Denver Public Library to reopen nine branches after year-long closure

The Denver Public Librar y plans to reopen nine branches on Tuesday, March 9, after shuttering its brick-and-mortar locations about a year ago as part of COVID-19 safety concerns.

The nine branches reopening are: 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 Librar y.

The reopening branches, except the Westwood Branch Library, will serve the public in person from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, according to a DPL news release. The Westwood Branch Library will operate from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Normal curbside service hours will continue at these locations, the release said. As part of the phased reopening, the DPL expects to open additional locations in early April.

The DPL closed all locations to the public on March 16, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are delighted to begin to reopen our locations to the public,” said Michelle Jeske, city librarian, in the release. “Our teams have been working hard behind the scenes to determine a safe way to provide the community with access to our spaces and resources.”

Customers will be able to access the library’s collections, check out materials and use computers, among other services. However, meeting rooms, study rooms, and idealabs will remain closed and in-person programming and events are suspended, the release said.

Exterior-only services, including curbside, will continue at all locations with the exception of the Byers Branch Library which is closed for renovations. The library continues to offer services and programming by phone at 720-865-1111 or online by visiting denverlibrar y.org.

“We know our customers have missed us and we have missed them just as much. We are excited to welcome them back,” Jeske said.

Customers are urged to not visit the librar y if they’re not feeling well. Customers visiting the libraries will foll o w COVID-19 safety measures including physical distancing by remaining six-feet apart and customers over the age of three are required to wear a face covering.

For more information visit denverlibrar y.org/covid-19.