What Denver Public Library offers and who can use it
Denver Public Library is a free public system run by the City and County of Denver. You can get a library card at any of the 24 locations across Denver, and the card works at all of them. A card costs nothing if you live, work, or go to school in Denver; if you live outside Denver, you can pay an annual fee (the amount varies by year). Once you have a card, you can borrow books, audiobooks, movies, music, and magazines. You can also use the computers, attend classes and programs, and access online databases from home.
The library system is open to anyone, but you need a card to borrow materials or use most services. To get a card in person, bring a photo ID and proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or recent mail from a government agency works. If you cannot visit a branch, you can request a card online through the Denver Public Library website and pick it up at any location.
Key Takeaways
- Denver Public Library has 24 branches across the city and a card is free if you live, work, or attend school in Denver.
- You can borrow books, movies, music, and audiobooks, plus use computers, attend programs, and access online databases with your card.
- To get a card, bring a photo ID and proof of address to any branch, or request one online and pick it up later.
- The library offers job training resources, tax help, and free classes in addition to traditional borrowing.
- You can place holds on materials online, renew items through the website or app, and access many services from home.
Getting a library card and what you need
A Denver Public Library card is free for Denver residents and people who work or study in Denver. You will need to show a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof that you live in Denver — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or mail from a government agency all work. If your address is not on your ID, bring two pieces of mail instead of one.
If you do not live in Denver but want to use the library, you can buy a non-resident card. The cost changes year to year, so check the library's website for the current price. Non-resident cards work the same way as resident cards — you can borrow materials and use all services.
You can also request a card online through the Denver Public Library website without visiting a branch. Fill out the form with your information, and the library will mail you a temporary card number. You can start using it right away to place holds and access online resources, then pick up your physical card at any branch when you are ready.
What you can borrow and how long you can keep it
Denver Public Library lends books, audiobooks, DVDs, Blu-rays, music CDs, magazines, and graphic novels. Most books can be checked out for three weeks. Movies and music typically have shorter loan periods — usually two weeks for DVDs and one week for CDs. Audiobooks borrowed through the library's digital app (Libby or OverDrive) have their own loan windows, usually two to three weeks. You can renew most items online or through the library's mobile app if no one else has placed a hold on them.
If you want something the library does not currently have in stock, you can place a hold. The item will be set aside for you when it becomes available, and the library will notify you by email or phone. Holds are free. You can manage all your holds, renewals, and due dates through your online account on the Denver Public Library website.
Using computers, internet, and online resources from home
All 24 Denver Public Library branches have computers you can use for free with your library card. You can book a computer session in advance online or use one on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the branch. The library also offers free Wi-Fi at all locations, so you can bring your own device.
From home, you can access online databases, digital magazines, and research tools through your library account. These include job training platforms, language learning software, and databases for homework help. You can also borrow e-books and audiobooks through the Libby app, which syncs with your Denver Public Library card. Many of these resources are available 24/7 once you log in with your card number.
Classes, programs, and special services
Denver Public Library offers free classes and programs for all ages. These include job search workshops, resume help, tax preparation guidance, English conversation groups, and technology classes. Some branches offer children's story time, teen programs, and adult book clubs. Programs change by location and season, so check the library's website or call your nearest branch to see what is happening in your area.
The library also has a tax preparation program that helps people with low to moderate incomes file their taxes for free during tax season. You can sign up for an appointment through the library's website or by calling. The library partners with trained volunteers to walk you through the process.
Finding materials and using the online catalog
You can search for books, movies, and other materials through the Denver Public Library's online catalog without logging in. Type a title, author, or subject into the search box on the library's website. The catalog shows you whether each item is available now, how many copies the library has, and which branches have it. If an item is checked out, you can see when it is due back.
Once you log in with your library card number, you can place holds, see your checked-out items, and check your account balance if you have any fines. You can also save items to a list so you can find them later. The library's mobile app lets you do all of this from your phone.
Fines, fees, and what happens if you return something late
Denver Public Library charges fines for overdue items. The amount depends on the type of material — books typically cost a small amount per day, while movies and other items may have different rates. You can check your account online to see if you have any fines. If you do, you can pay them online, by phone, or in person at any branch.
If you lose or damage an item beyond repair, the library will charge you the replacement cost. If you return a damaged item, staff will assess whether it can be repaired or needs to be replaced. You can dispute a fine or charge by contacting the branch where you checked out the item or calling the main library number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Denver Public Library card at other library systems?
Denver Public Library participates in reciprocal borrowing with some other Colorado library systems, but not all. Check the library's website or call to find out whether your card works at libraries in other cities. Some systems require you to get a separate card even if you have a Denver card.
What do I do if I lost my library card?
You can report a lost card by calling Denver Public Library or visiting any branch. Staff can deactivate the old card and issue you a new one. There is usually no charge for a replacement card. You can also request a temporary card number online while you wait for a physical replacement.
Can I place a hold on a book that is currently checked out?
Yes. Search for the item in the online catalog, and if it is checked out, you will see an option to place a hold. The library will notify you when it becomes available, and you will have a set number of days to pick it up. Holds are free and you can place as many as you want.
How do I access the library's online resources from home?
Log into your account on the Denver Public Library website using your card number and PIN. From there, you can access e-books through Libby, online databases, job training platforms, and other digital resources. You can also read the Libby app to your phone or tablet and log in with your card number.
Does Denver Public Library offer help with taxes?
Yes. During tax season, the library offers free tax preparation help through trained volunteers. You can sign up for an appointment through the library's website or by calling. The service is for people with low to moderate incomes and covers federal and state returns.