If you supported the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation’s A Story Still to Tell Capital Campaign, you may take pride in the new areas opening up at Central Library. Since January 2021, workers have been busy with major renovations throughout the historic building – the first major renovation in 25 years. Now, the library is opening up some new spaces to the public.
In April, the library celebrated the opening of the new 10,000-square-foot Children’s Library. The space was designed to meet the developmental needs for children from birth through fifth grade and provide key resources and services, plus 50,000 print and media materials..
“The space is so vibrant and exciting,” said City Librarian Michelle Jeske. “We are thrilled to welcome families to our new Children’s Library. The space is a kid-friendly and kid-focused destination in the heart of the city that the community can visit and enjoy for generations to come.”
The library also opened its new main desk and self-service holds area, where customers can retrieve and borrow their on-hold materials.
These areas are the first visible results of the Friends Foundation’s A Story Still to Tell Campaign, a $58.5 million campaign to support Central’s 120,000-square-foot renovation.
Hours Expanded at Six Branches
In addition to the excitement at Central, six branches were able to expand their hours to include Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The hours had been reduced due to the pandemic and staffing shortages. The six branches are Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales, Green Valley Ranch, Hadley, Hampden, Schlessman Family, and Sam Gary.