Steamboat Springs — A little sweeping and sign-hanging were about the only tasks being finished up Thursday in the newly renovated Bud Werner Memorial Library, which will host a dedication ceremony today.

The dedication ceremony is for the recently completed renovation of the library’s original structure and for the accompanying expansion that opened last year. The event, which kicks off at 6 p.m., will be preceded by an open house, tours and music from 4 to 6 p.m. and followed by refreshments. Bob Matteo, president of the library’s board of directors, said the dedication ceremony will include a presentation on the library’s namesake, recognition of those who participated in the remodel and expansion, a film on the project and an appearance by a Ben Franklin historical impersonator.

Matteo said he is very pleased with the way the library turned out.

“I think the community has given themselves an incredible gift with this facility,” he said.

The $12.5 million expansion and remodel was paid for by $11.4 million in voter-approved funds and $1.1 million in grants and private donations.

The library has added 8,000 titles to its collection – including 1,500 titles in a brand new music collection – for a total of 88,000 titles.

The vast expansion also includes dedicated spaces for children and teenagers, a coffee shop, various works of art and three times as many public computers. The renovation of the original structure includes a large community room, offices, conference rooms, a staff lounge, 30 employee lockers and other back-of-house operations.

“I think it turned out very well,” said construction site superintendent John Haass, of Adolfson & Peterson Construction, “and the community will have something to be very proud of.”

Haass said reusing the original library building so that its heritage was not lost was the most rewarding part of the project.

The entire project aims to receive a silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, and Matteo said there is an outside chance it could be rated LEED gold. Haass said he is in the process of submitting the necessary paperwork to the U.S. Green Building Council.

Sustainability is built into the building in many ways, from energy-efficient lighting to footstools made from recycled cardboard and carpet tiles made from recycled soda bottles.

– To reach Brandon Gee, call 871-4210 or e-mail bgee@steamboatpilot.com