After a four-month closure, James H. LaRue library will reopen its doors to the public April 6. Patrons are invited to a grand-opening celebration featuring spring-themed activities and light refreshments from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“The community has been so supportive throughout our time of reduced services and construction and we're excited to show off their new library,” Highlands Ranch branch manager Tammy Clausen said in a news release from Douglas County Libraries.

The 18-year-old Highlands Ranch library, 9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd., has been closed since Dec. 19 as it undergoes a $6.5 million renovation. At completion, it will resemble newer Douglas County Libraries locations in Parker, Lone Tree and Castle Pines, which all opened in 2016.

Fransen Pittman General Contractors, headquartered in the Meridian area of Douglas County, and OPN Architects, based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, are heading the project.

Library goers can expect a more open interior with natural lighting. Just in time for spring, a scenic terrace on the second floor, overlooking Civic Green Park, will be covered with a shade structure.

New features include interactive areas for children — like an expanded farm-to-table market playscape and kids corner storytime space — dedicated spaces for tutoring and the option to borrow a laptop using a library card.

The first floor of the library will be geared toward kids and families. A 4,500-square-foot civic center space on the second floor will accommodate up to 350 guests, more than double the amount previously allowed.

Some of the library's beloved features remain. The Second Chapter Used Bookstore will now be located on the library's second floor. A commemorative book wall and veterans' display case are getting a mini facelift.

Come April 6, patrons will once again have full access to the library's book collection, children's storytimes and numerous new and upgraded amenities, according to a news release from Douglas County Libraries. Book donations will resume at opening.

The Saturday celebration will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks from the library's board of trustees and staff. Activities and crafts for kids and families will take place throughout the library and storytimes will be held on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Said Clausen: “Though no additional square footage was added during the renovation, every square foot of existing space has been touched, and patrons will see parts of the library they've never seen before.”