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MLK Library and DCPL exhibits draw record crowds as branches seek staffing
Summary
DCPL reported rising system visits and high attendance for major exhibitions and programs (MLK recorded 816,000 visits in FY25; mahjong nights drew over 1,500 attendees across sessions), even as branches face staffing shortages that limit neighborhood programming.
DC Public Library said it saw a recovery in foot traffic in FY25 and that destination programming at MLK remains a major draw. Director Richard Reyes Gavilan reported that "the MLK Library alone had 816,000 visits in FY25," and highlighted successful exhibitions and events — including a Green Book exhibition and community swap events that together brought thousands of residents into branches.
Community witnesses credited MLK programs with building belonging: Ardhavan Heavens told the committee that the MLK mahjong nights now welcome “more than 100 Washingtonians” each week and noted the program’s cross‑generational benefits. At the same time DCPL acknowledged that neighborhood branches need more staff to translate systemwide interest into regular local programming and that hiring remains the agency's top priority.
