Friends of the Capitol View Library

A 501(c)3 volunteer organization and liaison between the DC Public Library and the Marshall Heights/Capitol View/Ward 7 community. Public Works Program.

The Capitol View Neighborhood Library, a 20,000-square-foot brick-and-concrete building, opened in 1965, the culmination of 10 years of work on behalf of the Capitol View community. The building, designed by E.W. Cooke -- with D.C.'s Office of the Supervising Architect -- and funded under the D.C. Public works Program, cost an approximate $422,000. It rests on a site in Southwest Washington that i

s bounded by Central Avenue on the north, 50th Street on the west, and Ayers Place on the south. Community involvement

Capitol View, a neighborhood settled on the eastern end of E. Capitol Street, grew into a substantial residential neighborhood after World War II. As the population grew and the neighborhood became established, the citizens of the area began to consider the need for a library. The Capitol View Civic Association, the Marshall Heights Civic Association and members of the local PTA petitioned the Library for a location. Several other projects took precedence of over Capitol View, but Congress appropriated funds for the project in 1961 and 1962. On Aug. 17, 1961, several Capitol View residents appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee to plead for the reinstatement of the $422,000 earmarked for the Capitol View Library. Maria Trotter, a 10-year-old resident of the neighborhood, read a letter she wrote asking for the money to build the much-needed library. "If we read more," she wrote, "we might become teachers, doctors, chemists or other useful men and women...Sincerely, Children of Capitol View Area." Funds were secured by the end of 1962, and design was under way -- with some adjustments along the way. A letter dated November 1962 described recommended changes completed by the architect's office, including the elimination of brick pilasters and strip windows with the substitution of a "facade developed as a formal rhythm of framed vertical brick and window panels." The architect also explained how "the entrance extension has been simplified and the arched motif eliminated." A rendering of the library at the National Archives bears the signature of E.W. Cooke, suggesting that he was the architect, although no written documentation confirms his involvement. The branch's design reflected a break from the established formula set over the previous decade under the D.C. The previous seven public works libraries displayed similar design features determined not only by the D.C. Public Library's staff, which developed its own set of guidelines, but by the Office of the Supervising Architect, which prescribed construction materials, decorative elements and the organization of the facade. A new library

Capitol View Library, Opening Day

The new Capitol View Neighborhood Library opened on Jan. 23, 1965, the day after its dedication. Edward James Talbert served as the first branch librarian, with an eleven-person staff. The branch's initial collection had 24,438 volumes, with a $19,000 book budget for the first year. The branch recorded a daily circulation of approximately 500 books in its first five days of operation. Local community organizations, including the Marshall Heights and Capitol View civic associations, began campaigning for a large and diverse book collection as soon as the library was opened. The library also became involved in the life of the community, offering annual and weekly programs that included a Spring Bazaar, Octoberfest and an annual Career Day Workshop. Just after opening, the library began providing space for YWCA volunteer tutors. The first project of the SE/NE Friends of the Capitol View Branch was a fundraising program that collected $1,000, which was matched by a grant from the National Home Library Foundation. The Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC-7E) has also provided support during Capitol View's 32 years of service.

02/10/2026

Friends of Capitol View Library’s next General Body Meeting is coming up on Wednesday, February 18. This is a great change to hear what we’ve been working on, learn what’s next, and find ways to get involved through volunteering, committees, and upcoming programs at the library. All neighbors and supporters are welcome - come build with us!

02/09/2026

[NEW DATE] Friends of Capitol View Library is excited to invite the community to an after-school poetry workshop led by our Interim President, Tony Keith Jr., PhD ( ), alongside members of his team at Ed Emcee Academy ( ).

This workshop is part of Mosaic Theater Company’s Reflection Series, connected to Young John Lewis—a project honoring John Lewis’s story, legacy, and leadership. In this session, young people will explore themes of protest, courage, community, and voice through poetry and Hip-Hop culture.

If you know a teen or middle schooler who loves music, writing, performing, or simply needs a space to reflect and be heard, please share this with them.

Session 2
Thursday , February 26 @ 3:30 PM
Capitol View Neighborhood Library

Free and open to the public.

01/20/2026

Friends of Capitol View Library is excited to invite the community to an after-school poetry workshop led by our Interim President, Tony Keith Jr., PhD ( ) , alongside members of his team at Ed Emcee Academy ( ).

This workshop is part of Mosaic Theater Company’s Reflection Series, connected to Young John Lewis—a project honoring John Lewis’s story, legacy, and leadership. In this session, young people will explore themes of protest, courage, community, and voice through poetry and Hip-Hop culture.

If you know a teen or middle schooler who loves music, writing, performing, or simply needs a space to reflect and be heard, please share this with them.

Session 1
Wednesday, January 28
3:30 PM
Capitol View Neighborhood Library

Free and open to the public. Middle schoolers and teens are welcome.

11/14/2025

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!! Congratulations are in order!

Photos from Friends of the Capitol View Library's post

11/11/2025

Tomorrow, Wednesday, November 12 marks our Election Day! Take some time to review the candidates that may be our next newly elected VP of Programming, Secretary, and Treasurer. Active members please expect to cast your vote either electronically, so check your email, or via a ballot box located in the Capitol View library outside the FOCVL office.

10/17/2025

📚 National Friends of Libraries Week

October 19–25, 2025

Join the Friends of Capitol View Library for our

💛 Membership Drive – In Person & Online!

📅 Sunday, October 19 | 🕑 2:00–5:00 PM
📍 Lower Level – Capitol View Library

Celebrate with us and support literacy, learning, and community in Ward 7!

✨ Join for only $10/year
Sign up in person during the event or online anytime.
📲 Scan the QR code to join today!

Together, we make our library stronger.
📧 [email protected]

10/16/2025

It’s Election Time! Whether you want to join the race for VP of Programming, Treasurer, or Secretary of the Friends or vote for the next one… you’ll need to pay your dues. Ballots will be sent to those whose dues are paid by Monday, October 20.

09/24/2025

Our upcoming Annual Meeting and Elections on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 starting at 6:00 p.m.

Elections will be held for the offices of Vice President of Programs, Treasurer and Secretary. So, please review the Nominating Process and Description of Duties guidelines.

Membership Dues are now due.

To vote in the election, the $10 membership fee must be paid. Please send a check payable to the Friends of the Capitol View Library and enter 2025 FOCVL Dues on the check’s Note line. Then mail the check to FOCVL, 5001 Central Avenue SE, Washington, D.C. 20019.

Also, Membership Dues are now payable online via Wild Apricot.

Nomination Process and Description of Duties

Any Friend in good standing may run for office. To nominate a candidate for a specific office, please submit the office name, the nominee’s name, and their email address to Amia Johnson, FOCVL Secretary, at [email protected]. For example, “I nominate John Smith at [email protected] for the office of Secretary.” Self-nominations will also be accepted. Nominations may also be made from the floor on October 15th.

09/22/2025

The Office of the People’s Counsel (OPC) invites you to the inaugural Water Summit, hosted by People’s Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye. This free, day-long event will bring together residents, utility partners, government agencies, nonprofits, and community advocates to address critical issues around water, energy, affordability, and sustainability.

It’s a chance for you to get connected to resources that can make a real difference in your home and community.

What to Expect:

Free keynote luncheon
Giveaways and prizes
Utility discounts and program info
Interactive workshops & demonstrations

Date: Monday, September 29, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Venue: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library,
901 G St NW, Washington, DC
RSVP: www.tinyurl.com/OPCWaterSummit

09/17/2025

You’re Invited: Friends of Capitol View Library Meet & Greet
Wed., Sept. 24 | 6–7:30 PM | Meeting Room 1
    •    Introductions & what the Friends do
    •    Volunteer roles you can jump into
    •    Upcoming elections & how to get involved
    •    Partnerships with schools, orgs & neighbors
    •    Meet Library staff and share your ideas

Snacks provided. Bring a friend!
RSVP: [email protected]

08/21/2025

✨📚 Back to School at Capitol View Library ✨

Today we kicked off the school year with our amazing neighbors! We welcomed new volunteers, promoted our Little Free Libraries network, and connected families with local literacy resources. 💪🏾📖

We’re excited to support our students, educators, and community as we head into a year of learning, creativity, and connection. Together, we make literacy and community thrive! 🌟