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The DC Public Libraries are a great place for people to receive health information, develop connections with your community, and develop your education. One of the main goals of libraries is to increase the public’s literacy, specifically health literacy. Health literacy is defined as the ability of a person to understand information related to health and the health resources that are available to them. Having a higher health literacy is directly related to increased health outcomes. Libraries also provide the ability to take home books, movies, and other works of literature, which is a great way to learn new things and relax, as well as internet/computer access, which can be helpful for furthering your education, job searching, etc. In addition, there are many childhood developmental programs offered at public libraries, including fun events, tutoring, courses, and volunteer/job programs. All of this provides a safe place for your whole family to learn, stay healthy, and connect with your peers and community.
To learn more about the role of libraries in health literacy, click on the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/education-support/libraries.html
For a map of DC Public Libraries and open hours/ contact information click the following link: https://www.dclibrary.org/hours-locations
Getting a Library Card:
Getting a Library Card:
Apply online: https://www.dclibrary.org/catalog/account/application
Fill out a form at any DC Public Library
Download, print, & fill out the form and then take it to any DC Public Library: https://www.dclibrary.org/sites/default/files/Library%20Card%20Registration%20Form%20EN.pdf
Free for any DC, Maryland, and Virginia resident! You must present 2 current forms of ID to prove residence (driver’s license, rent receipt, apartment lease, letter on letterhead from a shelter, etc).
Services:
Services:
Adult learning department: https://www.dclibrary.org/services/adult
Provides literacy services to adults through reading materials, online courses, videos, workshops, and information & practice for the GED test.
Center for Accessibility: https://www.dclibrary.org/services/accessibility
Provides access to library resources for people with disabilities by offering American Sign Language classes, assistive technology support, talking books & braille services, and more
Contact: (202) 727-2142
Events & Classes
Calendar of events: https://www.dclibrary.org/calendar
Free computer classes: https://www.dclibrary.org/services/computer#overviewTab
for adults on a walk in basis (first 12 participants)- conducted at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St. NW)
Contact: (202) 727-1471
Weekly Story Times: https://www.dclibrary.org/kids/storytime#overviewTab
provides children with an introduction to books, music, and other fun activities
Resources for Kids
Books from Birth program: enrolled children under 5 years old living in DC can get a free book each month from birth until they turn 5 years old: https://www.dclibrary.org/BooksFromBirth
Booklists of suggested books (in English & Spanish) for each age from 1 year olds to children in 6th grade: https://www.dclibrary.org/kids/booklists
Homework Help through online databases: https://www.dclibrary.org/kids/homework
Resources include: encyclopedias & general resources, biography & history, science & math, reading, and more
Online live tutoring (through Brainfuse): tutors are available to help children with topics including math, science, reading/writing, social studies, state standardized test every day virtually from 1pm-10pm: https://landing.brainfuse.com/authenticate.asp?u=main.dclibraryhn.dc.brainfuse.com
To attend, the child must have a library card
Sing, Talk, and Read program: resources for parents about singing, talking, and reading to their children of different ages to promote childhood development and literacy: https://www.dclibrary.org/STAR
Resources for Teens
Booklist of suggested books for each grade level (from 7th-12th grade), list of themed books (bullying prevention, race), and list of award-winning books: https://www.dclibrary.org/teens/booklists
Resources about college & financial aid: https://www.dclibrary.org/college
Homework help through online databases: https://www.dclibrary.org/teens/homework
Resources include: art & literature, biography, Black studies, encyclopedias, general reference, history/current events/social sciences, images, language learning, Latino studies & Spanish language resources, local newspapers, magazines & newspapers, music & video, science & math, testing
Online live tutoring (through Brainfuse): tutors are available to help teens with topics including math, science, reading/writing, social studies, PSAT/SAT/ACT prep, AP & state standardized tests every day virtually from 1pm-10pm: https://landing.brainfuse.com/authenticate.asp?u=main.dclibraryhn.dc.brainfuse.com
To attend, the teen must have a library card
There is also a 24-hour writing lab for submitting essays/other writing pieces and getting feedback
Mary’s Center Teen Program offers a place for teens to come after school and meet new friends, participate in activities & trips to college campuses, take classes, get homework help, and get SAT/ACT prep or college guidance for older students.
Website: https://www.maryscenter.org/social-services/teen-program/
Location: 3912 Georgia Ave NW (Petworth Location)
Contact: (202) 851-3968
Summer Job Program
Program through the DC Summer Youth Employment Program
Teens hold positions within Mary’s Center and other organizations, learn about career opportunities, attend panels, and work on their resume and interview skills.
DC Public Schools Afterschool Programs managed by Out of School Time Programs (OSTP) allows students from pre-K through 8th grade in 56 schools around DC to engage with peers and develop hobbies or skills. It runs from the end of the school day to 6:15 pm, and each student receives a snack. Online enrollment is based on a first-come first-served basis. There is a monthly fee, but the program may be cost free for eligible families (those who can demonstrate financial need or receive TANF/Medicaid, more info on the website).
Website: https://dcps.dc.gov/afterschool
Enrollment application: https://octo.quickbase.com/db/bpe4r8928
Phone number to call for enrollment: (202) 442-5002
List of Schools that offer this program: https://dcps.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dcps/page_content/attachments/OSTP-Afterschool-Sites-for-SY21-22.pdf
Martha’s Table Education Programs offers children of different age groups an opportunity to receive high-quality learning supports: https://marthastable.org/education-programs/
Early Childhood Education (for children 6 weeks- 4 years old): A full day program that focuses on holistic childhood development of physical, cognitive, & social-emotional aspects. Parents may apply on the website or contact the office.
Locations:
The Commons (2375 Elvans Road SE) : Mon-Fri 6:30am- 6pm
The Maycroft (1474 Columbia Rd NW): Mon-Fri 7am- 6pm
Contact: educationprograms@marthastable.org
Urban Alliance Partnerships (for high school students in Wards 7 & 8): an opportunity to partake in job training workshops throughout high school on track to be placed in a 9-month paid professional internship by senior year.
Website: https://theurbanalliance.org/locations/washington-dc/get-involved/
Contact: (202) 459-4300 or mlopezhumes@theurbanalliance.org
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