The District is finally preparing to demolish four neighborhood libraries, nearly three years after they were closed for reconstruction.

Two contracts totaling $1.14 million have been awarded to a pair of D.C. companies, both listed as small, local and disadvantaged. The deal to raze the Anacostia, Benning, Tenley-Friendship and Watha T. Daniel libraries is a key step in the reconstruction of the shuttered facilities — one that should ease community frustration over meager headway, said Monica Lewis, D.C. Public Library spokeswoman.