Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library
🏢 DC Public Library · Washington, District of Columbia
Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library
The Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library at 1547 Alabama Avenue SE serves the Congress Heights community of Ward 8, steps from the Congress Heights Metro station on the Green Line. Currently a compact storefront branch in the Shops at Parkland strip mall, it hosts spirited Chess For All Ages and Anime Manga Club programs — and is set to expand dramatically into a fully funded 20,000-square-foot standalone building at 1290 Alabama Avenue SE, designed by Perkins + Will and built by Turner Construction, with a 2027 opening.
🕑 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: 1547 Alabama Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20032
Phone: (202) 645-4532
Website: dclibrary.org
Plus Code: 87C5R2W9+FG (Washington, DC)
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📖 About Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library
The Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library is DC Public Library's current storefront branch at 1547 Alabama Avenue SE, tucked inside the Shops at Parkland strip mall in Southeast Washington's Congress Heights neighborhood. Congress Heights was founded in 1890 by Colonel Arthur Randle, who connected the bluffs east of the Anacostia River to the rest of DC by streetcar, and the area takes its name from the line of bluffs that ran through it. The neighborhood is served by the Congress Heights Metro station (Green Line) directly across the street, making the library easily reachable from across the city. Despite its modest storefront footprint, the branch runs an active programming slate — most notably Chess For All Ages, which welcomes players from children through seniors, and an Anime Manga Club that draws children and teens. A transformative change is coming: DC Public Library has a fully funded plan for a brand-new 20,000-square-foot Parklands-Turner Library at 1290 Alabama Avenue SE, adjacent to the Congress Heights Metro, designed by Perkins + Will Architects and built by Turner Construction, scheduled to open in 2027.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Current storefront branch at 1547 Alabama Ave SE in the Shops at Parkland, steps from Congress Heights Metro (Green Line)
- Chess For All Ages program serving children, teens, adults and seniors in a community known for strong chess culture
- Anime Manga Club for children and teens — one of Ward 8's few dedicated youth pop-culture programs
- Full assistive technology suite: JAWS, ZoomText, large-print keyboards, Pocketalker and Ubiduo
- Fully funded new 20,000+ sq ft library at 1290 Alabama Ave SE, designed by Perkins + Will, opening 2027
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Parklands-Turner cardholders can access a full suite of free digital resources through DC Public Library:
📚 Services
- Public computers and printing & scanning
- Assistive technology: JAWS, ZoomText, large-print keyboards, Pocketalker, Ubiduo
- DC Talking Book & Braille Program (NLS)
- Books from Birth early-literacy program
- Voter registration
- Beyond the Book extended learning program
- Ello AI literacy coaching service
🎸 Programs
- Chess For All Ages — multiple skill levels from children to seniors
- Anime Manga Club for children and teens
- Books from Birth family literacy sessions
- Beyond the Book enrichment programs
📍 Nearby Libraries in Southeast Washington
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Washington · Browse all District of Columbia libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Parklands-Turner Library and how do I get there by Metro?
The library is currently at 1547 Alabama Avenue SE in the Shops at Parkland strip mall in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Southeast Washington. The Congress Heights Metro station (Green Line) is within walking distance, making it easy to reach from downtown and other parts of the city. Street parking is available in the surrounding shopping center.
What is the Chess For All Ages program at Parklands-Turner?
Chess For All Ages is one of the branch's signature programs, bringing together players of all skill levels — children, teens, adults and seniors — for organized chess sessions. It reflects the broader chess culture in Southeast DC and serves as a popular community gathering point. Check the DC Public Library events calendar for current session schedules.
Is a new Parklands-Turner Library being built?
Yes. DC Public Library has a fully funded plan for a new 20,000-square-foot Parklands-Turner Library at 1290 Alabama Avenue SE, adjacent to Congress Heights Metro. The project is designed by Perkins + Will Architects and is being built by Turner Construction Company, with an opening scheduled for 2027. The new building will replace the current storefront location and significantly expand services and space for the community.
Does the library offer resources for teens, and is the Anime Manga Club open to newcomers?
Yes to both. The Anime Manga Club meets regularly and welcomes children and teens who enjoy anime and manga — no prior experience needed. The library also participates in DC Public Library's Beyond the Book program and provides digital resources through hoopla and Libby that include manga titles, graphic novels and streaming anime. Check the DC Public Library website for current meeting dates.
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