The Denver Public Library supports the rights of all individuals to free and equal access to information and use of the library without discrimination, intimidation, threat of harm or invasion of privacy. The Denver Public Library is dedicated to providing friendly, courteous and respectful service. The goal of the Denver Public Library is to provide an enjoyable, clean and comfortable environment for all library users. This environment encompasses the interior and grounds of Denver Public Library buildings, as well as virtual spaces. The Library Use Policy is designed to:
Protect Library Property
The Denver Public Library protects collections, equipment and property including: buildings, grounds and virtual spaces for present and future users. Intentionally damaging, destroying or stealing any materials, equipment or property belonging to the library, another customer or staff member is prohibited, and may be a violation of the law.
Ensure a Safe and Secure Environment
The role of the Denver Public Library is to ensure a safe and secure environment for customers and library staff. Committing or attempting to commit any activity that would constitute a violation of any federal, state or local criminal law or ordinance is prohibited on Denver Public Library property. Examples of prohibited activities include but are not limited to:
- Sexual, physical, verbal or other harassment
- Bullying
- Bringing unauthorized weapons on library premises
- Possessing, selling or being under the influence of illegal drugs
- Engaging in peeping, stalking, or indecent exposure
- Soliciting, panhandling or gambling on library property
- Trespassing or entering library property when temporarily or permanently suspended
- Impeding passageways with personal property
- Leaving personal property unattended
- Failure to leave the library during emergencies and at closing time
- Bringing more than a total of three of the following into the library:
- One medium size piece of luggage (wheeled or not)
- One medium size carried bag or backpack
- One personal item (purse/laptop bag/briefcase)
Provide a Comfortable and Welcoming Environment
The Denver Public Library provides a comfortable and welcoming environment. Mutual respect makes it possible for everyone to enjoy library materials and services. We ask library users to be respectful of each other and library staff and behave in a manner that does not disrupt other library users or interfere with normal operation of the library. Examples of disruptive behaviors include but are not limited to:
- Using profane, obscene or abusive language, including epithets directed at an individual, including, without limitation, language regarding race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other personal characteristics
- Creating unreasonable noise in a manner that disrupts others in their use and enjoyment of the Denver Public Library collections, equipment and property
- Using audible devices without headphones or using headphones set at a volume that disturbs others. Using any communication devices in a manner that disturbs others
- Running, pushing, fighting or shoving
- Operating roller skates, cycles, skateboards, scooters or other similar devices inside the library
- Failing to comply with a reasonable staff request
Maintain a Healthy and Clean Environment
The Denver Public Library maintains a healthy, clean, alcohol-free and smoke-free environment for all library users. Considerate consumption of snack food or a covered beverage is allowed in public areas of the library unless otherwise posted. Examples of behaviors that are not conducive to providing a clean and hygienic environment include but are not limited to:
- Public possession, use or sale of alcohol, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, marijuana, chewing tobacco or other tobacco
- Consuming food or beverages in a manner that creates an unclean environment, attracts insects or vermin, disrupts other customers or is harmful to library resources
- Sleeping
- Improper dress including not wearing shoes or a shirt
- Personal hygiene that poses a health risk
- Bringing animals inside library buildings, with the exception of service animals and those allowed during special library programs
- Using restrooms for bathing or washing of clothes
Enforcement of the Library Use Policy
Enforcement of the Library Use Policy will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff and/or Denver Police Department will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Individuals who fail to observe the Library Use Policy may be asked to leave the library building, property, or virtual space, be suspended from the library for a period of time (or suspended permanently under certain circumstances); be subject to arrest and/or be subject to other lawful action. Violations of any suspension(s) imposed by the Denver Public Library may be enforced in any lawful manner, which may include, without limitation, civil and/or criminal action being brought against the appropriate individual(s).
If an individual is suspended from the library, they must meet with the Library’s Manager of Security to discuss lifting the suspension before they can be on any Denver Public Library property. To schedule this meeting call the Manager of Security at 720-865-1110 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.). Suspended individuals under the age of 18 years old must have their parents or legal guardian call the Manager of Security at 720- 865-1110.
Any customer suspended from the library for a period of more than one year shall be entitled to appeal that suspension to the Library Commission. That appeal shall consist of a written request to the Commission to reconsider the decision of the Library’s Manager of Security and include a summary of the events which gave rise to the action and the reasons for challenging the decision to impose a suspension. The Library’s Manager of Security will provide the written report (and any other information pertaining to the action) to the Commission detailing the incident(s) in question and grounds for the decision.
The customer may request that the Commission take statements from the customer in person, but whether the Commission allows for verbal statements is within their discretion. The Commission shall uphold the decision of the Library’s Manager of Security if there is reasonable evidence that the incident occurred and that the decision was not arbitrary and capricious under the circumstances.
Library Use Policy
Adopted by the Denver Public Library Commission, October 19, 2017
Revised December 15, 2022