Wheat Ridge Library Services Project
Envisioning Future Library Services in Wheat Ridge
The Wheat Ridge Library is a small but beloved neighborhood location adjacent to the Seniors Resource Center. With redevelopment underway in the City of Wheat Ridge, there are potential opportunities for Wheat Ridge Library Services to be expanded or reimagined.
The first step of this project is to collect community input. JCPL kicked off community engagement efforts in April to invite patrons and residents of Wheat Ridge to share their voices. The results of these efforts will inform planning and next steps for any new or expanded services.
Project Updates
Community Engagement Results
JCPL conducted community engagement April through June 2026 to evaluate how well the current Wheat Ridge Library location and services meet community needs, identify desired library amenities and space priorities and gather data to inform future facility and service decisions.
These efforts revealed four key findings about library services in Wheat Ridge:
- Awareness Gap – Lack of awareness, not satisfaction, is a notable barrier to library access.
- Constraints vs. Comfort – Space was the single most-cited barrier in the survey. Yet even as the library is being asked to do more, a small footprint produces an atmosphere some patrons value.
- No Clear Priority in Library Features – When asked what would bring them back more often, residents spread their feedback across a wide menu of selections, rather than rallying around one or two.
- Staff is the Special Sauce – People return to Wheat Ridge Library because of the connection and environment cultivated by the staff.
Read the full Wheat Ridge Library Services Community Engagement Report (PDF), opens a new window for our detailed results.
Board and Public Discussion
This project will be discussed during the 2026 Board Meetings. Read about the latest updates, submit a comment to the Board or find attendance information.
Next Steps
In each step of the project so far, our data indicated that while current library services in Wheat Ridge are well-loved and convenient for nearby residents, there are also gaps in access that cannot be addressed by the current space. Based on these findings, JCPL recommended moving Wheat Ridge Library services to a location that will better meet the needs of the community. On August 20, the Board of Trustees directed staff to move forward with this recommendation.
Our next steps are to develop a Program of Service – a document that outlines the vision for future Wheat Ridge Library programs and services – and criteria for a site search.
Community Engagement Progress Photos
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Additional Information
Service Area Maps
Street Map of Location
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Service Area within Jefferson County
Project Timeline
FAQs
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JCPL’s Facilities Master Plan (FMP) guides planning, decision-making and capital investment in our facilities over the next two decades. Based on potential partnership opportunities, Wheat Ridge Library was elevated into group one of our FMP. Wheat Ridge library services is also an active project in JCPL’s 2026 Annual Strategic Plan.
In this project, community engagement was conducted to:
- Evaluate how well the current Wheat Ridge Library location and services meet community needs
- Identify desired library amenities and space priorities
- Gather data to inform future facility and service decisions
JCPL starts all capital projects by collecting community input to help inform next steps and make sure that library services meet the needs of our communities.
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In each step of the project so far, our findings showed that while current library services in Wheat Ridge are well-loved and convenient for nearby residents, there are also gaps in access that cannot be addressed by the current space, such as:
- Current location has geographic, space and visibility limitations
- Inability to create a fully accessible building for staff and patrons
- Lack of opportunity to meet growing demand for programming for all ages
- Lack of opportunity to provide community gathering and meeting spaces
Decisions regarding the location of library services are made by the Library Board of Trustees. They directed JCPL to proceed with our recommendation to relocate library services in Wheat Ridge at their meeting on August 20, 2026.
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In April – June of 2026, JCPL collected community input through an in-library activation, a survey that could be completed online or in person and outreach in the community where people naturally gather. Opportunities to provide input were promoted through a variety of channels, including our website, e-newsletters, social media and inclusions in mailers and newsletters from the City of Wheat Ridge. A detailed summary of our methodology and findings for this process can be found in the (PDF).
We will share more opportunities for community involvement as the project progresses!
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The next steps are to develop the Program of Service and criteria for a site search, both of which will be developed in the coming months. The Program of Service is a document that outlines the vision for the future Wheat Ridge Library programs and services and will help inform next steps in the project.
Visit the project page for the latest information or sign up for the project e-newsletter to get updates delivered straight to your inbox.
What’s Next for Library Services in Wheat Ridge
Envisioning the Future of Wheat Ridge Library Services
What’s Next for Library Services in Wheat Ridge
Envisioning the Future of Wheat Ridge Library Services
Keep in Touch
Have a question or comment about the Wheat Ridge Library Services Project? Contact us via email at WheatRidgeProject@jeffcolibrary.org, opens a new window