The Denver Central Library is one of my favorites, both for the spectacular building and for the helpful staff and many resources found inside. I have always found the staff knowledgeable, helpful, and very willing to seek out answers, no matter what my issue might be. There are enormous resources available here, far beyond the physical books and media on the shelves. These include community rooms and study rooms, a constant series of seminars and events, the ideaLAB maker space, the children's library, passes for many local cultural institutions, and the Community Technology Center (computer lab, classes, and workshops). There's a Healthy Snack program for children, extensive help to navigate social services for those in need, a number of book clubs, a book store, and a large collection of eBooks and audio books. There's a streaming resource for movies, music, and TV shows, a huge digital magazine collection, and digital access to The Denver Post and The New York Times. Research resources include BizBoost (research services to formulate data for a business plan), Digital Navigators (help with acquiring electronics and using technology), Nonprofit assistance, the Patent & Trademark Resource Center, and student consulting. There is a huge selection of research databases available online. The Western History collection is massive and comprehensive. There are extensive genealogy resources and a large collection of historic maps and geographic resources. The library also has an outstanding art collection. Some of the most important pieces are on loan to the Denver Art Museum, but the seventh floor hallways and the Vida Ellison Gallery on the seventh floor are used to display pieces from the collection between periodic, formal art exhibits. The fifth floor of the building is another highlight. There's a large lobby which is used for mostly historical exhibits. The Western History collection is on this floor. The Gates Reading Room sits within Symbol of the West, a sculpture of massive wooden beams designed by Michael Graves. The area usually features exhibits of photographs and artifacts from the Western History collection and is a spectacular study space. The library started in a wing of the original Denver High School building at 19th and Stout Streets. It notably included the first children's library in the U.S. The facility moved to the iconic Carnegie building (now the McNichols Civic Center Building) in Civic Center Park in 1910 and remained there until the new Burnham Hoyt building at 14th and Broadway was completed in 1956. Noted architect Michael Graves designed the current building which opened in 1995. It incorporates the 1956 structure quite seamlessly. I greatly admire the new building. I think it is one of Graves' best projects. Internally, it is very functional while the exterior is stunning. read more

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One of the best, if not the best public library between New York and Los Angeles. Plenty to choose from. The greatest Western History archives and collections. A remodeled and expansive children's section. Years ago, it had the distinction of hosting the G8. The fossils in the floor throughout are a nice touch, and the staff is friendly. It almost loses a star, perhaps it should lose two for limited hours and choosing to close on a non-national holiday? read more

The library in downtown Denver is beautifully designed, spacious, and offers a diverse selection of books. However, there was a noticeable odor of marijuana on certain floors. I understand that this is a legal substance in the state, but it was quite surprising for an out -of-state gal to experience in a public setting. Additionally, the signage in the restroom indicating a "wellness check- Respond upon knocking" raises concerns about potential drug use hot spot in the facility?!? Just minutes later an altercation occurred between I think a homeless guy and the library security... he was there napping.. probably high and he was being warned a second time not to nap there !! Also there was a guy pacing back and forth the isles near where I was sitting... quite frankly I did not feel safe here. Nevertheless, it gets at least three stars because it's gorgeous !!!!! read more

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I spent an afternoon at the Denver Public Library's Central branch and honestly didn't want to leave. The building is beautiful--big windows, quiet study nooks, and views of the city. I wandered through the art displays, browsed the genealogy archives, and even checked out a hotspot from their "Library of Things." Everyone I spoke to, from the front desk to the research staff, was genuinely kind and helpful. It felt like a space built for everyone--families, students, creatives, and folks just looking for a peaceful place to be. Definitely one of Denver's best-kept treasures. read more

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! read more

Denver Public Library - Computer area in the library! - Libraries Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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. read more

Denver Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Denver, Colorado

This incredible resource is right at my fingertips! My husband and I moved to Denver four years ago and began borrowing books on our Kindle immediately. But when the library opened and these incredible, cheerful staff members took their places, it was all go! We love going in, even if just to read on our kindles. read more

The public library is the most underrated resource! I live near the central location, which has been under construction for several years, but love having it in walking distance. They offer free printing, museum passes, state park passes, reading recommendations, internet access, study spaces, and so much more (plus obviously books, e-books, and audiobooks)! I can't wait for it to be fully renovated. The only challenge is that it is not open as many hours as I would like because of funding. read more

Denver Public Library can be hit or miss depending on the branch. Cherry Creek hit, Downtown Hit and Miss due to the homeless miss. Computer systems are outdated compared to other libraries like Highlands Ranch and Arapahoe Libraries. Staff at Denver Public can be helpful or rude again depending on branch. The city budget pays for their budget compared to other libraries that are independent from their city budget. Also, hours of Denver Public sucks compared to the other cities around Denver. If I was going to choose pick the ones outside Denver. read more

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

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! read more

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

Denver Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Such an amazing location and building. I love the library. I'll be honest, I'm pretty cheap when it comes to books or old DVDs. I try to borrow vs. buy. I will travel to this location due to the amount of books and variety that the central library carries. 2 stars? Lots of homeless people just hanging out, mostly in the bathrooms. I've visited more than 5 times and just a quick restroom break there has been multiple accounts of homeless people sleeping in the bathroom. No bueno. read more

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. read more

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Visiting in the area and needed to print some directions to RMNP. Very friendly staff, especially Angel, who was quick and patient in helping me print when I couldn't figure out how from Google Maps. Thank you, Angel! read more

The homeless / transients run this library, taking up the majority of the space. They bring in all their luggage, backpacks, odors etc , and smoke all kinds of things right outside. I couldn't even concentrate because One guy was watching explicit videos which they legally can't ask him to leave for that and another guy was singing at the top of his lungs. Several patrons told him to be quiet. Computer time was limited to an hour. Computers are also mind numbingly slow. I got very little work done. I even asked if that singing behavior was normal and the loud grunting. They said it was . Due to construction you will have to request a book and wait while they go hunt for it. This library is pretty big but. An get over run fast. Limited parking spaces available so perhaps try walking or riding your bicycle. You most likely have to park in the garage and walk over. It's 3$ for 3 hours or less. Security guards are posted at the door because it's a hot spot of transients and homeless people on drugs to all meander in. The books offered are decent but sold out of a lot of books. they maintain good selections. Wouldn't recommend using restroom if you can avoid it. What's happening to our libraries ? read more

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. read more

Denver Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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! read more

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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 read more

Denver Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I love the historical feel of this library. Nestled in the heart of Downtown, you get great views of the city from any part of the library. There is a parking garage that I used, which can be found directly across from the building. As soon you enter, you are greeted by a gorgeous atrium, which exposes the different levels of the library. The openness and light throughout creates a warm-welcoming feel. I used the escalators to get to the 2nd Floor, where I found a semi-private desk along the window with a view of the city skyline. Once I found a desk area with a plug-in for my phone charger, I was one happy camper. *wink. The overall feel of this library is nice. It's clean, organized and the library staff are quick to answer any questions you have. As a first time visitor, I felt safe, welcome and content with my 1 hour visit. P.S. the WiFi is free. Oh yeah baby! read more

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

This used to be a great library. Recently, we made a special trip to this library to use their maker's lab. The lab itself was great - a lot of cool tools like cutting machines and 3-D printers. Unfortunately, we had to pass at least 100 homeless people to get to the maker's lab. The homeless folks were taking up every computer, and all of the desks and reading carrols. They were stretched out on the floor and taking full showers in the bathroom sinks. I saw several people who were obviously on drugs, and the whole place smelled. Of course the library is for EVERYONE, but unfortunately, I don't feel that it's a place I will ever go back to and certainly not one I would take children to. read more

Located in the Golden Triangle District of Downtown Denver sits the historic Denver Public library- It is the city of Denver's first public library and holding an immense collection of 2 million items of reference material- This is by far the most hidden gem in all of Downtown - Within these walls are more then just books and computers- It begun with the dreams, designs, and desires of famous Denver native leaders that lived here- They built and funded most of the historic buildings in Denver - The establishment started in the wing of a Denver high school in 1889 And soon after in 1910 acquired its own building in civic center park- (Old main) It was the year 1956 when its final location was down rooted on the old grounded Ford dealership land on 14th in Broadway where it stands today- It went through many renovations from that time to hold the fast out growing collections of history including maps, slides, images, and much more- In the year 1996 the restructure to the original Burnham Hoyt design was combined with the post modern 400,000 sf addition by (famous architect Michael Graves) to the establishment- Today these dreams of the lost pioneers that initiated this and many other projects still live through the pages every time I borrow a book or do research using the media- Available Resources people this day and time take for granted- It is a community coming together from all walks of life to utilize the limitless resources to discover ourselves through history- read more

Denver Public Library - Front entrance - Libraries Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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It's a great library they have these new resources for those who are struggling to get on their feet and lunch served for those who are struggling which is a great initiative on behalf of the county however the only downfall I have in general for this library is that they can't seem to be working consistent business hours which are defined in my opinion as Monday through Friday from 8 to 5 and this is a big problem as Saturday's is they're closed Fridays are now closed and Sundays due to renovation which is at a standstill due to snow weather so there you have it read more

Gross!! I went there just recently and it was flooded with homeless people. Now it's not that they were homeless, it was the fact that they were being disrespectful to the place. One person was trying to engrave or etch something on his pipe, another was huffing something out of a bag. It was just not a pleasant experience. I decided to leave almost as soon as I arrived. I later found out that the area was overrun with homeless and was told that within that area of Denver they were supposedly going to implement a safe site for doing drugs. No thanks! read more

Why are monies lifted up to the inacessible and rarely worked within the 7th floor save for the actual libraries and outreach services? Money only flows upward with Denver Public Library. #DPL read more

My friend from work met a guy on a dating website and he ended up being homeless. He used the free 30-minute Internet access from the Denver Public Library to find interesting women to um, take out. Well, the relationship didn't last long, but it is pretty cool that the homeless man uses the Internet to find dates... and maybe applying to jobs too!? The Denver public library is a great place on Broadway where I stopped a lot when I was doing a lot of market research. I found all sorts of great resources and some that were even so valuable that I was not allowed to check them out... "Oh My!" The best part of the library is not going to the library at all and using their website to listen to books on tape. You just need a library ID to do so and you also have to download their stupid program... So I like to do it on anybody else's computer but mine... Oops, did I say that out loud? They have nice little study nooks and information kiosks, but I have always been pretty successful using their online searching tools... Gets me in and out and not flirting with the homeless men. * Star one is for offering free Internet use - Good for dating, homeless or not ** Well-read star two is for a great central location *** Smarty pants star two is for helpful staff who have an edge **** Our final star is for a cool and easy-to-use website Star five was ripped from the chapter because there is no free or easy to find parking. read more

Denver Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Free classes (computer, knitting, and more), lectures (sometimes with free food), and of course books, movies, cds and more. Public libraries are great. And Denver's public library is terrific. I've spent a LOT of time in public libraries in cities across the country, and Denver definitely holds its own against bigger cities. Free wifi, free computer access if you don't have your own laptop for the wifi...DPL fills many needs. Before a trip to a new city, I checked out tour books, maps, and novels set in the city. (Did you know you can check out MAPS?!) I've learned some knitting techniques, hung out at the open knitting circle, and stopped in on weekend for a lecture and cooking demonstration. I reserve books online, get notified when they are ready, and stop in to pick them up and check them out myself. Great for days when I'm in a hurry and don't want to linger. But most times I do linger, and I end up find a few extra books to check out in addition to my holds. As for the central library facility itself, it's impressive. Michael Graves-designed, decorated with celebrated artist Ed Ruscha...I was really struck it the first time I visited. I also love the look of the older wing, with what looks to be sleek mid-century modern design. I even like the chair with a horse on it! So on the surface and based on services, DPL is a very good thing. read more

Upon arrival I was shocked to find the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), colloquially known as the Dewey Decimal System, was nowhere to be found. As I perused walkways in a feeble attempt to locate The Big Clock by Kenneth Fearing I soon became lost. After many (failed) attempts to regain situational awareness I resigned to the fact that I would never find the book, or myself, again. I've been living in one of the maintenance closets (the sign indicates it is storage closet #7) for approximately three months now...not too bad but when I put in requests to fix the leaking pipe above my sleeping area there is no response. read more

A beautiful building in an area chalk full of them! The library here is new, well lit and organized and w staff everywhere to help you. I live a full 20 minutes out from the city but wandered thru here while on my way to the art museum and I'm so glad I did! You can tell the staff there are passionate about their jobs and want to help and the collections are amazing. I only wandered thru the first 2 floors but will be back to check out more. There is ample parking in the area (on a weekend - week days may be a bit tougher) and there's plenty of other sights in the immediate area to check out too so its worth the adventure. The A/V section was well stocked and the fictional books basically took up the entire second floor! I know the library has great e-lending options as well. Caveat for those not familiar w big city library locations: yes, there are homeless people in the area. They do come in to the library because its their basic civil right to do so. This is true of every city library I have ever seen and is something that will never change, so be educated. I never had anyone approach me or bother me, but its something some people aren't used to or comfortable with. I have seen elsewhere that people get down on the Central Library downtown because of this and wanted to make sure people understand why its so awesome they have excellently trained staff to help any folks who wander in in that need it and help customers who witness things they aren't comfortable with. read more

This place is huge. Stories upon stories of books. You will definitely need to use the computers there to search for book instead of browsing around to find it. There are plenty of workers walking around that are super friendly and guide you in the right direction! read more

Yes the homeless are here strolling the aisles like they came straight from an apocalypse but for me I always know why I'm here so I'm usually in and out in less than 20 minutes. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to relax in this facility though because of the said homeless folks. Thank goodness for automated checkout so it's quick and easy. I've been want to check out one of their free tech classes but it hasn't happened yet. Maybe soon. Happy reading! read more

Denver Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Denver, Colorado

This library is so large and has so many floors, so many sections, and so many different feels to it that I could gladly spend a day here. I won't however, because there are way too many homeless people in here that make it uncomfortable to stay longer than 20 minutes. Libraries are usually my escape but sadly, this one didn't feel like that. read more

Denver Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I grew up down the street from a library. Love the library. I do not understand why more people do not take advantage of the free-ness of the library and all it has to offer, but then, it might be even more difficult to get what I want, and we might actually then have a more literate society? This main hub of the libe is awesome...smack dab in the middle of town...by the state cap, CO history museum, the DAM, and right by downtown. Pure bliss, and cool sites out every window...yes even if you have to look outside and happen to catch some fresh B. O. from one of the bums that hang out there. Some of them do like to read books, or adult comics, yet some like to use the internet. I must admit, I am still amazed at the number of people who come there to use the computers in this day and age for internet. They do have wifi too, if you ever feel the urge to sit there with your laptop admidst the smelly bums. The past few weeks there is a sign that says the cafe' is closed until further notice. Wonder what happened there? Is it becoming a starbucks outpost? grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr..... If you are looking for a book, best to ask a friendly library worker, or even better, to just use the net at home and find what you want, make a list, and then head on down to the libe. It is hard to find a computer to search on down there sometimes. You can also put stuff on hold, which is helpful if you just want to run in one day and grab what you want instead of browse... Their book sale near the end of the summer is a huge hit, teachers get great discounts on the already amazing prices, and if you spend a certain amount of money, you get a free burrito from Chipotle! The only bummers here are the lame hours...opening late on weekends and closing early. Sometimes they close at 5 or 6...I would love to head in there then! Also, parking totally stinks. I walk there sometimes, or on Sunday, when parking is free, it is helpful, as the parking ticket people can't get you for being swallowed up in browsing all of the shelves aimlessly for hours. If they allowed my dog inside, I would be walking there even more. Plus, he smells better and has better manners than alot of the people who hang out there and look at porn. read more

The DPL is one of my favorite places in Denver. I nearly always choose my books online, and they're ready and waiting for me in the self-service room when I arrive. However, that doesn't always stop me from browsing. One of my favorite places is the room on the 2nd floor just to the right of where the escalator lets off. There are tons of books set out with with recommendations from staff and patrons. I always find neat picks here that I would have completely overlooked otherwise. Finally, the self check-outs are awesome! Near every exit are the machines on which you'll scan your card, then your choices - you get a printed receipt and are out the door. I love you, DPL! read more

Technology room librarians will have security threaten to contact the federal government if you're caught putting a disc into your laptop computer. This is called snitching. Media should be for all. Homeless people bathe & use injectable/ smokable drugs in the restrooms. read more

Our family frequents the library regularly, but most of my visits are with my almost 5 yr old. She adores the kids section and will peruse books for hours.The layout if kid friendly and the bathrooms easily accessible for the little ones. There are cozy spots to read and toys for the smaller kids. My 12 yr old son didn't partake much in the YA book section. He said he couldn't find anything of interest but he has that permanently sullen look with his eyes rolling continuously with his "I can't be bothered with you people".. So I'm sure his lack of interest had more to do with that rather than selection. read more

I love it here. Granted, I live nearby so I can walk and not deal with parking which helps, but I would like it regardless. The staff is great, the book selection is super (I've been able to find everything that I want in the catalog so far) and there are lots and lots of computers. This is great when you are new in town and need the library internet to apply for jobs. Also, once I forgot my flash drive in one of the computers and the staff held it for me until I could return. That was super. I love being able to place holds and renew my books on-line. Granted, this has gotten to be pretty commonplace, but I still appreciate it. It's also handy that they have a little coffee shop and a change machine. I routinely need that sucker for my laundry quarters. There is still that segment of the population that doesn't realize that it's not cool to shout in the library (I'm not just referring to children, either) and I wish more was done to shut these folks up sometimes. I want one of those stereotypical gray haired old lady librarians to run around and shush loud people. The good thing is that I've only found this to be an issue in the computer area. Also, it would be great if the hours were better on the weekends, but that's probably a funding issue. Overall, I love it here despite the minor issues. I feel lucky to live so close. read more

Huge library with 7 floors! Biggest library I've ever been in. One whole floor just for computers and internet access. Lots of views of downtown and the surrounding museums out of the windows. Nice and quiet to read or do home work. read more

Denver Public Library - Main hallway - Libraries Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Denver Public Library, Central Library, is the best library in United States for a city the size of Denver, Colorado. The architecture is breathtakingly colorful and beautiful. The gardens rival areas of Denver Botanical Gardens. The interior design is magnificent. When I first walked in my eyes lifted up to take in three floors of mastery murals and interior architecture. Each floor is masterfully designed as historical, museum quality exhibits, with artwork, sculptures, paintings, books, patriotic and historical displays, gorgeous furniture, study and meeting rooms, excellent technology, clean coffee and gift shop, restrooms and water fountains, impressive awesome views!!! If you are visiting Denver, plan to spend one whole day in the Central Library!!! I am continually in awe every time I visit. The staff is excellent, helpful, professional and cheerful! They give tours. read more

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