Congress Heights Library
The new Congress Heights Library will be a 20,000+ square foot, full-service facility located at 1304 Alabama Ave, SE, within the St. Elizabeths East campus. Scheduled to open in late 2026/early 2027, this $20.15 million, single-story, sustainable building will replace the current Parklands-Turner Library. It will be the city’s first “transit-oriented” library, located directly next to the Congress Heights Metro Station.
Key Features and Amenities:
Location: Parcel 16 on the St. Elizabeths East campus.
Design: A modern, single-story mass timber building with a geothermal system, and indoor/outdoor spaces, including a children’s courtyard and adult reading areas.
Services: Dedicated, separate spaces for children, teens, and adults, plus meeting/study rooms.
Special Amenities: A recording studio for young people, requested by the community.
Sustainability: Built to LEED V4.0 & V4.1 standards.
Construction & Project Timeline:
Design Phase: Began in late 2022.
Construction Start: Scheduled for 1st quarter 2025.
Opening: Late 2026 or early 2027
The library is a key part of the revitalization of the St. Elizabeths East Campus, joining projects like the Entertainment and Sports Arena, Sycamore & Oak, and the nearby Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center.
