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{{about|the library in Washington DC|the library at the London School of Economics|LSE Shaw Library|the library in Singapore|Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)#The Shaw Library and Resource Centre}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox building
|name = Shaw Neighborhood/Watha T. Daniel Library
|image = Shaw_Library,_Washington_D.C.jpg
|image_size =
|caption = East entrance to the Shaw Library, October 2015
|location = 1630 7th St. NW, [[Washington D.C.]]
|coordinates = {{coord|38.91236|-77.02251|region:US-DC|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
|status = Completed
|start_date =
|completion_date = {{Start date and age|2010}}
|opening = August 2010 <ref name=DCPL.facts/>
|building_type = Public Library
|antenna_spire =
|roof =
|architectural =
|top_floor =
|floor_count = 3 <ref name=Architizer/>
|elevator_count =
|cost = $12 million<ref name=Architizer/>
|floor_area = {{convert|22,800|sqft|m2|-2|abbr=on}}<ref name=DCPL.facts/>
|architect = [[Davis Brody Bond|Davis Brody Bond Aedas]]
|structural_engineer= Delon Hampton <ref name=ArchDaily />
|main_contractor = Forrester Construction Company <ref name=ArchDaily/>
|developer = [[DC Public Library]]
|owner = [[DC Public Library]]
|management = [[DC Public Library]]
|references =
}}
[[File:Watha T. Daniel-Shaw library, Washington, D.C LCCN2012630229.tif|thumb|Interior of the library]]

The '''Shaw Neighborhood Library''' or '''Watha T. Daniel Library''' is a building of award-winning design and one of the recently renovated libraries in the [[District of Columbia Public Library]]'s system. Originally constructed in 1975 as a two-story structure in the [[Shaw, Washington, D.C.|Shaw neighborhood]], the building was extensively renovated and reopened as a three-story structure in August 2010. With its distinctive translucent facade, glass enclosure, and light flooded interior, it has been hailed as a model for future libraries.<ref name=ArchRecord/><ref name=WCP/>

== History ==

The Shaw library opened on September 27, 1975 at the intersection of [[Rhode Island Avenue (Washington, D.C.)|Rhode Island Avenue]] and [[7th Street (Washington, D.C.)|7th Street NW]] with a ceremony led by Mayor [[Walter Washington]]. It reflected a design for the library, drawn up after the 1968 riots that devastated Shaw, which was so prison-like that the [[National Capital Planning Commission]] directed the District to open it up with larger windows, bigger setbacks, and arcades.<ref name=WCP/> The artictect, Eason Cross of the Alexandria VA-based firm Cross and Adreon, rejected the advice and persisted with the original [[Brutalist]] design that had only slits for windows.<ref name=DCPL.history/> He continued with his plans, despite an attempt to get a federal injunction to stop, with the justification that the small, irregular size of the lot prohibited any redesign.<ref name=DCPL.history/><ref name=LJ/><ref name=WP.sad/>

The original library, constructed at a cost of $1.2 million, came from Federal appropriations budgeted by the D.C. Commissioners.<ref name=DCPL.history/> The two story building contained adult reading room, a lounge area, and a listening booth on the first floor while the second floor provided space for a children's room complete with a specially designed enclosure for story hours.<ref name=DCPL.history/> The original building was razed in 2004.<ref name=WP.sad/>

The massive renovation, started with plans received in 2007, was part of a wave of upgrades to DC Public Library facilities undertaken by Chief Librarian [[Ginnie Cooper]].<ref name=LJ/> Costs were estimated to be $15,707,441 or $433 per square foot, though final costs were reported at $12 million.<ref name=Architizer/><ref name=costs/> Of any of the projects, the renovation of the Shaw Library showed the greatest transformation from its previous state, according to Cooper.<ref name=LJ/>

The building was named after [[Watha T. Daniel]], a master plumber, Shaw resident and community leader who was the first chairman of the DC Model Cities Commission and died in 1971.

In March 2016, a security guard at the library was observed by multiple patrons harassing a Muslim patron for wearing a [[hijab]].<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/hijab-washington-dc-library-muslim_us_56f432e6e4b0143a9b47a977 Cop Who Told Woman In Library To Remove Hijab: I Thought It Was A Hoodie] by Christopher Mathias; 03/25/2016 01:15 pm ET [[Huffington Post]]</ref> Protests were held outside the library and the security guard admitted to harassing the woman although he claimed he thought she was wearing a [[hoodie]].<ref>[http://dcist.com/2016/03/officer_removes_woman_from_shaw_lib.php Officer Harasses Woman For Wearing Hijab At Shaw Library, Eyewitnesses Say] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424191731/http://dcist.com/2016/03/officer_removes_woman_from_shaw_lib.php |date=2016-04-24 }} by Rachel Kurzius; DCist.com; Mar 23, 2016 4:02 pm</ref><ref>[http://wtop.com/dc/2016/03/protest-held-outside-shaw-library-after-woman-ordered-to-remove-hijab/ Protest held outside Shaw Library after woman ordered to remove hijab] By John Domen [[WTOP-FM]].com March 26, 2016 8:19 pm</ref> The security guard, who had been previously terminated by [[Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia|Metropolitan Police]] for destruction of private property, was not fired despite there being no policy against wearing hoodies in the library.<ref>[http://religionnews.com/2016/04/05/security-officer-who-demanded-hijab-removal-back-at-work/ DC library officer who demanded hijab removal back at work] By Lauren Markoe| Religious News Service | April 5, 2016</ref>

== Design ==

The {{convert|22,800|sqft|m2|-2|abbr=on}} library fills a triangular {{convert|9,850|sqft|m2|-2|abbr=on}} site and has three stories — one below grade and two above. The entry plaza on the east end of the cite opens to the main lobby that provides access to the lower level which houses community spaces. Peter D. Cook, principal in charge of design at the Davis Brody Bond Aedas architectural firm responsible for the project, explained that “The Library will anchor the neighborhood by providing a civic facility rich in aesthetic, environmental and programmatic assets that is representative of DC Public Library’s commitment to a standard of excellence for all residents.”<ref name=ArchDaily />

The defining features of the building is a corrugated, perforated aluminum screen wall system across its southern façade which forms a distinctive jutting prow.<ref name=WSJ/> With a 40% open area, the screen wall sits three feet in front of an expansive glazed curtain wall and provides shading of the upper level reading room while allowing natural daylight to enter the space. The shading system allows a reduced dependence on artificial lighting and protects the Library’s collection from harmful solar exposure.<ref name=Architizer/> To take full advantage of the location's potential for unobstructed natural light, clerestory windows and translucent, insulated fiberglass panels on the north provide illumination from the sun on all sides.<ref name=ArchRecord/> Lighting design firm MCLA validated light levels in the large, open room through a detailed analysis. The lighting designers developed an electric lighting system based primarily on the T5 linear fluorescent with a 3500-Kelvin color temperature—the lamp preferred by the client for energy and maintenance efficiency.<ref name=ArchRecord/> Special fixtures are cantilevered from the tall stacks for vertical illumination on the books, and suspended luminaires are mounted over reading tables and workstations.<ref name=ArchRecord/>

The renovated building was designed to meet [[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design|LEED Silver Certification]] and incorporates a vegetative green roof, displacement air system, solar control and daylight management and uses of recyclable and renewable materials.<ref name=Architizer/> It received LEED Gold Certification.<ref name=Forrester/>

The design for the new library went through several iterations. At one point, amidst budget constraints, a model was proposed that scrapped much of the glass and proposed a structure similar to the old version. This was driven by the discovery that [[WMATA|Metro]] has both a tunnel and a large vent under and abutting the library site, making it more expensive to do construction there.<ref name=WP.sad/>

== Resources ==

In addition to functioning as a library, the building has been hailed as a "hybrid community, recreation and learning center."<ref name=DCist/>

The library contains 40,000 books, DVDs, CDs and other library materials with capacity for 80,000 items. Computer access includes 32 public access computers, free Wi-Fi Internet access, and 8 Mac computers in the teen space. There is comfortable seating for 200 customers, one large program room for up to 100 people, two 12-person conference rooms, and a vending area.<ref name=DCPL.facts/> Among its community offerings are yoga and Bollywood dance classes.<ref name=DCist/> The facilities have been used for mayoral announcements.<ref name=Bowser/>

== Other features ==

The entry plaza at the east end of the site welcomes the public to the library and displays a 22-foot neon sculpture by local artist [[Craig A. Kraft|Craig Kraft]].<ref name=Architizer/> Entitled ''Vivace'', according to the artist the piece was inspired by [[jazz]] and is intended to capture "the spirit of creativity, vibrancy and color" that he associates with the Shaw neighborhood.<ref name=Kraft/><ref name=InTowner/>

A graphic mural in the upper level displays a collage of portraits depicting over 250 members of the community and an inspirational quote from President Barack Obama’s inaugural address which reads, “We know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.” <ref name=Architizer/>

== Response ==

The District of Columbia’s Mayor [[Adrian M. Fenty]] presented the architects with a National Association of Builders and Contractors Proclamation Award.<ref name=Architizer/> The [[Urban Land Institute]] named the library one of the Top 10 Buildings in Washington DC and it received the Developers and Builders Alliance Community Advancement Award for the Best Developments of the Year, USA & Canada.<ref name=Forrester/> The ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' named it one of the top 10 buildings in the US for 2010.<ref name=WSJ/> Other awards include the Associated General Contractors Washington Contractor Award, NAIOP Award of Excellence and ENR Mid-Atlantic Construction Award.<ref name=Forrester/>

== References ==
{{reflist|refs=

<ref name=ArchDaily>{{cite news|url=http://www.archdaily.com/73975/watha-t-daniel-shaw-library-davis-brody-bond-aedas|title=Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Library / Davis Brody Bond |date=August 10, 2010|accessdate=April 2, 2014|publisher=ArchDaily}}</ref>
<ref name=Architizer>{{cite web|url=http://architizer.com/projects/watha-t-danielshaw-neighborhood-library/|title=Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library |publisher=Architizer|year=2010|accessdate=12 April 2015}}</ref>
<ref name=ArchRecord>{{cite news|last=Lentz|first=Linda C.|title=Watha T. Daniel – Shaw Neighborhood Library|url=http://archrecord.construction.com/projects/lighting/2012/02/Shaw-Neighborhood-Library.asp|accessdate=13 June 2012|newspaper=Architectural Record|date=February 2012}}</ref>
<ref name=Bowser>{{cite web|url=http://dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-announces-senior-lgbt-leadership-joins-mayors-marriage-equality/|title=Mayor Bowser Announces Senior LGBT Leadership, Joins Mayors for Marriage Equality|publisher=DC.gov|year=2015|accessdate=12 April 2015}}</ref>
<ref name=costs>{{cite web|url=http://c0003264.cdn2.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/Arch2010PublicNew.pdf|title=PUBLIC LIBRARIES NEW BUILDINGS|publisher=Library Journal|year=2011|accessdate=12 April 2015}}</ref>
<ref name=DCist>{{cite news|last=Morrissey|first=Aaron|title=First Look: New Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library|url=http://dcist.com/2010/07/first_look_new_watha_t_danielshaw_n.php#photo-1|accessdate=13 June 2014|newspaper=DCist.com|date=29 July 2010|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915184112/http://dcist.com/2010/07/first_look_new_watha_t_danielshaw_n.php#photo-1|archivedate=15 September 2011}}</ref>
<ref name=DCPL.facts>{{cite web|url=http://dclibrary.org/node/600|title=New Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library |publisher=DC Public Library|year=2010|accessdate=12 April 2015}}</ref>
<ref name=DCPL.history>{{cite web|url=http://dclibrary.org/node/742|title=Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library History |publisher=DC Public Library|year=2010|accessdate=12 April 2015}}</ref>
<ref name=Forrester>{{cite web|url=http://www.forresterconstruction.com/portfolio/watha-t-danielshaw-neighborhood-library/|title= Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library |publisher=Forrester Construction|year=2010|accessdate=12 April 2015}}</ref>
<ref name=InTowner>{{cite news|last=Wolff|first=P.L.|title=Long-Awaited New Library in Shaw to Open August 2; New Building Design Hailed |url=http://intowner.com/2010/07/09/long-awaited-new-library-in-shaw-to-open-august-2-new-building-design-hailed/|accessdate=13 June 2015|newspaper=InTowner|date=9 July 2010}}</ref>
<ref name=Kraft>{{cite web|url=https://publicartarchive.org/search/art/97bbb153|title=Vivace in Washington, District of Columbia |publisher=Public Art Archive|access-date=13 June 2023}}</ref>
<ref name=LJ>{{cite news|last=Bayliss|first=Sarah|title=The Public Option: Parks and Libraries Soar |url=http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2013/06/buildings/lbd/capitol-designs-dcpls-ambitious-construction-project/|accessdate=13 June 2015|newspaper=Library Journal|date=6 June 2013}}</ref>
<ref name=WCP>{{cite news|last=DePillis|first=Lydia|title=The Builder: Ginnie Cooper’s blitz of glitzy libraries was pricey—but worth it.
|url=http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2011/01/13/the-builder-ginnie-cooper%E2%80%99s-blitz-of-glitzy-libraries-was-pricey%E2%80%94but-worth-it/|accessdate=13 June 2015|newspaper=Washington City Paper|date=13 January 2011}}</ref>
<ref name=WP.sad>{{cite news|last=Fisher|first=Marc|title=From Glass Gem To Bunker: A D.C. Library's Sad Shift
|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/rawfisher/2008/08/from_glass_gem_to_bunker_a_dc.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629125223/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/rawfisher/2008/08/from_glass_gem_to_bunker_a_dc.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 29, 2012|accessdate=13 June 2015|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=13 January 2011}}</ref>
<ref name=WSJ>{{cite news|last=IOVINE|first=Julie|title=The Public Option: Parks and Libraries Soar |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704457604576011463998077344|accessdate=13 June 2014|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|date=24 December 2010}}</ref>
}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.dclibrary.org/watha DCPL Whatha T Daniel Library]
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Library buildings completed in 1975]]
[[Category:Library buildings completed in 2010]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Public libraries in Washington, D.C.]]

Shaw Library - Revision history

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