Denver Library Hours 2025 - Complete Guide
Quick Facts
- 10,000+ libraries in our database across 50+ countries
- Updated monthly with verified opening hours
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📍 Denver's Library Network: Home to the stunning Michael Graves-designed Central Library, CU Denver Auraria Library, and 26 neighborhood branches across the metro. Whether you're researching Western History or studying late night, Denver offers FREE library access with mountain views and Mile High hospitality.
🎯 Quick Navigation
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
📚 Denver Public Library - Central Library
🏛️ Central Library - Michael Graves Postmodern Design
📍 Address: 10 W 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO 80204
📞 Phone: (720) 865-1111
🚇 RTD Light Rail:
- All Lines: 16th & California or Civic Center stations (1 block walk)
- Free MallRide: 16th Street shuttle (Broadway & Civic Center stop)
- Buses: 0, 15, 15L, 20 (all stop within 1 block)
🅿️ Parking: Civic Center Parking (under library) - $1.50/hour, $10/day max
Regular Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
✨ Architectural Highlights:
- Michael Graves Design: 1995 postmodern masterpiece, one of Denver's most recognizable buildings
- 7 Floors: 540,000 square feet, largest library building between Chicago and California
- Colorful Exterior: Red, yellow, blue, and green panels inspired by Denver's landscape
- Grand Atrium: Natural light floods 7-story central space
- Western Art: Collection includes Frederic Remington bronzes
- Rooftop Terrace: Gates Reading Room 6th floor with Rocky Mountain views
📚 Collections by Level:
- Level 1: Popular materials, Quick Picks, AV collection, Security desk
- Level 2: Children's library, storytelling area
- Level 3: Teen space, computer lab, study tables
- Level 4: Fiction, literature, languages
- Level 5: Non-fiction, study rooms, genealogy, business resources
- Level 6: Art & music, Gates Reading Room
- Level 7: Western History/Genealogy (treasure trove for Colorado research!)
🎯 Technology & Special Services:
- 20+ Study Rooms: Reserve online (Level 5), 2-8 person capacity
- 300+ Computers: Free with library card
- Free WiFi: Throughout all 7 floors
- Western History/Genealogy: Nation's premier collection (cowboys, mining, Native American history)
- Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library: Branch dedicated to Black history
- Vida Ellison Makerspace: 3D printing, sewing, laser cutting (Level 1)
- Job & Career Center: Resume help, computers for applications
- Nerd Nook Café: Coffee shop (Level 1, Mon-Fri 8am-4pm)
🏘️ Popular Denver Public Library Branches
💡 Find All 26 Branches: Visit denverlibrary.org/hours-locations for complete list with hours.
📍 Park Hill Branch
Address: 4705 Montview Boulevard, Denver, CO 80207
Phone: (720) 865-0250
RTD: Route 24 (Montview & Dexter)
| Monday-Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
📍 Schlessman Family Branch
Address: 100 Poplar Street, Denver, CO 80220
Phone: (720) 865-0000
RTD: Route 40 (Green Valley Ranch area)
| Monday-Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
📍 Westwood Branch
Address: 1000 S Lowell Boulevard, Denver, CO 80219
Phone: (720) 865-0325
RTD: Route 12 (Southwest Denver)
| Monday-Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
📍 Montbello Branch
Address: 12955 Albrook Drive, Denver, CO 80239
Phone: (720) 865-0200
RTD: Route 45 (Northeast Denver)
| Monday-Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
🎓 University of Colorado Denver - Auraria Library
📚 Auraria Library (Shared: CU Denver, MSU Denver, CCD)
📍 Address: 1100 Lawrence Street, Denver, CO 80204
📞 Phone: (303) 315-7700
🚇 RTD Light Rail: All lines to Auraria West Campus or 10th & Osage stations (5-min walk)
🅿️ Parking: Tivoli Garage (9th & Auraria Parkway) - $6/day student, $10/day visitor
Regular Semester Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday-Thursday | 7:00 AM - Midnight |
| Friday | 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - Midnight |
📅 Finals & Break Hours:
Finals Week: Extended to 1-2am (varies by semester)
Summer/Winter Break: Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, weekends reduced hours
Check Current Hours: library.auraria.edu/hours
✨ Auraria Features:
- 5 Floors: 700+ study seats across multiple institutions
- Shared Resource: Serves CU Denver, Metropolitan State, Community College of Denver
- 30+ Study Rooms: Book online (2-12 person capacity)
- Silent Study Areas: 3rd and 4th floors designated quiet zones
- Collaborative Spaces: Ground floor for group work
- Research Help Desk: Librarians available for assistance
- Tivoli Student Union Adjacent: Food court, Starbucks steps away
🎓 Community Access Policy:
- Walk-in Access: Open to public with valid photo ID
- Community Borrower Card: $100/year for checkout privileges
- Who Can Apply: Anyone 18+ with government-issued ID
- Apply: Circulation Desk, 1st Floor Auraria Library
- WiFi: Free guest network (AurariaGuest, no login)
🎓 University of Denver - Anderson Academic Commons
📚 Anderson Academic Commons
📍 Address: 2150 E Evans Avenue, Denver, CO 80208
📞 Phone: (303) 871-3707
🚇 RTD: Route 0, E, H to DU campus
🅿️ Parking: Visitor parking near library - $10/day
Regular Semester Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday-Thursday | 7:30 AM - 2:00 AM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM - 2:00 AM |
📖 Anderson Features:
- Modern Design: LEED Gold certified, opened 2013
- 24-Hour Study Space: First floor always accessible
- Starbucks: In-building café (Mon-Fri 7am-7pm)
- Innovation Commons: Makerspace with 3D printers
- Writing Center: Free tutoring for all DU students
🎓 Community Access:
- DU ID Required: Primary access for students/faculty/staff
- Community Cards: Limited availability, contact library
- Alumni: FREE with DU alumni association membership
💳 How to Get a Denver Library Card
Denver Public Library Cards
| Residency | Cost | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Residents | FREE | Photo ID + proof of CO address (utility bill, lease, mail) |
| Non-CO Residents | $65/year | Photo ID from any state |
| Children (under 18) | FREE | Parent/guardian with CO ID + child's name/DOB proof |
✅ Where to Apply:
- Any DPL branch or Central Library during open hours
- Instant approval - card issued same day
- Valid at all 27 locations citywide
- Includes access to Overdrive/Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, RBdigital
University Library Community Cards
| Library | Annual Fee | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|
| CU Denver/Auraria | $100/year | Anyone 18+ with valid ID |
| University of Denver | Contact library | Limited availability |
💡 Pro Tip - Best Value:
For Colorado residents: Get FREE DPL card first. Central Library's Western History collection is unmatched!
For late-night studiers: Add CU Denver/Auraria community card ($100/year) for midnight access Mon-Thu & Sun.
For researchers: Level 7 Western History at Central Library is a must-visit - free access, no card needed for reading room.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are Denver Public Library hours?
Central Library downtown is open Monday-Tuesday 10am-8pm, Wednesday-Friday 10am-6pm, and Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Branch libraries vary by location, typically Monday-Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-5pm, with some Sunday hours 10am-5pm. Check denverlibrary.org/hours-locations for specific branch hours.
Can I use University of Colorado Denver library without being a student?
Yes! CU Denver's Auraria Library allows walk-in access for study and research with valid photo ID. No student affiliation needed to enter and use study spaces/WiFi. Community borrower cards ($100/year) provide checkout privileges and database access. Open until midnight Monday-Thursday and Sunday during semester.
Is Denver Public Library free?
Yes! Completely FREE for Colorado residents with proof of address (utility bill, lease, or government mail with CO address). Non-CO residents can purchase library cards for $65/year. Walk-in access, WiFi, and Western History reading room are free for everyone with no card required.
Which Denver library is open latest?
University of Denver Anderson Academic Commons stays open until 2am Monday-Thursday and Sunday during semester (24-hour study space on first floor always accessible). CU Denver Auraria Library closes at midnight Mon-Thu & Sun. For public libraries, several DPL branches stay open until 8pm Monday-Thursday.
How do I get to Denver Central Library by RTD?
Take RTD Light Rail (any line - A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, R, or W) to 16th & California or Civic Center stations - both are 1 block from the library. You can also take the FREE 16th Street MallRide shuttle to Broadway & Civic Center stop. Numerous bus routes (0, 15, 15L, 20) also stop within 1 block.
Does Denver Central Library have study rooms?
Yes! Denver Central Library has 20+ study rooms on Level 5 that can be reserved online at denverlibrary.org. Rooms accommodate 2-8 people and include whiteboards, tables, and power outlets. Free with valid DPL library card. Maximum 3 hours per day, can book up to 7 days in advance.
What makes Denver's Western History collection special?
Level 7 of Central Library houses one of America's premier Western History collections - over 400,000 items including rare books, photographs, maps, and manuscripts about Colorado, Rocky Mountain region, cowboys, mining, Native American history, and the American West. Reading room is free to access - no library card needed. Researchers come from worldwide to use this collection!
Can I see the Gates Reading Room without a library card?
Yes! The Gates Reading Room on Level 6 is open to all visitors during library hours. Features comfortable seating, natural light, mountain views from windows, and Colorado art on display. Perfect spot for reading, studying, or just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. No library card needed - walk right in!
🏔️ Denver Library Insider Tips
🏛️ Gates Reading Room Secret
Level 6's Gates Reading Room has the best Rocky Mountain views in the building - and comfortable seating most visitors don't know about. Sunny spot in winter, perfect for reading with mountain backdrop.
📚 Western History Treasure
Level 7's Western History collection is WORLD-CLASS. Original mining claim documents, Native American artifacts, cowboy gear. If your ancestors settled Colorado, their records might be here. Researchers fly in from worldwide!
🚇 Free MallRide Combo
The FREE 16th Street MallRide bus drops you at Civic Center. Take it from Union Station after arriving on Amtrak/train - no RTD fare needed! Perfect for visitors exploring downtown + library same day.
🎓 Auraria Three-for-One
Auraria Library serves THREE schools (CU Denver, MSU Denver, CCD) - meaning three times the resources. The Tivoli Student Union next door has a food court, so you can study all day without leaving campus.
🌞 Altitude Advantage
Denver gets 300+ days of sunshine - the Mile High natural light is incredible. Central Library's colorful exterior (designed to reflect Colorado's landscapes) photographs beautifully against blue skies.
☕ Nerd Nook Strategy
Nerd Nook Café on Level 1 closes at 4pm, but they have great local coffee and pastries. Grab your drink early, then study until 8pm (Mon-Tue). The building stays open way later than the café!
🔗 More Library Resources
⚠️ Hours may change for holidays, semester breaks, or special events. Always check library websites before visiting:
- Denver Public Library: denverlibrary.org | (720) 865-1111
- Auraria Library: library.auraria.edu
- University of Denver: library.du.edu
📖 Helpful Resources
🗺️ Explore Nearby
Verified Info: Our team personally contacts libraries to verify hours. Data last confirmed: December 2025
Common Questions About Denver Libraries
What time do libraries open in Denver?
Most public libraries in Denver open at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM on weekdays. Weekend hours typically start at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Academic and university libraries may open earlier, around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM during the semester.
Are Denver libraries open on weekends?
Yes, most Denver public libraries are open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday hours vary by location, with many libraries operating reduced hours (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM) or remaining closed.
Do I need a library card to visit Denver libraries?
No, you can visit and use library facilities without a card. However, borrowing books, accessing computers, and using certain services require a free library card. Residents can get one with valid ID and proof of address.