Anythink Libraries Chooses Site for New Northglenn Express Library
Anythink Libraries has officially selected the site for its upcoming Northglenn Express Library, a project that represents a major milestone in the library system’s ongoing effort to expand access to educational and community resources throughout Adams County. The new facility, expected to open in spring 2027, will become the 10th location within the Anythink library network and the first dedicated library presence in Northglenn in more than 16 years.
The future library will be located near the intersection of 120th Avenue and Claude Court, an area chosen strategically for its accessibility, population density, and proximity to public transportation and community services. Positioned close to Interstate 25, residential neighborhoods, schools, cafés, and retail destinations, the site is intended to make library services more convenient and accessible for residents in their daily routines.
Library officials say the new Northglenn Express Library reflects a modern approach to community-centered public services. Instead of following the traditional large-branch model, the Express Library concept is designed around flexibility, efficiency, and ease of access. The compact format allows residents to quickly borrow materials, access technology, and utilize educational resources in a convenient neighborhood setting.
The facility will occupy approximately 1,800 square feet of retail space, which will be renovated and redesigned specifically to support modern library usage patterns. According to Anythink leadership, the space will emphasize convenience while still maintaining the welcoming environment and community-oriented mission that libraries traditionally provide.
Northglenn residents and city leaders have long advocated for the return of a local library branch. Over the years, community members have repeatedly expressed interest in having easier access to books, digital resources, learning programs, and gathering spaces without needing to travel to neighboring communities.
Northglenn Mayor Meredith Leighty welcomed the announcement, noting the significance of restoring library access within the city.
“Northglenn residents have been advocating for a local library location for years, and we are excited to experience this new format and to learn how it will benefit the Northglenn community,” Leighty said.
Despite the absence of a dedicated branch for more than a decade and a half, library engagement among Northglenn residents has remained strong. According to Anythink Libraries, more than 9,300 residents of Northglenn currently hold active library cards and regularly use nearby branches throughout Adams County. Officials believe the new Express Library will not only better serve existing patrons but also attract new users who may have faced transportation, time, or accessibility barriers in the past.
Mark Fink, executive director of Anythink Libraries, said the project reflects evolving community needs and changing expectations around public spaces.
“Expanding into Northglenn allows us to bring library service back into the city in a way that reflects how people use spaces today,” Fink explained. “This location is designed to meet community members where they are and make it easier than ever to access the resources, materials, and experiences that support lifelong learning.”
The Anythink Express model prioritizes accessibility and self-service while still maintaining strong staff support. Customers will be able to enter the library using their personal library cards, creating a secure and streamlined experience. The facility will feature open sightlines, security monitoring systems, and routine staff presence to ensure the environment remains safe, welcoming, and easy to navigate.
Library leaders say the new format is particularly effective for urban and high-density areas where residents may prefer fast, convenient access to services close to home rather than traveling to larger regional facilities. The smaller footprint also enables the organization to expand into underserved areas more efficiently while maintaining high-quality programming and resources.
The project aligns with broader national trends in public library development, where many systems are experimenting with smaller neighborhood branches, mobile services, and technology-driven access points to better meet changing community expectations. As digital resources, remote learning, and flexible schedules become increasingly important, libraries are adapting their physical spaces to remain relevant and accessible.
In addition to books and physical materials, the Northglenn Express Library is expected to provide access to digital collections, Wi-Fi, educational tools, online learning platforms, and community resources. Officials say the goal is to create a modern public space that supports lifelong learning, literacy, workforce development, and social connection.
Community engagement will play a central role in shaping the final design and service offerings for the library. As part of the planning process, Anythink Libraries has launched a public feedback initiative aimed at gathering input from local residents about the features, services, and programs they would most like to see included.
The engagement campaign includes surveys available in both English and Spanish, running from May 5 through May 17. Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts on everything from operating hours and technology access to programming priorities and space design preferences. Library officials say the feedback will directly influence how the facility is configured and how services are delivered.
The outreach effort reflects Anythink’s longstanding emphasis on community-driven planning and responsive service models. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach, the library system aims to tailor each location to the specific needs and habits of the surrounding neighborhood.
The new Northglenn location also represents a broader investment in expanding equitable access to educational and cultural resources across Adams County. Library officials have identified underserved areas and population growth corridors as key priorities for future development, particularly in communities where residents may face transportation challenges or limited public amenities.
By placing the Express Library in a walkable, transit-accessible area surrounded by housing and community services, Anythink hopes to integrate the library naturally into residents’ everyday lives. Officials believe this approach can help increase engagement, strengthen community connections, and remove barriers that sometimes prevent people from using traditional library branches.
The opening of the Northglenn Express Library is expected to contribute positively to the surrounding community by enhancing educational access, supporting students and families, and creating another welcoming public resource within the city. City leaders and library officials alike see the project as both a practical investment in infrastructure and a meaningful symbol of community growth and inclusion.
As construction planning and community engagement continue over the coming months, Anythink Libraries says it remains focused on creating a space that reflects Northglenn’s unique identity while delivering the modern, accessible services residents increasingly expect from public libraries.
When completed in 2027, the Northglenn Express Library will mark a new chapter for library access in the city, combining innovative design, neighborhood convenience, and community-driven services in a format built for the future.
Source Link:https://www.businesswire.com/
