Denver Public Library uses city bond to improve branches.
Books, movies, and music: The Denver Public library lends many different types of each to Denver residents every year. However, with the help of the Better Denver Bond, Denver Public Library is going to remodel some of the outdated and well-loved buildings.
In 2004, Mayor John Hickenlooper created the Infrastructure Task Force to handle the maintenance of City assets. The Task force then examined the condition of the properties and figured out what improvements should be made, and then set about putting them in action. One of the areas to be improved are certain branches of the Denver Public Library. The grant was approved in 2007 and the financial concerns have already been addressed. The task force had input from Denver residents in deciding the changes that should be made.
The Ross-Cherry Creek library branch has been closed since September 10th, and is scheduled to reopen in March of 2010. The Woodbury branch has also been closed for renovations and is scheduled to reopen on January 12, 2009. The Montbello library was closed on December 22, and is scheduled to reopen in June 2010. When a branch is closed for renovations, the staff is redistributed to other branches, and the items that were sent to that branch are sent to a nearby branch. Holds sent to the Ross-Cherry Creek Library will be sent to the Eugene Field Library, items from the Woodbury Library will be sent to the Ross-Barnum Library, and items sent to the Montbello Library will be sent to the Schlessman Library branch. The Denver Public Library web site advises patrons, “Items should not be left at a closed location under any circumstances.”
While the libraries are closed, they will be fitted with new carpet, new lights, and new paint. The restrooms will be upgraded, along with staff areas. Children’s areas will be redesigned and improved by newer furnishings. The Denver Public Library is also preparing for a new checkout system, which uses RFID tags, little electronic stickers that emit a radio signal. This will make items easier to track and check out books and materials, and make library staff more available for one-one-one questions. For what may seem like a brand new library, it is definitely worth the wait. The Virginia Village Library, Bear Valley Library, and the Valdez-Perry Library will also be closing in 2010.
