Westminster residents who frequent College Hill Library will soon notice that the building is going to feel a lot more comfortable in the summer and winter months. As the library approaches 25 years of service, the building’s heating and air conditioning system is in need of a major renovation. The library’s original HVAC system has been in place since the library first opened in 1998, and after two decades of heating and cooling the 76,000 square foot, multi-level facility, it will be replaced this summer. In order to complete the project quickly and minimize disruption to library patrons, the College Hill Library building located at 3705 W. 112th Ave. will be closed beginning May 10, 2022. To ensure the library can continue offering high-level service to the residents of Westminster, a new temporary library location will open June 14 at The Rotunda at Front Range Community College.
Crews began work on the HVAC project in November 2021, handling minor tasks ahead of the major phase of construction which starts in May 2022. A project of this magnitude will require a closure of the building for part of May, June, July and the majority of August.
Located just 528 steps away from College Hill Library, The Rotunda at Front Range will operate from mid-June to mid-August, offering computer use, a popular browsing collection available for check out and programs for all ages. During this time, resources and access will be increased through digital collections, a new mobile library van "Library To Go", and expanded offerings at the Irving Street Library in Historic Westminster.
Although relocating the library is no simple task, Interim Library Services Manager Kira Kloser and her staff understand the value and importance of keeping the library open in some capacity. "I think it's a great opportunity, and I'm hoping we can catch some new people coming into The Rotunda space." Kloser remarked. "We really wanted to make sure that we weren't just closed for three months, we wanted to be open as much as possible to the public, especially during the summer which is our busiest time of the year."
The Rotunda at Front Range is located at 3645 W. 112th Ave. on the east side of Front Range Community College. Although the space is just a fraction of the size of the College Hill building, it will be transformed into a small, full-service library. Guests can look forward to a popular collection of 15,000 items, public computer use, and the return of in-person programming.
"This is a huge win for the community!" Kloser proudly exclaimed. "For two years we haven't had in-person programming, but we will be able to bring that back and offer it in a new and engaging space for all ages!" Library staff are still working to finalize their programming schedule but anticipate the most popular programs like Story Time, will be offered several times a week.
Kloser hopes this construction project provides an opportunity to introduce College Hill users to the Irving Street Library in Historic Westminster. "There will be more public computer use at Irving Street during these next few months and I'm also hoping that a lot of the community that uses College Hill will try out Irving Street if they can't find what they need at The Rotunda location." Kloser says parts of the collection from College Hill will be moved to Irving Street for use, where there will also be additional programming.
During the spring and summer months, the community can also take advantage of the "Rec & Read" library kiosks located at West View Recreation Center and City Park Fitness Center. Operating similarly to a vending machine, users scan their library card and choose from 125 items inside.
This construction project provides an ideal time for Westminster Public Library to launch its new "Library To Go" mobile van. Outfitted with technology like laptops and a small collection of print books, audio books, and programming materials, Library To Go serves as a community resource on wheels. "It's not just a bookmobile, it's not just a techmobile, it really is another branch of the library that we want to bring to different parts of the community." More details on Library To Go will be released later this spring.
Another added benefit of the construction and subsequent library relocation is that all of the new shelving and furniture purchased for The Rotunda at Front Range will be repurposed at College Hill after construction is completed. "A lot of the new furniture will go to the teen area, including open shelving which will make it seem more welcoming. This is just phase one of trying to get the rest of the library space updated as well."
The HVAC replacement project has an estimated cost of $4 million, which will be paid for by the City of Westminster and Front Range Community College. The City is responsible for just 40% of the cost which will be paid for with capital funding
"It's long overdue," said Kloser. "In the summertime it's too hot and we need to have our giant fans running to help keep the space cool, and then in the wintertime it gets really cold." Kloser believes a new HVAC system will greatly benefit the library and keep guests comfortable throughout Colorado's changing seasons for years to come.
Like any construction project, the timeline of completion is fluid and the list of dates included below are subject to change. Westminster Public Library will work to keep the community updated on any changes throughout the project. Your patience is greatly appreciated as we work to improve our facility for the community to enjoy for another 25 years.
IMPORTANT DATES:
May 10-June 13: College Hill Library closed for move to temporary location
June 14: Grand Opening of The Rotunda at Front Range library location
August 15-21: The Rotunda at Front Range closes for move back to College Hill Library
August 22: College Hill Library reopens at original location
Hours of operation at The Rotunda at Front Range will remain the same as College Hill Library's normal hours. For information on hours and services, please visit the Westminster Public Library website at: https://www.cityofwestminster.us/Libraries
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