About DPL

Mission Statement

The Denver Public Library connects people with information, ideas and experiences to provide enjoyment, enrich lives and strengthen our community.

For over a century, customers have turned to the Denver Public Library for books, programs and services that entertain, inform, educate and enlighten. Today, with more than 450 staff members and 24 locations, the Library serves residents citywide. The Library's popularity continues to grow. An astonishing 79 percent of all Denver residents hold Library cards and borrow close to 10 million items annually.

The millions of books and other materials available through the Denver Public Library system open worlds to library customers. Adults and children who cannot afford their own personal computers, or who are not provided with computer training in the classroom or workplace, now have access to the Internet via the 758 library computer terminals. From the entrepreneur seeking guidance in starting her first business to the child searching out a popular picture book, library resources -- books, magazines, videos, compact discs, audio books and more -- supply invaluable information.

But the Library is much more than a collection of materials. A staff of experts and responsive programming mean that community members can rely on the library for a wide variety of ongoing programs and special events. Positive programs encourage interaction and growth, bringing people together and solidifying neighborhood partnerships.

Denver Public Library activities for children and adults include After School programs, Read Aloud visits, Internet workshops, job search seminars, senior programs, and book discussion groups, as well as workshops on finance, travel, science, gardening and other subjects. One half of all Denver grade schoolers participate in the Children's Summer of Reading Program.

As the Library reaches out to the community, the community rallies around the Library, supporting fundraising events such as the annual Used Book Sale and Booklover's Ball signature event. Founded in 1940, the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation supports the work of the Library and its place in the community.

When the Library first opened in 1889, it held 35,000 books, a minute fraction of today's collection of 5 million. John Cotton Dana acted as the first city librarian and established an enduring philosophy of public service. Until 1913 when the first four branch libraries opened, the Central Library was the Denver Public Library. Construction of the new Central Library and branch renovations were funded by a $91.6 million bond issue approved by a 75 percent majority of Denver voters in 1990. In 1995, the new Central Library opened to nationwide acclaim. It is now the largest library between Los Angeles and Chicago, and each year over a million people visit the Central Library. (Read more about DPL History.)

Supported by taxpayers and governed by the eight-member, Mayor-appointed Library Commission, the Denver Public Library constantly seeks new ways to serve its customers. Whether it is the latest bestseller, a video travel guide or an online collection of historical photographs, there is always something new. That is the Denver Public Library's secret to capturing the imaginations of so many for so long.