Denver Central Library prepares to debut massive revamp
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The renovated Grand Hall at the Denver Central Library. Photo: Esteban L. Hernandez/Axios
When Andrew Carnegie helped open the Denver Central Library in 1910, he thought the original building — the present-day McNichols Building — was too large, even ostentatious, city librarian Michelle Jeske said Tuesday.
The big picture: The renowned philanthropist, who donated some of his fortune to build more than 1,600 public libraries across the country, couldn't imagine how Denver would evolve. And 114 years later, its flagship library, now an even grander space, is set to fully reopen on Nov. 3 after roughly $60 million in renovations.
Why it matters: The project restored a towering civic institution in the heart of Denver, returning it to the public with sweeping improvements.
Catch up quick: The Denver Central Library closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the same year renovations started.
- The branch partly reopened in 2021 with limited access.
Context: The 540,000-square-foot facility will debut a renovated first floor, including a new grand hall across the main entrance, a dedicated teen space with gaming areas and a quiet room, renovated public restrooms and numerous meeting spaces.
- On its second floor, 15 new meeting rooms are available on a first-come basis, 90 desktop computers are available on the fourth floor, and a relocated bookstore will open on the ground level near the entrance.
Zoom in: Jeske said the renovation means greater opportunity for people to enjoy the library, which typically sees about 2,500 visitors a day.
- Jeske, who also serves as DPL's executive director, joined Central Library director Rachel Fewell on Tuesday for a media preview touting the new features.
The intrigue: One major new feature is Park View, a large events space outfitted with sound-dampening holes and a ground-level view of Civic Center Park.
- That space won't be available to the public, but instead will provide public and private events for up to 537 people.
What they're saying: "I feel a lot of joy for our community," Fewell told us Tuesday, adding the building "belongs to you, to the public."
Follow the money: Funding for the renovation largely came from the 2017 Elevated Denver bond program, which provided $38 million.
- $10 million came from the city's capital improvement fund, $5.25 million was raised by a property tax measure passed by voters in 2022, and $5.7 million came from the library's nonprofit arm.
What's next: U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper and Mayor Mike Johnston are among the expected guests for a ribbon-cutting Nov. 3 at 10am.
- The library officially reopens at 11am.