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.
Denver Public Library Infrastructure Dashboard
All Branch Renovation Progress Update 8.10.2026
On this page
Schlessman Family Branch Library
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: $3.5M
- Strong Library, Strong Denver, Supported by the DPL Fund: $1.2M
- City & County of Denver Capital Improvement Fund: $1.5M
Expected Completion Date: Q1 2027*
Progress Update – Phase II: Phase II of construction, including restroom updates, is substantially complete. The heating side of the HVAC system is scheduled to begin in late August 2026. Design for the building envelope restoration project is underway. Furniture and shelving are in the procurement phase.
Ross-Broadway Branch Library
Southeast Services During Renovation
Council District: 7
Estimated Budget
- Elevate Denver GO Bond Program: $3.8M
- Strong Library, Strong Denver, Supported by the DPL Fund: $3M
- City & County of Denver Capital Improvement Fund: $200K
Expected Substantial Completion Date: Q2 2027*
Progress Update: The branch is currently in the construction phase. The foundation for the addition has been poured, the wood windows have been beautifully restored, and the mechanical and electrical rough-ins in the existing building continue. The expansion will house study rooms and staff spaces.
Eugene Field Branch Library
Southeast Services During Renovation
Council District: 6
Expected Substantial Completion: Q3 2027*
Estimated Budget:
- Elevate Denver GO Bond Program: $2.15M
- Strong Library, Strong Denver, Supported by the DPL Fund: $2.2M
- Denver Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency: $70K
Progress Update: Construction drawings are pending permit review. The contract is being finalized, and 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: $3,205,000
- Strong Library, Strong Denver, Supported by the DPL Fund: $ 3,731,931
- City & County of Denver Facilities Improvement Team: $75,000
- Capital Improvement Plan: $37,318
- Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency: $130,000
Expected Substantial Completion: Q4 2027
Progress 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.
*Expected Substantial Completion - Refers to the end of the construction phase. It does not refer to when the doors open to the public.
Completed
Athmar Park Branch Library
Athmar Park Branch Library reopened to the public on August 7, 2024.
Council District: 7
Estimated 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