WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama and his family marked Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a volunteer service project at a local school.

The Obamas joined other volunteers Monday morning at the Browne Education Campus in the District of Columbia.

After greeting volunteers, the president and his family helped build bookshelves in the school's library.

This is the third year in a row the Obamas have participated in a service project on King's holiday.

In brief remarks Monday, the president said there is no better way to celebrate King's life than to spend the day helping others.

This evening, President and first lady Michele Obama will travel to the Kennedy Center for the Let Freedom Ring celebration in honor of King.