Denver Public Library: Central Library

This place is so awesome! Staff is super friendly and willing to help, and you can tell that they work hard to serve EVERYONE in the community—as public libraries should! They’ve communicated very well during the last year or so of construction, and are a large part of why I am now an avid reader again. Thank you DPL!

The central branch of the Denver Public Library is housed in a beautiful building that looks like a small city on its own. I suppose it’s that way on the inside, too - it’s like a small city for many different readers and researchers. The Children’s Department is appealing and enjoyable, and the stacks on the floors above always reward inquisitive browsing. The top floor is the piece de resistance - it’s the library’s museum of western art and Denver artifacts, an important center for genealogical and historical research. It’s a bountiful resource. Then again, so is the library in its entirety. I visit the library just for fun, and I suspect I’m not alone.

The library has occasionally been in the news for more unsavory reasons. There are concerns about the homeless who use the library, and there have been alarms about drug users accidentally overdosing there. It seems to me that the library staff has been quite heroic in addressing such worries.

The main library is like a small city in this way, too. When you walk down a street in Denver, you may be confronted by all kinds of people. In the library, you need to be observant and aware, and keep an eye on your children. Just like on the streets outside! You’ll be okay; the library staff are always there to help you, and the books are really worth it.

Coolest library ever. The children's area is fantastic. There are play & learn activities, tablets, games, snacks, craft room and more... And the staff are stupendous. The Idea Lab on the 4th floor is really cool as well... You can do almost any thing you could imagine in there. It's got a recording studio, computers, sewing machines, sauntering, paint and art supplies galore.

Denver Public Library is the most outstanding public resource that I have encountered in the city. It's easy and free to get a card that works at every DPL location, and the library system offers an incredible expanse of resources including take-home wifi hotspots, laptops available for borrow, and lots of professional services and programs. Staff members are always incredibly warm and compassionate and intelligent.
To be fair, ongoing circumstances outside of the library's control definitely cause hiccups regularly. The 14th street location has been mostly closed-off since Covid which is a bummer because I miss browsing the books, and because the resulting mob of people in the small space designated 'open' can be pretty overwhelming and uncomfortable. And recent construction in the area has led to even more limited spacing. However that is beyond their control and I do respect and appreciate the public service they are doing!

Gotta love this library. Always clean, tons of quiet places to read the day away, warm and friendly staff. Just a cool library.

Through the translation software, I had a very pleasant communication with the lady and gentleman at the front desk. After only a few minutes of waiting, they found me books and satisfied my spiritual needs. All hands folded, thank you so much, thank you very much!🙏

Compassionate workers who take the extra effort to help everyone from working class to those experiencing homelessness. Providing a safe and very open dynamic to relax, study, or just to be safe somewhere for a bit. Grateful for this location as it has helped me feel safe while on the streets and a opportunity to search for employment.

Thanks guys!

Very helpful and friendly staff I went there to print a some forms didn't realize you can print up to 100 pages and you don't need a library card

This library is still under construction.. there are restrictions for moving and availability.. children's library is open and available for regular events.. there are storytelling sessions scheduled every week for kids.. recommended for your kid to attend.. team is awesome and guide you through the journey..

Open the library longer, please? 🥺
I miss the experience of being in a space like this. 💖

Dotie helped me get a library card and was super patient. She taught me how to use the library’s different online services, most of which I didn’t even know about! 10/10

One of the nicest homeless shelters I've visited. Bathrooms are kept in great shape for the line of homeless people looking to get in and clean up. Nice large desks for nappy time when they've had a bit too much dope or after a long night out. Also great to know that extra security is provided by the taxpayers to make sure no one gets too much out of line. Almost on par with the Seattle Public Library/homeless shelter.

This library is such a special place. I've been to libraries all over the country, and this easily is one of my favorites. There all sorts of quiet little nooks, yet the layout of the building is easy to navigate. There is a superb selection of music and movies. The staff has always been helpful and friendly. Also, check out the ideaLab! Its like a multimedia design and learning room where you can get help on projects. Honestly I could go on forever.

The staff were extremely helpful and the Reference section is easy to use. Most everything is on their computers that are easily accessible. I disagree with someone else's review saying the homeless make it smell bad. Only if you are hanging around the restrooms which are kept pretty separate from the rest of the library, which only has that new and old book smell specific to quality libraries

I been there since I was 15 years old, I can't complain about anything when it comes to this library. It looks good outside and out. People that works there have good attitudes, and they behave in a good manner, they're not rude. They are helpful, and friendly. I have nothing I can change about it. My family loves it, as I do. This library it's my family favor library. Even my Own tough, complicated, and picky mother loves it. ☝👌💯🙈❤

I've lived in several places and have been a library lover since a young age. Out of about 6 libraries I have used and been a part of the Denver library is the BEST library I've been to and used yet.
I'm a huge critic about almost everything, from the architecture and interior set-up of the shelves to the content and selection. And although I'm not a fan of the Denver library's exterior look, how it's set up on the inside really maximizes not only how many books they can fit but also ensures you're able to find a nice quiet spot somewhere. My favorite room is in the small round room on the south eastern corner on third or second floor. Although when you talk the acoustics in it will make you sound 10 times as loud, it's usually empty there.
They are also very technologically advanced and well thought out. They online system is just as amazing as being in the building itself. Best overall library ever.
I'm so glad my card doesn't expire for 83 years!!

Computer died and needed to do work that would have been pretty impossible to do temporarily on my phone until I bought new computer. Went to the library, got a library card in 2 minutes, and got on a computer right away. The computers were more than adequate for what I needed to do. Just needed MS Word and web (for email). Was impressed by how many computers they had. A large room full and no one was waiting to get on one. Was pleasantly surprised. Just wished the library hours were longer and the same throughout the week (at least Mon-Thurs).

Fantastic Library with wonderful architecture and nice feel. The oil derrick "created" inside the third floor is wonderful and there are not metal fasteners, just reclaimed lumber for an old mill and wooden pegs. This floor also houses a wonderful map collection and genealogical reference materials! There is huge media floor with Non Fiction books and probably a hundred computer terminals for folks to use. This floor also hosts a public science lab that has classes for all ages!! They also have a vast movie and music collection for everyone. A fine Library.

Love, love, love the Denver Public Library! I am a teacher and can find just about anything I need here. They have a terrific children's and YA section and have the newest books almost as soon as they are published. The librarians are helpful and friendly and encouraging to young readers. I love, too, that I can order a book and have it delivered to my local branch within days! Thanks for providing such a terrific resource to our city!

A beautiful, well stocked library in the middle of the city! I can come here for research or leisure, and often borrow comics and biographies a like.
They even have an original copy of Nikola Tesla’s auto-biography that you can check out in one of their viewing rooms. I don’t speak Serbian myself but it was a cool thing to check out.
I’ve seen a lot of people complaining about the homeless in the area around the library and within it, so I would like to address that issue myself as well.
Most of the homeless only stop inside the library itself to use the restroom or have a rest or warm up if it’s a cold day. Most are polite and respectful and only avoid the general public out of the shame we place on their shoulders as a society. They often hang out in this particular area of the city because various organizations offer meals to them across street in Civic Center Park a few times a day.
I say to those who call these people disgusting, that I truly hope you never find yourself at such a rock bottom point that you have no where to live and no one who cares about you enough to help you back on your feet. You are lucky and you are priveleged to have led a life that never brought such hardship. If you find the homeless so distasteful then I recommended visiting other libraries.