At The Library: The Drumroll, Please…
Public Art Will Honor The Life And Leadership Of Denver’s first African American Librarian
By Megan Deffner and Leslie Williams
For the GPHN
In February, 2023, we updated the community about the kickoff of a new public art project at the Pauline Robinson Branch Library, which is currently undergoing renovations.
Since then, a selection panel has refined and finalized the goals, a call to artists was advertised, applications were reviewed, and three artists were selected and invited to create site-specific proposals.
In December, the panel met with the artists to review and select concepts for the newly renovated space. The decision has been ratified by the Public Art Committee, the Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs, and the mayor. The announcement of the artists is pending execution of the contract with the City and County of Denver.
Two of the finalists proposed an artist collaboration to activate two spaces inside the library: the wall behind the circulation desk and a wall in the children’s area.
The concept chosen to activate the space behind the circulation desk uses a photograph of the library’s namesake, Pauline Robinson, as the centerpiece. She will greet patrons as they enter. Different abstract and realistic elements surround Robinson and are meant to honor and tell her story of strength, resilience, love, joy and change.
Robinson was Denver’s first African American librarian and the concept chosen to activate the children’s area is a triptych illustration meant to pay homage and honor her and emphasize her role as a leader. The panels include an image of Robinson standing proudly looking off into the future, of her reading to kids and promoting literacy, of kids who have been inspired to read — and of her central role in it all.
To learn more about the renovation, visit denverlibrary.org/pauline-robinson-bond-project-updates. To learn more about Denver Public Art, visit DenverPublicArt.org.
Stay tuned in months to come for additional updates, including images of the art renderings when they become available. and when the library will be ready to reopen. At press time no date has been set.
Megan Deffner is Public Art Administrator for Denver Arts and Venues. Leslie Williams is the Pauline Robinson Branch Librarian.
March Library Programs
Pauline Robinson Branch
The Pauline Robinson Branch Library is closed for renovations. While construction is underway, limited library services are being offered at Hiawatha Davis, Jr. recreation center at 3334 Holly St. Services are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Chromebooks are available for public use, as well as printing and copying.
• A cart of free books and DVDs is available for browsing.
• Digital Navigator appointments are available Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Bookmobile is on Wednesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• Community Resource Navigators are available Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m.
Park Hill Branch
Baby Storytimes | Thursdays 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for babies ages 0-18 months and their parents or caregivers.
Toddler Storytimes | Fridays 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their parents or caregivers.
TAB | Tuesdays, April 2, 16 & 30, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Anyone grades 6-12 is welcome to join and help with library programming and resources geared towards teens.
Writing Circle | Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Who are you writing for? Join our adult writing circle to hone your writing skills and share your work.
Kids Game Club | Wednesday, April 3 & 17, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Are you looking for something fun after school? Drop by to play games in a fun, relaxed environment the first and third Wednesday of each month. Ideal for ages 5-12. Make friends, learn to be good losers and winners and have fun. Adults are welcome to stay and play with their children also.
Voice of the Wood Chamber Players | Saturday, April 6, 3-4 p.m.
The string ensemble Voice of the Wood Chamber Players enchants audiences near and far with their mellifluous talents. This concert will feature string quintets by Mozart and Donizetti.
So Much Stuff: How Humans Discovered Tools, Invented Meaning, and Made More of Everything with Author Chip Colwell | Saturday, April 6, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Get in the mood for spring cleaning with archaeologist and author Chip Colwell who delves into humanity, moving from gathering to gluttony through the ages and the consequences to today’s world.
Kids Book Celebration | Thursday, April 18, 4-5 p.m.
Read the book or books in the series at home then join us to participate in fun activities. This month we will be exploring the book Peter & the Wolf by Gavin Friday with illustrations by Bono. Special guests will be a woodwind quintet, comprised of local professional musicians, who will introduce and demonstrate each of their instruments to the audience (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn), and then present a narrated musical performance of Peter and the Wolf by Prokofiev.
Gold-Fated Family: J.J. Brown, Husband of Unsinkable Margaret “Molly” Brown | Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Five years and thousands of documents later, Jody Pritzl has written the newest retelling of J.J. Brown and his wife Margaret “Molly” Brown. The husband, who discovered the largest gold strike in Colorado in 1892, was overshadowed by one of the most famous Coloradans of all time for her heroic actions when the Titanic sank.
Death Café | Monday, April 22, 2-3:30 p.m.
Death Café is an international movement that invites people to gather, normalize conversations around death — to make the most of LIFE. This is not a grief support group or counseling session. Respect for all views is a priority.
Qi Gong | Wednesday, April 24, 11 a.m.-noon
Qi Gong is the cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine. Sometimes called “meditation in motion,” it includes slow, dance-like movements to improve breathing, reduce stress, and gently move the body. All levels and abilities are welcome at this memory-friendly event.
No Strings Attached Book Chat | Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Read whatever you want and attend whenever you can. Share a recent read, an old favorite, or anything in between.
Greater Park Hill has two public libraries: The Park Hill branch library is at 4705 Montview Blvd. For hours of operation and additional upcoming programs, visit denverlibrary.org/events/upcoming. The Pauline Robinson Branch Library is at 5575 E. 33rd Ave. It is currently closed for renovations. See listings above for current location and library services.