A look into every exciting chapter from this year
2025 was a busy year for the Denver Public Library (DPL). Following the stunning renovation of the Denver Central Library, which reopened in late 2024, the library reintroduced the downtown location with exciting programming, including the return of One Book One Denver. The year also saw the reopening of two more renovated libraries and the addition of its 28th location. Denver welcomed its 11th city librarian, and the library launched its new five-year strategic plan, Denver Here, setting it up for an impactful future. Let’s revisit some of DPL’s mightiest moments of 2025 as we look forward to another strong year!
DPL’s Mile High Statistics
Denver loves the library, and DPL loves Denver. DPL usage stats stand tall across resources, services, and annual programs like Summer of Adventure.
- 2.7 million people visited a DPL Library!
- Borrowing over 2.1 million items!
- DPL welcomed over 52,000 new library users!
- Denverites used 327,378 PC sessions.
- Over 258,000 wifi connections were made.
- Location with the most visits: Denver Central Library
- Location with the most circulation: Sam Gary Branch Library
- Busiest day at Denver Public Library: Tuesday
- More than 10,000 calls to the Phone-a-Story line!
- About 7,700 children participated in the annual summer library program!
- More than 10,000 people attended events and activities.
Healthy Food for Denver’s Kids Program in Partnership with Growhaus
- 14,880 food boxes were distributed to DPL families with youth.
- More than 224,600 snacks were distributed to youth ages 0 to 18.
Join the tens of thousands who signed up for a library card in 2025. You will receive access to resources, including databases, the Libby eMedia app, and more. Plus, check out the countless items in our collection or one of Denver’s most borrowed book titles of the year. Sign up for a Denver Public Library card at any location, or start the process online!
Top Checked Out Books
Top Adult Fiction
Top Adult Nonfiction
Amplifying Your Listening Experience!
DPL introduced Playaway Audiobooks in 2025, thanks to Strong Library, Strong Denver, supported by the DPL Fund. Over 1,500 Playaway titles have been added to the collection, making it simple to check out and listen to a Playaway title today. No wifi or discs required! Need some recommendations for your next audiobook? Take a look at what Denver listened to the most in 2025.
Top Fiction Audiobooks
Top Nonfiction Audiobooks
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“101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think” by Brianna Wiest
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“Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents” by Lindsay Gibson
Counting Down DPL’s Biggest Wins
Three Locations Celebrated 50 years!
2025 marked the 50th anniversary of three library locations, each celebrating in its own way. Montbello Branch Library threw an all-day bash, hosting family-friendly activities and entertainment for the community. Hampden Branch Library challenged visitors to an anniversary scavenger hunt, while Ford-Warren Branch Library celebrated with a 1970s-themed party.
Two Newly Renovated Library Locations
Pauline Robinson Branch Library
In February, the Park Hill neighborhood’s Pauline Robinson Branch Library reopened after a year and a half of renovations. A grand opening celebration included remarks from relatives of the library’s namesake, Pauline Short Robinson, and featured Pauline’s favorite treat, pie!
- Pauline Short Robinson was Denver’s first Black librarian.
- Pauline Robinson Branch Library was the fifth DPL location to complete renovations, thanks to the 2017 Elevate Denver Bond.
- More than 1,000 square feet were added to the original library building.
- The renovation scope includes:
- A brand new community room
- Two study rooms
- Improved youth spaces for children and teens
- Added staff space
- Modernized building systems and more!
Athmar Park Branch Library
Athmar Park Branch Library also reopened its doors to the community in the summer after its own renovation. Local dragon dancers brought high energy to the community celebration, matching the excitement the community felt as they explored their upgraded library.
- Athmar Park Branch Library was the sixth DPL location to complete its 2017 Elevate Denver Bond renovation.
- Built in 1971, the building was originally a church.
- Nearly 2,000 square feet were added during the renovation.
- The renovation scope includes:
- A brand new community room
- Additional study spaces
- New shelving units for the library’s collection
- New staff area
- Upgraded building systems and more!
One Brand New Library Location
Lena Archuleta Branch Library
In November, the Denver Public Library opened a brand-new location: the Lena Archuleta Branch Library! The new library location is part of the Blossom House community hub, developed by Lifespan Local, bringing unique partnership opportunities with other organizations housed on the campus. This was Denver Public Library’s first new location since the Bob Ragland Branch Library opened in the RiNo neighborhood in 2022.
- 28th Denver Public Library location.
- First DPL location named for a Latina education activist, Lena L. Archuleta.
- 2nd library location in Westwood.
- Funded by the 2021 Rise Denver Bond.
- More than 600 people attended the grand opening!
One Book One Denver Returns After 13 Years!
Over a decade ago, Denver’s One Book One Denver was organized by several Denver city partners, including the Mayor’s Office. In 2025, Denver Public Library resurrected the program and took the reins for the very first time! Designed to spark conversation and bring the city together, DPL announced “Stay True” by Hua Hsu as the inaugural shared title for the return of One Book One Denver!
- Over 5,500 copies of “Stay True” by Hua Hsu were accessed!
- 35% of program-goers were discovering DPL programming for the first time.
- DPL gave away 1,300 copies.
- 2,104 people attended One Book One Denver Programs this summer.
- Average attendance was 40 people per program!
DPL Welcomed Denver’s 11th City Librarian
We bid farewell to the previous Denver Public Library city librarian, Michelle Jeske, in the spring after an extraordinary ten years as the library’s leader. Through her leadership, she successfully advocated for additional library funding, much of which is bearing fruit right now.
In July, the Library Commission announced the appointment of Nicolle Davies as Denver’s 11th city librarian. With 21 years of library experience, she has served as the state librarian for Colorado and as executive director of the Arapahoe Library District, and was named Library Journal’s 2016 Librarian of the Year. Get to know more about her and her 2025 below:
Favorite 2025 DPL Accomplishment
Visiting all 28 branches and meeting the staff
Favorite Book Read in 2025
“The Invisible Life of Addi LaRue” by V.E. Schwab
Preferred Reading Experience
Physical and Audiobook
Most Used DPL Service
Libby and Reading Advisory
Commonly Used Bookmark
Grocery receipt
Books Read in 2025
78
What’s Ahead?
As DPL enters 2026, the momentum from last year's achievements will continue to benefit the Denver community. Denver can look forward to more renovated locations, new and innovative programming, returning favorites such as the beloved 2026 Winter of Reading challenge, and the same DPL passion serving Denver into the new year and beyond!