Sursum Corda Community Library was the last of the four portabranches built in the District of Columbia, and the most recently constructed Neighborhood Library in the D.C. Public Library System. Named after the nearby housing complex sponsored by the Catholic church, the library opened November 29, 1993 with an interior area of approximately 1,600 square feet and book collection of 20,000 volumes. The library was housed in a pre-fabricated, circular building 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.