Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Library / Davis Brody Bond

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Text description provided by the architects. Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library is located along Rhode Island Avenue, NW at 7th Street, on a triangular urban site near Howard University. The new 22,800 square foot library marks this important intersection as a civic and educational node for the community. Filling the 9,850 square foot site, the building is comprised of three stories— one below grade and two above. The entry plaza at the east end of the site welcomes the public to the library and displays a 22 foot sculpture by local artist Craig Kraft. The main lobby provides access to the lower level which houses community spaces including a 100 person multi-purpose room, as well as access to the library proper. The ground floor houses the new materials and catalog stations for the general collections, the children’s library and the main service point and staff area. The upper level of the library will house the bulk of the adult collection, including reference and periodical sections, young adult and adult reading rooms. There will be online catalogs dispersed throughout the floor, with access to the DC Public Library electronic resources available at all locations. The library also offers two 10-person conference rooms and individual study rooms to allow for collaborative work in a non-disruptive setting.