The Pauline Robinson branch is now open! A Grand Reopening Celebration took place March 1, 2025, in celebration with the community. For location and hours visit Pauline Robinson Branch.
Overview
Address: 5575 East 33rd Avenue
Year opened: 1995
Last renovation: 2004
Square footage: 5,285 sq. ft.
Renovation Construction Includes:
- Increase square footage with an addition to improve the existing restrooms, book drop, community room, staff spaces, youth spaces, flexible learning areas, and shelving
- Exterior improvements including: landscaping, sidewalks, exterior lighting, parking lot, facade restoration; building system updates to HVAC, electrical, IT, communications, lighting, surveillance, access controls, and life safety
- Provide new interior finishes, furniture, fixtures, and signage
Architecture Firm: Anderson Hallas Architects
General Contractor: Interlock Construction
Project Goals
- Increase square footage to reduce crowding and create spaces for learning, making, creating, meeting and collaborating
- Neighborhood needs safe, experiential spaces to keep youth engaged and learning while not in school or work and to help foster increased literacy levels
- Address major building components to care for and protect this 22-year-old facility
History
At the 1995 dedication of the library branch named for her, Pauline Robinson said, “Of all the honors, the truest satisfaction that I’ve received throughout my career has been encouraging young people to continue their education and to prepare for their lifelong goals.” Robinson was one of the first African-Americans to graduate from the University of Denver’s library school and became the Denver Public Library’s first African-American librarian. She retired in 1979 as coordinator of Children’s Services.
Today, Robinson’s legacy lives on as the branch serves an important role in the community, acting as both a library and community hub. Children and adults alike visit the library to study, access materials, use technology and meet with one another. The branch works closely with the Boys and Girls Club across the parking lot to ensure children have a safe and welcoming environment during out-of-school hours.
The branch serves a diverse urban service area. The service area is dominated by families with children and ages ranging from toddler to high school. The branch’s collection and programs reflect the interests and needs of the diverse neighborhood.
Community Input
Two community conversations were held in the Pauline Robinson Branch Library neighborhood. In May 2016, five residents met with the artistic director of PlatteForum and several library staff members to discuss aspirations and concerns for the community with a specific eye toward the 303 Artway walking path project. The library hosted another community conversation in July, which brought 12 local residents in for community discussions.
Neighbors are concerned about jobs and youth engagement and desperately desire a walkable neighborhood. Attendees shared a desire for more “eyes on the street” due to an increase in gang activity. Other concerns include the need for higher wages and resources to provide safe spaces for youth. Residents believe that local organizations are not effectively communicating their services or coordinating with one another. Currently, the library closes on its evening shifts one hour earlier than other branch locations to help young people get to their homes earlier and avoid being out after dark.
The Plan
- Increase square footage with an addition.
- Address site issues including landscaping, sidewalks and exterior lighting.
- Repave and repair the parking lot.
- Replace the main air handling units.
- Improve heating, ventilation, air conditioning and temperature controls.
- Repair and restore existing facade.
- Redesign and/or relocate existing exterior book drop.
- Update and improve existing exterior lighting.
- Redesign and install exterior book return.
- Update and refresh restroom partitions, lighting, vanity counters and flooring.
- Add a staff restroom.
- Meet current fire alarm codes.
- Install surveillance and access control.
- Update the main electrical distribution and branch circuit panel.
- Improve data, power and communication systems.
- Update ambient lighting.
- Explore new arrangements for flexible learning spaces.
- Redesign the service point for current technology and service models.
- Update the small conference room with lighting, power, data, technology and service counter.
- Refresh the entire children’s area.
- Explore existing material shelving arrangement to obtain optimum customer use and convenience.
- Redesign staff workroom, breakroom and office for better efficiency and lighting.
- Explore new arrangements for public access computers and access for mobile device use.
- Provide new interior finishes including paint, carpet, tile and ceilings.
- Provide new interior furniture and fixtures.
- Comply with current accessibility requirements.
- Provide new wayfinding, digital signage and code-required signs.
- Upgrade or create an IT data and telecommunications closet.
A key component of a successful modern library requires creative design approaches for individuals and groups to learn, make and create. Changes in customer usage, technological advances and functionality also necessitate a renovation and addition. The design approach will maintain the architectural integrity of the existing branch.