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    Denver Public Library

    4.2 (158 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Denver Public Library Photos

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    Computer area in the library!
    Cindi K.

    Ashley L. Was amazing and helping me get my new library card set up! Super friendly and helpful! She was all smiles! Thank you for the information and directions! The library is nice and big!

    Savanna B.

    I visited with my son the other day after not having been in years and it was great, despite all of their ongoing renovations. Their kids library is phenomenal. They have a crafts area, games, toys, and of course tons of books. My almost 4 year old had so much fun that the next day, when I asked him what he wanted to do, either Children's Museum or DMNS, insisted we go back to the central library. So there you have it- it's pretty great.

    Janet D.

    Totally a five stars! The homeless people issue comes with the territory wherever, whichever public library you go. Besides they almost always congregate in the computer section which I think here is on the 4th floor. My favorite floor I found out yesterday is the fifth floor. It's the Gates Western History Reading Room. It's got the best structure in there and I think the best place to read cos it's the most solitude you can get. Love it! Love the room where there's a huge round table where The Legacy Table is. Go look it up if you're in town. You'll be thrilled right there! It's where the World Leaders met for the DENVER Summit in June 20-22 1997. You can see the seating plan. Remember Boris Yeltsin? Yeah! As soon as I got in this place it reminded me that public libraries are pretty cool! It's grand! Although I'm not sure if the outside of all public libraries are designed more to keep the important stuff inside than look pretty outside. This building looks out to all the important buildings in downtown Denver. The d/t looked so much more within reach on the fifth floor. There's one painting that caught my eye. It's called The Guard. Look it up. It's deeep!

    Jean Y.

    Very nice public library. Located almost across the Denver Art Museum. Loved Oldenburg chair right next to library. Extremely well organized library.

    After protest at Civic center found 5th floor exhibit poster, how fortuitous.
    sandy b.

    This building has political history. Take the elevator to the top floor 7, and walk till you get to a room with a large wood table, jackpot. Do enjoy the artwork as you seek this space. Read the plaques to see who met here. See pics. The free views of Denver are awesome from this area. If your time permits check out the 5th floor for rotating exhibits. The architecture is quite nice. The library itself has many books etc and cards are free with proof of residence. Sadly way too many homeless people hand around this vicinity.

    Ashley E.

    Libraries, particularly libraries downtown, are the places where homeless reside. It was true when I lived in San Diego like a decade ago and it was even the case at my Alma mater UC Santa Barbara. So it is no surprise here. That aside, the size and architecture of the building is a little remarkable. It's modern and has four floors of books with escalators inside. The escalators are just a little dirty, but it was easy to navigate and find what I wanted. The staff was all nice too. The library must be popular becauss I waited over a month for a learn Mandarin recorded series (requested online) and Crazy Rich Asians had 203 holds, though they had 44 copies checked out. The Classic Wind in the Willows wasn't in their system. I did find a copy of The Unbearable Lightness of Being as well as a handful of good books in the computer section; they had a few O'Reilly titles including Building Microservices and RESTful Rails Development, and even some other books on microservices, which was interesting... Not a huge selection overall but decent with relevant books about some newish technologies. Other than that, I liked the organization for the new books section on the first floor. Someone who likes to read lots of books would probably appreciate the display of new titles. Maybe most libraries do this now (?), but I appreciate the text alerts for due dates especially.

    Jana C.

    Coming here on the free 16th mall ride shuttle was an ineluctable destiny, to be sure! Great AC, books, plenty of large windows filtering the sunshine, comfortable chairs,& quite close to Civic Center park and the Capitol! I marvel at libraries: walking the hallowed aisles, reading about the sponsors and donors, taking in the new book section, hooking onto free wifi... Little tips I picked up in my 20's, independently exploring Western Europe. Now Im on a negative slope trajectory toward bunions and arthritis, osteoporosis and all other sour, dour - ITIS-es: my back needs a chair, and my flat feet need a knead!

    Cassandra B.

    In an unknown land without access to a printers, public libraries are your friends. My husband and I needed to print our boarding passes for a flight out of Denver and accomplished this inconvenient feat at the Denver Public Library. Even without a library card, visitors can hop on a computer for 15 minutes (it's timed) and print b/w copies for $0.10 each. Located downtown across from the Denver Art Museum and just down the street from the Capitol building, a visit to this library makes for some scenic views. Of course, the downfalls to a downtown location are that 1) there's no free parking and 2) a lot of homeless people gather out front. Two security guards sat at the entrance and apparently other security guards are located throughout the building. I've never seen a guarded library before, so I guess this can attest to the homeless problem. Other than that, the library was clean, spacious, and is probably the biggest public library I've ever been to. YELP 100 CHALLENGE 2015: #226

    Front entrance

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    4 months ago

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    All employees are very kind and give good and helpful answers. It's a very polite place. Excellent service.

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    7 years ago

    A beautiful public library. Love the murals when you walk through. A very lovely children's section.

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Denver Public Library

    Is there a free parking?

    There are a handful of free handicapped spots at the front and south side (13th Avenue) of the library. Otherwise there is metered street parking surrounding the building. The Cultural Center Complex garage is on 12th Avenue and is priced very… Read more

    Does this library have private study rooms?

    Yes

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Denver Public Library

    The central branch of the Denver Library is as big a cross-sectional melting pot as you'll get in this city.

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    Lakewood Library - Jefferson County Public Library - After the rain comes another beauty full rainbows

    Lakewood Library - Jefferson County Public Library

    4.7(17 reviews)
    6.7 mi

    The beauty of Fall in Colorado. The colours are exquisite this year and I have taken many of a…read morepicture everywhere. Nature offers in Colorado 10 weather systems, newcomers ought to be aware 1. Sun!!!!! and lots of it 2. Rain.... 3. turn to hail get under some trees or inside 3. Frizzel, this is icy rain 4. A sudden ThunderStorm they are ominous 5. Rain will come in a flash and afterwards are the rainbows if we are lucky, a "Sun Dog!" 6. Slight Snow 1 to 2 inches 7. We are getting a snowstorm meaning: 4 to 9 inches 8. The occasional SNOW BLIZZARD, except higher elevations - chains on your car 9. Wear 3-4 layers of clothing: Dress to Peel is the saying, chilly mornings, warm throughout the day and dang cold at night - have a fireplace. 10. The Deadly lightning Storms. They strike your gardens, bird bath will be shattered, double check if you are hiking - get to safety and not under a tree, these Colorado lightning storms will split a tree and YOU! Otherwise enjoy the Beauty of Colorado. These few photos where taken this October of 2025 Enjoy And enjoy the extensive Lakewood library and their extensive supply and childrens area

    Great library with a clean setup and relaxing atmosphere. An impressive audiobook selection. Their…read moremovie selection is big and includes titles that are unexpected and a great treat. They have the whole Evil Dead Trilogy, Childs play, and even Anime. Check out my pictures I included to see most of their collection. Cowboy bebop is in there!. Impressed with the fact they have a full Adobe suite and its free to use if you just have a library card. 5/5 library completely worth a visit.

    Photos
    Lakewood Library - Jefferson County Public Library - Look at this view

    Look at this view

    Lakewood Library - Jefferson County Public Library
    Lakewood Library - Jefferson County Public Library - October 2025 magnificent Red Tree in front

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    October 2025 magnificent Red Tree in front

    Englewood Public Library

    Englewood Public Library

    4.3(13 reviews)
    5.7 mi

    I made a novice tourist mistake when I was in Denver. It was a Monday and I wanted to visit the…read moreDenver Art Museum. I got there and it was closed. Bummer! Reminder to myself: check the hours of operation of whatever touristy place I want to visit. I have been pretty good at it since! Luckily, there were plenty of places around for me to discover. One of them was walking into Englewood Public Library. When you first walk in, you kind of feel like you're in a museum. There was the Cherrelyn horse train. The Cherrelyn was really a streetcar. A horse was used to help the motors go up a steep hill. When the train was going down it, the horse would hop in the train. All of this happened in Littleton, CO, where I was staying. I thought that it was a cool tie-in. This library is large and inviting. I wasn't expecting to spend some time investigating it, but I loved my time here. First, it had air conditioning. It was pretty hot during my July 2014 visit. Second, it's fairly quiet. I read a few magazines and enjoyed being so comfortable in my chair. There is an amazing collection of books to borrow. I also liked the multimedia section. I wished that I lived in Denver. I would be wearing out my library card. If I ever have a chance to spend a couple of hours reading and relaxing in Denver, I'd come back here. (228)

    Libraries make me proud of this country. They have a lot of really interesting stuff here and the…read morelibrarians are kind and helpful. Love using my Kanopy and Libby apps, thank you for what you do!

    Photos
    Englewood Public Library - Rock art

    Rock art

    Englewood Public Library
    Englewood Public Library - Cherrelyn train and horse

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    Cherrelyn train and horse

    Koelbel Library - Main entrance

    Koelbel Library

    4.3(37 reviews)
    9.5 mi

    Koelbel Library is a most magnificent midtown venture…read more The entrance stairs are easy to climb there are guard rails, be careful during the heat of the summer, being iron they might be hot. Walk-ability around the parking lot grounds is lovely, fresh cut grass, trees, seating and some shaded parking. The Parking lot is Huge, plenty of room for all meetings and clients! The meeting is immediately gracious at the front desk. To the right side of entrance there is a cafe with Croissant, chia, coffees to your taste and other delights with sitting and "Wifi" Sitting is all around in comfy chairs, plenty of books to read AND, Take a stroll down the beautify stair or elevator. There are desks a plenty, some covered, some large some small. AND a larger meeting room upstairs. Meeting private rooms from 1/2 hour to 3 hours, must schedule in advance!! Personally, I have spent many of hours in this library with my "Service Dog" by my side. Bathrooms up and down stairs, PLUS SEPARATE AREA FOR THE KIDDOS!! I have never had a run in with children as with libraries, this is a well thought out multiplistic public library!!

    Lovely library! I really enjoyed the space here. Full of plants and light, and of course, books!…read moreTheir children's section kept my granddaughter occupied for 2 HOURS! I also enjoy the Cafe and used books sale. The prices are very reasonable at the Cafe and for the used books. I am always finding a treasure.

    Photos
    Koelbel Library - Super moon rise!

    Super moon rise!

    Koelbel Library
    Koelbel Library

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    Woodbury Branch Library - North Facade from the Park

    Woodbury Branch Library

    4.1(18 reviews)
    2.6 miHighland, Northwest

    I was on a mission to collect a set of DVDs of a French television series and made my first visit…read moreto this amazing, elegant branch to find one of the volumes. The Carnegie Corporation funded the construction of nine branches of the Denver Public Library. All of them are still standing, although only five retain their original function. This is one of them and it is an amazing building. It was constructed in 1912 in the Renaissance Revival style and is named for the first president of the Denver Chamber of Commerce. It was added to the National Register for Historic Places in 1986 and listed as a Denver historic landmark in 1989. The exterior of the building features extensive terracotta detailing, particularly around the dramatic clerestory windows; however, the most gorgeous feature is the striking, carved open truss ceiling in the main reading room. This looks like something out of Hampton Court (Henry VIII) and is just jaw-dropping. An absolutely wonderful space to lose yourself in a good book. The library sits in the northeast corner of Highland Park. There's a very tiny, cramped parking lot, but there's also lots of street parking surrounding the park.

    The Woodbury branch of the Denver Public Library is on the smaller side compared to the other…read morebranches and therefore does not have a big selection of items to check out. However, what they lack in selection they make up for in service. The people there are very kind and always willing to help with what they can. It can be a bit loud sometimes with children screaming and running around but it is not that bad if you are not staying for longer periods of time to study/work.

    Photos
    Woodbury Branch Library
    Woodbury Branch Library
    Woodbury Branch Library

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    TeaLee's Teahouse & Bookstore - The inside of this quaint little tea house.

    TeaLee's Teahouse & Bookstore

    4.8(87 reviews)
    0.9 miCurtis Park, Northwest
    $$

    My friend made reservations for High Tea at TeaLee's tea house. This is not your typical, run of…read morethe mill, high tea. The atmosphere was amazingly calm and welcoming. The owner herself, Miss Risa was taking care of creating this unique culinary experience. The first service we chose a peach oolong. This was served with a green salad and broccoli quiche. Wonderful! I cannot tell you what the salad was dressed with, but the flavors!!!! The quiche was absolutely perfect from crust to cheesy top. Second service was Yellow submarine. This refreshing chamomile was infused with dried pineapple and mango. The first cup was good, but the second was delightful. The fruit had time to meld with the chamomile and created an epic infusion. The third service was a Moroccan mint. This was just as wonderful as you would expect. We were served an open face curry egg salad and a homemade fermented cucumber on a seasoned cream cheese. The flavors were wonderful. The sweet serving was a blueberry scone with Lemmon curd, apple cake and macrons. Service was top notch, the owner came over to chat with us. We even had a chance to spend time with one of the guides from the local Black History Museum. This was a delightful end to our amazing day! Thank you for the hospitality

    I made a reservation several weeks in advance for high tea for myself and five girlfriends because…read morewe were excited to try something new together. The concept sounded perfect: a traditional three-tiered tray of finger sandwiches and sweets, a plated item like quiche, and bottomless tea over a three-hour reservation. To start with the positives, the staff were kind and polite, and the owner was accommodating when our group size increased closer to the date. The tea was good, and I appreciated that the teapots were kept warm with tea lights. The space itself is charming, and we genuinely enjoyed having time to sit and catch up. The food was delicious, they are amazing cooks. The biggest issue was the timing of the food. In every afternoon tea I have attended, the three-tiered tray is brought out shortly after being seated so guests can graze while enjoying tea. A plated item may follow later, but there is always something to snack on early in the experience. Here, we went almost two full hours without any food at all. The quiches arrived around the two-hour mark, and the three-tiered tray, which is the centerpiece of afternoon tea, did not arrive until about fifteen minutes before our three-hour reservation ended. No one was rushing us out, and we did enjoy being together, but waiting an hour and a half to two hours for any food simply is not reasonable. We were genuinely hungry for the first half of the visit and then suddenly had a large amount of food placed in front of us near the end. Instead of grazing leisurely, we were left trying to eat everything in a short window of time. With a reservation made weeks in advance and only one other small table present, it was surprising that nothing was delivered within the first hour. Even reversing the order and bringing out the tiered tray first would have completely changed the experience. We also received only one three-tiered tray for six people at a price comparable to other Denver tea houses where each guest receives their own. When we asked for boxes to take the remaining items home, we were told they only had paper sleeves. Afternoon tea items are delicate by design, and paper slips are not suitable for transporting layered finger foods without crushing them. Given that the tray was delivered minutes before the reservation ended, proper takeaway containers should have been available. Tea service was steady for much of the visit, but toward the end all three teapots sat empty for about ten to fifteen minutes, and I had to go upstairs to request a refill. This was secondary to the food timing, but it added to the overall sense that pacing and oversight were lacking. I truly wanted this to be a special afternoon, and I appreciate the kindness of the staff and the availability of vegan options. However, afternoon tea should feel thoughtfully paced, with food arriving early enough for guests to graze comfortably. Waiting nearly two hours for any food and then receiving the full tiered tray minutes before the reservation ended does not align with what high tea is meant to be.

    Photos
    TeaLee's Teahouse & Bookstore - My homemade pumpkin scone served warm with a dollop of lemon curd! Yummy

    My homemade pumpkin scone served warm with a dollop of lemon curd! Yummy

    TeaLee's Teahouse & Bookstore - Tea

    Tea

    TeaLee's Teahouse & Bookstore - Downstairs

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    Downstairs

    Denver Public Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

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