For 40 years, the MLK Library has languished far behind other central libraries in terms of its perceived status and value to its city’s residents. While downtown DC has experienced a renaissance over the past 10 years, MLK has been left behind, a blighted victim of deferred maintenance and dispiriting neglect. DCPL wanted to make a bold statement that its main library has relevance, and more importantly, has incredible potential. Our hope was to show that MLK could serve as a destination for a variety of cultural events. Ultimately our goal was to position the library as an overlooked gem in the city and to begin a process by which the building could be seen as an anchor institution central to the revitalization of DC.

For 40 years, the MLK Library has languished far behind other central libraries in terms of its perceived value to residents. While downtown DC has experienced a renaissance the past 10 years, MLK was left behind, a blighted victim of deferred maintenance and dispiriting neglect. DCPL wanted to make a bold statement that its main library has relevance and incredible potential. Our hope was to show that MLK could serve as a destination for cultural events. The goal: to position the library as an anchor institution central to the revitalization of DC.

Beyond the 300 people who attended the Preview Party and the $15K raised by the DCPL Foundation, UNCENSORED brought unprecedented visibility to the MLK Library at a critical time in which the library system is seeking broad public support for a full renovation. UNCENSORED ultimately brought together four corporate sponsors, 13 local artists, and four local bars to lend their support. UNCENSORED received coverage in over 12 media outlets including the Washington Post, Fox5, and NPR. Preview Party attendees commented on either their lack of prior awareness of the MLK Library or awareness because of negative connotations. It has helped change public perception of MLK through a participatory process involving stakeholders from both the business and creative communities. We look forward to next year.