What is the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library known for?

It is known as a knowledge hub and community gathering place for the Shaw community, hailed as a model for future libraries due to its light-filled interior, glass enclosure, and distinctive translucent facade.

The library is open Monday through Wednesday from 9 am to 8 pm, Thursday from 12 pm to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm.

The library is located at 1630 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, situated at the intersection of 7th Street and Rhode Island Avenue near Howard University and a Metro station.

Who is the library named after?

It is named after Watha T. Daniel, a Shaw resident, master plumber, and community leader who served as the first chairman of the DC Model Cities Commission.

What are some of the architectural features of the building?

Designed by Davis Brody Bond Aedas, the three-story building features simple geometric forms, a vegetative green roof to manage stormwater, and a 22-foot sculpture by local artist Craig Kraft in the entry plaza.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library in Washington, D.C.

Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library

A modern, light-filled civic hub in the Shaw neighborhood, this LEED Silver certified library blends sustainable architecture with community-driven knowledge and history.

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What to know

The Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library is a striking example of modern civic architecture located at 1630 7th Street NW. Designed by the firm Davis Brody Bond Aedas and completed in 2010, the building utilizes simple, strong geometric forms and transparency to create a visual connection between the library and the surrounding community. The three-story structure, which includes one level below grade, occupies a triangular urban site and serves as a civic and educational node for the area. Historically, the site has evolved significantly. The original library was a Brutalist-style building constructed in 1975 and opened on September 27, 1975, with a ceremony led by Mayor Walter Washington. After extensive renovations, it reopened in August 2010 as a three-story facility. The current building was designed to meet LEED Silver certification, incorporating environmentally responsible features such as a vegetative green roof to manage stormwater and energy-efficient lighting. Internally, the approximately 22,000-square-foot facility provides a wealth of resources. It features separate reading areas for adults, teens, and children, as well as a programming room for up to 100 people and 32 public access computers. The library is named after Watha T. Daniel, a master plumber and community leader who chaired the DC Model Cities Commission and died in 1971. Outside, the entry plaza at the east end of the site welcomes visitors with a 22-foot sculpture by local artist Craig Kraft, adding an artistic touch to the entrance of this knowledge hub.

Visitor tips

Plan your visit during the day to see the translucent facade and light-filled interior in full effect.
Check the posted hours: Sunday 1–5 pm, Monday–Wednesday 9:00 am–8:00 pm, Thursday 12–8 pm, and Friday–Saturday 10 am–6 pm.
Visit the entry plaza to see the 22-foot sculpture by local artist Craig Kraft.

Nearby context

Situated at the intersection of 7th Street and Rhode Island Avenue, the library is located in the heart of the Shaw neighborhood, just blocks away from historic Howard University and a nearby Metro station.