SE Library Sees Construction Ending Mid-June & Opening Six Weeks Later – Photo Essay

SE Library Sees Construction Ending Mid-June & Opening Six Weeks Later

by Larry Janezich

Posted Tuesday, April 28, 2026

ANC6B’s Southeast Library Task Force, chaired by Commissioner David Sobelsohn, met Monday night to receive a construction update from Jaspreet Pahwa, Director of Capital Planning and Construction, DC Public Library (DCPL).   

Pahwa and her team reported that the target date for completion of the project is mid-June.  After Whiting-Turner Construction turns the project over to DCPL, an additional 6 weeks will be necessary for training staff and moving books, equipment, and furniture into the building. 

Julia Strusienski will return as Branch Manager.

Below are some photos, shared by Pahwa in a PowerPoint presentation.  For more, go here:  https://www.dclibrary.org/news/southeast-library-modernization-project

Here’s the top floor view of the Library’s historic entrance on 7^th Street

And here’s the reverse view of the historic fireplace restoration. 

Here’s a view of part of the adult area on the street level.  Shown is the self service area enclosure where the printer, express PC and print release PC will be located.  Directly behind is the area for public access computers.  The view is looking toward 7^th Street.  The South Carolina Avenue skylights are on the right. 

A view of the children’s area on the lowest – the ground level.  Installation of computer desks and service desk is in progress.  View is looking to the rear of the building – the South Carolina skylight is on upper left.

Just inside the South Carolina Avenue ground level entrance, the installation of a new elevator is complete. 

Natural light from the new skylight.  The view is from the lowest level looking toward 7^th Street.  The entire length of the three story light well is visible.