As the conference starts to wind down, the exhibit hall is broken down and all the books are quickly claimed, now might be a good time to get some fresh air in D.C.
Hopefully, you have felt some of that wonderful D.C. humidity as you have walked around either to different events or maybe starting to explore…
If you have time today, I recommend checking out some real D.C. libraries— I love to check out a real-life library when I go to a new city. We have lots of beautiful, award-winning libraries here in D.C.
The closest branch to check out (library pun) is the Shaw Neighborhood Library (1630 7th St NW)— just walk about 15 minutes north on 7th street (convention center on your left). I would recommend stopping at Compass Coffee that you will pass on the way for an iced latte or cold brew. This location is one of the busiest in the city and has absorbed a lot of the city’s population as the main branch has been closed.
If you want to do some sightseeing and plan to check out the National Zoo, I would recommend stopping into the Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library (3310 Connecticut Ave NW). Walk down to the Gallery Place metro station and jump on the red line towards Shady Grove. Get off at Cleveland Park or Woodley Park (for Zoo). It’s about a 25-minute journey. The Cleveland Park library is still the newest library in the city, celebrating it’s year anniversary earlier this month. It has the largest free meeting space in the city– with a room that can hold over 200 people. If you end up around the zoo, I recommend going directly across the street to Duke’s Counter for their Proper Burger– one of the best in the city (and my personal favorite).
Hopefully, you get out and enjoy some of the city!