By Ginger Mattson, Senior Communications Specialist, Arapahoe Library District

Earlier this spring, construction began on a new public library building for the Arapahoe Library District. This new branch will be built on 3.5 acres at the intersection of S. Parker Road and E. Florida Avenue in unincorporated Arapahoe County. The 28,000-square-foot library will serve residents in Glendale, Four Square Mile and Holly Hills, as well as the larger community, and is scheduled to open in early 2009.

The search for land began in 2004, driven by increased demand for library services as well as a growing need for additional space at the existing library in the Glendale Community Center. The new Parker and Florida location has ample land to build a larger facility, has excellent accessibility to public transportation and will have a formidable presence in the community as a stand-alone building. The new library will enable the Arapahoe Library District to offer a place for an expanded collection of books, media and other materials, as well as additional technology and services. An advisory board, made up of residents of the communities served, is providing input on aspects of the new library.

Great care has been taken by the Arapahoe Library District and its contractors to incorporate responsible building practices, as demonstrated by the following earth-friendly activities included in the planning and construction of the site:

· Light pollution reduction through the use of automatic sensors, and only lighting areas as needed for safety and comfort.

· A public transportation stop is located within a half mile of the site.

· Storm water management, through landscaping elements designed to remove pollution from rainwater and runoff.

· Planned electric-operated faucets and dual-flush valves.

· Optimized energy performance by providing an energy-efficient mechanical system and efficient building envelope system.

· At least 10% recycled content will be used in the construction materials.

· At least 20% of materials are processed and manufactured regionally.

· Use of low-emitting materials such as adhesives, paint, composites and carpet system.

· Consistent with the rest of the Library District, once the library opens, plans are in place for onsite recycling collection.

Public tours will be held monthly and can be registered for online at www.araphoelibraries.org. Donations to the Arapahoe Library Friends Foundation, the nonprofit organization that supports the work of the Library District, are still needed and welcomed. Gifts of more than $500 will be recognized permanently. For information, please contact Nicolle Davies, Director of Development and Communications, at 303-798-3021 or ndavies@ald.lib.co.us.