This is one of the most beautiful DC Public Libraries, right across from Dumbarton Oaks. The…read morebuilding is beautiful inside out, and the staff were welcoming and very friendly. The children's corner has tiger and lion plushes on top of the bookshelves!

I attended an outstanding Washing D.C. African American genaeology event. I was excited to check…read moreout a book by a local author that has been on my list. Not only did they have it but I was allowed to take it as part of their regular programming of giving away books from local authors I believe.

Agree with the rest of the reviews mentioning the population that tends to hang out here. It…read moredoesn't feel safe or feasible to stay in the library for any prolonged amount of time given the disruptive and sometimes aggressive behavior. If you're a smaller person or look less able to defend yourself, you might not feel safe hanging out in here. Also, if you're smell sensitive, forget it. I really don't mean to sound callous, but a public library is supposed to be for everyone. At times for this library there's really only one kind of community member that seems to feel comfortable hanging around. I don't think this is an acceptable state of things when our tax dollars fund public libraries. I wouldn't take kids here either. I strongly urge the leadership to do something about this problem that many people have now noted. The public library isn't a homeless shelter. Allowing it to turn into one will not fix the systemic issues that lead to homelessness and a lack of shelter space. It simply prevents others from using this public resource as intended. If y'all can call security on a Black teenager that was trying to study in the Children's section and bothering no one, surely you can call security to remove disruptive homeless people.

This is an excellent, new, clean, and well organized library in West End. There is a lot of seating…read moreand reading spaces, but it smells foul in some areas because some of the patrons are homeless hanging out/sleeping inside. The service desk employee was friendly and knowledgeable and got me signed up for a new DC Library Card quickly. I love that the library is delivery connected to the Bluestone Lane (cafe/sandwich/breakfast spot).

Brightly lit multistory library with communities meeting rooms, a book sale rack, and clean…read morerestrooms, albeit without potable water or restrooms on the main floor!!! Librarians are really helpful, although automation is replacing a lot of their functions - while it frees them to concentrate on other tasks, it might also render them obsolete.

Beautiful space but the staff is really rude and unhelpful for people with children. Printing is…read morealso extras difficult here

The Library of Congress was definitely worth the stop! Admission is free, but you do need a…read moretimed-entry ticket, like most places in DC. We arrived about 20 minutes before opening, which I would highly recommend, because the security line got long fast. We were able to go inside before many got in and had beautiful views without crowding. The inside is absolutely beautiful. Several displays explain the paintings and architecture which was really interesting to read about. We were also able to see the original rough draft of the Declaration of Independence. It will only be on display for three months so this was really neat we were here for that. Definitely take your time and look around instead of just walking through. There is so much detail everywhere you look.

The Library of Congress is a very cool place. This was my second time visiting here and my…read moreyoungest's first. I reserved free timed entry tickets on their website and there was a decent line waiting to get in. Security is heavy here. Very thorough like an airport. The architecture is breathtaking. The staff is also very helpful. My daughter and I looked around a bit and checked out some of the exhibits. We got a timed entry sticker for the main reading room, however we were informed we couldn't go in the room with our backpacks. We could have opted for the unsecured bag check or go back down to security to rent a locker. So we skipped it. My daughter was excited to check out The Source which is their new young readers room. There were advertisements and directional stickers for it everywhere. When we got there, it was closed and the security guard said it didn't open until 1pm. Then they opened it at 11am and said we could come in. My daughter was a little disappointed because while marketed for 8-15 year olds, it appeared to be for much younger visitors. I went through the process of getting myself a LOC reader identification card so I could book a reading room and work there for a couple hours. I filled out the online form, went to get my picture taken, got my card, had the information desk tell me where to go, only for security to tell me I couldn't get a reading room while I had a backpack either. I guess I'm just supposed to carry my laptop out in the open? Anyway, my daughter and I decided to bail and head to Starbucks so I could get some work done. It wasn't worth the hoops to jump through. Upon trying to exit, the same security guard asked to search my backpack prior to leaving. I'm not sure if they do that to everyone, but it all seemed a little extreme to me for a library. Overall, don't skip this place for the exhibits and experience, but don't plan on bringing any bags with you or working here.

I spent many hours studying in this library and found ample citable sources that helped accomplish…read more30-page essays that eventually achieved high marks (whether it be points or letters). The writing center is still such a wonderful resource for students. Very good memories in the stacks!

First time here as a Grad student…read more Looks great inside and out. They just doubled the amount of computers here. They have a snack room where you can eat your meals and then go off to the reading and web surfing. Lots of floors. They have group study rooms that you can reserve to study in (2 people min.) Printing is 7 cents per page for black and white. The lighting is great and it generally very quiet and provides you with a great place to study. Oh yea, open 24 hours and 7 days a week during the semester!! (except for major holidays!)

I'm always on the hunt for a great third space, and also grew up loving libraries! Excited to have…read moreanother one to love - the MLK Jr. Memorial Library is a wonderful space with lots of learning resources and events, on top of the massive collection of reading and media materials. A big bonus is the rooftop garden - a lovely spot, and we were able to bring a little picnic alongside some drinks from a nearby cafe to enjoy the view! Highly recommend a visit.

I have taken my grandchildren here several time, and they and I love it. The children's section is…read moreinviting and full of good spaces as well as good books. A trip to the rooftop patio is always a treat. The large wooden slide is a great feature, since kids need to work off energy in order to sit still and read. There are often interesting exhibits. Tip: after a visit here, walk a block down the street to the National Portrait Gallery. The inner courtyard is enclosed and covered by a glass roof--warm in winter, cool in summer--and you're allowed to bring outside food to the courtyard. (There's a burger place around back and across the street. The gallery's own snack shop has limited fare.) Admission is free.

I have volunteered here for over a year now & loved most shows & productions I've attended thus…read morefar. If you are a Shakespeare lover, I would highly recommend attending at least one or two shows with the Folger Theater, visiting the library and exhibition halls. It is THE largest collection of William Shakespeare works in the world. The Theater itself is on the smaller side, which, in my opinion, creates a more intimate setting for audience members. It's 10 minutes walking distance from Capitol South metro. They typically have shows & other events throughout the year so it is best to follow their happenings.

Had a blast seeing "How Shakespeare Saved My Life" by Jacob Ming-Trent at Folger Theatre. The…read moreperformance was personal, relatable, and an incredibly creative blend of Shakespeare, hip-hop, and storytelling. I was amazed that one person could command the stage for the entire show--it completely exceeded my expectations. This was my first visit to Folger Theatre, and it won't be my last. The staff were warm, welcoming, and genuinely helpful, making the entire experience enjoyable from the moment I arrived. Highly recommend both the production and the venue!

The Pros: I like the fact that this library is located right next to the metro station. It's also…read morea very modern facility, and nearly half of the second level is dedicated for desktop computer work stations. They have private study rooms that can be reserved by residents. I'm not clear if there is a cost associated with that, because I haven't yet tried to reserve a space. It's also more quiet on the second level compared with the first level which is geared more towards children. The Cons: The library is small, and I could not find a desk when I got there. I've been to two other libraries in the city which provide significantly more space. With no available empty table, I sat at a computer work station desk and tried to navigate space for my laptop.

I love libraries. The Tenleytown public library is among the many where I have ducked in for an…read morehour between business appointments. It works well for that purpose. Although some are critical of the vibe here, I cannot say I have found, on three visits, that is inferior to others in the system, or even discernibly different. I tend to select my retreat based on location, whatever is convenient to the last meeting or the next meeting. I would not criticize this venue. The city must have started a giant renovation project. So many of the branches have bright, well designed, tasteful furnished renovations. It does get a bit hot here. On the scale of concerns, with looming catastrophe from climate change, that hardly ranks as more than a quibble.

I found this place by randomly zooming in on Google Maps! TikTok kept recommending all the popular…read morespots in D.C., but this turned out to be a true hidden gem. I loved exploring the different artifacts and seeing how they represent cultures from various time periods around the world. The exhibits are incredibly unique, diverse, and thoughtfully displayed. It may not look like much from the outside, but once you step in, you'll be surprised by how spacious it is. Definitely worth a visit! Your friendly neighborhood museum, with items you wouldn't expect to see. All the items are incredibly beautiful!

I purposely visited recently (winter season) because entrance to the gardens is free, otherwise…read moreit's $15. The gardens are interesting even in the cold months. The couple most closely associated with this Georgetown estate, Mildred and Robert Bliss, clearly loved and thought deeply about this parcel of land when they owned it (1920/30's). Their efforts to preserve and share the space with the public are to be commended. It must have been quite something in its heyday. There's a lot of research that's supported here, as well as other activities. The website explains all that. It's a low-key sightseeing spot; quiet, contemplative.