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We’ve hesitated for a while to write this post, presumably all of our readers have at one time or another used a public library. But we wondered how often PQ residents stop by the DC public library (“DCPL”), know about some of the recent changes, or how to utilize the hold feature in the catalog? If all of this is old-hat to you, this may not be your favorite post. But we hope a few of you who haven’t checked out the library yet will do so; and those of you who do use it can pass along your tips and suggestions.
We’ll be the first to admit we really only utilize the Popular Library which mostly houses fiction, as such that’s what this post will focus on; but the tips will be largely applicable to all sections of the library. But first things first, before you decide to start wandering around the library you should get yourself a library card. You can apply online and even link access to your driver’s license. Signing up for a library card also gets you an online account with the DCPL which allows you place books on hold, renew checked out materials, and utilize online databases.
Once you’re armed with your library card (and online account) you’re ready to go. The Popular Library is our usual destination; on the ground floor eastern end of the library (to the right when you enter). The Popular Library used to be broken up by general fiction, mysteries, westerns, & science fiction, but no longer. Now there is just one general fiction section that contains all of those genres. It helps when you want to browse the stacks for a book (arranged by author last name) much easier, no more guessing if Ross MacDonald would be under mysteries or literature.
Browsing the books is fun, but if you’re short on time the easiest way to use the library is to place your items on hold. Using the library catalog you can search for materials and place them on hold. That is, if the item is available (not checked out) a library employee will tag the spine with your last name and place it on the holds shelf (located in the Popular Library). You can place multiple items on hold and then come in at your convenience to pick them up. If the item being requested is checked out, it will be held for you once it is returned. Items being placed on hold can come from any of the DC Public Libraries, not just our downtown MLK branch.
The library, of course, contains more than just print materials. The Popular Library alone has a large selection of movies (mostly DVDs) & music (CDs). The movies include classics, recent popular movies, and a good sized collection of TV shows. The music contains a large pop section, international, jazz, soundtracks, etc.
Public libraries don’t have the best reputation, but the improvements at the DCPL are to be lauded. We’ve already written a few times about the downloadable media available from the library. Now the easier access to movies and music, the larger and better organized “holdings” wall, and the impressive fiction collection make it such that we almost never spend money at a book store. We love books (and book stores), but when you’re living space is at a premium it’s great to let someone else store the books.
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Comments
You can also download books to your IPod or other digital media player. This is an absolutely terrific capability!
thank you for posting this!! i walk by the library nearly every day b/t home and work, but i’ve never gone in. truly. this was just the info i needed to get me over that hurdle and start! i’ve already got my card and discovered that most of the books on my amazon wish list are just waiting for me at the library. so definitely a worthwhile post. =) thanks again.
I don’t live in Penn Quarter so I’ve only used the main branch once, and it was a fruitless experience. I was looking for an obscure reference book that was supposed to be there, but it wasn’t on the shelf. Once I managed to get a hold of a librarian, they checked the same place I did and shrugged their shoulders, apparently unconcerned that an expensive reference book was missing.
The DCPL does have awesome online resources. Since my local branch does not have many books and is full of noisy teenagers, I prefer to place holds online. When the book comes in I pluck it up off the hold shelf, scan it in the self checkout machine, and I’m outta there in less than 5 minutes.
I used to love the downloadable media, but the Overdrive software now crashes every time I try to download something. I’ve tried contacting both DCPL tech support and Overdrive, but no one will respond to my email. Anyone else have this problem?
Caroline,
I am with the DC Public Library and want to apologize if you haven’t received a response from the Library’s tech support regarding the problems you’ve been having. Please email chris.tonjes@dc.gov in the Library’s technology department and he will make sure the problem is resolved.
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Another little known tidbit about MLK Library is that they host art exhibits.
The committee that works on putting together the art exhibits are truly dedicated and great supporters of the arts.
Coming up in June, I’ll be having a solo show in the lobby of the library. The show title is “BANNED”. Each of the “Banned” paintings are inspired by notable ‘banned books’; books that have been challenged and declared ‘prohibited’ from the public by one or more authoritative body. (The exhibit will coincide with the annual conference of the American Library Association, which is taking place in Washington, DC June 24 through June 30.)
There will be an opening reception for the exhibition on Monday June 28th starting at 6:30pm. There’s more information (and a preview of the work) here:
http://www.danaellyn.com/press/banned/banned.html