The Building Community Together Capital Campaign is an intensive $2 million fundraising effort needed to complete the expansion and renovation of the Frank and Marie Barkman and the Patrick A. Lucero libraries. These two library facilities will undergo improvement efforts that will enhance each location’s capacity to grow its services to meet the ever-changing needs of Pueblo’s children, teens, families and adults.
Barkman Library
New and updated features:
- New bridge leading to nearby park; improved access to green space
- Spaces for children, teens and adults
- Expanded meeting room
- Two new study rooms
- Updated indoor CCTV
- Restroom environmental sensors
- Additional security staff
- Enhanced outdoor lighting
- Lower bookshelves
- Improved parking
Barkman Library Renovation
Constructed in 1990, this branch serves primarily the Belmont, University Park and surrounding areas. The new 8,950 square-foot facility is located at the busy intersection of Jerry Murphy Road and Bonforte Boulevard.
Pueblo City-County Library District (PCCLD) partnered with HBM Architects and HW Houston Construction to develop plans that address the challenges of the underground concrete storm drainage pipe that bisects the library building and parking lot, and connect the library grounds to the adjacent Belmont Park.
The creative solutions result in a library that provides excellent urban infrastructure. Expanding the library parking lot, and adding an ADA compliant ramp with a pedestrian bridge, allows PCCLD and the City of Pueblo to work together to re-imagine this urban neighborhood and develop connected public spaces for this neighborhood.
Patrick A. Lucero Library
New and updated features:
- Expanded meeting room
- Improved front entrance
- Larger spaces for children, teens
- New children’s discovery area
- New Maker Space
- New audio/visual creative studio
- Refreshed book collection
Square footage:
Currently: 7,500 sq. ft.
Expansion: 2,500 sq. ft.
Total increase: 10,000 sq. ft.
Since opening to the public in December of 2014, the Patrick A. Lucero Library has welcomed more than a million visitors. This small branch library is heavily used by the community and has quickly outgrown its footprint, and as a result, the branch is slated for renovation and expansion.
When built, the facility was seen as an opportunity to create a neighborhood hub or anchor that could provide economic and community development. Today, this facility has met its initial goal with great success and this expansion and renovation is the next chapter of this vital East Side community hub.
This branch sees a high volume of traffic after children are released from school. The staff at the library provide snacks and programs to all children visiting after school and staying in the facility until they leave for their homes.
Overall, the renovation and expansion plans for the Patrick A. Lucero Library call for the need to develop a community-focused facility that meets the needs of the East Side by better accommodating use by children and families. The current Patrick A. Lucero Library facility is 7,500 sq. ft. and the 2,500 sq. ft. expansion increases its size by one-third to 10,000 sq. ft. Included in the renovation are: an expanded public meeting room, larger spaces for children and teens, a new children’s discovery area, a new Maker Space and an updated Most significantly, moving the main entry to the west side of the building will help to increase capacity, better ensure patron safety and create a better flow for the high level of use experienced by this library.
Building Community Together Capital Campaign Launch
July 17, 10 a.m. | Patrick A. Lucero Branch Library | 1315 E. 7th St., Pueblo, CO
Learn about the future of the Barkman and Lucero Libraries. Coffee and food provided.
Make your Gift Today
Contact Information
Nick Potter, Executive Director of Library Foundation and Strategic Planning | 719-562-5605
Naming Rights
Barkman Library Opportunities
Children’s Area $50,000
Pedestrian Bridge $30,000
Adult Services $25,000
Maker Space/Teen Area $25,000
Study Room 1 $5,000
Study Room 2 $5,000
Patrick A. Lucero Library Opportunities
Children’s Area/Maker Space $50,000
Adult Services $25,000
Enterprise Zone Tax Credit
Donations to the Building Community Together Capital Campaign of $250 or more are eligible to participate in the Enterprise Zone Tax Credit. Colorado’s Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program provides tax incentives to encourage job creation and capital investment in economically depressed areas of the state. Donors who make a qualifying contribution may claim an income tax credit of 25 percent on cash donations and 12.5 percent on stock gifts.