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.