Aug. 2024 update: The Ross-Phyllis Bigpond Branch Library temporarily closed for public service beginning Sunday, Aug. 18 for renovations. When the location reopens, customers will enjoy updated interiors with new finishes, furniture, and technology, along with improved lighting and infrastructure. A new elevator, enhanced accessibility, and better safety features, including upgraded HVAC and surveillance systems, will also be introduced. For the first time, the basement will be open for public use, offering a new community room and study rooms.
About Ross-Phyllis Bigpond branch renaming
The Denver Public Library Commission approved a new name for the former Ross-Barnum Branch Library on April 17, 2025, during its regular meeting. When the branch reopens after renovations, it will be known as the Ross-Phyllis Bigpond Branch Library. A community committee guided the renaming process for the branch.
Bigpond was the founder and Executive Director of the Denver Indian Family Resource Center, an agency dedicated to meeting the diverse and emerging needs of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and families in the Denver area. She was known nationally for her 40 years of community service and advocacy of AI/AN families. A full biography is available here.
Address: 3570 West 1st Avenue
Year opened: 1954
Last renovation: 1994
Square footage: 10,500 sq. ft.
Renovation project includes:
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Updated interiors with new finishes, furniture, and technology
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Improved lighting and infrastructure
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New elevator, enhanced accessibility
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Better safety features, including upgraded HVAC and surveillance systemswill also be introduced.
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For the first time, the basement will be open for public use, offering a new community room and study rooms.
Designer: Studiotrope Design Collective
General Contractor: PCL Construction
History
The original Barnum Branch Library first set up shop in a firehouse. The Rocky Mountain News reported in 1919 that “through the courtesy of Dewey C. Bailey, Manager of Safety, the firehouse of Engine #20, located at Knox Court and West Sixth Avenue has become a neighborhood center.” Organized by librarian Florence Briber, the firefighters themselves helped in setting up the shelves and shelving the books, and apparently the branch operated together with the working fire station, providing the workers plenty of reading material in their down time, with the occasional fire alarm shattering the studious quiet of the stacks.
Today, the Ross-Phyllis Bigpond Branch Library is located at 3570 W. First Ave. and was opened in 1954 and designed by Smith and Hegner Architects. It was the second of four libraries funded by the Frederick R. Ross Trust. A major renovation in 1973 by Saul and Associates relocated the library’s main entrance from the north to the east side. A 1994 renovation by Pouw & Associates added on to the children’s area and meeting space to the south. The library floor is a structural concrete slab over a sizable basement, which has limited use due to accessibility and building code issues.
Two community mural project public artworks led by artist Barry Rose can be found at Ross-Phyllis Bigpond. Outside the main entrance the Personal Icons bronze tile mural (1992) and inside the At the Circus ceramic tile mural (1997).
The branch serves a diverse service area with Spanish and Vietnamese speakers as a large percentage of customers. Families represent a large segment of their customers. The branch’s collection reflects the neighborhood’s diversity and works hard to ensure access to materials and programs for these customers.
Community Input
The Ross-Phyllis Bigpond community conversation was held in July 2016 and gathered 10 local residents and library staff members. Conversations were conducted in English and translated into Spanish as needed.
Barnum residents want a clean, green and safe community. Major concerns include the health and wellness of the neighborhood, traffic safety, graffiti, access to fresh food and a lack of educational resources for adults and children. Neighbors would like to see a focus on neighborhood cleanup and the creation of green spaces for outdoor recreation. Car cruising on Federal Boulevard creates both noise and traffic disruption. Attendees believe that the City is focusing on bringing new people into the neighborhood rather than serving those who already live in the Barnum area.
A library-administered written survey collected information specific to the branch. Customers give the staff high marks but find the physical atmosphere of the building unwelcoming. Customers specifically asked for a branch renovation that feels as fresh and nice as the new Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library in West Denver.