Libraries have long been cornerstones for their communities. As Curtis Rogers at the Urban Libraries Council put it in an interview, “Libraries are not in the business of books—they are in the business of communities.”

The Denver Public Library (DPL) is no exception. It is the largest urban library system in Colorado and has served the public since it opened in 1889. Since then, it has grown to accommodate 26 locations and about 600 employees. 

“I think something that is really special about the library is that everyone is truly welcome in our spaces,” said Olivia Gallegos, the communications manager for the DPL. “We are one of the last places where the public can come, explore and use our resources and services at absolutely no cost.” 

When the DPL shuttered its branches on March 16, 2020 due to the pandemic, it quickly shifted its services and programs online. Throughout its closure, the library has offered virtual storytimes, book clubs, trivia nights and services for immigrants and refugees to keep the community connected and engaged. Furthermore, a phone line for patrons to call and connect with librarians and social workers was instituted, as well as curbside pickup, outdoor access to free WIFI and technology, home-delivery services, bookmobiles and more.  

Despite the efforts to adapt, the effects of the library closure have still been detrimental, especially for people who rely on the library for internet access, unemployment assistance, child-care or simply a welcoming place of shelter. 

“Besides resources and shelter being taken away from people, relationships were also taken,” said Elissa Hardy, the community resource manager at DPL. Hardy leads a team of social workers and peer navigators in assisting unhoused populations. “That’s a big thing that libraries provide for people. A librarian might be that one relationship a person has on the street if it’s traumatic or violent out there. It has also been difficult for our library staff, who have lost those connections and relationships, too.”

At a time when unhoused populations are growing rapidly and frequently being kicked off public property in accordance with Denver’s urban camping ban, library closures have been especially challenging. Tim, a man experiencing housing insecurity in Denver, used to visit the Central Library in Civic Center.

“I really would like to see the library back open as soon as possible. I don’t understand why it’s still closed,” He told CPR News in May 2020. “I think that it is just as essential as anything else, if not more so than other things.” 

Fortunately for patrons like Tim and the Denver community as a whole, the DPL reopened the following nine branches to visitors on Tuesday, March 9: Bear Valley Branch Library, Ross-Cherry Creek Branch Library, Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library, Green Valley Ranch Branch Library, Hampden Branch Library, Sam Gary Branch Library, Ross-University Hills Branch Library, Valdez-Perry Branch Library and Westwood Branch Library. 

Maintaining the health and safety of patrons and staff is key. DPL’s reopening branches will have sneeze guards at points of service, rearranged furniture to allow for physical distancing, frequently disinfected surfaces and closed study and meeting rooms. Masks and appropriate hand hygiene are required. With these guidelines in place, patrons will once again be able to access the library’s collections, check out materials, use computers and more. 

 “We are going to try and offer more as we’re able to,” said Gallegos. “It will look different for a while until we are able to get back to the way things were. However, the one thing that will remain the same is that people can still rely on us for the great customer service they are used to.” 

With the exception of the Westwood Branch Library, the reopening branches will be available to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The Westwood Branch Library will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. While returning to a state of pre-COVID-19 normalcy will take some time, patrons will at least be able to get the services and comfort they need from DPL’s nine reopening locations.