Built in 1926, West High School (951 Elati St.) now has a new 12,000 sq. foot library addition. Working with the State Landmark Commission, the school created a second level facility surrounded by four large bay windows that takes advantage of both mountain and downtown views. Sunlight pours into the library's central reading rotunda via skylights. A living Benjamina Ficus Wintergreen sits at the rotunda's center.

"City kids see a lot of brick and concrete," said Library Media Specialist, Marthanne Simons. "We wanted to bring the outdoors in and offer great views to lift our spirits."

On Friday, April 19, the community is invited to a dedication at 3:00 p.m. that celebrates the opening of this work of art. The library includes a new mini-theatre room that seats nearly 100 and a multi-media production studio.

Students have already tried out the new facility. "It's such a nice library," adds Simons. "Kids tell me it makes you want to learn."

West High School's old library held about 13,000 books with an average copyright of 1978. To date, the updated and curriculum-driven collection holds nearly 17,000 books. The goal is to add another 5,000 books more. Books were selected with the help of students, parents, and the community. The facility is now one of the most modern library media centers in Colorado.

"We appreciate the Board of Education and the people of Denver for voting on a bond that provided 21st century technology and information to the students of West High School," said Simons.

Designed by Luis Acosta Architects and built by Brown-Schrepferman & Co., the cost of the new library and other West High School renovations totaled $4.8 million. The library's construction was paid for with the help of a 1998 Bond and Mill Levy money was used for new books and technology.