For immediate release: May 15, 2023
Current library to close May 22 until new library’s grand opening, August 26.
Douglas County Libraries in Castle Rock will soon begin moving into its newly constructed building at 100 S. Wilcox Street, in front of the existing library. The library’s Archives and Local History department closed on May 1 to prepare for its transition to the new building, and beginning May 22 the current library will be closed to the public until the new library opens, scheduled for August 26. There will be no access to ALH or the current or new library during that time.
Castle Rock library customers may visit any other open DCL location to enjoy the full range of library services, programs, and events during the closure. Alternate Storytimes and outdoor Storytime will be offered at substitute locations in Castle Rock. Detailed closure information is available at DCL.org/build.
Meanwhile, construction is progressing on the new building, inside and out.
“We anticipated supply chain issues during COVID and bought out the project’s materials, for things like HVAC, electrical components, roofing material, carpet, and so on,” said Rick O’Dell, Interim Special Projects Manager at DCL. “We warehoused those materials to avoid the risk of schedule delays due to something potentially sitting on a ship off the coast of California. That locked in material prices and allowed us to get ahead of the inflationary curve and availability challenges post-COVID.”
O’Dell said the library’s interior is 95% complete. Carpeting, ceilings and lights are in place, HVAC is running, restrooms are finished, and interior finishing details are being completed. Sorter installation is scheduled to start on June 1.
The exterior of the building is also coming together. All exterior windows are expected to be finished by mid-May, and the new Aloha Plazas East and West are taking shape as the work progresses toward the August 26 Grand Opening.
The new 62,000-square-foot building will include features consistent with DCL’s other library locations, including a drive-through book return, interactive children’s playscape, 10 study rooms, five larger meeting and event spaces, and outdoor Aloha Plazas East and West. The library will also continue to house DCL’s districtwide services teams and Archives and Local History, its collections, and the Sjostrom History Lounge reading room.
Demolition of the current library will begin in early summer to make way for the new library’s parking lot, which will provide a minimum of 220 spaces for customers and staff when completed.
In addition to working with Fransen Pittman General Contractors of Englewood, Colo., DCL has contracted with OPN Architects of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for library design.
Visit DCL.org/build for ongoing updates and information about the building project.
Douglas County Libraries elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection.
