Denver Public Library Announces Name of the Newest Branch in Westwood

The Denver Public Library (DPL) Commission voted last month to approve the Lena Archuleta Branch Library as the official name for the library’s newest location at 3300 West Nevada Place, which will be DPL’s 28th library branch.

As part of the branch naming effort, a Community Committee was formed in partnership with City Council President Jamie Torres and DPL Library Commissioner Jennifer Wolf. The committee is composed of Westwood residents, local business owners, community partners and leaders, and DPL employees. The Community Committee guided this process and created the criteria for naming the new branch based on the Denver Public Library’s mission, vision, and values and in alignment with the library’s approved recognition policy.

The public was invited to submit names from Aug. 25 to Sept. 29 through a naming survey that was available both online and in paper form, and distributed to the Westwood community through various partners and channels. All of the recommended names received were researched and vetted by DPL’s Special Collections Team.

“Naming the Lena Archuleta Branch after her represents a meaningful connection to Denver’s history and an everlasting way to celebrate and share her story as an educator and leader in service of Denver’s Hispanic community,” said City Librarian Michelle Jeske, “We are thrilled to see this branch being constructed and brought to life within the Westwood Redeemer development in partnership with Lifespan Local who have been amazing collaborators with us through this process.”

The new branch is located within the Westwood Redeemer development, which formerly housed the Lutheran Redeemer Church. The project is being developed by Lifespan Local, led by Dr. Lydia Prado. Construction on the facility is underway and the library will open the new location in 2024.

The project is part of the RISE Denver bond, which was approved by Denver voters in 2021 and is located in a neighborhood identified as needing additional library services as outlined in the Denver Public Library’s 2017 Facilities Master Plan.

Background on Lena Archuleta

Lena Archuleta, Denver’s first Hispanic female school principal, dedicated her life to improving the well-being of all, especially Hispanic Denverites. Born in New México in 1920, Lena overcame financial challenges through academic excellence, earning a scholarship to the University of Denver. After marrying Juan Archuleta, the couple focused on children’s welfare. Lena became a Spanish teacher and librarian, prioritizing low-income students. In the 1970s, she became Denver’s first Hispanic female school principal at Fairview Elementary School.

Post-retirement, Lena co-founded the Latin American Research and Service Agency (LARASA) and played a key role in the creation of Mi Casa Resource Center. Lena passed away in 2011, leaving behind a lasting impact on community service and education.

Learn more on Lena Archuleta here.