Thursday, October 9, 2008

Oldest Library Branch Getting a Makeover

The District's oldest neighborhood library, the Takoma Park branch, recently closed for major renovations. Officials said the six-month project will modernize the building and restore its historic elements.

"As this library nears its 100th year of service, normal wear-and-tear has diminished some of its design elements," said Chris Wright, project manager for the D.C. Public Library's capital construction division. "Now, Takoma Park will get a physical upgrade along with restoring some of its original style."

Built in 1911, the one-story Renaissance Revival building will have an improved heating and cooling system and electrical upgrades, and it will be made accessible to the disabled. Other renovations will include improving lighting, a new floor plan and refurbished exterior masonry.

The branch is expected to reopen in the spring. During the renovation, residents can get library services at a bookmobile at the site or go to the Thornton/Shepherd Park branch at 7420 Georgia Ave. NW. Services are also available through the D.C. library Web site, http://www.dclibrary.org.

Commuters and residents are invited to a public hearing to discuss the Metrobus D routes from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at the Department of Housing and Community Development, 801 N. Capitol St. NW, eighth floor.

The D lines serve the areas of Sibley Hospital, Glover Park, Ivy City, Macarthur Boulevard and the Hospital Center Line. The D.C. Department of Transportation and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority encourage participants to share opinions on how to improve service on the line. The meeting is part of WMATA's service evaluation study.

Comments and suggestions can also be submitted online at www.metrobusserviceevaluation.com or by calling the project hotline, 202-370-2915.

The eighth annual D.C. Labor FilmFest kicks off tomorrow at the AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring. The festival celebrates working people with dozens of films from around the world, including dramas, documentaries, shorts and comedies. The festival is presented by the Metro Washington Council, AFL-CIO; the Debs-Jones-Douglass Institute; and the American Film Institute. American Income Life provides sponsorship support.

Screenings will be at the AFI Silver Theatre, unless otherwise noted. Screenings at the AFI will have regular admission prices; the other screenings are free.

For a schedule of films and show times, go to www.dclabor.com.

The International Franchise Association recently honored John and Laurie Sullivan, owners of four Washington area Foot Solutions stores, as franchisee of the year. Foot Solutions is the largest franchiser specializing in custom arch supports, specialty footwear and wellness products for foot, joint and back health.

The award recognizes association-member company franchisees for outstanding performance and contributions to enhancing the growth of the nation's franchising industry.

Since opening their first Foot Solutions store in Annapolis in March 2004, the Sullivans expanded their franchise to Bethesda, Alexandria and the Cleveland Park neighborhood.

-- Compiled by JILLIAN S. SOWAH