Shaw Interim Library Branch Finally Open
The Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Interim Library branch finally opened on Saturday, a full six months after the trailer first appeared on Rhode Island Ave. NW. Residents and neighborhood blogs had expressed frustration with the series of delays that prevented the temporary branch from opening as scheduled at the end of June, almost three years after the original branch was closed.
Delays in getting electricity installed in the structure, and problems with the library's computer system, were blamed for the late opening. The Examiner reported that Pepco only energized the building two weeks ago.
The inside of the interim branch, which is about 4,000 square feet, is well-lit and surprisingly inviting considering it's a trailer. A staff of three friendly librarians were on hand this afternoon and eager to help and answer questions. They estimate the branch contains approximately 20,000 volumes, which includes a range of fiction, children's literature, self-help books, DVDs and periodicals. There's even a nice little selection of comics and graphic novels.
There are still some kinks left to be worked out, however. A flyer available at the door indicates that wireless internet is available inside, but it was not working today. One staff member said he wasn't sure when it would be up and running, but that IT staff had been in and out since the weekend trying to get it set up. There are 20 public computer stations, including four reserved for use by children, but only about two-thirds of them were working today. Anti-theft sensors at the door were not yet installed.
Checking out a book was relatively easy using automated self-check out machines available inside -- assuming you found the book you were looking for. A search for "Ian McEwan" in the online catalog showed that the only title available by that author in the branch was an audio version of Saturday -- but when looked for on the adult fiction shelf, a copy of the book itself was there. When the discrepancy was pointed out, one employee shrugged his shoulders and intimated that the D.C. Public Library system was a weird place to work.
Watha T. Daniel/Shaw was one of four neighborhood branches closed in 2004. The Benning, Anacostia and Tenley-Friendship branches have also been replaced with interim locations. Hours at the new Watha T. Daniel are Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
