Library and Innovation Center (LINC) – High Plains Library District

The Library and Innovation Center (LINC) is a 64,000 SF building located in downtown Greeley, CO occupying the former site of the Greeley Tribune built in 1986. Owned by the High Plains Library District (HPLD), the $23 Million dollar project was initiated in response to community need and the HPLD took cues from its patrons who indicated they wanted the next iteration of their flagship library to match the downtown district’s vibrancy, incorporate innovation, and connect the community.

Drawing inspiration from the book, Confluence: The Story of Greeley Water, chronicling the 150-year history of the City’s award-winning water system, themes of water and confluence emanate inside and out of LINC. Circulation of the lobby represents confluence as it serves as the meeting point between the library, innovation hall, and children’s museum as a river of books flows amongst curvaceous shelving throughout. Perforated metal screens mirroring the Northern Colorado Watershed frame the building’s façade. In the daytime, sunlight shines through projecting river-like shapes into the interior while backlighting sets LINC’s exterior aglow at night.

Described as “a community catalyst for workforce development, STEM education, and future innovation,” LINC offers patrons ample opportunity for creativity, connection, and discovery including an Innovation Center with classrooms and art, recording, and podcast studios; a fully equipped makerspace with 3D printers, laser engravers, die-cut machines, and UV printer; an industrial space equipped with a CNC Router, table saw, planer, and lathe; a children’s museum connected to a two-story, interactive art installation by nationally renowned artist Wes Bruce; a Storytime room; a video gaming room; an indoor-outdoor fireplace; and the HPLD’s Local History and Genealogy Collection as well as an event space and several meeting rooms.

Financing for the project was provided by the Weld Community Foundation, Greeley Downtown Development Authority, and HPLD Friends and Foundation.