Thanks to the generosity of Denver voters, we now have expanded hours at several locations! Five Denver Public Library locations are now open seven days a week. These branch libraries are also open earlier on weekday mornings and have added some additional evening hours.
This is the first service expansion that is funded by Strong Library, Strong Denver supported by the Denver Public Library Fund. Denver voters passed measure 2i in November 2022, which established the DPL Fund, providing the library with an additional $32 million a year.
Sundays and additional weekday hours have been added at the following locations: Green Valley Ranch Branch Library, Sam Gary Branch Library, Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library, Hadley Branch Library, and Hampden Branch Library. The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library will reopen to the public on August 7 after a renovation and also has extended weekday hours. To view locations and hours visit denverlibrary.org/locations.
“One of the main commitments made to Denver voters was that we would expand access to our buildings,” said Michelle Jeske, city librarian. “We’ve done a lot of work behind the scenes to make this happen. This is the first step in expanding hours systemwide.”
The branch locations have limited services during the first open weekday hours - from 9-10 a.m. and during open evenings from 6-8 p.m. During these hours, customers can access library materials, use self service checkout, computers, print/copy, community rooms, and study rooms. Community rooms are available to reserve from opening until thirty minutes before the locations close.
The additional funding from Strong Library, Strong Denver, supported by the DPL Fund is allowing the library to more fully meet the evolving needs of the community. The first year of funding is an implementation year and the library is taking a phased approach as it invests the funding.
The work continues during this implementation year. Over the course of the year, the public can look forward to more open job opportunities at the library, expanded hours at more branch libraries, additional improvements at Central Library, refreshed spaces at several branch locations, and more available resources for cardholders. Regular updates on Strong Library, Strong Denver supported by the DPL Fund are available at denlib.org/stronglibrary.