Mayor Bowser officially opens the new Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library

Mayor Muriel Bowser and District officials celebrated the opening of the new $20 million Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library today.

The library is named for Lillian J. Huff, a woman who over the years mentored Mayor Muriel Bowser and many other people while also serving as a community leader.

“She loved this library. She loved Riggs Park. We are particularly proud to name this beautiful new facility in honor of Lillian Huff, a woman who fought hard to secure the original Lamond-Riggs Library.” – Mayor Muriel Bowser

Since 2007, the District has refurbished or rebuilt 22 libraries, including the Lillian J. Huff Library. The new 23,500-square-foot library is approximately 5,000 square feet larger than its predecessor, which was 17,930-square-foot.

The building’s second level incorporates a perforated aluminum screen inspired by the patterns, rhythms, and textures of nearby streets, rooftop peaks of neighboring residences, and open spaces in the surrounding neighborhood. To generate a light, bright, and airy aesthetic, the building employs a canopy roof-like structure, wood panels, textures, and a neutral color scheme with a few colorful highlights.

The new library has a variety of adaptable areas, including:

• Expanded space for adults, teens, and children
• A variety of collaboration spaces, including a living room-style seating area
• A large meeting room with a capacity for up to 100 people, dividable into separate smaller rooms
• Seven smaller meeting spaces, one for up to twelve people, two for up to six people each, and four study spaces designed for two people
• A protected front porch area that is accessed from inside the library and offers an outdoor space for meetings, working, or reading a book
• Efficient staff spaces
• A reading porch on the second floor
• Modern and reliable technology offerings
• A discovery zone for children and infants