Robert L. Christian Community Library

From www.dclibrary.org:

The first of the portabranches, the new Robert L. Christian Community Library, opened at the corner of 13th and H streets, N.E. on May 1, 1981. The new Neighborhood Library was run by a staff of two. The pre-fabricated, circular building was constructed of unbreakable glass, steel, and brightly colored aluminum panels. The interior contained several innovative features including circular shelving. Air conditioning, heating, and a public toilet were provided. The building was designed by Portastructures Industries, Incorporated, which specialized in portable facilities. Originally, the branch featured bright red, white and blue coloring, but has since been re-painted a uniform blue.

The R.L. Christian Community Library was the first of the community libraries to form a Friends support organization. Since January 1983, the Friends of R.L. Christian Community Library has provided strong support in the form of fundraising activities that allow the branch to purchase current bestsellers in paperback. In March 1983, the library's collection and service area increased when the Trinidad Community Storefront Library closed and was consolidated with R.L. Christian Community Library.

Today, the R.L. Christian Community Library provides reference services for adults, fiction and non-fiction selections, and several youth and children's programs for its community. Paperback books have become an integral part of the community library's services, appealing to a wide audience. R.L. Christian Community Library circulates approximately 6,500 books yearly and offers strong collections of paperback romance novels, a Black Studies reference section, and a Career and College Guide section.