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Denver Central Library reopens after 4-year renovation

The library officially reopened its doors Sunday morning, marking its first full opening since March 2020.

DENVER — After four long years of closures and renovations, the Denver Central Library fully reopened to the public this weekend.

The library near the Denver Art Museum and Civic Center Park officially reopened its doors Sunday at 11 a.m., marking its first full opening since March 2020. The day began with a festive celebration that included a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Mayor Mike Johnston, Sen. John Hickenlooper, and library leadership, all gathered in the newly designed Park View event space.

“It kind of feels like coming home again after you've been away for years,” said Alex Hernandez, a special collections librarian who has worked at the Denver Central Library for seven years. “It was definitely painful for a lot of us because a lot of us got into this because we like working with the public.”

Hernandez wasn’t alone in his sentiments. Hundreds of people turned out for the ceremony, with many more streaming in throughout the day to explore the newly revamped library. 

“It definitely seems like there was this longing and like they’re finally able to return back home after a long stay away when they weren't able to come back. Lots of happy, smiling faces. That’s been pretty great,” he said, expressing his gratitude for the turnout. 

He said he had never seen so many people of various ages excited about what the library has to offer.

For some visitors, the library was an enigma. Rachel Vranizan, exploring the floors with her mother and sister, shared her excitement. 

“I have walked by it a lot and have been just intrigued to see what it looked like inside,” said Vranizan, who moved to Denver two years ago.

Others were thrilled to return. David Lawson, visiting with his daughter Phoenix, expressed his nostalgia for the space. 

“This is a place I used to come to four years ago. And, like, it’s amazing that it’s open again,” he said.

The renovations have brought significant improvements, including a welcoming first floor featuring Schlessman Hall with a new grand staircase, The Commons—designed to be "downtown's living room," a new Red Chair Bookshop, and the newly established Park View event space. 

The reimagined Children’s Library, which has been open since April 2022, is also a highlight of the first floor. The second floor now boasts 15 new community study and meeting rooms, along with a brand-new Teen Library.

While the library now showcases a modern design, its purpose remains timeless as a vital public space for exploration and connection. 

“If we had a beautiful new building but it was just a few people coming in to look around, it wouldn’t be the same. It’s really the amazing welcome that we got from Denverites overall—just the essence of community,” Hernandez said.

The library is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

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