Top Libraries In Denver
Kids love them. Parents love them even more. It is the only place to get books, movies, research material, entertainment, classes and more, and it will cost you absolutely nothing. Yes, it is your local public library. If you haven't been to a library since your own childhood years, you are really missing out. Bring back that book you've had out since 1983 and start taking advantage of your local library. One quick tip: Every library has different hours, so be sure to check which days your library is closed.
Central Library
10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 865-1111
www.denverlibrary.org
Hours: Mon to Tue - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wed to Fri - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat to Sun - 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Central Library is hard to miss when you are driving down Broadway. The architect, Michael Graves, is known worldwide and is the co-founder of the Postmodern School of Architecture. He also is the mind behind the Walt Disney Corporate headquarters and the Disneyworld Swan and Dolphin Hotels in Orlando, Florida. The Central Library is the largest library between Los Angeles and Chicago and provides services for more than one million people a year. Take in a class or bring your kids to a story hour, check out the architecture, and be sure to catch the Legacy Table. The Legacy Table was the centerpiece of the Summit of the Eight in 1997 and it sat world leaders such as President Bill Clinton, Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom and many more. Yes, the Central Library is a lot more than just millions of books.
Ross-Barnum Library
3570 W. 1st Ave. Parkway
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 865-1111
www.denverlibrary.org
Hours: Sun to Mon - Closed, Tue - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wed to Thu - noon to 8 p.m., Fri - Closed, Sat - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Ross-Barnum branch of the Denver Public Library system may just be the most active branch when it comes to classes and events. It has a huge Community Learning Plaza which offers classes aimed at adults, but also many for all ages. Specifically, the Ross-Barnum Library can help with citizenship, test taking, health, language learning, family literacy, homework and more.
Related: The Ultimate Bargain: Your Public Library! Get the Most Out of Your Card
Ross-Broadway Branch Library
33 E. Bayaud Ave.
Denver, CO 80209
(720) 865-0135
www.denverlibrary.org
Hours: Mon to Tue - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wed to Fri - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat to Sun - 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Broadway Branch of the Denver Public Library is a smaller location, but it features one really great program. Ever have to put your name on a waiting list for a book at the library? Well, the Broadway Featured Titles program brings mass quantities of popular books to the location, helping to avoid long wait lines and wait lists for bestsellers and other high interest titles. It also has some very interesting classes including one called "Strange Brew" that teaches you how to avoid making bitter coffee at home.
Hampden Branch Library
9755 E. Girard Ave.
Denver, CO 80231
(720) 865-0185
www.denverlibrary.org
Hours: Sun to Mon - Closed, Tue to Wed - noon to 8 p.m., Thu - Closed, Fri - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nestled in the Hampden Heights neighborhood near Hampden and Yosemite is a quiet and wonderful little library called the Hampden Branch. This smaller library has all the features of the Community Learning Plazas with classes for computer skills, English language, GED study and homework help. In addition, the library is very close to the Hampden Heights Park, so enjoy the library then head over to the park and make a day of it.
Related: Boulder Public Library Joins High-Tech Trend of eReaders
Schlessman Family Branch Library
100 Poplar St.
Denver, CO 80220
(720) 865-0000
www.denverlibrary.org
Hours: Mon - Noon to 8 p.m., Tue 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wed - Closed, Thu - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fri - Closed, Sat - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Near 1st and Quebec is a recently renovated and very popular library, the Schlessman Family Branch Library. This library also participates in the featured titles program, so it is easier to catch those popular titles. In addition, this library has a fantastic collection of media and films to check out, plus tons of great classes to enjoy. Don't miss the popular classes called "Tales for Twos," which features stories, songs and finger plays for toddlers ages 24 to 35 months and their caregivers.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
