The Southeast Library, near Eastern Market, will close on Jan. 4 for a multi-year, $33 million renovation that will modernize, expand, and restore parts of the historic library, one of the oldest in the DC Public Library system. The renovation work will go through at least 2026, a DCPL spokesperson says.

With a final design by architecture firm Quinn Evans, the renovation will include a 50 percent increase in space for books and computers; double the current space for adult seating; and triple the space for children and families. The library will also have new study spaces and meeting areas and improved sightlines.

The Southeast branch was D.C.’s second neighborhood library, built in 1922 at 403 7th St SE with funds from Congress and the Carnegie Corporation (one of three Carnegie-funded D.C. libraries). DCPL will preserve some of the library’s historic elements, like the original entrance on 7th Street; but it will add a new accessible entrance and additional greenery on the South Carolina Ave SE side.

While the Southeast Library is under renovation, library patrons are encouraged to instead visit the Northeast Library, located less than a mile away and at 330 7th Street NE, and the Arthur Capper Community Center at 1000 5th St SE. Pick-ups for library holds, returns, Wi-Fi, public computers, printing, and copying will be available at the interim locations.

The library will hold a community meeting on Dec. 14 to share additional information about what visitors can expect during construction, including the times and locations of current Southeast Library programs.