The DC Public Library serves a community with a wide range of education and technology backgrounds, along with an ever increasing number of tech entrepreneurs calling DC home. The challenge was to address all of these needs in a single space. As an urban public library, addressing the needs of the under-served and unemployed is a vital and ongoing commitment. Access to information, technology, and learning are key elements the Digital Commons needed to tackle, but on a much grander scale and with a focus on educating the community and giving them the skills not only for today, but for the future. As technology has become an ever increasing part of home and work life for most people, and will continue to do so, the Digital Commons needed to maintain a greater sense of relevancy in this dynamic world. Our challenge was to provide access and education on the tools and resources needed for people to stay relevant and current in the workplace, as well as at home today, but also in emerging technologies and the skills needed to become successful in the future. The DC area has become a hotbed of economic development both big and small. The Commons needed to address small businesses and entrepreneurs will little capitol and resources looking for a creative and collaborative space to grow within the business community

Access to Technology: Customers have access to 80 PCs/Macs to utilize software like MS Office and the Adobe Creative Suite. Emerging technologies like 3D Printers and 3D scanners are available to get hands on experience with the future. Digital Commons is an access point to the hardware, software, information, and resources necessary for workforce development, digital creation, and digital collaboration all of which ties into our programs provided by our knowledgeable, passionate, and technically diverse staff.

Training: Our driving force of the Digital Commons has become the dynamic classes we provide to the community. Regardless of education or skill level we strive to provide a comprehensive course offering in basic, intermediate, and advance tech skills to help people navigate the technological waters whether for personal use, re-entering the workforce, or gaining new skills in their current position. Courses range from Online Application Assistance and Basic Internet Safety to Into to Adobe Photoshop and Intro to Tumblr to Intro to 3D Printing and Python Coding to many more. The programs allow people to build much needed skill sets and to explore new and emerging technologies that are becoming desired assets in the workplace now, and in the future.

Dream Lab: A dedicated space for entrepreneurs, non-profits, meet-ups, and small businesses looking to grow within the community but do not have the space to do so. The lab is essentially a free co-working and partnership space in the heart of downtown DC. Members have access to nearly 1800 sq. feet of space, free Wi-Fi, power, mobile furniture, SmartBoards, conference rooms, and access to all the resources the library has to offer.

The Digital Commons has become the DCPL's busiest destination and has exceeded all expectations. Over 50-70 classes are offered on a monthly basis in the commons, averaging about 10 attendees per class, equating to 500-700 trained individuals per month. The class structure has evolved from basic and intermediate classes to more advanced offerings as the public demand grows. From users needing online application help to developing the skills for tomorrow such as 3D designing, the Digital Commons has become a unique workforce development site; a true “People’s University”. The emerging technology and corresponding classes continue to be our most popular. Nearly all the programs center on STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math) concepts. 3D Printing and 3D scanning classes are always well attended and our related services are in heavy demand. The Adobe Creative Suite stations we offer access to have its own subset of programming. The business community, no matter how big or small a venture, and our partnerships are also an integral piece to the commons success. We host a bi-monthly meet up (DCTech) of tech entrepreneurs who pitch their products and ideas to fellow start ups and investors numbering well over 500 in attendance. We believe some of the tools necessary to succeed in the world of today and tomorrow are being offered here. All DC residents have free and open access to this great community resource --- bridging the digital divide and creating space for digital collaboration, digital learning, and digital creation.