Mount Pleasant Library, Public library in Mount Pleasant neighborhood, Washington DC, United States.
Mount Pleasant Library is a public library in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Washington that combines Italian Renaissance architecture with modern extensions. The original building is connected to a contemporary addition through a glass atrium and houses reading spaces, study areas, and computer workstations.
The building was designed by Edward Lippincott Tilton and opened in 1925 as an early neighborhood branch using foundation funding. A major renovation in the 2010s modernized the structure and created new spaces for different age groups.
The interior walls feature murals from the 1930s by Aurelius Battaglia depicting circus animals in performance, created as part of a government employment program. These artworks shape the character of the spaces and reflect artistic practices of that era.
The building is easily accessible and provides public computers, study rooms, and free WiFi for visitors. The spaces are designed to support different activities, from quiet study to group work.
The wall artworks were created through a 1930s employment program that provided work for artists during economic hardship. This historical artistic initiative remains visible today and is often overlooked by many visitors.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
