DCPL E-News: Beyond Words | Week of December 30, 2024
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Beyond Words | Week of December 30, 2024
New Year, same fantastic Library programming New Year, New Stories: Join Us for Author Talks in 2024!
 Happy New Year, book lovers! 2025 is moments away, and we're kicking off the year with another exciting season of author talks at DC Public Library! It's the perfect time to connect with talented authors, dive into their latest works, and get inspired by their creative journeys. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of literary events, there’s something for everyone! Upcoming talks include:
Library 2024 Wrapped: Dragons, Excel and Creative Journeys
In 2024, DC Public Library patrons showed an incredible range of interests - from epic dragons to Excel tutorials, and daily art practices. With more than 5.5 million checkouts and renewals across books, magazines, streaming media, and online learning platforms, the library remains a central hub for both creative exploration and professional development. Fiction Trends: Dragons and Must-Reads
Readers in DC flocked to newly released fiction, with books like Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, and Happy Place by Emily Henry making their mark. However, it was Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth Wing that truly captivated the community, dominating circulation in both e-book and e-audiobook formats. The thrilling fantasy novel about dragons became a must-read for many, sparking conversations throughout the year.
Digital Magazine Preferences: Intellectual Insights
Magazine readers turned to thought-provoking content in 2024, with The Economist, The New Yorker, and New Scientist leading digital circulation. Patrons also showed a keen interest in intellectual discourse, with The New York Review of Books and The Guardian Weekly rounding out the top picks for those looking to stay informed and inspired. Learning and Creativity: From Excel to Art
The library’s online learning platforms also saw diverse engagement. LinkedIn Learning's most popular courses included practical technology skills, with Rust Tips and Tricks and Excel Essential Training at the top. Meanwhile, Creativebug’s courses provided an outlet for artistic expression, with daily art practice programs like drawing and watercolor workshops capturing the imagination of creative learners. Music Trends: Top Artists and Favorite Tunes
In the realm of music, library customers streamed over 480,000 songs in 2024, downloading tracks from their favorite artists for offline listening. Beyoncé, Hozier, and Bob Dylan were the top downloaded musicians, showcasing a blend of contemporary hits and timeless classics. Thank you to all our patrons for making 2024 a memorable year, and we look forward to seeing what sparks your interest in the year ahead!
Public Defender Film Screening and Workshop
 Kick off the new year with a powerful evening of connection, conversation, and storytelling at DC Public Library! On Thursday, January 9 at 7 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, we are excited to host a two-part event with filmmaker Andrea Kalin and executive producer Richard Schiff (The West Wing, The Good Doctor). The evening begins with a 60-minute Interactive Listening Workshop led by Peoplehood, a pioneering organization focused on fostering relational health. Through guided breathing exercises and dialogue, you’ll gain valuable tools to navigate differences, build stronger relationships, and find clarity in challenging conversations.
The second part of the evening features a screening of Public Defender, an award-winning documentary that has sparked nationwide conversations. After the film, stay for a thought-provoking panel discussion with the filmmakers and key participants as they explore the documentary’s themes and their relevance to today’s challenges. Space is limited, so please RSVP and let us know which parts of the event you plan to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!
Walk Into a Winter Wonderland at the Francis A. Gregory Library
DC Public Library and the DC Public Library Foundation invite you to embrace the magic of winter at the Winter Wonderland Festival! Join us at the Francis A. Gregory Library on Saturday, Jan. 4, from 1-5 p.m. for an afternoon of family fun.
So grab your hats and coats for some frosty fun at the library. See you there!
Learn More About the Festival  This Week At the Library
See what programs are coming up this week in person and online at the Library!
Ward 1 | Mt. Pleasant Library
Gentle Yoga and Meditation | Jan. 4, 11 a.m. Spend your Saturday morning unwinding with us! Learn More Ward 2 | West End Library
The Musicology Club: Thelonious Monk | Monday, Jan. 6, 6 p.m. Part book club and part listening club, this group discusses a famous composer's life and works. Learn More Ward 3 | Cleveland Park Library
Story Time for the Spectrum | Saturday, Jan. 4, 10:30 a.m. All children and their families are invited to this fun story time, packed with sensory-friendly activities designed to be enjoyed by children of all abilities, including those on the autism spectrum. Learn More Ward 4 | Shepherd Park/Juanita E. Thornton Library
Bringing the Law Library to the Community | Sunday, Jan. 5, 1:30 p.m. Are you facing a legal issue and don't know where to begin? Ask a law librarian! Learn More Ward 5 | Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library
Here’s the Stitchuation | Friday, Jan. 3, 3 p.m. Come join us once a week for an afternoon of knitting, crocheting and conversation. Learn More Ward 6 | Northeast Library
Coffee & Conversation | Monday, Jan. 6, 10 a.m. Join a casual conversation with other library customers and individuals from the neighborhood. Coffee provided. Learn More Ward 7 | Benning/Dorothy I. Height Library
Crafting Circle | Thursday, Jan. 2, 4 p.m. Show off your current project, swap ideas, pick up a new skill, or just have a good chat. Learn More Ward 8 | Bellevue/William O. Lockridge Library
Create Your Own Fake Snow | Tuesday, Dec. 31, Noon Create your own fake snow and listen to a cozy read aloud! Learn More Central Library | Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Creatives Club | Thursday, Jan. 2, 6 p.m. Creatives Club is a meetup for all types of creatives! Join us in the Labs for a two-hour social where you can meet like-minded people and work on your own projects in a large, well-lit space. Learn More Find all upcoming programs in your library or online on our calendar!
New Year’s Holiday Hours
 In honor of the holiday season, DC Public Library will be observing special hours on Tuesday, Dec. 31. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will be open from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Neighborhood branches will be open from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and co-located libraries will be open from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
All library locations will then be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1. From all of us here at DC Public Library, we wish you happy and healthy New Year!
As a reminder, the DC Public Library is open 24/7, 365 days a year online! You can sign up for a Library Card, watch virtual programs, check out books and magazines, stream movies and music, work on your resume, get homework help and so much more.
FitDC Fresh Start 5k
 Join Mayor Bowser, DPR, and thousands of fellow DC residents for the 11th annual FITDC Fresh Start 5K on January 1! People of all ages are invited to this fun, free, fitness celebration that marks the beginning of the FITDC calendar. Whether you want to run, walk, or just cheer folks on, there's no better way to ring in the New Year than to join us for this DC tradition!
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025
Anacostia Park (1800 Anacostia Dr) Registration Opens: 9:00 AM Kids Dash: 10:15 AM 5k Start: 11:00 AM DC Public Library
901 G Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
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