
- Tax preparation assistance
- Voter registration
- Digital Navigator one-on-one technology help
- Ello reading-support app access
- Interlibrary loan through DC Public Library system
🎸 Programs
- Anime Club for teens
- Art All Night community events
- DC Punk Archive concerts and events on the rooftop terraces
- Summer reading program for all ages
- Beyond the Book reading club
- Books from Birth early-literacy outreach
📍 Nearby Libraries in Northeast & Ward 5 Washington, DC
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Washington · Browse all District of Columbia libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Woodridge Library unique among DC Public Library branches?
Woodridge has the distinction of being the first DC Public Library branch with a rooftop terrace — the 2016 rebuilt facility actually features two terraces. They serve as community gathering spaces for concerts (including DC Punk Archive events), Art All Night programming, and general community use, making Woodridge one of the most distinctive library environments in the city.
When did Woodridge Library first open, and what is its history?
The branch traces its origins to 1929 with a small sub-branch at 2206 Rhode Island Avenue NE. The full neighborhood library opened at 1801 Hamlin Street NE on January 16, 1958. After closing for nearly three years of reconstruction, it reopened in its current 20,000-square-foot form on September 26, 2016 — an entirely new building designed by Wiencek & Associates and Bing Thom Architects at a cost of $16.5 million.
How many meeting rooms does Woodridge Library have?
Woodridge Library has three meeting rooms of varying sizes plus two study rooms, giving it among the highest meeting-space capacity of any DC neighborhood branch. The rooms are available for free reservation by DC library cardholders and can accommodate community groups, nonprofits, and study sessions.
Is there parking at Woodridge Library?
Yes, Woodridge Neighborhood Library has an on-site parking lot, which is relatively rare among urban DC Public Library branches. The branch is located at 1801 Hamlin Street NE in the Woodridge neighborhood of Ward 5.
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