The Ross-Broadway Library is a hidden treasure in the urban bustle of Denver. Opened in the early 1950's, this branch library was designed by Victor Hornbein in the Prairie Home style developed by Frank Lloyd Wright (see the Price Tower). Hornbein was an accomplished Denver architect who was also involved in the Botanic Gardens and other notable Denver projects.
Although the Prairie style has its origins in natural, organic design, the Ross-Broadway Library seems right at home in this urban environment. The flat cantilevered roofs reach out over the building indicating the importance of the intersection of Bayaud and Lincoln.
The library is located in the neighborhood where I live and I've visited this location many times over the years. It functions perfectly as a branch library, meaning that it serves a local population but because of its size doesn't contain the large volume of books and materials that are located at the central library. Libraries today serve as a sort of video store/internet cafe in many respects. Online reservations allow visitors to swing by the branch library to pick up DVDs or CDs or perhaps to use the internet connection at the computer terminals.
Every time I visit this library, I take a moment to enjoy the design and craftsmanship. The large open space is covered with natural daylight that enters the space through the string of banded windows above the book shelves. Nestled in this high traffic area, the Ross-Brodway library empasizes the need for distinctive design in the congested city.
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