Background
We’re grateful to Denver voters for passing measure 2i to support the library in November 2022, providing DPL with an additional $32 million a year. We will share updates about how DPL is using this funding under the name Strong Library, Strong Denver, supported by the Denver Public Library Fund.
This was an effort that was years in the making and is a big win for the library system and our community. This additional funding will allow the library to more fully meet the evolving needs of the community.
2023 is our first year with this dedicated funding source and we are taking a phased approach to implementing this funding. There is a lot of work being done at the beginning of 2023 to ensure we have the infrastructure in place to launch some of the projects you, our customers, can see at your local branches and online.
Some things the public can expect to see over the next year include:
- Enhancing, expanding, and diversifying the collection of books, media, and other popular items to reduce wait times and ensure more appropriate linguistic and cultural representation
- Expanded hours at locations
- Upgrades at our facilities - both maintenance and cosmetic
- Expanding programs and services for children, youth, older adults, communities of color, job seekers, and vulnerable groups like immigrants and refugees
March 2023 Update
Ebook wait time for extremely popular titles reduced thanks to funding from Strong Library, Strong Denver supported by the DPL Fund
Thanks to Denver voters, we recently added additional funding to OverDrive which provides our collection of ebooks, audiobooks and magazines. This has allowed us to reduce wait times for extremely popular titles. Previously, these in demand titles ranged from approximately an eight month to year long wait time for customers, now wait times for these very popular titles have been reduced by half to approximately three to four months.
New Learning Platform Added for Cardholders
Craftsy and Craftsy en Español are now available to anybody with a DPL library card thanks Denver voters. Both are learning platforms that offer classes on a variety of topics that are suitable for beginners to those with more advanced skills. Craftsy is available via Libby.
February 2023 Update
We're Hiring
We’ve been hiring to ensure we have staff in place to support projects like maintenance upgrades and future hours expansions. Check out our current job openings.
New Databases Added for Cardholders
Two new databases are now available to anybody with a DPL library card thanks to Strong Library, Strong Denver, supported by the DPL Fund.
- Freegal Music+ is an ad-free, unlimited streaming platform that gives you access to millions of songs from 200+ genres. Learn more about Freegal or access Freegal.
- Statista is an easy-to-use portal that integrates statistics and reports from thousands of sources on topics related to business, media, public policy, health, technology, and many others. Visit Statista now.