Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library
🏢 DC Public Library · Washington, DC
Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library
Wrapped in a shimmering harlequin skin of clear and mirrored glass that reflects the surrounding trees of Fort Davis Park, this David Adjaye-designed pavilion in Hillcrest is one of DC Public Library's most striking neighborhood branches — open until 8 p.m. three nights a week at 3660 Alabama Avenue SE in Ward 7.
🕑 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: 3660 Alabama Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020
Phone: (202) 698-6373
Website: dclibrary.org
Plus Code: 87C5V27W+X8 (Washington, DC)
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📖 About Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library
The Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library serves the Hillcrest neighborhood of Ward 7 in Southeast Washington, on the edge of the wooded Fort Davis Park. A library first opened on this site in January 1961 as one of eleven branches built under a District public-works program, designed by architect Victor DeMers on former parkland; in 1986 it was renamed for Francis A. Gregory, a local public servant and the first Black president of the DC Public Library Board of Trustees. The current building, designed by the internationally acclaimed architect Sir David Adjaye of Adjaye Associates, opened June 19, 2012. The roughly $11 million, LEED Gold-certified pavilion is a two-story, glass-sheathed box whose gridded curtain wall alternates transparent and mirrored diamond-shaped panels, so the branch both reveals its bright interior and mirrors the park's tree canopy back to the street. Inside, the branch pairs a full collection with public computers, meeting and study rooms, and a slate of programs for a residential, family-oriented corner of Southeast DC.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Designed by Sir David Adjaye (Adjaye Associates), who won an open competition to design two new DC libraries; the branch opened June 19, 2012
- Distinctive facade of clear and mirrored glass in a diamond grid that reflects the trees of adjacent Fort Davis Park
- Roughly $11 million project, certified LEED Gold for its sustainable design
- Named in 1986 for Francis A. Gregory, the first Black president of the DC Public Library Board of Trustees
- Serves the tree-lined Hillcrest neighborhood of Ward 7 as a hub for education and technology
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
DC library cardholders can stream, download, and research free through DC Public Library's digital suite:
📚 Services
- Books, DVDs, audiobooks, and magazine lending
- Public computers, printing, and scanning
- Meeting rooms and study rooms
- Adaptive technology and support for patrons with disabilities
- Talking book program referrals for patrons with visual impairments
- Job-seeker assistance and resources
- Seasonal tax-preparation help
- Voter registration assistance
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the branch
🎸 Programs
- Playgroups and story programs for young children
- Yoga classes
- American Sign Language instruction
- Youth and after-school activities
- Community programming for all ages
📍 Nearby DC Public Library Branches
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Washington · Browse all District of Columbia libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Francis A. Gregory, and why is the library named for him?
Francis A. Gregory was a local public servant who became the first Black president of the DC Public Library Board of Trustees. A branch first opened on this Hillcrest site in January 1961; in 1986 DC Public Library renamed it in his honor to recognize his leadership and service to the District's library system.
Who designed the current glass building, and when did it open?
The current building was designed by the internationally acclaimed architect Sir David Adjaye of Adjaye Associates, who won an open competition to design two new DC libraries. It opened June 19, 2012, replacing the original 1961 structure by architect Victor DeMers. The roughly $11 million project earned LEED Gold certification.
What makes the facade look the way it does?
The two-story pavilion is wrapped in a gridded curtain wall of diamond-shaped glass panels that alternate between clear and mirrored glass. The clear panels open the reading rooms to daylight, while the mirrored panels reflect the trees of the adjacent Fort Davis Park — so the building seems to dissolve into its wooded, tree-lined Hillcrest setting.
Which evenings is the branch open late, and what are the weekend hours?
The branch stays open until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday run 9 a.m.–8 p.m., and Thursday opens later at noon and closes at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday are 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sunday offers a short afternoon shift from 1 to 5 p.m.
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