History
The DC Public Library Foundation was founded in 1985 to coordinate funding for a mural of Martin Luther King, Jr. and has since secured and administered over $4M in funding for DC Public Library programs, with literacy and children’s programs as key focus areas. Click here to learn more about this mural and its artist, Don Miller.
The District of Columbia Public Library itself was created in 1896 by an act of Congress and is dedicated to providing environments that invite reading, learning and community discussion, and opportunities for lifelong learning. The first branch of the DC Public Library was built in 1911 in Takoma Park. Soon after, additional facilities were added. The library system now includes 24 neighborhood libraries — three of which were Carnegie built — and one central library.
For over 100 years, DCPL has played a major role in serving all District residents – from the most affluent to those struggling to survive. The Library is proud to be a recognized force in the community for engaging the mind, expanding opportunities and elevating the quality of life.
The Foundation has raised substantial funds to support such programs as the library’s Summer Reading program; citywide initiatives to support early literacy, such as “Sing, Talk and Read,” which helps young parents learn the importance of using books to interact with their babies; computer training classes, especially for job seekers; and programs serving the Spanish-speaking population and those in need of special services such as the deaf or visually impaired. Additionally, the Foundation increases collections to help the library provide the best and newest books and other materials and increases library patrons’ access to emerging technologies.
A Model for the Modern Library
DC Public Library Foundation brings critical philanthropic support to DC’s most important community institution.
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In 1899, philanthropist and library enthusiast Andrew Carnegie donated funds to build the Central Library at Mount Vernon Square.
Our Leadership
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Rob Hartman
Board of Directors
CO-CHAIR
Marquett Smith
CO-CHAIR
Susan B. Haight
TREASURER
Contina Harvey, Amazon Web Services
INVESTMENT CHAIR Leroy Clay, III, Government of the District of Columbia
DEVELOPMENT CHAIR
Lilly Minkove, artLogica
NOMINATIONS CHAIR
Kelly Skoloda, Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Marc Battle, DC Water
Susannah Burrage, Zeal Capital Partners
Paul Choquette, III, Gilbane
Tammy Gordon, Novavax, Inc.
Morgan O’Donnell, PEPCO
Beth Reaves, Washington School for Girls
Tobie Whitman, Little Acre Flowers
Ramunda Lark Young, MahoganyBooks
Bonnie Cohen, Honorary Board
Honorable Anthony A. Williams, Honorary Board
Gail Harmon, Honorary Board