In November 2017, Denver voters overwhelmingly approved Measure 2E, which provides $69.3 million to renovate the Denver Central Library and 10 branch libraries as part of the Elevate Denver Bond program.
Track Denver GO Bond project updates throughout the city, including those impacting the Denver Public Library, using interactive dashboards and maps on the City's official GO Bond website .
On this page
Ross-Broadway Branch Library
Eugene Field Branch Library
Ross-University Hills Branch Library
Athmar Park Branch Library
Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library
Denver Central Library
John “Thunderbird Man” Emhoolah Jr. Branch Library
Pauline-Robinson Branch Library
Ross-Phyllis Bigpond Branch Library
Smiley Branch Library
In Progress
Schlessman Family Branch Library
Southeast Services During Renovation
Council District: 5
Estimated Budget:
Elevate Denver GO Bond Program: $3.5071M
City & County of Denver Capital Improvement Fund: $961K
Denver Public Library Fund: TBD
Expected Completion Date: Q1 2027
Q1 2026 Update – Phase 2:
The library has entered the second phase of its renovation. Upcoming work includes completing public and staff restrooms, along with planning for upgraded heating and cooling systems and repairs to the building.
Ross-Broadway Branch Library
Southeast Services During Renovation
Council District: 7
Estimated Budget:
Elevate Denver GO Bond Program: $2.39M
Strong Library, Strong Denver, supported by the DPL Fund: $2.35M
Expected Completion Date: Q2 2027
Q1 2026 Update:
Construction is currently ongoing. Early work is complete, including demolition, safe removal of old materials, and brand-new sidewalks.
Eugene Field Branch Library
Southeast Services During Renovation
Council District: 6
Estimated Budget:
Elevate Denver GO Bond Program: $2.15M
Q1 2026 Update:
The design phase is complete. We are awaiting contract completion and finalizing the collection layout. Construction is currently slated to begin in October 2026.
Ross-University Hills Branch Library
Southeast Services During Renovation
Council District: 4
Estimated Budget:
Elevate Denver GO Bond Program: $3.20M
Expected Completion Date: Q4 2027
Q1 2026 Update:
The design has been finalized. Thanks to additional support, the project will include upgraded heating and cooling systems, improved restrooms, and other needed building updates.
Completed
Athmar Park Branch Library
Athmar Park Branch Library reopened to the public on August 7, 2024.
Council District: 7
Budget:
Elevate Denver GO Bond Program: $2.77M
Strong Library, Strong Denver, supported by the DPL Fund: $745K
City & County of Denver Capital Improvement Fund: $962K
City & County of Denver Facilities Improvement Team: $1.3M
Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library
Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library reopened to the public on August 7, 2024.
View the Renovation Fact Sheet
Council District: 9
Budget:
Elevate Denver GO Bond Program: $3.71M
Denver Central Library
Denver Central Library reopened to the public on November 3, 2024.
Council District: 10
Budget:
Elevate Denver GO Bond Program: $43M
Strong Library, Strong Denver, supported by the DPL Fund: $5.25M
DPL Friends Foundation: $5.7M
City & County of Denver Capital Improvement Fund: $10M
John “Thunderbird Man” Emhoolah Jr. Branch Library
John “Thunderbird Man” Emhoolah Jr. Branch Library reopened to the public on June 15, 2021.
Council District: 3
Budget:
Elevate Denver GO Bond Program: $1.38M
Learn more about the process to name the John “Thunderbird Man” Emhoolah Jr. Branch Library here .
Pauline-Robinson Branch Library
Pauline-Robinson Library reopened to the public on February 24, 2025.
Council District: 8
Budget:
Elevate Denver GO Bond Program: $1.87M
Strong Library, Strong Denver, supported by the DPL Fund: $1.83M
Ross-Phyllis Bigpond Branch Library
Council District: 3
Estimated Budget:
Elevate Denver GO Bond Program: $2.67M
Strong Library, Strong Denver, supported by the DPL Fund: $1.5M
Branch Reopening Date:
June 15, 2026
The newly renovated Ross-Phyllis Bigpond Branch Library opened on Monday, June 15, unveiling a reimagined community space featuring expanded access, modern upgrades, and a new co-name honoring Native American community leader Phyllis Bigpond.
Smiley Branch Library
Smiley Branch Library reopened to the public in April 2021.
Council District: 1
Budget:
Elevate Denver GO Bond Program: $1.4M
Renovation Designer:
studiotype Design Collective
Resources
Activate! Denver Facilities Master Plan
Contracting Opportunities
Elevate Denver Bond website
Media Contact