At The Library: Let The Library Renovations Begin
A Conversation With Architect Wells Squire On Creating Welcoming, Flexible Spaces
By Leslie Williams
Pauline Robinson Librarian

In honor of National Architecture Month this month, I am pleased to share some insights and updates from the architects of our upcoming library renovation and addition.
Based in Golden, Anderson Hallas Architects has more than 30 years experience designing and renovating libraries and other buildings, including remodels, additions, new construction, and adaptive reuse. They have designed the public libraries in Gunnison, Norwood, Breckenridge and Ignacio.
“From day one, our passion has been to serve the public sector, and we are driven by design that connects and empowers communities – including libraries, city halls, justice centers, and parks facilities, says the firm’s principal, Wells Squire.

Anderson Hallas’s website, anderarch.com, details the principles their architects apply to community engagement and how they pursue public projects. “The rapidly changing vision of what a library can be offers a great opportunity for a community to participate in creating a place that distinctly serves their needs. Our team begins each project ready to listen – without preconceived ideas of what a library ‘should be’ – and we translate what we hear into a tailored design.”
“By bringing together diverse voices – including those from marginalized communities – built environments can also be more welcoming to people of all races, ethnicities, abilities, ages, and identities.”
In addition, Anderson Hallas specifies its commitment to sustainability, regardless of the scope of the project. “We understand that sustainable design has a broad reach, impacting the health and well-being of people and the environment, reducing costs for operations and maintenance, and creating flexible spaces that serve the needs of today and tomorrow.”
At Pauline Robinson, we’ve been extremely happy with the work Anderson Hallas has done so far. Construction is scheduled to begin in September, and will take anywhere from nine months to a year to complete. The library will be closed during the renovation, and customers will be directed to visit other facilities.
I sent the firm some additional questions specific to our project, and Wells Squire provided the following responses.
Leslie Williams: What was the design approach to designing for the Pauline Robinson branch library?
Wells Squire: Our first step with our public buildings is to reach out to the local community for their thoughts and vision for the library. We worked with the city to hold a series of outreach events, had an outreach specialist physically in the space for a series of listening sessions, and sent out flyers in multiple languages to try and draw in opinions and thoughts from as many community members as possible. This outreach allowed the design team to focus on the good bones of the building and work to expand features and assets that had become key components of the building, such as the storytime tree, the front yard and the multipurpose room. This had the added benefit of freeing up more space in the current building for additional room for library functions.
LW: What is the best input you can have that assists you in developing a building?
WS: First and foremost, how do you want to feel when you enter and use the building? Everything about the type of uses in the building and what it takes to construct it can be formed around.
LW: What were the challenges with the design you have done for the Pauline Robinson branch?
WS: One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that the final product made the highest and best use of the public-funded bond issue to ensure the community got the most value out of this investment. Working as a larger team with library and city staff to meet this objective, we believe that the remodel and addition will be a fantastic investment in the local community. Our hope is this public investment further contributes to the community core that has developed in this area with the nearby Center for African American Health, the Vickers Boys & Girls Club, and the Hiawatha Davis Jr. Recreation Center and continue to serve as a vital resource for the community.
In-Person Programs In April
Pauline Robinson Branch Library
After School is Cool | Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays | 4:15-5:15 p.m.
Join us at After School is Cool on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for crafts, games, STEM and more. Program is for ages 7-12.
Drop In Tech Help | Wednesdays, April 5, 12, 18, 26 | 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Need help navigating the internet, email, or social networks like Facebook? Have questions about your phone or tablet? Want to know how to access eBooks on any device? Drop by and get your questions answered and learn how to use tech more effectively.
Park Hill Branch Library
Baby Storytimes | Thursdays, 10:30-11 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., repeated at 11-11:30 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their parents or caregivers. Please only attend one session a day to allow others a chance to participate.
TAB| Tuesdays, April 4 and 18, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Anyone 6th-12th grade are welcome to join and help with library programming and resources geared towards teens.
Magic the Gathering Club | Fridays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
A teen run Magic the Gathering Club for other teens.
Kids Chess Club| Saturdays, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Chess club hosted by Charlie Keglovitz. Open to people 18 and under.
Writing Circle | Thursdays, 1:30-3 p.m.
Who are you writing for? Join our circle to hone your writing skills and share your work.
No Strings Attached Book Chat| Saturday, April 1, 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.
Elders Oral History Event| Saturday, April 8, 1-4 p.m.
History Colorado is committed to preserving and sharing the stories of Black communities. We need your help to preserve and share elders’ stories as part of the Colorado record. This workshop will review the basics of oral history work, how to work with technology and how to donate an elder’s history to the state’s collection.
Arab American Heritage Month: Islamic Geometric Art | Wednesday, April 12, 11 a.m.-noon
Get a basic introduction to Islamic Geometric Art and learn how to create your own.
Kids Book Celebration | Thursday, April 20 4-5 p.m.
We have changed the format of our monthly book club to a monthly book celebration for kids in kindergarten* through 5th grade. The club meets the third Thursday of every month. We explore a book or series every month and do activities and crafts related to what we read. (*Parents of young children need to attend with their child.)
Dia del Nino (Day of the Child) | Tuesday, April 25, 4-5 p.m.
We will have fun breaking open a piñata filled with candies and toys and then each child can make their own paper bag piñata to take home for more fun. While supplies last.
Greater Park Hill has two public libraries: The Pauline Robinson branch library is at 5575 E. 33rd Ave., and the Park Hill branch library is at 4705 Montview Blvd. For hours of operation and additional upcoming programs for both neighborhood libraries, visit denverlibrary.org/events/upcoming, and select the facility you are planning to visit.