There are nine books to write about for June, so I’m going with the easier option of a Coffeeneuring ride, especially since Rudi posted those photos for me.

Coffeeneuring Ride #3: Shop Made in DC (1330 19th St., N.W.) and Shaw (Watha T. Daniels) Library (1630 7th St., N.W.)

Saturday, Oct. 21; 4.7 miles

Hot chocolate, cardamom kouign amann

If you’re going to talk about the revitalization of D.C.’s branch libraries, it’s impossible to have that discussion without highlighting the one in the Shaw neighborhood. This happens to be my current secondary library branch, the one I’m most easily able to get to on my way home from work.

The old branch, named for plumber, businessman, and neighborhood activist Watha T. Daniels, was still around when Rudi and I first moved to D.C., but it such a nondescript Brutalist building that I have absolutely no recollection of it. It closed at the end of 2004 with plans to rebuild on the same spot the following spring. There were delays, however, and this new library didn’t open for nearly six years — in 2010.

The end result, however is a lovely example of modern architecture and clearly others agree. It won many accolades and awards, including being named one of 2010’s ten best buildings by the Wall Street Journal. The architecture firm has been involved in many big name planning projects over the past decade, including the African American History and Culture Museum.

There are meeting spaces in the basement, and upstairs you’ll find adult books and magazines, computers, YA, and study rooms. The first floor has the kids’ and A/V sections, and more meeting rooms.

Rudi and I borrowed a DVD, Monster Hunt, that we have yet to watch, but I was able to keep my book acquisition in check at this stop.

And then we were off to our exciting destination of the day — Shop Made in D.C., a new cafe/shop selling only locally sourced goods, was having its grand opening that weekend, and I was excited to check it out.

We were ready for a snack, so headed to the back of the shop. There were more meal-type foods, but we opted for snacks and drinks, which we took back out to the patio.

Afterwards, we headed back inside to check out the wares. The displays were more airy than I’d expected, although whether that was due to design or popularity, I cannot say.

The vendors they carry varies, as I understand it, but that day it included everything from prints, plants, pickles, and pottery to kombucha, clothing, and candles. I bought a bag of granola for my Ninja Book Swap and, as it was nearing closing time, the owner invited me to pick out a bouquet from a local flower vendor to take home.

We concluded the outing by stopping at the garden to water and pick tomatoes before heading home to put our new flowers in water.