Martin Luther King Jr. Library expansion grand opening celebrates new beginnings
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Aurora Public Library is celebrating an expansion that doubles the size of the Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave., with a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring Congressman Jason Crow and Mayor Mike Coffman at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8. The $2.5 million renovation was part of Crow’s community project funding secured in 2023 via the government appropriations process.
The expansion’s grand opening highlights the now 14,000-square-feet library with new technology, youth learning zones, collaborative spaces and multipurpose rooms. The library’s renovations also include a makerspace and computer lab, focusing on high-quality STEM programming and educational opportunities. The makerspace includes equipment such as 3-D printers, a laser printer and sewing machines. The computer lab will connect residents who do not have access to broadband and lack computer skills, supporting activities such as applying for jobs, and attending online schooling. After the ribbon cutting, visitors can participate in activities throughout the day including a story time, landscape drawing activity and games. There will also be an open lab in the makerspace beginning at 4 p.m.
“The opening of a renovated Martin Luther King Jr. Library is an important part of the revitalization and redevelopment of northwest Aurora,” said Mayor Coffman. “Along with the recent voter approval of the Downtown Development Authority, we’re taking active steps to showcase this important area of the city, and I am certain the MLK Library will play a key role as a community hub.”
The expansion of Martin Luther King Jr. Library is part of the city's infrastructure improvements that support residents' quality of life and maintain a connected and engaged community and aligns with the recently completed Aurora Public Library’s Strategic and Facilities Master Plan.
“This expansion revitalizes the way the community can access free resources,” says Ginger White Brunetti, director of Library and Cultural Services. “The space is vibrant and encourages learning and creativity while providing a welcoming space for everyone. I’m excited to see what the community can create.”
Aurora Central Library is next for renovation. Thanks to a $3 million federal grant, it will expand its youth services and other amenities identified in the Strategic and Facilities Master Plan. To learn more about Aurora Public Library, visit AuroraLibrary.org.
About Aurora Public Library
Aurora Public Library serves the city of Aurora at five branches, one bookmobile, access to digital materials and hundreds of programs. In 2024, it received 560,000 in-person visits, had 1.2 million items checked out, answered more than 330,000 questions from the community, had over 65,000 program participants and hosted 5,700 meetings at its community rooms. Combining all the different ways the library serves the community, Aurora Public Library was used 3.4 million times in 2024 alone. Aurora Public Library is a division of the city of Aurora Library and Cultural Services Department. To learn more, visit AuroraLibrary.org.