The Estes Valley Library will begin a major renovation project this summer aimed at improving accessibility, expanding community gathering spaces, and better aligning the building with how patrons use it today, all without a tax increase.
Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2026 and conclude in early 2027, according to Library Director Claudine Perrault. The project will span two budget years, with total expenditure expected to reach approximately $3.9 million.
The library district’s 2026 operating budget in its general fund is $2,770,465.71. In addition, the library has budgeted $2,621,897 for the renovation capital project in 2026. Under governmental accounting standards, operating and capital funds are recorded separately.
Funding for the renovation will come from two sources: library district reserves and private fundraising conducted by the Friends of the Library Foundation. To date, donors have contributed well over $1 million toward the project.
“There will be no tax increase for these planned improvements,” Perrault said. “We’re grateful for the good stewardship of our governing board and the generosity of our donors, which make this investment possible.”
The library’s mill levy is set at 4.52 mills and is collected through district property taxes. The Estes Valley Library District shares the same boundaries as the Estes Valley Hospital District and serves a population of 12,558.
Planning years in the making
The renovation is the result of several years of planning. A 2022 Community Needs Assessment identified limitations in the library’s 1991 facility. In response, the library’s board of trustees developed a strategic plan in 2023. An architect-build team was selected in 2024, and fundraising efforts began in 2025.
While the library has remained a well-loved community fixture, Perrault said that changing use patterns and growing demand for meeting space, technology, and hands-on programming made updates necessary.
What’s changing inside
The renovation will reorganize the building to create a more active first floor and a quieter second floor, while also improving accessibility throughout.
Planned accessibility upgrades include a new ADA-compliant family restroom and a centrally located staircase that will provide more visible and intuitive access between floors.
The first floor will house several high-traffic community spaces. The Makerspace, currently located on the second floor, will move into the existing Hondius Community Room, allowing for expansion and improved access to water for popular programs. The Hondius Community Room will relocate to the current Children’s Room, increasing its seating capacity from 49 to 75.
The Children’s Room will move to the northwest corner of the first floor, away from the parking lot and adjacent to a newly created teen space. Perrault said this configuration creates a “family corner” and improves safety by distancing young patrons from vehicle traffic.
Three new small conference rooms will also be added on the first floor to meet growing demand for meeting and collaboration space.
The second floor will be redesigned to support quieter activities. Non-fiction materials will be relocated, the Quiet Room will be opened to provide additional seating, and reading areas will be expanded throughout the stacks.
What patrons can expect during construction
Library officials say they intend to maintain public access and core services throughout the renovation, though temporary disruptions are unavoidable.
During the first phase of construction, contractors will drill through concrete to install the new ADA restroom and central staircase. For safety reasons, library access during that phase will be limited to the front entrance and the Hondius Room. That phase is expected to last approximately two months.
Afterward, construction will proceed in sections, with portions of the building closed while work continues elsewhere.
“There will certainly be compromises, noise, dust, and other inconveniences,” Perrault said. “We wish we could make improvements without disruption, but we’re confident the end result will be worth it.”
Library leaders emphasize that the building will retain its familiar character. Existing shelving, furnishings, and materials will continue to be used wherever possible, preserving the library’s cozy, mountain feel.
A heavily used public resource
The Estes Valley Library remains a central hub for residents and visitors alike. In 2024, the library reported 8,589 active cardholders, 189,117 circulation transactions, and 20,550 program attendees.
The physical collection totals 34,407 items, including books, audiovisual materials, and “Library of Things” offerings. The digital collection is significantly larger, with more than 20 million items available through platforms such as Libby, Hoopla, and CloudLibrary.
The library district employs 24 people, representing 20.16 full-time equivalent positions.
Opportunities to learn more
Library officials will host several public presentations and informal “Coffee Chat” sessions with Perrault in the coming months to share updates and answer questions. Local clubs and nonprofit organizations may also request tailored presentations.
While the construction may cause temporary inconvenience, the Friends of the Library Foundation emphasized that the project is designed to ensure the library continues to meet community needs well into the future.
“We’re investing in the future of the Estes Valley Library,” said Sarah Walsh, Executive Director of the Friends of the Library Foundation. “The services people rely on today will remain, and the building will be better equipped to serve the community for decades to come.”
Estes Valley Library renovation: Quick facts
Construction: From summer 2026 to early 2027
• Total cost: Approx. $3.9 million
• Funding: Library reserves and Friends of the Library Foundation
• Tax impact: No tax increase
• Mill levy: 4.52 mills
Key upgrades
• ADA/family restroom
• Central staircase
• Expanded Makerspace
• Larger community room
• New teen space
• Three new conference rooms
• Children’s Room relocated away from the parking lot
Library use (2024)
• 8,589 active cardholders
• 189,117 items circulated
• 20,550 program attendees