LIBRARY’S NEW LOOK: Public celebrates the grand reopening of the Hadley Branch Library in Denver.

After months of anxious waiting, enthusiastic children, parents and seniors all gathered Saturday morning, despite harsh weather conditions, to celebrate the grand reopening of the Hadley Branch Library in Denver.

The Hadley Branch Library, 1890 S. Grove St., is celebrating its remodeling after months of construction. The restoration was the last of the library system’s 2007 Better Denver Bond projects, which included the renovation of 11 branch libraries and the addition of three new libraries.

Joining the opening ceremony was Mayor Michael Hancock, City Councilman Kevin Flynn and City Librarian Michelle Jesky. The crowd curiously wandered the library while kids happily played in the newly installed children’s area.

“We will always need libraries to seek information collectively and individually,” Hancock said. “Libraries matter.”

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Hancock held a giant pair of scissors while children eagerly gathered around him wanting to help cut the ribbon.

In 2007, Denver citizens approved the Better Denver Bond Program, whose goal was to improve city facilities such as streets, parks and libraries. The Denver Public Library’s bond-funded improvements included enhanced network infrastructure, electrical systems and new furniture and interior finishes.

With that revenue coming to an end, Denver voters last November approved the 2017 Go Bond. This will include more than 460 capital infrastructure projects across Denver over the next 10 years, according to the Denver Department of Finance.

The newest and most celebrated feature at the Hadley Branch is the idealab, featuring a soundproof studio where users can record music, podcasts and voiceovers. This space also offers arts and crafts, sewing, and photoshop access in computers.

“We want to give kids around Denver something they can be excited about,” said Nate Stone, idealab program administrator. “We want to give people an entree to resources that they don’t have at hand.”

Laura Morales of Denver is most excited about the changes made in the Community Room. Now she can take her English communication classes without any noisy disruptions from children playing nearby.

Morales’ 8-year-old daughter, Marina, is more interested in all the new mystery books she will read. “There are so many things to do here,” she said.