For immediate release: December 4, 2018
Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is renovating its Highlands Ranch, James H. LaRue, library to better serve Highlands Ranch residents and the growing community. Starting Wednesday, December 19, 2018, through March 31, 2019, the library will be closed for renovations; however, limited services will be available during the main building closure.
Building updates, which are based on community feedback, will be implemented by Fransen Pittman General Contractors of Englewood, Colo., and OPN Architects of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Once complete, the renovated library will better serve the community through:
- Increased square footage for public use.
- Additional space for families and tutoring.
- Larger civic, event and kids’ spaces.
- Technology borrowing through a Tech It Out kiosk.
- New shelving and reorganized collections for better browsing.
- Improved outdoor experiences, including a shade structure on the second-floor deck overlooking Civic Green Park.
- And more.
“The library is a lovely place, but right now it doesn’t function as well as it could for some things, like Storytime,” said DCL’s Highlands Ranch Branch Manager Tammy Clausen. “This project will fix that by expanding the children’s area to accommodate our Storytime crowds. It will also expand the space for families and the full second floor for adults. It will increase the amount of public space, so patrons will see parts of the library they’ve never seen before. Everyone will find their spot within the library.”
The drive-up book return, which was updated in November to accommodate full-size cars, will remain open throughout the renovation project. Limited services, such as holds pickup (including Book Club Express and Interlibrary Loan), returns, and very limited browsing, will also be available during the main building closure: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday.
Clausen said DCL purposely chose the winter months for the renovation because it impacts the least amount of people. “Summer is our busiest time and kids count on the Summer Reading Program,” she said, adding that people in Highlands Ranch will still be able to access library materials through DCL.org and holds pickup, or by visiting other DCL locations.
Beginning January 2-March 29, 2019, the library’s morning Storytimes will be held Monday-Friday at the Recreation Center at Westridge (9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd., Highlands Ranch, 80129). There will be no Storytime on Wednesday evenings or Saturday mornings during the closure, and no Storytime at all on Wednesday, March 20, 2019. More information about Storytime at Highlands Ranch as well as other DCL locations can be found at DCL.org/storytime.
The updated library will retain features that are important to the community, including the Second Chapter Used Bookstore, an updated commemorative book wall, and the Veterans’ display case.
According to Clausen, “There will be no reduction in the library’s collection. In fact, we will get to reopen the branch with a bunch of new materials.”
DCL in Highlands Ranch is scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 1, 2019. For more information on the library renovation project, including architectural renderings, visit DCL.org/renovations or call 303-791-7323.
Douglas County Libraries elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection.