2024
A LETTER FROM OUR ExECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends,
Each year, the DC Public Library Foundation has the privilege of witnessing what’s possible when a community comes together to champion public libraries. In 2024, that possibility turned into powerful progress.
The Foundation exists to do one thing: help the DC Public Library dream bigger. With your support, we invest in programs that reach further, include more voices, and respond to the evolving needs of Washingtonians across all eight wards. Whether it’s funding an author talk that sparks a child’s imagination or creating museum-quality exhibits for neighbors and visitors, we are here to ensure that library programs don’t just meet expectations, they exceed them.
Why does this matter? Because libraries are more than collections of books. They are centers of civic life, cultural discovery, and lifelong learning. They are one of the few public spaces where everyone is welcome and where everyone belongs.
In 2024, we raised more than $1.2 million, much of that amount was raised from hundreds of individual gifts. Every donation, no matter the size, helped make the library more innovative, accessible, and equitable. These dollars supported everything from teen leadership programs to early literacy initiatives.
Behind every success are the people who make it happen. We thank the library staff who lead with creativity and compassion, and the many volunteers, board members, and trustees who offer their time and expertise to move our mission forward.
To our donors: you are the reason this work is possible. You fuel bold ideas and make real change in the lives of thousands of DC residents. Thank you for believing in what libraries can be—and for building that future with us.
With deep appreciation,
Rob
HAPPENINGS DOWNTOWN
Located in the heart of Downtown D.C., the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library lived up to its namesake in 2024, hosting inspiring authors and offering unforgettable, immersive experiences all year long.
TEEN PROGRAMS
Through Teen Council, D.C. teens step into leadership roles at their local libraries, gaining real-world experience while receiving valuable college and career mentorship from inspiring university students.
Now in its sixth year, the Know Your Power contest empowers teens through creative workshops in writing, music, photography, and art — turning passion into powerful civic expression.
BEYOND THE BOOK
Beyond the Book introduces vibrant stories to children on the cusp of reading, sparking their curiosity and building the the skills and confidence they need to become lifelong readers.
Participants receive books, activity packets, and invitations to author talks and family events, all funded by DCPLF.
BATTLE OF THE BANNED II
On a crisp October evening, DCPLF supporters gathered at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library to send a message: THE FREEDOM TO READ IS NOT GAURANTEED. Guests explored bold art exhibitions on banned books, voted for the Best Banned Book Display, and celebrated local advocates working to keep books accessible to all.