Check It Out: Explore Denver Public Library Improvements

Investing in Our Community

Denver Public Library has served the community for over 130 years. We have 27 locations with two additions planned. We positively impact the community through early literacy, computer and internet access/training, family/adult programs, career services, child services, and more! The library is responsive to our community's evolving needs.

The funding really lowers barriers to resources that people can’t find elsewhere that make people’s day to day lives better. It’s another reason for people to go get a library card and come to the library.

- Haile Clifton, Internal Denver Public Library Communications

2023 Latino Community Service Awards Event

Behind the Funding

We’re grateful to Denver voters for passing measure 2i to support the library in November 2022, providing DPL with an additional $32 million a year. Updates about how DPL is using this funding can be found under the name Strong Library, Strong Denver, supported by the Denver Public Library Fund.

This was an effort that was years in the making and is a big win for the library system and our community. This additional funding will allow the library to more fully meet the evolving needs of the community.

Freshening Up Our Collection

Enhancing, expanding, and diversifying the collection of books, media, and other popular items to ensure availability and appropriate linguistic and cultural representation is one of the priorities of this fund. To accomplish this we have:

  • Reduced wait times for extremely popular eBooks: Previously, extremely popular titles ranged from approximately an eight-month to year-long wait time for customers; now, wait times have been reduced by half to approximately three to four months.
  • New databases: Freegal Music+, an ad-free, unlimited streaming platform that gives customers access to millions of songs from 200+ genres. Statista is an easy-to-use portal that integrates statistics and reports from thousands of sources on topics related to business, media, public policy, health, technology, and many others. Fold3 grants access to a large database of military records, not available anywhere else. Newspapers.com is the largest online newspaper archive, giving library card users access to over 25,000 historic newspapers. All databases are available at  denverlibrary.org .
  • A new learning platform: Craftsy and Craftsy en español offer on-demand classes on a variety of topics that are suitable for beginners to those with more advanced skills. Craftsy is available via Libby.
  • New and free access to: New York Times Online magazine, games, cooking, and The Athletic. For Spanish speakers, TheShelfTV, a leading Spanish streaming platform.
  • For our students and learners: Tutor.com access for kids, teens, and adults. Also, check out Launchpads (tablets for children 3-7).
  • Reintroduction at select branches: Lucky Day DVDs, which are extra copies of popular titles (like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Fabelmans) that can be checked out for seven days and are non-holdable/non-renewable.
  • A digital migration of over one million historical records: Using the digital collection management system  Recollect , the Denver Public Library modernized its Digital Collection to promote discovery and provide easy access to its historical significance collection.
  • Upgraded tools for digital preservation: The Denver Public Library uses modern hardware and software tools provided by Strong Library, Strong Denver, to support round-the-clock preservation of its historical collections.

The funding has allowed us to make improvements across all branches, from upgrades and remodels to hiring new staff, ultimately creating a more enjoyable experience for customers.

- Rick, Denver Public Library Electrician

More Hours, More Opportunities

Hours have been extended to provide more available time for libraries to be accessed by the community:

  • 24 branches have extended hours
  • Six branches are now open seven days a week

Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library Reopening Celebration

Facilities Facelift

Strong Library, Strong Denver, supported by the DPL Fund has allowed us to review and refresh our branch facilities through building renovations, cosmetic refreshes (like new paint, furniture, flooring), and new equipment. Read on to see what we have completed so far!

Westwood Branch Library

This branch reopened in August of 2023 with a cosmetic refresh (paint job and new carpet) and a new computer lab and lobby. The improvements increased the useable space by 50%.

Photos from the Westwood Branch updates

Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library

This branch received a renovation refresh with new flooring, paint, furniture, and other cosmetic refreshes.

Central Library

The newly renovated Central Library includes a brand new Teen Library, new meeting and study rooms, a bookstore with a café space for a future vendor, and new paint, furniture, and carpet upgrades, all made possible thanks to Strong Library, Strong Denver, supported by the DPL Fund.

The Central Library was also equipped with the latest technology, upgrading and adding 350 new desktop computers and providing the community with 60 new laptops, which are available to check out and be used within the building.

Library staff, elected officials, and the community celebrated the Grand Reopening of the Central Library on November 3, 2024. Photos by Mish Marie.

Ross-Cherry Creek Branch Library

This branch got new shelving units and cosmetic refreshes.

Bear Valley Branch Library

The 1970s-era library building recently received a facelift, including updated furniture, carpet, and brand-new service desks on both levels.

Brand-new service points, carpet, and furniture at the Bear Valley Branch Library

Pauline Robinson Branch Library

After a year and a half of renovations, the Pauline Robinson Branch Library reopens on February 24 with added updates thanks to Strong Library, Strong Denver. This includes reworked bathrooms, a new circulation desk, and accessibility improvements.

The Pauline Robinson Branch Library’s renovation includes updates funded by Strong Library, Strong Denver, supported by the DPL Fund.

Additional Critical and Cosmetic Updates Across the DPL System

Many locations have received cosmetic upgrades, including the Ross-Cherry Creek Branch Library, the Virginia Village Branch Library, the Park Hill Branch Library, the Montbello Branch Library, the Green Valley Branch Library, and more. Critical maintenance system updates to HVAC, electrical, and more have been made to the Central Library with many more scheduled in the near future.

A New Dedicated Building to Headquarter Maintenance Work

Increased staffing, additional library locations, and expanded hours mean a greater need for building maintenance and security. Thanks to Strong Library, Stronger is supported by the DPL Fund, a brand new facility building and a fleet yard for new maintenance and security vans will soon help Denver Public Library expand efficiently while supporting the work of a larger crew.

DPL Staff enjoying their roles in serving the community, in order: Shanti, Caitlin, Rick, and Alanna

Increasing Staffing and Pay

One of the main commitments that was made to Denver voters when they approved the 2i initiative was that the library would invest in our staff to make sure they are appropriately compensated. 

Being hired entirely because of the funding has allowed me to assist team members who lacked capacity, significantly benefiting our communications team as a whole.

- Haile Clifton, Internal Denver Public Library Communications

  • In March 2023, the library was able to provide all DPL staff, including part-time and on-call, with a one-time bonus to provide some relief from rising living costs in the Denver Area.

  • In August 2023, an analysis of all employees’ compensation was completed and 76% of eligible employees received a pay increase.

Nearly 200 employees have been hired thanks to Strong Library, Strong Denver, supported by the DPL Fund. With this additional support, the Library has expanded branch hours and programming through Strong Library, Strong Denver.

We are considered a community hub at Hadley and it's kind of an area where we get a lot of different folks and a different diverse community. So, a lot of us were hired who speak different languages and overall so we can connect to the community.

 - Alanna Baudek, Circulation Clerk

DPL Employees at Denver Pride 2023

Broadening Community Offerings

We have expanded programs and services to better serve:

  • Children
  • Youth
  • Older Adults
  • Communities of Color
  • Job Seekers
  • Vulnerable Groups such as Immigrants and Refugees

This includes inviting authors in demand by the community for programming events such as Author Talks more frequently. In the last year, the fund supported visits by authors such as Jasmine Guillory and Stacey Mei Yan Fong.

The fund also broadened opportunities for popular regular programming. The Library’s valued Plaza program creates inclusive spaces for immigrants to access resources, form connections, practice a language, prepare for citizenship, and pursue their goals. Expanded hours at library locations, specifically evening hours, allow the program to return to the evening and become more accessible to the community.

The renovations funded at Blair-Caldwell have not only made the space more inviting and accessible but also grounded it in the Black history of Colorado.

- Shanti Zaid, Library Program Associate for Social Archives at Blair Caldwell

Locate Your Library

Athmar Park Branch Location

Temporarily Closed

Bear Valley Branch Library

Expanded Hours: -10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs -10 am - 5 pm: Fri - Sat -Closed Sun

Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library

Expanded Hours: - 9 am - 6 pm: Mon, Wed - 9 am - 8 pm: Tues -10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat -Closed Sun **

Bob Ragland Branch Library

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Central Library

Current Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 11 am - 5 pm: Sun - Closed Fri, Sat

Decker Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

Eugene Field Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

Ford-Warren Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Mon, Sun

Green Valley Ranch Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 9 am - 6 pm: Mon - Wed - 9 am - 8 pm: Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri - Sun

Hadley Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 9 am - 6 pm: Mon, Tues, Thurs - 9 am - 8 pm: Wed - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri - Sun

Hampden Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 9 am - 6 pm: Mon, Tues, Thurs - 9 am - 8 pm: Wed - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri - Sun

John "Thunderbird Man" Emhoolah, Jr. Branch Library

Current Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri - Closed Sat, Sun

Montbello Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon, Wed, Thurs - 10 am - 8 pm: Tues - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

Park Hill Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

Pauline Robinson Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Weds - 10 am - 8 pm: Thurs - 10am - 5 pm: Fri - Sat - Closed Sun

Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 9 am - 6 pm: Mon - Wed - 9 am - 8 pm: Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri - Sun

Ross-Barnum Branch Library

Temporarily Closed

Ross-Broadway Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

Ross-Cherry Creek Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

Ross-University Hills Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 9 am - 8 pm: Mon - 9 am - 6 pm: Tues - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

Sam Gary Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 9 am - 6 pm: Mon, Tues, Thurs - 9 am - 8 pm: Wed - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri - Sun

Schlessman Family Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon, Wed, Thurs - 10 am - 8 pm: Tues - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

Smiley Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon, Tues, Thurs - 10 am - 8 pm: Weds - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

Valdez-Perry Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

Virginia Village Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri - Sat - Closed Sun

Westwood Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon, Tues, Thurs - 10 am - 8 pm: Wed - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

Woodbury Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon, Wed, Thurs - 10 am - 8 pm: Tues - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

Athmar Park Branch Location

Temporarily Closed

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This branch is temporarily closed for renovations. Customer holds are available at Hadley Branch Library and library services are available to the community at Athmar Recreation Center on Tuesdays.  Get more information here .

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See overarching location updates listed above.

Bear Valley Branch Library

Expanded Hours: -10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs -10 am - 5 pm: Fri - Sat -Closed Sun

**

This library building recently received a facelift, including updated furniture, carpet, and brand-new service desks on both levels.

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library

Expanded Hours: - 9 am - 6 pm: Mon, Wed - 9 am - 8 pm: Tues -10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat -Closed Sun **

This branch received a renovation refresh and new flooring, paint, furniture, and other cosmetic refreshes.

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Bob Ragland Branch Library

**

Current Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Tues - Fri - 10 am - 5 pm: Sat - Closed Mon, Sun

This branch has reintroduced Lucky Day DVDs: Lucky Day DVDs are extra copies of popular titles (like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Fabelmans) that can be checked out for seven days and are non-holdable/non-renewable.

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Central Library

Current Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 11 am - 5 pm: Sun - Closed Fri, Sat

**

Newly reopened with expanded hours, the renovated Central Library includes a brand new Teen Library, new meeting and study rooms, a bookstore with a café space for a future vendor, and new paint and carpet upgrades all made possible thanks to Strong Library, Strong Denver, supported by the DPL Fund.

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The location received new ideaLAB equipment (PCs, laser cutters, 3D printers, recording studio equipment, and embroidery machines).

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This location received building analytic upgrades such as sensors for building maintenance.

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See overarching location updates listed above.

Decker Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

** The branch will receive a building refresh that includes new paint jobs and upgraded furniture.

See overarching location updates listed above.

Eugene Field Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Ford-Warren Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Mon, Sun

**

This branch has reintroduced Lucky Day DVDs: Lucky Day DVDs are extra copies of popular titles (like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Fabelmans) that can be checked out for seven days and are non-holdable/non-renewable.

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Green Valley Ranch Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 9 am - 6 pm: Mon - Wed - 9 am - 8 pm: Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri - Sun

**

This branch received window treatments, updates to staff spaces and service points, and brand-new furniture.

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Hadley Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 9 am - 6 pm: Mon, Tues, Thurs - 9 am - 8 pm: Wed - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri - Sun

**

This branch has reintroduced Lucky Day DVDs: Lucky Day DVDs are extra copies of popular titles (like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Fabelmans) that can be checked out for seven days and are non-holdable/non-renewable.

**

This branch received new AV equipment and new ideaLAB equipment (PCs, laser cutters, 3D printers, recording studio equipment, and embroidery machines).

**

A branch refresh is ongoing and includes new shelving units, new furniture, new signage, and improvements to the teen space (updated furniture, power, and data ports).

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Hampden Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 9 am - 6 pm: Mon, Tues, Thurs - 9 am - 8 pm: Wed - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri - Sun

**

This branch received new AV equipment and ideaLAB equipment (PCs, iMacs, laser cutters, 3D printers, recording studio equipment, and embroidery machines).

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

John "Thunderbird Man" Emhoolah, Jr. Branch Library

Current Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri - Closed Sat, Sun

**

This branch has reintroduced Lucky Day DVDs: Lucky Day DVDs are extra copies of popular titles (like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Fabelmans) that can be checked out for seven days and are non-holdable/non-renewable.

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Montbello Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon, Wed, Thurs - 10 am - 8 pm: Tues - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

**

This branch has reintroduced Lucky Day DVDs: Lucky Day DVDs are extra copies of popular titles (like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Fabelmans) that can be checked out for seven days and are non-holdable/non-renewable.

**

This branch received new ideaLAB equipment (PCs, laser cutters, 3D printers, recording studio equipment, and embroidery machines) and new staff furniture.

An upgrade was made to the branch's electrical and data infrastructure.

**

This branch's teen space was updated and reconfigured.

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Park Hill Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

**

This branch will receive window treatments and new service point desks.

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Pauline Robinson Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Weds - 10 am - 8 pm: Thurs - 10am - 5 pm: Fri - Sat - Closed Sun

**

After a year and a half of renovations, the Pauline Robinson Branch Library reopens on February 24 with added updates thanks to Strong Library, Strong Denver. This includes reworked bathrooms, a new circulation desk, and accessibility improvements.

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 9 am - 6 pm: Mon - Wed - 9 am - 8 pm: Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri - Sun

**

This branch has reintroduced Lucky Day DVDs: Lucky Day DVDs are extra copies of popular titles (like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Fabelmans) that can be checked out for seven days and are non-holdable/non-renewable.

**

This branch received new ideaLAB equipment (PCs, iMacs, laser cutters, 3D printers, recording studio equipment, and embroidery machines).

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Ross-Barnum Branch Library

Temporarily Closed

**

This branch is temporarily closed for renovations. Customer holds are available at the Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales Branch Library.

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Ross-Broadway Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

**

This branch has reintroduced Lucky Day DVDs: Lucky Day DVDs are extra copies of popular titles (like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Fabelmans) that can be checked out for seven days and are non-holdable/non-renewable.

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Ross-Cherry Creek Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

**

This branch got new shelving units and cosmetic refreshes.

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Ross-University Hills Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 9 am - 8 pm: Mon - 9 am - 6 pm: Tues - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Sam Gary Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 9 am - 6 pm: Mon, Tues, Thurs - 9 am - 8 pm: Wed - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri - Sun

**

This branch has reintroduced Lucky Day DVDs: Lucky Day DVDs are extra copies of popular titles (like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Fabelmans) that can be checked out for seven days and are non-holdable/non-renewable.

**

This branch received ideaLAB equipment (PCs, laser cutters, 3D printers, recording studio equipment, and embroidery machines).

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Schlessman Family Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon, Wed, Thurs - 10 am - 8 pm: Tues - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

*

See overarching location updates listed above.

Smiley Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon, Tues, Thurs - 10 am - 8 pm: Weds - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Valdez-Perry Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

**

This branch has reintroduced Lucky Day DVDs: Lucky Day DVDs are extra copies of popular titles (like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Fabelmans) that can be checked out for seven days and are non-holdable/non-renewable.

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Virginia Village Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Thurs - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri - Sat - Closed Sun

**

This branch got new shelving.

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Westwood Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon, Tues, Thurs - 10 am - 8 pm: Wed - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

**

This branch received a cosmetic refresh in August 2023 with window treatments, new paint and carpet, a new computer lab, and an updated lobby. The improvements increased the useable space by 50%.

**

See overarching location updates listed above.

Woodbury Branch Library

Expanded Hours: - 10 am - 6 pm: Mon, Wed, Thurs - 10 am - 8 pm: Tues - 10 am - 5 pm: Fri, Sat - Closed Sun

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This branch received window treatments, and new furniture, including computer tables, small sitting tables, lounge seating, and staff desk.

This branch will also receive new paint jobs.

**

See overarching location updates listed above.