Built in 1911, the Takoma Park branch was the very first neighborhood library in the D.C. Public Library System (it took an act of Congress and funding from Andrew Carnegie). It was also the first building to be renovated under the extensive library modernization effort that has been underway for the past decade, undergoing a major makeover in 2009.

With nearly every library in the city renovated, rebuilt, or in the process, DCPL is turning back to Takoma Park. The branch will close on June 22 for approximately four months for a “refresh.” The work will include replacing floors, upgrading computers, renovating the meeting room, upgrading the electrical system, and other projects.

“The District investing more than half a billion dollars in creating world-class libraries over the last decade would mean little if we do not invest in the upkeep of our buildings,” Richard Reyes-Gavilan, executive director of the DC Public Library, said in a release. “As Takoma celebrates a decade of service since its renovation, this refresh ensures that the building remains a welcoming and inspiring place to visit. The work also allows us to respond to growing and changing community needs.”

A number of services will continue at alternative locations:

• Outdoor weekly story-time and monthly evening reading-with-dogs programs will be held at the Takoma Recreation Center
• Monthly senior tech help programs will be held at the Fort Stevens Recreation Center
• Select Summer Challenge programs will be held at the Takoma Busboys and Poets

The Takoma Park Library will reopen at an undetermined date in the fall. The closest branch in the meantime is the Shepherd Park (Juanita E. Thornton) Library at 7420 Georgia Ave. NW.