Central Library

Renovations Begin

We are pleased to report that work is underway on repairs, maintenance and upgrades at the Central Library as funded by the Better Denver bond program.

The Central Library will remain open during this 9-month renovation project (anticipated completion date, August 2010).  Please check here regularly for updates regarding temporary construction-related service changes.

Current and Upcoming Service Impacts

10/12/09 Construction starts on Level 4

• The Library Lab will remain open during initial construction to expand our Community Technology Center.
• The Government Publications desk is closed. Please visit:
  • Level 1 Reference Desk for assistance with Federal Government documents.
  • Level 5 Western History and Genealogy Desk for assistance with state and local documents.

10/16/09 Construction starts on Level 5
Western History and Genealogy remains open to the public during construction.

10/20/09 Construction starts on Level 1

• Returns Desk is now closed. Please return all items to exterior book drops (located on Broadway and on 13th Avenue), to the return slot in Schlessman Hall or to any Denver Public Library branch location.
• Holds:
  • Self-service holds will be closed for approximately two months while improvements are made to this area.
  • Holds may be picked up at the temporary Checkout and Holds Desk at the southwest end of Schlessman Hall.
• Self checkout stations are now conveniently located at the Broadway and Acoma Plaza entrances.

Summary of Bond Improvements

Specifically, the Central Library will realize the following improvements:

• Repairs, replacement and upgrades to building components and several building and life safety systems that have been deferred over the years. This includes upgrades to the existing fire detection and alarm system, security and public address systems with state-of-the-art technology. Many areas of the exterior hardscape and facade will realize repairs to assure a safe and aesthetic approach to our building. Many areas of the roof will have repairs completed. Design will continue on our ‘green roof’ initiative as a possibility for other areas of the roof. The work on the life safety and security systems will occur in 2008. Other aspects of the repair work will be ongoing with many being completed before 2010.
• The installation of several automated library material self–check stations and the introduction of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to library materials will revolutionize how our customers will be able to access and acquire library books and media, and conduct other Library-related business. The existing automated material handling system will have upgrades and enhancements that will raise library efficiencies, thus, allowing library staff more time for one-on-one customer service. The application of RFID to library material will commence in 2008 and continue until the entire collection has been accounted for.
• Architectural features and interior finishes at the Central Library are unique, having no equal within the City of Denver and are a source of civic pride. The interiors will get much-needed repairs and refreshing that will include but are not limited to: Lighting upgrades, painting, and woodwork refinishing. New furnishings and shelving will be added that will make library materials and service more readily accessible. Initial design work is already in progress. Many of the repair needs will see attention in 2008 and be ongoing through 2012.

Other Better Denver Bond Projects

Please visit the Better Denver Bond page for more information on renovations at other Denver Public Library Branch locations.

The City of Denver has information on Better Denver Bond Program, with a complete list of projects going on around the City. All of these projects are possible due to the passage of the Better Denver program on the city-wide ballot in 2007. Thank you for your continued support and patience during these renovations.