1) Northeast Denver Libraries Get Major Upgrades

After 18 months of construction and remodeling, the Pauline Robinson Branch Library in north Park Hill has re-opened and includes the addition of a 1,000 square foot community room, two new study rooms, a new teen area and children’s section, infrastructure upgrades, better lighting, and new electric car charging stations. Denver Library spokeswoman Olivia Gallegos says the renovation cost $3.73 million and has created a much more open and light-filled space. “The transformation is amazing,” says Gallegos. “The space really reflects the needs of the community and is very welcoming.”

Denver Public Library staff are restocking the shelves with books for the re-opening of the Pauline Robinson Branch Library in Park Hill. Front Porch photo by Christie Gosch

The new teen area has computers and a small makerspace where young people can work on crafts. A teen advisory board made recommendations for that portion of the remodel. The community room and smaller study spaces can be reserved free-of-charge to anyone who has a Denver library card. “It’s a good resource for non-profits and community groups that need meeting spaces, but also for students who are working in small groups,” says Gallegos.

The Pauline Robinson library is named after Denver’s first African American librarian, who worked in the library system for 36 years at several branches and then as the coordinator of children’s services.

Just four miles away in Lowry, the Schlessman Family Branch Library is temporarily closed and is undergoing  a similar remodel. Additional square footage will be added to accommodate a larger community room and study spaces. Gallegos says that there is a high demand for free community meeting and study spaces. “Libraries are one of the last public spaces where you can just come and hang out without buying anything.”

The Schlessman branch, which will also include a new teen area and children’s section, is expected to be closed for at least a year while the construction is underway. Both library remodeling projects were paid for with funding from the voter-approved 2017 Elevate Denver Bond and the 2022 Denver Public Library property  tax increase. To learn more about services provided by the library system, visit www.denverlibrary.org.

Openings and Closings

OPENING

2) Andy’s Frozen Custard: 9111 E. 40th Ave., Denver.

3) Nana’s Dim Sum and Dumplings: 2005 Clinton St., Aurora. Opening in March.

4) Maria Empanada City Park: 2730 E. Colfax Ave.

5) Hampton Inn Home2 Suites: Taking reservations for March 31 and beyond. 2556 N. Oswego St., Aurora.

New doggie door entrance at Stanley Marketplace in Aurora. Front Porch photo by Christie Gosch

6) Bonez 4 Budz Doggie Door: Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora.

The colorful doggie door at Stanley Marketplace is open during regular business hours Mon.–Sat. from 10am–6pm, and Sun. 10am–5pm. Dog owners can park on the north side of the building to access the door. Follow the paw prints in the hallway directly into the Bonez 4 Budz store. The mural on the door was created by local artist David Swartz. The dog in the painting is Mr. Miles, the “child” of store owner Karina Tittjung, who loves seeing dogs in the store. “We wanted a safe way for dogs and people to enter our store to shop, try on boots and collars, pick out a treat at the ‘chew bar’ etc…we love seeing all the pups come into the store. It’s the highlight of my day.”

CLOSING

7) JC Penney at The Shops at Northfield: Closing May 25 at 8568 E. 49th Ave., Denver.