Libraries That Connect, Inspire, and Build Community

In honor of National Library Week April 23-29, we pay tribute to our libraries: resource hubs whose presence cannot be appreciated enough. According to the Library Research Service, Colorado public libraries circulate more than 51 million items annually, with more than 13 million visits per year.

Libraries, especially in rural communities, serve as irreplaceable staples that link us with educational resources and each other. At Nunn Construction, are proud to help create several public libraries, and support their mission to keep Coloradans connected and informed.

For Rampart Library District, Nunn Construction built two new libraries. The Florissant Public Library, a wood-framed building, has a local mountain cabin feel, while the Woodland Park Library also matches town architecture with heavy wood timbers and exposed wood ceilings. Using familiar materials and sights helps library visitors feel welcome, almost like they have found an extension of home.  As the late Sharon R. Quay, former Project Manager of the Rampart Library District, once said of the libraries, “The final products are center pieces for our communities.”

Like the Rampart Library District’s slogan duly claims, their libraries offer “Something for Everyone.” These offerings include everything from “Family Fun Fridays” in Florissant, to Woodland Park’s tai chi classes, to simply a warm, quiet daytime shelter. They also provide meeting spaces for Dungeons and Dragons gaming sessions or discussing the latest pick of the Florissant Bookworms Book Club.

Sharon’s memory lives on—both through the Rampart Library District’s mission to serve and the Woodland Park Library Board Room named as a tribute to her. There, the Rampart Library District Board of Trustees meets monthly, continuing to focus on providing a welcoming environment and inclusive, engaging programming.

“The final products are center pieces for our communities.”

Nunn Construction also had the opportunity to serve Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) on several community-focused projects, including the recent Manitou Springs Library’s move to co-locate with the Manitou Art Center (MAC).

When faced with limited accessibility in their historic Carnegie building, PPLD partnered with to the MAC to house library assets, so services could be sustained in Manitou Springs while strategies to renovate the historic building could be determined. Relocated during the pandemic, this quick retrofit was completed at a time when libraries emerged as vital resources in helping support educational enrichment and sustain local communities.

This partnership has resulted in much more for PPLD library patrons. In addition to the existing library services, the MAC partnership provides access to robust makerspaces, and programmed workshops. It also brings in non-traditional art viewers to the MAC’s public gallery spaces, reflecting the unique community of Manitou Springs.

Nunn appreciates all our local libraries’ dedication, creativity, and tremendous ongoing efforts in public service. We are grateful to build and serve these important spaces in our communities.

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