Here's a look inside the newly renovated MLK Library | wusa9.com

Washington—The wait is near. DC's Central Library was named after Martin Luther King (Jr.), and after three years of renovation, it was less than two months before it reopened. One of the biggest highlights is the rooftop reading garden for tourists. Let's see it first.

There are many things to do when exploring the newly renovated interior of DC

, Closed in March 2017 for renovation. It was built in 1972 to commemorate the civil rights icon. The refurbished 56 x 7-foot-long mural depicts the life and work of Dr. King and the American Civil Rights Movement through nearly 100 images, welcoming you at the door.

The historical landmarks and treasures of the neighborhood of G&9th St. near Penn Quarter need some major upgrades. Richard Reyes-Gavilan, Executive Director of the Public Library in Washington, DC, introduced the appearance of this decades-old building before its renovation.

Reyes-Gavilan said: “Before the building was closed in March 2017, the building was really dilapidated.” “It was dark and dirty, and the heating and ventilation were really outdated.”

He said: "People feel a little frustrated when they come in." "This is a topic people talk about."

When Reyes-Gavilan took WUSA9 touring, we started from the top floor of the five-story building, where there is an open event space, a new two-story auditorium and a rooftop reading with views of the city garden. There are wooden slats to sit on. He said that when the library reopens on September 24, open spaces will come in handy during a pandemic.

"We can show movies, we can perform performances, read books, give speeches, give writers speeches," Reyes-Gavilan said of the newly built 290-seat auditorium. Before forming a sharp contrast with the event space, visitors are required to sit on folding chairs. The auditorium is part of an additional 100,000 square feet of the $211 million renovation project. 

Another important highlight is the 2-story reading room, which is equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, books and work areas. You will even notice the purple and white images on "Washington Job Search and Freedom" collected from the library in March 1963. Decorated with handmade textile art-please look up.

Reyes-Gavilan said excitedly: "This is the work of an artist named Zenobia Bailey, who actually crocheted a metal mobile phone by hand."

Other features include separate reading rooms for children and teenagers, and entertainment areas. There is also a huge slide that can be connected to the children’s library. 

You will find it next to one of the two new spiral staircases filled with natural light.

There are also private rooms for work and study, community meeting spaces and spaces for government agencies to provide services to the community. It is described as a one-stop shop for your needs.

The ground level is also impressive.

He said: "Just below us, our entire floor is dedicated to emerging technologies." "We will provide 3D printers, laser cutters, personal digital filing stations, recording studios, etc., so many people usually can't use equipment It's all free."

There is also a dance studio and a tool library where people can check out hardware like a book.

Many new security protocols will be in place, including social distancing, masks and book isolation.

After the pandemic is over, one million tourists are expected each year. 

The grand opening ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, September 24.

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