I love this library I don't have cable so I m here a lot checking out movies/shows music and books. The variety of movies has extended the last 2 years, there is many computer's to use, friendly staff and security guards. The library plays a movie every Tuesday night in the basement for free.
This place is like a giant homeless shelter. Absolutely disgusting. Bums sleeping all over and junkies all over the outside. It was nice and really big but also really disgusting. Tried to use the restroom and the stall doors only go up to your mid section while you sit on the potty so all the bums can look at you if you have to poop. What happened to you Denver? You used to be cool.
Love DPL!! This branch (downtown) is amazing and huge. Love it.
This is one of the best libraries I have been to. they have a huge collection of books. the envionment is also so cool. the people are great.
Fantastic resource when working on any kind of project for which Google just isn't cutting it.
Upstairs you may find a vast collection of primary source records documenting the history of our lovely city and state. I find this to be immensely helpful when I'm at a dead end in my current line of research.
The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable. They'll be certain to point you in the right direction.
There is a huge children's library with storytimes and other kid's activities. The librarians are great, too! There are lots of metered spots and the cultural center parking garage that is literally across the street.
Always a place to sit quietly to study, thanks to the early supporters of higher and early education. This is a perfect place to emese yourself in your imagination which is key to human development.
Thanks, Christopher Richards
Very helpful staff. Normally quiet with plenty of access. An above average CD collection & comfortable furniture. High police/security presence as well.
The is a hangout for bums,one of the staff has a poor attitude othet than that it sucks.
I remember being a kid and seeing this place being built! The architecture is by one of my favorite architects, Michael Graves. It is a stunning addition next the Denver Art Museum which is a piece of art in itself. There is many hidden gems including the beautiful genealogy room with the Western History Reading room, and the Children's Program Area hidden in the back of the children section. There is also a room with the table that was used in the Summit of the Eight during the Clinton administration. But if it is books, DVDs, and magazines you are looking for, they have many. Also their collection is quite extensive! It is in a great location for any visitor to downtown Denver. It is conveniently located on Civic Center Park which is not to far from 16th Street Mall. Also, you can forget to see the tiny horse on a huge chair!
Awesome art. Great program's too! Staff is courteous. WHAT more could one ask for?
Very nice facility. 4 stories of books and computers. There's either an elevator or escalator to choose from to go between floors. The staff was very friendly and helpful.
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.
This is a really awesome building, and it's a huge library. If you're someone that lives near the airport and prefer to borrow instead of buy (if you DO buy, make sure you stop by the Tattered Cover) this is the place to be.
While the staff is professional and helpful, the management really needs to put a little more attention to the members of the public when notifying people of inclement weather. For example notifying the media
Beautiful. Multi-levels. Self-guided tour available.
As a retired librarian, I can speak to a good library and this is it! The staff is incredible, the location is perfect and the atmosphere is beautiful along with the wonderful selection of books. Love this place and so glad I retired in Denver.
I am heartbroken. I came here in Fall 2019 in search of a beautiful, quiet, clean space to study, but was so disappointed to find it overrun with homeless people who were not respecting the sanctity of a library. One person was eating an entire chicken at a table! Another person had a cart full of (what looked like) their entire worldly belongings. There was even someone in the quiet, no food area talking on their cellphone! I left in 20 minutes.
The most important value of a library is it being quiet. I appreciate this one. I can study, research and get on the computer without any distraction. The library on West 1st can so loud. I can't get anything done there (patrons answer their cell phones, kids speak very loud) wonderful staff and give the kids reminders but they still do what they want. I'll be back to this one downtown!
For the out of towner who needed internet the public library came through. Super fast in getting a library card. Lots of terminals. I only used the computer lab for about 30 min.and it was just fine. A helpful staff member is totally there for THE PEOPLE. Vote!
Huge book collection. Great customer service. Conveniently located.
Super friendly staff, great website, and the fourth floor has a grant research area with dedicated staff!
It's a wonderful structure, full of all kinds of characters, both inside and outside the books. Only thing is... watch out for the bathrooms
A fabulous public library with an extensive and diverse collection. The staff is super helpful and seem to really love their work. There's plenty of space throughout the building to read and write, and the building itself helps to set an inspirational mood.
very large selection, one of the largest library's in colorado
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).
Truly a unique architectural feat. Very cool public library
Worse library I have ever been to.
The homeless / transients dominate this library, taking up every bit of space possible. They bring in all their luggage, backpacks, odors, and smoke all kinds of things right outside etc.
This library has a large amount of space yet it is easily filled within an hour upon opening.
Bring your own laptop because the level 4 computer area will be filled up.
Limited parking spaces available so perhaps try walking or riding your bicycle.
Security guards are needed here of course because of the sort of people that dwell within the midst of this place.
The books offered are decent, they maintain good selections.
They offer a small coffee shop downstairs. Pay phones, bathrooms on every floor. They also offer a "movie room"
Overall if you needed a few books, free wifi and a comfy chair you could find it here.
The library is a very peaceful place to read and work in and has the best service and books!
I can't tell if this place is a library or a homeless shelter.. Ridiculous and a stain on the city of denver.
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.
We live close to the Eugene Fields branch of this library system and I can't say enough about the staff there. Yes, you can search online for a movie or book and they'll either call or email you when it's ready for pickup - such great service!. But, it's when the librarians call you by name and start recommending books and videos based on what they know you like that you really know they've become true friends. One librarian, Amy, even brings baked goods for the monthly book club there!
I will never forget watching one of the librarians making a huge deal with a tiny new library cardholder about how with his new card he was now part of a special club. And that as a member, that he could read every book there if he wanted to if he just showed his special card. The grin on his face made it clear that she understood exactly how to make him understand what a special place a library could be. These folks are the best!
I've been coming to this library since it was built. I love this library my kids love it. There is always something to do.
It is almost impossible to use any of the restrooms. Expect to spend 20+ minutes riding the elevator if you have to used any of the restrooms. It's a pain especially if you have your own computer, because there is a huge possibility it could come up missing if left unattended. The library itself is large and spacious and is usually pretty quiet. I really wish they could do something about the bathroom situation.
This place is great to print something off quickly. It s also available for community organizers and event planners to rent rooms. Sometimes, if the event is a series that is free and open to the public they will wave charges bear in mind the series has to be super legit. Meaning that if you run a reading series that only you and your friends attend you ll be paying.
I m fairly certain their is Narcon trained people here, though I haven t asked. Security is friendly. The transients are quiet and subdued on the computers.
I don't usually write reviews, but I visited Denver for two months, and I loved this library. I'm actually glad they allow the homeless and what one reviewer called "vagrants," "losers," and "addicts" to enter the library. They were nice people, and no one caused any trouble. I won't even get into what's wrong with being so judgmental that you give an awesome library a single star because homeless people hang out there.
The Denver Public Library near 29th + Quebec is a good location, while the Main Denver Public library is a nightmare with no free parking + tons of bedbugs from the bums who inhabit the Main Denver Library at 14th + Broadway !!!
It's worth a visit if you happens to be around. The Western History room on 6F has an interesting sculpture.
The place is overrun with jockeying/racial accent shouting/scoffing/caughing/snorting/sneezing/banging and crashing sounds, etc. x 1,000 fold thanks to the pietistic neighborhood (there's some of the most deplorable homeless shelters with kazillions of human-rights violations within a 15 block radius of the library) that's pretty-much as deprived as they can possibly come on Earth today. They mark/tag someone (usually by the Brave New World standard) and are constantly communicating with scoffing, snorting, cackling, talking, coughing, etc.. Staff endorsed. Security guards are the first to go out of their way to infringe your rights by falsely accusing you, touching you, or anything that basically would make an ordinary person either kill themselves or do anything to destroy themselves but you know what ... as I type someone just violated me here yet again with gang-related sounds. Not a recommended place whatsoever considering the contrast games sickly devised by the jocks that run the show at the front desk of the 'technology center'/4th floor computer area. I've been to a few of the libraries in this city and none of them are any better btw.
The homeless at this location is bad! They are on every level, occupy every table with a plug in, and have seen on more than a hand full of occasions people sleeping at the tables, floors and other areas. Since this is a public building, the staff cannot ask the homeless to leave.
it's so big!! and nice!! i can find like all the books i ever want here!
OMG so big, but awesome to explore. They must have everything here!
I don't like that the hours that they are open vary from day to day. Check the hours before you go - every time you go. Grrrr.
I love this site/app. Only suggestions I can think of: (1) embed my library card in the mobile app so I can check books out using my phone and (2) history of my checked out books (similar to netflix) where I can rate books and maybe have customized suggestions based on my preferences.
Teen s corner is very cozy. Post-it art on the windows. How creative! Automatic return system is SO cool! Many signs showing they care about the community, and really trying very hard to welcome everyone. That is really what public library is all about.
Love spending time here it just flys by, never get borde and they also have reading time for children, love it.
Great experience at the library: all you need is mind clarity and ambition/passion and they have the resources for you to mold yourself into what you want to become! I myself do music and love to use their studios
Excellent! The best library in USA for a city the size of Denver, Colorado! Physically & Arcitecturally beautiful. Great art on display and wonderful exhibits of many different artists and media!!! interesting hisorical artifacts and exhibits. Great Reference library, reference tools, and staff. Excellent reading materials and reading areas! Big selection of videos & music CDs. I love the coffee shop and the book and gift store. DPL Central hosts the historic collection of Colorado's Congressional Meeting Minutes. Touring the rows and shelves of Congressionals Journals (some handwritten) dating back to 1876 was an awesome experience! Denver
Love this place! It's a little dirty, but it's very large so it's a little hard to maintain.
This is the most amazing place I have ever been , I never saw such a huge place of books ready for people, staff is too polite professional and answers your query, I highly recommend this place for people who are book lovers!!!!!
Great place to bring the children and to study for that next big exam. Plenty of computer space and a helpful staff. A diverse culture of people visit despite the area of town this library is in.
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 place is a go to for natives doing genealogy research.
I've travelled all over the world, and my first stop in any city f any country is always the public library. This one is up there with some of the best "public" libraries of the world in almost every way. Weird bathrooms though.
I've always loved going to the library growing up. Now due to the homeless growth in the state, not so much... Im sure im not the only one who feels this way.. So i guess my question is: is there a plan in place to fix the issue?
Beautiful public building with a massive amount of resources.
They got a 3D printer... Nuff said... Lots of bums... Water fountains are gross
Considering that this is the Central Library of the largest city in the state, I found it seriously lacking in availability and selection.
I spent 6 months studying for my licensing exam and at the end of it all, I was glad that it was over. The homeless take refuge and so the entire place consequently has the associated problems: overdoses, bathing in the bathrooms, no available tables or computers, strong odors in the bathrooms and in studying areas, etc.
Huge and beautiful multi level library. Great for reference and research
During my Amtrak tour, I went visit their city library when I stopped by. This is a very clean, nice library with an excellent view to see downtown highrise and civic center surroundings. After a long walk, this is my rest area to use their wifi to communicate with family or friends. If you visit civic center park and surroundings, you have to stop by here.
DPL is consistently ranked as one of the top 5 libraries in the nation. I love everything about our library system - and even pick where I live based on close I am to a DP library! I think it is one of the reasons I moved to Denver 11 years ago. An amazing and invaluable resource!
Love this enchanting place with the best Chai in town
Great study place, I just with if they extend the opening hours ....
Love libraries, and this is a great one, love the maps
DPL is not only one of Denver's treasures, but is widely considered one of the best libraries in the U.S. For the past 12+ years, their website has been one of my top 5 most-used. The free resources and helpful services they offer are incredible. I regularly order books that have to be shipped from far away. I've gone to multiple free concerts, carefully curated film screenings with added material and insight and discussion, readings from authors, and I'm aware they even offer FREE 3D printing. The central branch is perfectly located in the heart of the city, and is one of the best places to visit if you're walking, biking, or busing around the area.
It's disheartening to see so many negative reviews on the basis of racist and classist discrimination. Upper and middle class white people are apparently terribly offended by the presence of poor people of color and folks without housing. It's great that the DPL Central Branch has recently expanded their services and acquired funding to employ people specializing in aiding and offering services to our huge homeless population. The library shouldn't *have to* be the one to do that, but the fact is, the City of Denver annually spends thousands and sometimes millions more on settling out-of-court cases for the rampant police brutality here than it does on affordable housing and truly addressing the crises of housing costs and inadequate resources for people who have been abused by systems and society for many years.
Clean, spacious library with many historical paintings and decor. Art exhibits and great city views from the Legacy room.
Truly a magnificent architecture Wonder how this amazing building was only Built for only 1 million dollars in 1995 in 2013 a building closer to the same size of the Republic's Supreme Court of Appeals building was constructed for 600 million. 18 years of inflation 600% a building goods and cost. Predominantly extremely high inflation rate over the last 18 years records will indicate from 1950s 2 2016 has reported 1000 percent increase of inflation that has not successfully match the minimum wage for livable wages for C many members of our society into slavery conditions. Slavery is not permitted in any part of the Republic and it is up to duty and the responsibility of the rest of the world's Republic to pull together of Truth and understanding of necessary Corrections.
Department of Corrections
Minister of Commission.
Blake Edward Westdyk (MC)(HM)
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!
Great library with a large children's section. My children love going to this library.
Didn t realize how bad the homeless situation is in Denver. Very nice library but the horrible smell ruined the experience. I wish there was a standard for cleanliness among people they allow into the space. Doesn t seem right that the people who pay for it can t get a good experience because of the few who decide to live an unsanitary lifestyle.
Meghan that works at the computer/Internet department is super nice and very knowledgeable of her work. Very helpful, I can t say enough good things about her.
Really big library here! But nice place to study. :)
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.
denverlibrary.org
