The Friends of the Southeast Library (FOSEL) and the Friends of the Northeast Library (FONEL) will hold a book sale this Saturday, September 12, at the Northeast Library. 7th and Maryland Avenues NE.
In general, we have new and mostly used books of all types, including children’s books, fiction, best sellers, non-fiction, cookbooks mysteries, science, science fiction, romance, religion, history, biography, self-help, classics, travel, etc. Our inventory varies widely from sale to sale.
Most hardbacks and paperbacks are two dollars each. Coffee table books, some cookbooks, special items, and some larger books are more. Mass market paperbacks are a quarter!
Proceeds benefit local libraries, especially the Southeast Library, the Northeast Library, and the DC Library.
The Friends of SE Library need donated books so FOSEL can resume its near monthly book sales at SE Library.
If you have books to donate, we will take them during the sale. Otherwise, please donate at SE Library during regular business hours by leaving books in the donation bin on the ground floor of SE Library (South Carolina Avenue entrance). Ask the staff for help finding the bin.
Please, NO text books, NO casebooks, NO magazines, NO foreign language books, NO outdated computer books, NO encyclopedias. We no longer want CDs and DVDs.
Questions? bob@bobgellman.com
Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13
Capitol Hill Art Walk.
Features the works of over 175 artists in multiple locations across Capitol Hill.
Thursday morning, some 150 community members turned out for the ribbon cutting, re-opening the 104 year old SE Library after a $33 million renovation.
Mayor Bowser and stakeholders cut the ribbon to reopen S.E. Library. Those wielding the scissors (left to right): Ward 3 CM Matthew Frumin and Ward 6 CM Charles Allen, Mayor Bowser and Friends of SE Library President Robert Pohl, and Executive Director, of the DC Public Library Richard Reyes-Gavilan.
And here’s a photo just after the cutting.
Mayor Bowser has participated in nine ribbon cuttings to reopen renovated libraries during her tenure. All 26 DC libraries – including MKL – have had upgrades or been renovated or expanded. Bowser said, “Some of you will remember when it used to be said that people would leave the city for all of their library and recreation needs … they would go out to the counties – they would go out to the suburbs – and now all of the suburbs come to us. They come to our facilities … they have their parties and special events at our facilities … they do all their research in our libraries. I am very proud that in the last 12 years that you’ve given me the privilege to be your mayor we’ve invested more than half a billion dollars in these libraries.”
Seated behind Bowser (left to right), CM Charles Allen, CM Matt Frumin, Executive Director Reyes-Gavilan, Robert Pohl, and Shanel Anthony, Chair of the DCPL Board of Trustees’ Executive Committee.
CM Allen was a prime mover in obtaining the funding for the renovation of SE Library. Allen paid tribute to Mayor Bowser, saying “She’s been a great partner to put the dollars in the budget and make sure we got the renovation done. Mayor Bowser, thank you so much.”
Allen added, “I truly believe in the power of public spaces and our libraries are such an important part of that. They are so much more than just the books on the shelf. A public library is where your community comes to gather. And we can do a lot with our public spaces … rebuilding of Metro Plaza that allows hosting Art All Night and Friday Night Jazz … a playground that has hundreds of people coming out … a new Rumsey pool. … The power of public spaces can spark the imagination in our youngest visitors. It’s literally what knits our fabric and community together.”
DCPL Executive Director Reyes-Gavilan also stressed the importance of public space, saying, “I want to highlight something central to DC Public Library’s work and that’s the increasing importance of the social infrastructure of …public space at a time when so much of our lives is shaped by screens, by notifications, by algorithms, by digital transactions. People still need environments where they can be together in real life without barriers without expectations and without having to buy anything.
Libraries are truly among the last civic spaces in the United States where that is possible and this building is designed precisely for that purpose. In carrying out DC Public Library’s new strategic plan, we frame our work around three priorities: joy, belonging, and resilience. You can feel all three woven into this new building: the joy comes through the openness of the architecture, the natural light, the colors, and the places designed for discovery; belonging is embedded in the building’s accessibility and in every corner where people can sit, meet, study, and simply exist alongside one another; and resilience is built through the resources and programs that (branch manager) Julia Strusienski and her team who will offer tools that strengthen the community wellbeing.”
Here’s a photo of the showing crowd size outside the new ground floor entrance to the library on South Carolina Avenue, SE. The former historic entrance on the east side of the library remains open.
Afterward, the crowd was invited into the library which was open for business.
Children immediately took possession of the new space for kids on the lower level.
On the upper level – home to the historic fireplace now fully restored – there are plenty of tables and counter space with electrical outlets for use of personal computers on both sides of the library.
Each floor has two single occupancy unisex rest rooms.
The Week Ahead…& Photos from SE Library (Opening this Week*)
by Larry Janezich
Posted September 7, 2026
*See Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About (below).
Perhaps the main beneficiaries of the renovation of SE Library will be the community’s children. Here’s a view as one descends to the lower level largely dedicated to children.
Here’s another angle. Pictured is Julia Strusienski, branch manager for the Southeast Library.
Here’s the view looking up through the skylight which runs the length of the children’s area on the south side of the library.
And a view from the lower level looking up through the light well in the center of the library.
And a view looking down the light well from the main floor.
Last week’s storm wreaked havoc with the tree canopy. This giant near the front of the iconic Capitol Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church at 10th and Mass NE was one of its victims.
The Week Ahead…
Tuesday, September 8
ANC6B will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; First Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).
Application for the Folger Library for a substantial change that would add a summer garden endorsement to their existing alcohol license. The Executive Committee voted 4-0-0 to support a stipulated license.
Presentations
TBA
Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee
New Applications
BluntSluts Cannabis Parlour is applying for a new medical cannabis retail license. The applicant is requesting Delivery, Educational Tasting, and Safe-Use Treatment Facility endorsements. This is a woman owned dispensary. Here’s their website. https://www.bluntsluts.com/
Renewals
DCanter Has applied for the renewal of an alcoholic beverage license at the premises: 545 8th Street, SE.
Yes Organic Eastern Market, Inc.
Trader Joe’s East Inc.
Capitol Supreme Market
Protests/Other Updates
Transportation Committee
Update: Presentation from DDOT on Personal Delivery Devices
Update: Traffic suppression on Unit Block of 9th St. SE
Update: Traffic safety measures (TBD) on 700 Block of 13th St SE
Update: WMATA buses on 4th St. SE
Planning and Zoning Committee
400 Seward Square SE. Application for an Area Variance for internal construction only. Applicant is an apartment building owner. They propose to convert excess maintenance space into 2 additional units. This ANC supported and the BZA granted the exact same application in 2020, but the building owner did not go ahead with the project at that time, so the permit expired. There are only 2 close buildings; the owners of both neighboring buildings have verbally offered their support, and will get it in writing soon. After BZA approval, it would take ~1 month it would go to the full DOB permit process and ~ 6 months to get that permit, and then, ~ 6-8 months for construction. This building is under a possible Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) process (that is, the tenants might buy the building.)
The Committee voted unanimously to endorse, with condition that this endorsement is only related to the BZA, and has no relation to any possible TOPA process.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Districts 1, 5 and 6
Office of Wendell Felder, Ward 7
Eboni-Rose Thompson, Ward 7 Representative, SBOE
Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services (MOCRS)
Community Matters
Update on Prologis Facility, 3300 Benning Road, NE
RFK Campus Notes – Opportunity for Commission and community members to raise awareness around RFK development, planning and construction issues
Commissioner SMD Reports 10 minutes
Business items
Committees
Economic Development, Housing Justice, Zoning and Alcoholic
Beverage Cannabis Administration Committee
Transportation/Public Space Committee
Community Outreach and Grants Committee
Proposed Motions:
(Alcoholic Beverage Licensing): ANC 7D to protest the transfer of a “Class A” Retailer License to EthioMeloti, Inc (t/a Kingman Park Wine & Spirits) at 2409 Benning Road, NE unless a Settlement Agreement is reached prior to the protest deadline.
Election of new ANC 6C Secretary (count to be certified by Christy Kwan)
Community announcements
Commissioner announcements
DC agency informational announcements
Transportation and Public Space Committee
Micro-mobility transportation discussion
ANC 6A RFK Master Plan Proposal, as it pertains to H Street NE
Proposed H Street BID
Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee
408 Constitution Avenue, NE. Application for a special exception from lot occupancy requirements to add a one-story screened rear porch to an existing two-story dwelling.
Alley lot behind 300 block of Eye Street NE. Application for special exceptions from new alley record lot requirements and alley record lot height requirements to add a new detached four-story plus penthouse 22-unit on an alley lot
203 3rd Street NE. Application for approval of an illegally constructed rooftop pergola.
Draft letter to encourage developers to install infrastructure (e.g., sewer lines under alleys) to promote construction of additional housing.
Grants Committee
Status of the h3 grant
2. Role of the OANC auditor
Thursday, September 10
ANC6A will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, September 10.
Recommendation: ANC 6A protest a New Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant license for Indochine Cuisine and Lounge, LLC, 1025 H St NE, 1st Floor), unless a settlement agreement is reached, and if a settlement agreement is reached, ANC 6A write a letter of support for a stipulated license for the establishment.
Community Outreach Committee
Recommendation: ANC 6A approve a $500.00 increase to the annual community grants budget.
Economic Development and Zoning
Recommendation: ANC 6A withhold support from the applicant at 1226 F Street, NE. (The applicant proposes to construct a third story addition to an existing, detached, two-story, 4-unit, apartment house in the RF-1 zone. Requested relief for rear yard and lot occupancy. there are 14 letters of opposition. Presented at June 17 EDZ meeting in which applicant was asked to negotiate a compromise with neighbors who raised objections. At the July 15, 2026 EDZ meeting, by unanimous vote, the EDZ declined to support or oppose this application pending further negotiations between the applicant and the neighbors. Absent that, the EDZ recommends that the ANC withhold support on September 10, 2026. Applicant notified neighbors by mail postmarked Friday, August 14 to attend a meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, which 8 neighbors attended. No agreement was reached. BZA hearing is September 16, 2026.)
Officer Reports
Standing Committee Reports:
Community Outreach Committee
Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis
Transportation and Public Space
Economic Development and Zoning (EDZ)
Recommendation: ANC 6A refrain from comment on the request by applicant at 800 10th Street, NE, for special exceptions in regards to rooftop elements, lot occupancy, and penthouse setback. (The applicant has completed construction on rear three-story plus penthouse and cellar addition, and converted it to a flat, an existing semi-detached, three-story plus cellar, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone. Three letters of support from 1) both adjacent neighboring business, and 2) across-the-street neighbor. By unanimous vote at its July 15, 2026 meeting, the EDZ declined to weigh-in on a request for special exception to building elements that have already been built in a non-conforming manner; such comment would be inappropriate for the EDZ. BZA hearing is October 7, 2026.)
New Business
Report – 2026 Mobility Survey
Suggested Motion: ANC 6A send a letter to the Greater H Street BID Association, with copies to Councilmember Charles Allen, Phil Coppage, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Nina Albert and Director Rosemary-Suggs Evans, Department of Small and Local Business Development, in support of formation of an H Street Business Improvement District (BID).
Recommendation: ANC 6A approve the appointment of Daniel Aboyage to the Community Outreach Committee (COC).
Single Member District reports (1 minute each)
***
Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You To Know About:
Thursday, September 10
Re-Opening of SE Library.
Official ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, September 10, (Time depends on the Mayor’s schedule, TBA) followed by a community block party that night from 5pm to 8pm in Eastern Market Metro Park.
The new $33 million renovation includes:
Expanded space for children, teens and adults.
More room for books, computers, and seating.
A universally accessible entrance.
An environmentally sustainable design.
More meeting, collaboration, and study spaces.
CM Charles Allen helped secure funding for the $33 million effort and worked with DC Public Library and neighbors to get the design right.
Tuesday September 8
DC Health sponsors a Post-Blitz Community Virtual Meeting to learn about the work completed in the neighborhood, hear what we’ve learned, and discuss next steps for keeping the community rodent-free.
During the meeting, the Department of Health will:
Share updates and results from the Rodent Blitz
Discuss rodent activity and common contributing factors
Provide practical tips for residents and businesses
Hear your questions, concerns, and observations
Talk about continued efforts to prevent and address rodent activity
Saturday, September 12
Book Sale at NE Library
The Friends of the Southeast Library (FOSEL) and the Friends of the Northeast Library (FONEL) will hold a book sale this Saturday, September 12, at the Northeast Library. 7th and Maryland Avenues NE.
In general, we have new and mostly used books of all types, including children’s books, fiction, best sellers, non-fiction, cookbooks mysteries, science, science fiction, romance, religion, history, biography, self-help, classics, travel, etc. Our inventory varies widely from sale to sale.
Most hardbacks and paperbacks are two dollars each. Coffee table books, some cookbooks, special items, and some larger books are more. Mass market paperbacks are a quarter!
Proceeds benefit local libraries, especially the Southeast Library, the Northeast Library, and the DC Library.
If you have books to donate, we will take them during the sale. Otherwise, donate during regular business hours by leaving books in the donation bin at the library. Ask the staff for help finding the bin.
Please, NO text books, NO casebooks, NO magazines, NO foreign language books, NO outdated computer books, NO encyclopedias. We no longer want CDs and DVDs.
The Friends of the Southeast Library (FOSEL) and the Friends of the Northeast Library (FONEL) will hold a book sale this Saturday, September 12, at the Northeast Library. 7th and Maryland Avenues NE.
In general, we have new and mostly used books of all types, including children’s books, fiction, best sellers, non-fiction, cookbooks mysteries, science, science fiction, romance, religion, history, biography, self-help, classics, travel, etc. Our inventory varies widely from sale to sale.
Most hardbacks and paperbacks are two dollars each. Coffee table books, some cookbooks, special items, and some larger books are more. Mass market paperbacks are a quarter!
Proceeds benefit local libraries, especially the Southeast Library, the Northeast Library, and the DC Library.
If you have books to donate, we will take them during the sale. Otherwise, donate during regular business hours by leaving books in the donation bin at the library. Ask the staff for help finding the bin.
Please, NO text books, NO casebooks, NO magazines, NO foreign language books, NO outdated computer books, NO encyclopedias. We no longer want CDs and DVDs.
Friday, September 4: 7:00pm – 10:13pm and Sunday, September 6: 11:00am – 1:00pm.
The Right Stuff: “A chronicle of the original Mercury astronauts in the formation of America’s space program. Alan Shepherd, the first American in space; Gus Grissom, the benighted astronaut for whom nothing works out as planned; John Glenn, the straight-arrow ‘boy scout’ of the bunch who was the first American to orbit the earth; and the remaining pilots: …”
CC Annual Honey Sale returns Sunday, September 6th at the main cemetery gates. Enjoy a late-summer morning surrounded by history and nature, and take home a jar—or two—of our limited, small-batch Rest In Bees Cemetery Honey.
The new fence and screening on the East Plaza of the US Capitol is related to work on the façade.
The construction fence is up around Shirley Chisholm Elementary School at 1001 G Street, SE. Construction is scheduled to start this summer. Completion is projected for July of 2028. Here’s a link to schematics showing the scope of the project. https://bit.ly/4zFrJv7
The re-opening date for Folger Park has been extended to October 3, 2026 at 11:59pm, according to the sign on the fence surrounding Folger Park. The extension will allow work to continue to correct issues with the park’s sidewalks which initially failed city inspection.
Tuesday night, ANC6B’s Executive Committee, approved a stipulated liquor license for the Folger Library to serve alcohol at a summer garden at the East Capitol and Third Street entrance. The license will allow the Library to serve alcohol here to align with the opening of Measure for Measure on September 25.
The last performance of Friday’s Dog Days of August Live Jazz at Eastern Market featured vocalist Gracie Jay. https://graciejaymusic.com/about
The Capitol Hill Theatre at 645 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, was destroyed by fire in 1970. Here’s a photo from 1964. The venue opened in 1910 as the Avenue Grand Theatre. It served as a popular neighborhood hub for vaudeville performances and movies before being renamed the Capitol Hill Theatre in 1956. Following the fire, a commercial building was constructed on the site. It is currently home to Labyrinth Games & Puzzles, East City Bookstore, and Capitol Frame and Photo. Image from DC History Center’s Emil A. Press Slide Collection. Photo find: Steve Morris.
The Week Ahead…
Tuesday, September 1
MPD 1D Community Advisory Council will hold an In-Person and Virtual Meeting, 7:00pm – 7:45pm.
The in-person meeting will be held at The Pillar Church, 1111 South Carolina Avenue, SE
Guest Speaker – Grace Hyde, District Cannabis – to speak on the city’s progress in transitioning to licensed cannabis dispensaries, away from the I-71 ‘gifting’ model, and offer some perspective on market conditions.
New Applications
BluntSluts Cannabis Parlour is applying for a new medical cannabis retail license. The applicant is requesting Delivery, Educational Tasting, and Safe-Use Treatment Facility endorsements at 1221 Pennsylvania Ave SE.
Folger Library – Application for substantial change, adding a summer garden to their existing alcohol license. The timing of this required a vote to support a stipulated license during the executive committee meeting. The Executive Committee approved it 4-0-0.
Renewals
DCanter – Protest deadline is Oct. 5, 2026
Yes Organic Eastern Market, Inc. – Protest Deadline Oct. 13
400 Seward Sq SE. The building owners are requesting a variance for internal construction only. ANC 6B supported and the BZA granted the exact same application in 2020, but the building owner did not go ahead with the project at that time, so the permit expired.
***
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Friday, September 4 and Sunday, September 6
Miracle Theater on Barracks Row
September 4: 7:00pm – 10:13pm and September 6: 11:00am – 1:00pm.
The Right Stuff: “A chronicle of the original Mercury astronauts in the formation of America’s space program. Alan Shepherd, the first American in space; Gus Grissom, the benighted astronaut for whom nothing works out as planned; John Glenn, the straight-arrow ‘boy scout’ of the bunch who was the first American to orbit the earth; and the remaining pilots: …”
CC Annual Honey Sale returns Sunday, September 6th at the main cemetery gates. Enjoy a late-summer morning surrounded by history and nature, and take home a jar—or two—of our limited, small-batch Rest In Bees Cemetery Honey.
“DOORS & WINDOWS” CHAL Exhibit Opens Sat August 29 – Frame of Mine
That’s what the Capitol Hill Art League artists will be focusing on in their August show at Frame of Mine gallery at 545 8th Street, SE.
The show will be on display from August 29, 2026 — October 2, 2026
To develop this theme, Art League members were asked to show creativity in their interpretations of windows and or doors. Looking in or looking out, real or imaginary doors and windows in the many kinds of structures in our world.
Come meet the artists at the opening reception at Frame of Mine on Saturday, August 29th from 4-5 PM or drop by the store while the show is up.
Dog Days of August Jazz – Final performance. 5:00pm – 7:00pm.
Free Live Jazz featuring Gracie Jay.
At Eastern Market under the farmer’s line shed.
Saturday, August 29
Capitol Hill BID is putting on a free Back to School Family Day event featuring music and our local first responders in Eastern Market Metro Plaza, 10am to 1pm.
This event will also include a backpack giveaway for children 5-18, while supplies last.
Scam Alert –“Invitation Email” Scam Circulating in Capitol Hill Community
by Larry Janezich
Posted August 27, 2026
Today, a Lincoln Park neighbor’s email was hacked and a “Special Invitation” phishing email was sent to a number of the neighbor’s contacts.
Replying to the email to inquire as to its authenticity produced a response assuring that the invitation was legit – despite its fraudulence.
Inquiries as to the authenticity of such an invitation should be by text or phone call.
The FTC has a Consumer Alert regarding deceptive online event invitations. Google FTC Consumer Alert invitation scam or search the topic elsewhere for more info.
Community Turns Out to Comment on New RFK Transit Plan
By Larry Janezich
Posted Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Tuesday night. WMATA held an open house at St. Coletta’s on proposed transit improvements for the RFK Campus. The meeting was the first of a series of meetings to be scheduled through the fall to provide an opportunity for the community to provide feedback on the proposed plans.
Councilmembers Charles Allen and Wendell Felder.
Allen said that “2030 is only 48 months away – opening day is only 48 months away… we have to move boldly but I know, for myself, I want to make sure it’s not just transit first in rhetoric but in results… I hope that tonight’s conversation is one where you’re able to give your feedback to us – whether it’s the Commandersor WAMATA or DDOT or Director Hanlon (DPW) – make sure you tell us what you like and don’t like – what your expectations are. That is going to be a big part of this.”
Some 150 residents turned out for the meeting.
DC and WMATA have agreed to a plan for a $300 million expansion of the Stadium-Armory station and the Gold Line rapid transit bus line that would run from Union Station to Stadium-Armory. Cost estimates of $1 billion to replace the station are prohibitive and would not be finished by 2030.
The plan anticipates construction on the Metro expansion phase will begin in 2028.
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CAPITOL HILL CORNER 