Shocker of shockers all of these mini libraries are located East of the River. One can understand the need for the library system to be more efficient why does it seem that these "efficiencies" always seem to come at expense of Ward 8 residents? Having seen those kiosks one could see why they haven't been in great demand- they are outdated and drab. Why can't updated, replacement or even temporary libraries be put in place before these kiosks are closed? It's not as if Ward 8 is lacking in usable space. Would love to see the old Congress Heights School utilized for reading, art and other educational services. CHOTR wonders if there be plans to have a Bookmobile activated in these areas that will be without the kiosks? While we are thinking outside of the box how great would it be if the Library system could work in partnership with the local grocery chains to have "mini library stations" on their premises? It would make opportunities for reading much more accessible to children and their families (who doesnt go to the grocery store) and would be cost efficient as well. These businesses would benefit from the good will and the library system would save in overhead costs. Grocery stores have those DVD machines - how about some children's books?

To read the entire Washington Post blog post click HERE.

Excerpt:

"T he D.C. Public Library, struggling to redefine itself and deal with a collection of old, declining buildings, will close all five of its neighborhood kiosks , four of them by the end of this year.
The kiosks, plexiglass and metal booths that were built in the 1970s to bring books and after-school homework help to some of the District's most impoverished neighborhoods, are all located in the eastern part of the city. They are the least used of the District's libraries, yet after their closing, some residents will have to travel between one and two miles to the nearest branch library.
The decision, approved last night by the library's board, was "driven mostly by the services we are not able to provide" in buildings that are smaller than your average 7-Eleven, said Ginnie Cooper, director of the city's library system.
The move will reduce the number of libraries in the District from 27 to 23 (one of the kiosks will remain open until a new, larger, temporary facility can be opened in a retail storefront. That kiosk, the Parklands-Turner branch, is one of only two libraries in Ward 8 in Southeast; the main Ward 8 branch, Washington Highlands, is scheduled to close to make way for a complete rebuilding of the library. Rather than leave the ward without any library services, the system will open a storefront interim branch similar to those now in operation in Georgetown and Tenleytown.)"