AGENDA The Denver Public Library Commission ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Regular Monthly Meeting ​ ​ ​ ​ Thursday, September 21, 2017, 8:30 a.m. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Denver Central Library ​ ​ ​ ​ L7 Training Room ​ ​ ​ ​

1. Call to order. ​ ​ ​ ​

2. Introductions.

3. Approval of Minutes from July 20, 2017, Regular Library Commission Meeting. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commission

4. Public Comment Period. ​ ​ ​ ​

5. Report of the President and Members. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ a. Presentation of League of Women Voters of Denver History Book 1932–2017. ​ ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Alice Kelly ​ ​

6. Report of the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation. Gay Cook, Laurie Romer and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Library Strategies consultant, Peter Pearson ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

7. Approval of the Library Use Policy revision. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

8. Report of the City Librarian. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

9. Other Business. ​ ​

10. Adjournment. Agenda Item 3 Action Requested: Approval

MINUTES The Denver Public Library Commission Regular Monthly Meeting Thursday, July 20, 2017, 8:30 a.m. Denver Central Library L7 Training Room

Present: Rick Garcia, Gregory Hatcher, Judy Joseph, Alice Kelly, Mike King1, Cathy Lucas, ​ Rosemary Marshall, Carlos Martinez

Staff: Jeremy Ansell, Melissa Bordwine, Cynthia Esparza (IT Intern), Chris Evjy, Dana ​ Franklin, Brian Garcia (IT Intern), Matt Hamilton, Chris Henning, Jennifer Hoffman, Susan Kotarba, Elaine Langeberg, Amber Lindberg, Ron Miller, Mary Mouton, Mark Passman, Ashley Sanchez (IT Intern), Sherry Spitsnaugle, Bria Ward, Andrew Wickins

Guests: Laurie Romer, Friends Foundation ​

1. Call to order. ​ The meeting was called to order at 8:33 AM

2. Introductions. ​ Commissioners, staff, and guests present introduced themselves.

3. Approval of Minutes from June 15, 2017, Regular Library Commission Meeting. ​ Commission The minutes were approved as written.

4. Public Comment Period. ​ N/A

5. Report of the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation. Gay Cook and Laurie Romer ​ Gay Cook was not able to attend and Laurie Romer stated there was no report for the month.

6. Report of the President and Members. ​ Commissioner Joseph reminded the Commission about the Eleanor Gehres Award coming up on Monday, September 18. The award winner this year is Iris Hawkins who has volunteered in Western History and Genealogy every Tuesday for as long as anyone can remember. She is also former HR director Letty Icolari’s mother.

1 Mike King arrived at 8:38 AM during the report of the President and Members Martinez noted that he also had a meeting to discuss the Lena Archuleta award and invitations will be sent soon. Rosemary Marshall than acknowledged that two commissioners were leaving the board and asked Michelle Jeske to read resolutions of appreciation in their honor. Jeske started with Rick Garcia and then handed him a going away gift. Garcia joked that it was one more thing to pack. He noted it was his pleasure to have served on the Commission and the Friends Foundation and that he will be looking over our shoulders from New York. The resolution of appreciation was unanimously approved. Jeske then asked Judy Joseph if she wanted to say a few words and she stated that it was her honor to have served on the Commission and that she will still be around to help with the Friends Foundation. Jeske read her resolution of appreciation which was also unanimously approved. Joseph also received a gift. President Marshall thanked Joseph and Garcia for their service.

7. Election of Officers for 2017–2018. Rosemary Marshall ​ a. Recommendation of the Nominating Committee b. Election of Officers

Marshall noted that a year goes by really fast and that she wouldn’t make remarks so as not to get emotional. She asked the nominating committee for their recommendations for officers. Joseph stated that this is a wonderful Commission with great leaders. The proposed slate of officers was:

● President, Mike King ● Vice President, Carlos Martinez ● Secretary, Cathy Lucas

Marshall asked if there were any objections to the nominations. With no objections the slate of officers was voted on and approved. She also noted that the Commission would need a volunteer to take Garcia’s place as the liaison to the Friends Foundation. The upcoming President King suggested one of the replacement Commissioners might take this role. Marshall then noted it had been a great year and thanked staff and the Commission. Jeske thanked Marshall for being a wonderful support during a challenging year.

8. Second Quarter Financial Report. Ron Miller ​ Miller presented to the Commission that DPL’s overall financial picture is a little more challenging to report on because of recent events. DPL has gotten approval from the City to convert $750,000 in one-time excess payroll budget to address safety issues at Central. This will help provide additional cameras and allow us to modify the monitoring system to include all those cameras. We will spend about $300,000 on lowering shelves. The rest is for additional security officers to do more patrols and monitor the additional cameras. This will mean officers can check bathrooms every 30 instead of 60 minutes. Also, since closing the restrooms on floors two and seven, the other bathrooms have had greater traffic and we are getting more reports if there are problems. The increase in training and workshops is for the Harwood community engagement training and this year’s Leadership Academy which happens every other year. Under technical services and equipment we are replacing our data software. Power BI will be a much stronger and versatile tool than TrackVia and we’re all excited to start using it. We’ll plan a future Commission presentation about it. The tool we will have will be really amazing. Office furniture and equipment expenditures are down at this time because of the timing of purchases. Under building maintenance and supplies Ron noted the new lighting in the building. Several Commissioners noted how much brighter the building is. So far DPL has replaced 1,500 canned lights using workers from Denver Day Works, a program to hire people experiencing homelessness in hopes of getting them permanent jobs. We have had four Denver Day Works employees. The energy efficient LED lamps we are using will get reimbursed from the City. We have also had $69,000 of unplanned equipment failures we had to cover. Under custodial supplies and services we have had to ask for an increase in paper supplies and cleaning. We are now cleaning restrooms four times a day instead of two. In Statement 2 Miller highlighted safety and security and $80,000 for wayfinding for which DPL is about to place a large order. The sign fabrication will take 6-8 weeks and then several more weeks to install. Jeske also made DPL’s budget presentation to the CFO on Monday. The first expansion change request is for additional security and custodian positions.

9. 2017 GO Bond Update and Advocacy. Michelle Jeske ​ Jeske reported that the City’s GO bond process is wrapping up. On Monday afternoon City Council will vote on the Mayor’s package. Several staff also attended a special meeting last Monday. The Mayor’s staff did presentations about the work of the committees. The package for DPL currently includes the 10 branches we wanted renovated at their full amounts, even some with estimates and funding that went up. It also includes $38 million for Central. We watched that amount go from $25 million to $31 million to $38 million. Jeske thanked everyone for their advocacy. The only project left out was a new branch library in the Westwood neighborhood. Jeske has already met with Councilman Lopez to talk about potential other strategies. Commissioners King and Kelly met with Councilman Herndon who seems eager to get us more money for Central. There is certainly no talk of less money for the library at this point. $69 million to take care of what is on our list is pretty exciting. It would be wonderful if we got a little more for Central but at this point we will just see what happens. At he first two regular Council meetings in August, Council will refer the Bond to the ballot. We then move into the political phase and will get advice from the Mayor's team for what we can and cannot do. Kelly asked if there is any additional advocacy work to do at this time. Jeske responded to please send a note of gratitude to your favorite Council people. King noted that in terms of additional advocacy it is important to remember that any increase for us will take it from another agency. Officially we are happy to have $38 million for Central and Jeske noted it was tough to answer that question about whether $38 million was enough in front of the Mayor’s staff and others. Garcia followed up on Kelly’s question asking if we should we still be advocating for an increase. It was acknowledged that every other group is probably having the same conversation. Commissioners agreed that our strategy is to maintain what we have. It was noted that everyone’s project wish list came up short. People will be angling for more money for each agency. King responded that what we are receiving is immense and he is optimistic that barring any major issues we can get this pushed through. It would have been great if we could have gotten more but we will start here and make it work. Kelly said it is important to be clear with our social groups about what $38 million will provide. We need to make sure the information out there is concrete and clear. Kelly mentioned it’s surprising how many people think of Central as a new building. It’s important for us to really talk about the need for safe spaces, places for teens, how much elevators cost, etc. because then people get it. We will really need to educate voters. Martinez asked Jeske what $38 million will do for Central that the other lower numbers would not have. Jeske said $31 million would have basically covered deferred maintenance for the whole building, gutting and replacing plumbing in the bathrooms, and replacing elevators as examples. The extra $7 million allows us to get to some of the fun things that will make a difference in how customers and staff use the building. It allows us to move the children's library and make it a 21st century learning space, as well as more visible and secure. We would be able to put in an event center and move the security office up to the first floor. It’s basically re-engineering the first floor. $50 million would provide renovations to the second floor, including meeting rooms, gathering spaces and a dedicated teen space with makerspaces and more. King remarked that part of what makes this difficult is that Denver does not fund annual maintenance adequately. They use the bond to cover it and so much of the first layer is not the exciting items. Jeske is meeting with the Mayor in August and will ask if it is possible for DPL to get some of the money released earlier so we can start working with architects, which is expensive. She wants to let him know we can help make the City look good by getting things off the ground quickly because we are further along than some others in the planning process. In 2007 the bond was approved before the recession hit, and then the recession hit which helped us on construction costs in the early projects. Renovations are much more costly than they have been in the past.

10. Central Safety. Michelle Jeske ​ Jeske talked about the updated document outlining what DPL has been acting on. Things continue to be much better. The City is allowing us to use some funds differently. DPD keeps having a good presence here, and we continue to have biweekly meetings with Mayor’s team. There are also items DPL is continuing to work on such as adding no trespassing signs to the premises. Before we only had one on the grounds of Central and the City Attorney noted that was not enough to be able to enforce trespassing laws. There are also signs being added throughout the building noting ‘If you see something say something.’ DPL has also had funding approved for a long term architectural study to come up with ideas to address the 13th Avenue Arcade. We are also looking at interior spaces. Books and Borrowing Manager Jennifer Hoffman and her team have been great about looking at the teen space and brainstorming how to make it less accessible to adults. DPL is also getting two more peer navigators. Jeske also said that staff is reviewing the library use policy and we may bring changes to approve in August. It is not going to be anything radically different. She noted she already knows King cannot attend and asked that people let her know as soon as possible so we will know if we have a quorum. Even though things are improving we have continued to garner media attention. National CBS was here yesterday to get footage and conduct interviews. Jeske asked if anyone had questions or concerns. Hatcher stated that he appreciated our work and Marshall echoed the sentiment. King said there are people who are already in the know about the security issues but there are also plenty of people who haven’t heard anything. It’s just something to be aware of as we do bond advocacy to not shine a light on it any more than necessary.

11. Digital Experience Team Presentation. Staff ​ IT Manager Matthew Hamilton also introduced Digital Project Manager Chris Evjy, Operations Supervisor Jeremy Ansell, and Service Desk Supervisor Mary Mouton before beginning a presentation (See attached slides). Ansell gave an overview of the wireless access project. This project has assessed and mapped wifi signal strength in each DPL location. They are now in the process of installing more wifi access points raising our number from 165 to 400 across the system. This will enable DPL to provide consistent and stable wireless service for staff and customers. The signal should be strong enough that if a group of people congregate in one small area everyone accessing the wifi will be supported. It will improve speed and provide retail style analytics. The entire project should be online and in full production by mid fall. DPL was able to leverage Federal E-Rate funding for this project. Evjy, who works with the Digital User Experience (DUX) Team, has been working on a new events management system. DUX has reimagined our events management system to help create community and connect people to library services in various ways. Their goal is two-fold. The external, public, goal is to increase access to events so people have an easier time discovering them, in addition to booking rooms, attending events, and having detailed event views so the information is pushed to them about when and where an event is. The other goal is to make hosting and booking rooms and evaluating events easier for staff. The objective is to make lives easier so staff can focus on what they are good at, which is producing impactful programs. Mouton talked about the high school interns in the IT department. We partnered with DPS in our second year in the CareerConnect program and it is very rewarding. The interns worked four days a week for four hours and on Friday they had the accelerator program through DPS. The collaboration is good for all involved. It helps students figure out career paths, staff is energized by youth workers and can act as mentors, and the interns helped us complete some very large projects. They helped us pack up all the IT equipment at Hadley as well as assisted in putting out 80 new PCs in the Community Technology Center. Mary introduced the interns, Cynthia Esparza, Brian Garcia, and Ashley Sanchez, and asked them to say a couple things about what they learned while at DPL. ● Esparza will be a senior next year and said that prior to this she had never been into libraries and loves knowing it is more than just books. The internship started very hands-on and she loved getting to do something physically. It’s the best way she learns. Esparza learned how to create an internet cord and how to do a deep freeze on computers. ● Garcia noted that he was sad that the internship was over and that he really enjoyed it. He found surplusing PCs interesting and was intrigued to learn what happens to equipment at the end of life. Garcia also enjoyed wiping hard drives and making sure they are clean. He said by the second week here he felt like he belonged at DPL. Garcia mentioned that he has always wanted to go to college and this experience has made him lean towards an IT career. ● Sanchez really enjoyed learning HTML and CSS and was also able to learn more about Drupal. She added RTD bus routes to all the branch library web pages. She will be a sophomore next year. The Commission thanked the interns for their service. Hamilton wrapped up the presentation discussing how the IT department is working on using Lean and Agile methodologies to streamline work and have figured out how to save many hours on things like PC updates. He also noted that 90% of staff rated IT as an “8 out of 10” which is 10% above industry standards. IT is also starting to talk about knowledge management. DPL has numerous information sources from outreach contacts and performers, and they are trying to bring all of them together to make meaningful decisions.

Marshall and the Commissioners thanked the team for their report.

12. Other Business. ​ Mike King volunteered to fill the Friends Foundation liaison role temporarily with the role to be revisited upon the appointment of the two new Commissioners. Jeske responded that there are six people interested and she is working to make sure Kelly and Martinez are reappointed. Garcia brought up a meeting he had with Latina activists. They have brought forth a concept about the Gonzales branch library and honoring Lena Archuleta and other long term Latina leaders. It was a very productive meeting. The Gonzales branch has always been viewed as the Latino community branch and there may be a way to better define it as such. He stated he knows Jeske and her staff are willing to step up and develop a robust plan to create that identity at the branch. He acknowledged DPL is already doing a lot but if we can set some operational objectives we should go a long way to assuaging any concerns. He thanked the Commission again, and reiterated that he had enjoyed his service. Joseph has also been working with a group in the library to preserve Jewish history and roots of the west side. They have created a display on the second floor of Gonzales to show that history of the Jewish roots and that will dovetail nicely with showing the history of the community. King then thanked the Commission for their trust in electing him president and said he was sorry to to miss the August meeting for a pre-planned family trip. He noted this is a pivotal time for DPL and will need all hands on deck and looks forward to a fun ride.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:38 AM

Submitted by Rebecca Czarnecki for Alice Kelly Information Technology at Denver Public Library IT has evolved into 3 teams ● IT Operations ○ Jeremy Ansell ● Digital User Experience ○ Chris Evjy ● Service Desk ○ Mary Mouton IT Ops is currently replacing and expanding DPL’s wireless internet access Digital User Experience Events Management

Connecting people in shared experiences.

Events Management Lifecycle Service Desk

DPS Career Launch Summer Interns Goals for Internship: Learn and understand the importance of great Customer Service Learn and understand the skills and responsibility of an IT Service Desk Assist with the closing the Hadley Library Branch Learn Computer Basics ( You are able to troubleshoot a PC's hardware and software)

Projects: Self check installation video documentation Disassemble IT equipment for the Hadley closing Replace 130 PCs in the Community Technology Center

Value added IT’s Vision 90% Staff rated DPL IT as “8 out of 10” or higher overall

Agenda Item 7 Requested Action: Approval of revised Library Use Policy

Included are the current and revised versions of the Denver Public Library Library Use Policy. The major changes involve clarifying language to the bag policy, use and prohibition of certain substances, and enforcement of the Library Use policy.

REVISED Denver Public Library Use Policy

The Denver Public Library supports the rights of all individuals to free and equal access to information and use of the library without discrimination, intimidation, threat of harm or invasion of privacy. The Denver Public Library is dedicated to providing friendly, courteous and respectful service. The goal of the Denver Public Library is to provide an enjoyable, clean and comfortable environment for all library users. The Library Use Policy is designed to:

Protect Library Property

The Denver Public Library protects collections, equipment and property for present and future users. Intentionally damaging, destroying or stealing any materials, equipment or property belonging to the library, another customer or staff member is prohibited, and may be a violation of the law.

Ensure a Safe and Secure Environment

The role of the Denver Public Library is to ensure a safe and secure environment. Committing or attempting to commit any activity that would constitute a violation of any federal, state or local criminal law or ordinance is prohibited on Denver Public Library property. Examples of prohibited activities include but are not limited to:

● Sexual, physical, verbal or other harassment

● Bringing unauthorized weapons on library premises ● Possessing, selling or being under the influence of illegal

drugs ● Engaging in peeping, stalking, or indecent exposure

● Soliciting, panhandling or gambling on library property

● Trespassing or entering library property when banned

● Impeding passageways with personal property

● Leaving personal property unattended ● Failure to leave the library during emergencies and at closing

time ● Bringing more than a total of three of the following into the

library:

○ One medium size piece of luggage (wheeled or not)

○ One medium size carried bag or backpack

○ One personal item (purse/laptop bag/briefcase) Provide a Comfortable and Welcoming Environment

The Denver Public Library provides a comfortable and welcoming environment. Mutual respect makes it possible for everyone to enjoy library materials and services. We ask library users to be respectful of each other and behave in a manner that does not disrupt other library users or interfere with normal operation of the library. Examples of disruptive behaviors include but are not limited to:

● Using profane, obscene or abusive language, including racial,

ethnic or other epithets ● Creating unreasonable noise and engaging in boisterous

activity ● Using audible devices without headphones or using headphones set at a volume that disturbs others. Using any

communication devices in a manner that disturbs others

● Running, pushing, fighting or shoving ● Operating roller skates, cycles, skateboards, scooters or other

similar devices inside the library

● Failing to comply with a reasonable staff request Maintain a Healthy and Clean Environment

The Denver Public Library maintains a healthy, clean, alcohol and smoke-free environment for all library users. Considerate consumption of snack food or a covered beverage is allowed in public areas of the library unless otherwise posted. Examples of behaviors that are not conducive to providing a clean and hygienic environment include but are not limited to:

● Public possession, use or sale of alcohol, cigarettes, e- cigarettes, vapes, marijuana, chewing tobacco or other

tobacco ● Consuming food or beverages in a manner that creates an unclean environment, attracts insects or vermin, disrupts other

customers or is harmful to library resources ● Sleeping

● Improper dress, including not wearing shoes or a shirt

● Personal hygiene that poses a health risk ● Bringing animals inside library buildings, with the exception of service animals and those allowed during special library

programs

● Using restrooms for bathing or washing of clothes Enforcement of the Library Use Policy

Enforcement of the Library Use Policy will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff and/or Denver Police Department will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Individuals who fail to observe the Library Use Policy may be asked to leave the library building and property, be banned from the library for a period of time, be subject to arrest, or be subject to other lawful action.

Any customer banned from the library for a period of more than one year shall be entitled to appeal that ban to the Library Commission. That appeal shall consist of a written request to the Commission to reconsider the decision of the Library’s Manager of Security and include a summary of the events which gave rise to the action and the reasons for challenging the decision to impose a ban. The Library’s Manager of Security will provide the written report (and any other information pertaining to the action) to the Commission detailing the incident(s) in question and grounds for the decision.

The customer may request that the Commission take statements from the customer in person, but whether the Commission allows for verbal statements is within their discretion. The Commission shall uphold the decision of the Library’s Manager of Security if there is reasonable evidence that the incident occurred and that the decision was not arbitrary and capricious under the circumstances. Library Use Policy Adopted by the Denver Public Library Commission, March 19, 2009 Revised by the Library Commission, January 21, 2016

REVISIONS TO THE LIBRARY USE POLICY

The Denver Public Library supports the rights of all individuals to free and equal access to information and use of the library without discrimination, intimidation, threat of harm or invasion of privacy. The Denver Public Library is dedicated to providing friendly, courteous and respectful service. The goal of the Denver Public Library is to provide an enjoyable, clean and comfortable environment for all library users. The Library Use Policy is designed to:

Role of the Denver Public Library

Protect Library Property The role of the Denver Public Library is to protects collections, equipment and property for present and future users. Intentionally damaging, destroying or stealing any materials, equipment or property belonging to the library, another customer or staff member is prohibited, and may be a violation of the law.

Ensure a Safe and Secure Environment The role of the Denver Public Library is to ensure a safe and secure environment. Committing or attempting to commit any activity that would constitute a violation of any federal, state or local criminal law or ordinance is prohibited on Denver Public Library property. Examples of prohibited activities include but are not limited to:

● Sleeping ● Sexual, physical, verbal or other harassment ● Bringing unauthorized weapons on library premises ● Possessing, selling or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs ● Engaging in peeping, stalking or indecent exposure ● Soliciting, panhandling or gambling on library property ● Trespassing or entering library property when banned ● Impeding passageways with personal property

● Leaving personal property unattended Formatted: Font: 11 pt

● Failure to leave the library during emergencies and at closing time Formatted: Font: 10 pt

● Bringing more than a total of three of the following into the library: Formatted: Underline o One medium size piece of luggage (wheeled or not) o One medium size carried bag or backpack o One personal item (purse/laptop bag/briefcase) o Any combination of these types of items, not to exceed a total of three items

Provide a Comfortable and Welcoming Environment The role of the Denver Public Library is to provides a comfortable and welcoming environment. Mutual respect makes it possible for everyone to enjoy library materials and services. We ask library users to be respectful of each other and behave in a manner that does not disrupt other library users or interfere with normal operation of the library. Examples of disruptive behaviors include but are not limited to:

● Using profane, obscene or abusive language, including racial, ethnic or other epithets ● Creating unreasonable noise and engaging in boisterous activity

● Using audible devices without headphones or using headphones set at a volume that disturbs others. Using any communication devices in a manner that disturbs others ● Running, pushing, fighting or shoving ● Operating roller skates, bicycles, skateboards, scooters or other similar devices inside the library ● Failing to comply with a reasonable staff request or failure to leave the library during emergencies and at closing time

Maintain a Healthy and Clean Environment The role of the Denver Public Library is to maintains a healthy and clean, alcohol and smoke-free environment for all library users. Considerate consumption of snack food or a covered beverage is allowed in public areas of the library unless otherwise notedposted. Examples of behaviors that are not conducive to providing a clean and hygienic environment include but are not limited to:

● Public possession, useUsing, useor sale ofelling or sale of alcohol, cigarettes, e- Formatted: Font: Verdana, 10 pt cigarettes, marijuana, chewing tobacco or other tobacco Using cigarettes, e- Formatted: Font: Verdana, 10 pt cigarettes, marijuana, chewing tobacco or other tobacco Formatted: Font: Verdana, 10 pt ● Consuming food or beverages in a manner that creates an unclean environment, Formatted: Font: Verdana, 10 pt attracts insects or vermin, disrupts other customers or is harmful to library resources Formatted: Font: Verdana, 10 pt ● Sleeping Formatted: Font: 10 pt ● Improper dress, including not wearing shoes or a shirt ● Personal hygiene that poses a health risk

● Bringing animals inside library buildings, with the exception of service animals and those allowed during special library programs ● Using restrooms for bathing or washing of clothes

Enforcement of the Library Use Policy Enforcement of the Library Use Policy will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff and/or Denver Police Department will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Individuals who fail to observe the Library Use Policy may be asked to leave the library building and property, be banned from the library for a period of time, be subject to arrest, or be subject to other lawful action.

Any customer banned from the Llibrary for a period of more than one year shall be entitled Formatted: Font: Verdana, 10 pt to appeal that ban to the Library Commission. That appeal shall consist of a written request Formatted: Font: Verdana, 10 pt to the Commission to reconsider the decision of the Library’s Manager of Security and Formatted: Font: Verdana, 10 pt include a summary of the events which gave rise to the action and the reasons for challenging the decision to impose a ban. The Library’s Manager of Security will provide the written report (and any other information pertaining to the action) to the Commission detailing the incident(s) in question and grounds for the decision.

The customer may request that the Commission take statements from the customer in person, but whether the Commission allows for verbal statements is within their discretion. The Commission shall uphold the decision of the Library’s Manager of Security if there is reasonable evidence that the incident occurred and that the decision was not arbitrary and capricious under the circumstances.

Library Use Policy Adopted by the Denver Public Library Commission, March 19, 2009 Revised by the Library Commission, January 21, 2016

City Librarian Report ​ ​ ​ ​

A bit longer due to the cancellation of the August meeting… ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

2018 Budget Update ​ ​ ​ ​ On Tuesday, September 12, Mayor Michael B. Hancock released his 2018 City and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ County of Denver Budget. Coming in at $2.01 billion, the budget reflects a 3.4 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ percent growth from 2017. The City’s main operating fund, the General Fund, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ increases to $1.39 billion, up 5.4 percent in expenditure growth from the 2017 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ revised budget. The library did very well with a $50,487,144 budget for 2018. This ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ includes a $302,050 inflationary increase in the base budget and service expansions ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ totaling $1,524,15 with an overall increase of 5.44 percent. The service expansions ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ include:

● ideaLAB expansion, 4 FTE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Hampden Branch Library hours expansion, 4.5 FTE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Hadley Branch Library hours expansion, 3.5 FTE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Social Workers, 2.0 FTE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Central Security Officers and Custodians, 7.5 FTE (limited term through ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2018) ● Immigrant Services Coordinator, 1.0 FTE (limited term through 2019) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Children’s Librarian, 1.0 FTE (limited term through 2019) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

We also received $21,000 to purchase an additional 170 Wi-Fi hotspots for ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ customer checkouts, $1,406,300 for facilities projects and $393,398 for capital ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ equipment replacements. ​ ​

​​ ​​ You’ll note that some of the service expansion positions are limited term. To ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ address the constraints of growing the City’s personnel positions, the 2018 budget, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ as proposed by the Mayor, includes some limited FTE to provide an opportunity to ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ evaluate the workload and needs as part of the 2019 or 2020 budget process. On ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Wednesday, September 20, I will present this budget to City Council. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Summer Academy and Summer of Adventure ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Be sure to read the two reports included in the packet to learn how our new ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ summer of learning activities worked out. 2017 was considered a transition year ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ and we were very pleased with the results in terms of participation and particularly ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ completion, given the programmatic changes we’re implementing. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Community Engagement and Denver Days ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The library team is continuing to ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ hold community conversations in ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ neighborhoods as part of its ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Community Engagement strategic ​ ​ ​ ​ initiative. Just this fall, we are ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ hosting seventeen! Lack of ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ connection is a theme we hear ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ over and over across ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ neighborhoods. Participants ​ ​ describe not knowing their ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ neighbors and feeling isolated ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ from the people that live around ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ them. As a result, several ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ libraries have been creating ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ opportunities for people to come ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ together. For example, at Central, Bear Valley and Schlessman, staff invite ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ customers to join them for coffee and doughnuts, listening to their thoughts on the ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ library and community and allowing people to get to know each other. Pauline ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Robinson Branch hosts “Meet Your Neighbors” events, inviting new and old ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ neighbors to meet their neighbors, learn about neighborhood resources and more. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ In August, fifteen library locations participated in the Mayor’s Denver Days week, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ hosting community events. Denver Days was created by Mayor Hancock so that ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ”...neighbors not only knew their neighbors but as a result felt safer and more ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ connected to the communities they call home.” The photo shown is from the Pauline ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Robinson Branch Library Denver Days event which featured a local band, various ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ games including one to explore the library, and delicious food. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

National Tattoo Day Library ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Advisory Services ​ ​ Monday, July 17 was National ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Tattoo Day and the library ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ participated in a unique way by ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ offering advisory services on ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Facebook based on people’s ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ tattoos. What was originally meant ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ to be a one-day event lasted an ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ entire week due to the flood of ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ interactions! Tara Bannon ​ ​ ​ ​ Williamson, Senior Librarian at Park ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Hill, reported that: ​ ​ ​ ​

One customer said about her tattoo (pictured), “I got my one and only tattoo on ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ March 1 of this year...my oldest son's second Angelversary. It is his actual ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ handwriting, taken from a greeting card. He was a son, husband, father, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ grandfather, brother, brave firefighter and paramedic who passed at age 41 from ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ melanoma. Always loved, never forgotten!” Another customer replied, “So very ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ special! I don't know you and I'm in tears!” In line with our other advisory social ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ media event, Facebook Three-for-All, we recommended all formats - movies, music, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ books, databases and even the occasional podcast or TED talk. We gave at least ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ three recommendations per participant to demonstrate the width and breadth of ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ our collection and increase our chances of suggesting something they haven’t ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ already read. ​ ​

A surprising benefit to this adventure was reaching populations that did not know ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ that the library was so accepting and truly has something for everyone. We heard ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ multiple stories from front line staff of customers coming in to the library for the ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ first time with suggestions from our Facebook page and signing up for a library card ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ for themselves, for their children, and learning about our additional services and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ resources like Storytime, Personalized Reading Lists, eBooks, Phone-a-Story, and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ so much more! ​ ​ ​ ​

Due to the nature of social media, this national campaign went beyond US borders ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ and we provided suggestions to people in France, Luxembourg, and Australia! When ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ DPL card holders see that their local library is appreciated and applauded in other ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ countries, the value and respect they have for their library rises even higher. The ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ French Literary Magazine ActuaLitte had this to say about #Book4Tat, “Through ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ these rather special recommendations, libraries also point to the presence of human ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ beings behind screens, on the other side of social networks, at a time when ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ automated recommendations are multiplying” and quoted DPL librarian Hana Zittel ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ from her 9News appearance. This resulted in almost 85,000 Facebook views and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ over 3,000 interactions. ​ ​ ​ ​

Career Online High School ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Graduation In August, we celebrated our ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ fourth Career Online High School ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ graduation ceremony, complete ​ ​ ​ ​ with cap, gown and diploma. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Thanks to Commissioners ​ ​ ​ ​ Marshall and Martinez for ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ attending! There was nary a dry ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ eye in the house as eight of this ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ class’s graduates shared their ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ personal stories of challenge and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

triumph. We now have close to 30 graduates and over 80 students enrolled in the ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ program. We are pleased to offer this program with support of the Colorado State ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Library, Office of Economic Development and Denver Human Services. In addition, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ we are beginning to receive private donations through the volunteer efforts of our ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ former City Librarian, Shirley Amore. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Library Academy ​ ​ As mentioned previously, the library has launched its first Library Academy, a ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ program similar to Citizen Academies that exist in police, fire and other ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ departments across the nation where participants learn how the library’s programs ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ and services contribute to the community. This nine-week course is ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ a unique opportunity for people to get an inside look at the library’s work, staff and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ customers, and come away with the knowledge to advocate for the library within ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ our community. We received about 50 applications and accepted just over 30 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ participants to this first cohort. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Participants are from across the city and range in age and have had an array of ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ library experiences. Each applicant was asked to respond to the following ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ questions: ● Share an experience, recent or in your past that you have had with a library ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● What is something meaningful thing you do to engage in your community? ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● What interests you about participating in this opportunity? ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

The first session was Tuesday, September 12 and I helped kick it off with a ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ presentation about the library’s role in the community and the kinds of activities a ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ modern library performs. Even though these are avid library users, they were ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ surprised and delighted by what they learned and eager to dig into early learning ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ and brain development at their next session with our resident experts. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Latino Awards ​ ​ On Saturday, September 16 at the Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales Branch Library, we will ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ celebrate the 2017 Latino Awards to be presented to: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

● Olga J. Garcia: Lena L. Archuleta Community Service Award ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Antonio Mercado: Eric J. Duran Community Service Award ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Jenny A. Santos and Manuel Ramos: César Chávez Leadership Hall of ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fame Award ​ ​

The Lena L. Archuleta Community Service Award recipient must be a female ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Colorado resident of Latino descent who has taken an active role in the community, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ above and beyond paid employment. The recipient will have made an impact on the ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ cultural life of the community through her involvement with the Denver Public ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Library or another civic institution. Members of the general community, including ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

those affiliated with the library may be considered for the award. The nominee must ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ be living. ​ ​

The Eric J. Duran Community Service Award recipient must be a male Colorado ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ resident of Latino descent who has taken an active role in the community, above ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ and beyond paid employment. The recipient will have made an impact on the ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ cultural life of the community through his involvement with the Denver Public ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Library or another civic institution. Members of the general community, including ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ those affiliated with the library may be considered for the award. The nominee must ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ be living. ​ ​

The César Chávez Latino Leadership Hall of Fame Award celebrates the ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ induction of two individuals (one male and one female) into the César Chávez ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Leadership Hall of Fame. The recipients will be Coloradans of Latino descent who ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ have made a major contribution in a particular field which positively impacted the ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ community. The nominee must be living. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Eleanor Gehres Award ​ ​ ​ ​ Iris Agard Hawkins is the recipient of the 2017 Eleanor Gehres award and will be ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ celebrated on Monday, September 18 in the Western History and Genealogy ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Department. For over twenty-five years, Iris has volunteered her time at the ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ library. She also happens to be former Administrative Services Director Letty ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Icolari’s mother. ​ ​

As Jim Kroll, Manager of Western/History and Genealogy and the Blair-Caldwell ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ African American Research Library says, “You can always know when the day of ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ week is Tuesday because that is the morning when Iris helps answer reference ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ correspondence. Regardless of the weather, Iris arrives on time to assist. Active in ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ the Black Genealogy Research Group, she indexed African American graves at ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Riverside Cemetery. Iris contributed over the years to the annual quilt exhibit at the ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library.” ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Imagine 2020 Grant ​ ​ ​ ​ The library recently received an Imagine 2020 grant from the Denver Commission ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ on Cultural Affairs for its Podcast in Residence proposal. The grant will allow the ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ library to support local creative endeavors, promote awareness and use of the ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ library’s ideaLABs and empower Denver residents to use the medium of podcasting ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ to tell their stories. Library staff will work with Denver podcaster Paul Kaolyi who ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ creates the podcast Changing Denver. In phase one he will create a serial podcast ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ exploring Rocky Flats with the involvement of the library and community. In phase ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ two he will attend library-facilitated community conversations. Through workshops, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ recording and editing sessions led by Kaolyi and library staff, community members ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ will be able to create podcasts based on their own stories. Mobile recording ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

equipment to create “podcast kits” will be available for circulation and the library ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ will archive recordings via its website, making voices shaping Denver’s communities ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ accessible to all. The program starts in September 2017 and ends in January 2018. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Denver Talks ​ ​ This fall, the library is co-sponsoring Denver Talks, a National Education Association ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Big Read event that aims to engage Denver residents around a central topic. This ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​ ​ year’s theme is race and justice and is being led by author Claudia Rankine using ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ her book Citizen: An American Lyric, a book about race and justice in America ​ ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ today.

We will have 90 copies of the print book for circulation as well as unlimited use of ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ the downloadable book from October 1 - November 30. Lighthouse Writers ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Workshop is also providing additional books for a limited supply of book club kits ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ with books, study guides and conversation starters. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Various City agencies, Lighthouse Writers Workshop, Metropolitan State University ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ and the library will host events and lead discussions encouraging all members of ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ our community to engage with the book’s themes through conversation, writing, art ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ and other means. ​ ​ ​ ​

The project culminates with two special events. Mayor Michael B. Hancock and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Claudia Rankine will join members of the community for an evening of conversation ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ at Boettcher Concert Hall and a chat with students on the Auraria campus. The ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ October and November events are free and open to the public. We’ll keep you ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ posted on dates. ​ ​ ​ ​

Denver Public Library Sponsors Crush Festival's First Ever Kids' Mural ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The RiNo neighborhood Crush Mural Festival has grown to become one of Denver's ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ most neighborhood-centric and artist-driven events, drawing graffiti artists and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ muralists from around the world. But what it has lacked, in the seven years since it ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ was launched, is a kids' component. And this year, Denver Public Library is bringing ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ that to the party on Saturday, September 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the mural wall in ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ the parking lot at Larimer and 26th next to IMAC, Inc. Registration is already full! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Highlights from Human Resources by Bria Ward ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ As the new Director of Human Resources, I am humbled and excited for the ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ opportunity to lead the HR team and contribute to the mission of Denver Public ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Library. I have over 12 years of progressive human resources experience, including ​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ five years leading the function. Most recently, I was the HR Director for a ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ behavioral health nonprofit in Oklahoma City. Previous to my time in Oklahoma, I ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ was with the Colorado Health Foundation here in Denver and led their HR function ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ for several years. I have HR experience in the nonprofit, public and private sectors ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

as well as an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ from the University of Notre Dame. I am passionate about Human Resources and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ the strategic, positive impact the function can make for an organization. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

I have been with DPL for just over a month, and in that time, I have established the ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ following priorities: (1) meet with library employees across functions to gain insight ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ into DPL’s core mission and business; (2) hire and train a new Learning and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Development Manager, completing our HR team; and (3) prepare our HR team for ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ upcoming challenges and opportunities, including moving to an online benefits ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ enrollment this fall. I have found the library’s employees to be bright and engaged ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ and I am honored to be a part of this organization. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Dates to Remember ​ ​ ​ ​ ● 9/16, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Latino Awards, Gonzales Branch Library ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● 9/16, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Crush: Rino Mural and Graffiti Festival, Kids Edition, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ RiNo Art District, 2901 Blake St #165 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● 9/18, Eleanor Gehres Award, 9/18, 6–7:30 p.m., Central Library, Western ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ History ● 10/7, 6 p.m–12 a.m., Booklovers Ball, Central Library ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● 10/9, 8:30–10 a.m., Annual Staff Recognition Event, Conference Center, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Central Library ​ ​ ● 10/24, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) - ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ After Hours at the Denver Public Library, Vida Ellison Gallery, Central Library ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● 11/14, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Winter Used Book Sale (WUBS) - Presale, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Conference Center, Central Library ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● 11/15-11/18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., WUBS, Conference Center, Central Library ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

City Librarian Select Activities ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Mayor/City Council ​ ​ ● Presented 2018 budget request to Mayor and team ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Presented 2018 Mayor library budget to City Council ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Met with the Mayor ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Met with the Mayor’s Chief of Staff Alan Salazar ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Participated in the Denver Education Compact meeting ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Participated in Mayor’s team meetings on safety concerns ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Participated in Mayor’s appointee meeting ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Facilities Master Plan ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Met with City staff regarding the 2017 GO Bond process ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Met with Denver Art Museum leadership about renovation plans ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

● Met with architects and City staff to discuss design study of the Central ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Library south arcade ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Attended two City Council meetings regarding 2017 GO Bond ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Services to Immigrants and Refugees ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Attended the education workshop on DACA changes held at the library in ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ conjunction with the Denver Office of Immigrant Affairs ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Met with New American Project grant funders regarding expansion request ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Career Online High School ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Spoke at the fourth graduation ceremony handing diplomas to eight new ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ graduates

Early Learning/Out of School Learning ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Met with Denver Education Attainment Network staff ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Participated in Denver’s Road to Reading Steering Committee meeting ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (formerly Birth to Eight Roadmap) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Met with Metro Denver Chamber staff about opportunity youth opportunities ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Worked with staff one afternoon to support the STEM Camp (Big Build) at ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Montbello

Community Engagement ​ ​ ● Welcomed attendees to the Latino Awards ceremony ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Welcomed participants to the Eleanor Gehres award event ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Attended RiNo Crush event ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Attended the City Club League of Women Voters luncheon ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Presented to the inaugural Library Academy cohort ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Attended Rich Harwood’s annual Harwood Summit: Restoring Our Belief and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Can-Do Spirit at President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington, D.C. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Welcomed attendees of the Latina Legacy Circle induction ceremony ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Attended Denver Days library events at Pauline Robinson and Decker ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Met with Arthyve co-founder to discuss potential collaborations ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Library Commission ​ ​ ● Met with multiple potential new Library Commission candidates ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Met with new Library Commission President Mike King ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Oriented new Library Commissioners Ulibarri and Matthews ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Friends Foundation ​ ​ ● Participated in annual board strategic planning retreat ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Welcomed participants at the Booklovers Ball patron party ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Staff ● Attended staff graduation from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ leadership program ​ ​ ● Met with staff in Western History/Genealogy, Youth Services and at ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Ford-Warren and Schlessman as well as Leadership Academy mentee ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Participated in biannual staff work plan review ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Led Executive Team in 2018 strategic planning retreat ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Took library-mandated Customer Service and You and Safety at DPL classes ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ with other staff ​ ​ ​ ​

Professional ● Completed 2018 American Library Association (ALA) Nominating Committee ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ charge of creating 2018 ALA Presidential and Council slates ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

September 2017 ​ ​

Summer of

20 17

De y nv rar er Public Lib DPL began to break ground this summer with the 2017 Summer of Adventure program (SOA). Based on recommendations from the SOL initiative team and with their guidance we were able to focus more intentionally on building relationships with our customers as well as incorporate activities that offered youth and their families an opportunity to choose their experience.

Based on feedback from frontline staff, a vast majority reported that they and their colleagues had an opportunity to build relationships with youth and their caregivers via the SOA program. Some recognized that the additional activities and Maker Challenge propelled them to further explain the program and engage in more meaningful ways with youth. Aside from reading, some of the activities included making use of the benefits offered through the MyDenver card, submitting a project to the Maker Challenge, and visiting a library branch never visited before. Many staff from various branches had customers come in to tell them that they were visiting their branch as part of the SOA program.

This year’s Maker Challenge was open to all SOA participants with astounding results. The objective was to have youth showcase their skills and creative aptitude in areas that are of interest to them. In total, we had 501 project submissions with participants ranging from ages 3 to 18. Last year, the Maker Challenge was only open to teens with just over 35 submissions. Some of the submissions for 2017 included a honeycomb box, dolphin habitat, flower wreath, little mermaid drawing, hydroponic system, vending machine, smart cane for the blind, home made radio, under the sea stop-motion video, three layer cake, and much more. Here are examples of projects submitted.

Grade/Grado: 4th/4to Grade/Grado: 4th/4to About the Project/Acerca del proyecto: About the Project/Acerca del proyecto: I found a real honeycomb at a camp this Dolphin Habitat summer and I built the box from scratch. It is my first woodworking project ever and the honeycomb is so cool. It feels like wax!

In addition, our in-house Even though the registration programs were very successful numbers for this year’s Summer as well. Our Early Learning of Adventure program were Department (ELD) provided slightly lower, the completion an Art Petting Zoo at various numbers broke previous year’s branches this summer where records. We had 2,105 more children birth to kindergarten completions this year compared had an opportunity to explore to last year’s summer program. art materials and get messy with paint (picture included).

TOTAL NUMBER OF EVENTS BY THE NUMBERS

573 REGISTRATIONS COMPLETIONS KIDS EVENTS 2017 2016 Year 2017 2016 4,945 5,567 Birth-PreK 2,170 1,842 450 15,870 19,319 K-5th grades 7,808 7,052 TEEN EVENTS 10,173 11,649 6th-12th grades 5,574 4,553 123 30,988 36,535 Total Registration 15,552 13,447 2A/Healthy Lifestyles Report Template

ORGANIZATION NAME: Denver Public Library SITE NAME: John Amesse Elementary

REPORT CONTACT: EMAIL: [email protected] / Yanira Duarte / Christina McClelland [email protected] What are the dates June 12-July 7, 2017 your program occurred?

2017 SUMMER PROGRAMMING SUMMARY (June 5 – August 31, 2017)

(indicate grade levels served (# of 1st # of 1st # of 2nd # of 3rd # of # of 5th # of 6th graders, etc.) graders graders graders 4th graders graders TOTALS graders Total # of unduplicated/unique 7 10 9 3 1 4 34 participants served by age group – SUMMER Total number of “regular attendees” 22 SUMMER Please explain how you define Regular attendance is defined as 80 percent of program attendance. “regular attendees” for your program (e.g. 30 days or more, 2/week, 80% of program) Total number of days/week and 5 days per week 4 weeks in the summer weeks per time period the program was offered during the SUMMER Total number of program hours 36 offered during the SUMMER Narrative Section – Please do not exceed more than 2 pages: 1. Summary of Program Offerings/Highlights Denver Public Library’s (DPL) Summer Academy Enrichment Program was split into two groups at Amesse Elementary: Kindergarten-2nd grade and 3rd-5th grade. Two DPL staff members for each group provided activities incorporating the learning pathways aspect of our new summer reading program, Summer of Adventure. With the younger group, we provided the following stations: gardening, DIY crafts, art, and science. For the older group, the stations were inventor, author, and artist. Participants in the younger group were able to choose their station each day. As the students ranged from ages 5-7, requiring more one-on-one attention, activities at each station were structured and included instructions and examples of finished products. The intent was to help the children practice working independently, following directions and problem-solving. Each activity was offered two days in a row to allow each student the opportunity to participate in all activities being offered. At the start of each class, students were allowed to read silently or sit on the rug to listen to a storytime. After storytime, staff explained the activities at each station and asked each student to choose a station of interest for that day. Before beginning the activities at each station, DPL staff took the children to the playground for a minimum of twenty minutes of unstructured play. Students chose to play soccer,

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tag, play in the playground, or some just wanted to sit and talk. After the unstructured play time, we would go to our stations and begin working on our projects.

For the older group, stations were stocked with materials that provided different opportunities for student exploration. Rather than defined projects with set processes, students were encouraged to experiment with materials to create their own work. At each station, we provided a set of books designed to enrich the students’ understanding of the pathway. Inventor proved to be the most popular pathway with this group of participants, with the majority of choosing it nearly every day. The Inventor station was stocked with materials from Resource Area for Teaching Colorado (RAFT) and basic supplies including a hot glue gun, scissors, and a hole punch. In addition to our stations, we set-up a miniature library in a corner of the room with diverse reading materials. Students could read the books at any time during program hours, including outside play time, and were able to sign the books out to continue their reading at home. Youth One Book One Denver (YOBOD) was also incorporated into the programming for the older group, with each participant receiving a copy of this year’s book, Upside Down Magic. A teacher read aloud at least one chapter at the beginning of each day. This portion of our day was designed to help students build a positive view of reading. 2. Progress and Results a. Please describe the progress made toward the Goals and Objectives as stated in your funded Scope of Work. DPL’s goals for this program included, for enrichment program participants vs their peers not participating, 2% increased attendance and increased ELD scores for 25% of participants. In addition, DPL had a goal of increased ability to use social-awareness and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships for 50% of participants. Access to student data, including attendance and scores, required a partnership and data sharing agreement between DPS and DPL. As both are government agencies, coming to this agreement required significant time negotiating, finalizing and executing. While we now have this partnership and data sharing agreement with DPS and have received training on the Community Partnership System, allowing access to this information in the future, we were told following the completion of the program that this agreement does not apply to summer school and that prior, written consent is necessary to access even aggregate student data. In the future, we will ask for parental consent to access attendance and academic progress for each participant in order to determine if there is a positive correlation between summer programming participation and skills retained or gained in the fall semester. b. Summarize any of the organization’s key evaluation results related to the funded grant. Evaluation methods and goals Denver Public Library librarians Erin McLean and Hillary Estner worked with Colorado State Library’s Library Research Services research analyst Katie Fox to assess the program using participant surveys, observation of participants, and final reflection projects. We sought to measure the program’s impact on participants’ social and emotional skills and understand participants’ perspectives on programming. Initial findings Participant surveys did not provide usable data because participants consistently rated most of the projects as positively as possible, although we observed that some projects were more challenging than others. In reflection projects, a majority of participants reported loving “everything” and that there was “nothing” they did not like. While this shows that the program overall was a positive experience, youth recollection does not provide detailed feedback about projects. Participants also may not have the communication skills or comfort level to give critical feedback. Participants’ highlights included favorite activities, being able to choose their projects each day, and making new friends. This indicated social emotional skills around relationship-building and decision-making. Observations were intended to assess participants’ social and emotional skills as defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and

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Emotional Learning (CASEL) Core Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Competencies. We planned to compare observations from the first and third weeks to measure growth, but the sample size for the first week was too small to be meaningful. It also seemed unlikely for participants to experience measurable growth in these complex skills within two weeks. We continued the observations to understand participants’ current social and emotional skills. We are still analyzing the data and hope the forthcoming results inform future SEL programming. Emerging trends regarding participants’ current social and emotional skills: ● Participants demonstrated a range of SEL skillfulness. ● The program provided opportunities for participants to interact with each other, use the SEL skills they already have and build relationships with peers and instructors. 3. Success & Challenges a. Describe any significant successes and challenges the organization experienced related to the funded grant. Successes DPL’s program provided the children in the K-2nd grade group with the opportunity to build skills and self-confidence, as well as to build and strengthen new and existing relationships with peers and staff. For example, as part of the science station we had a parachute design project where each child used a string, tape, a napkin, a small plastic bag and a small object to design their own parachute. When some children found it difficult to position their scissors to poke holes in the napkin, their peers jumped in to help complete the parachutes. These children felt a sense of pride for not only mastering the project but also helping their peers. Students in the 3rd-5th grade group were able to explore their own interests by being given the opportunity to work collaboratively to create projects from their own imagination. For example, one student used recycled materials to create a “racetrack” that a ping pong ball could follow. He used plastic tubes to create a series of ramps and barriers to direct a ball. Another student, inspired by the first student’s work, created a blowgun that could be used to move the ball without touching it.

Through this program, participants were exposed to diverse reading materials. We provided the classroom with a variety of books, some inspired by the stations in the classroom and others inspired by participants’ expressed interests. As of June 26th, six of eight regular participants had taken books home to read and three of eight regular participants had completed reading books. As a part of this program, participants were given giftbooks to take home and continue reading following the end of the program.

In addition, the presence of DPL staff at Amesse Elementary helped connect families to libraries. Families who did not use or infrequently used the public library now have a better understanding and awareness of the services, resources, and programming we offer. Further, we registered participating children in DPL’s Summer of Adventure program, which promotes reading during the summer months, with the intent that they would continue reading and exploring activities after the program ended. For example, a week after the end of the program, one of the participants and his family came to the Montbello Branch Library to check out materials and pick up Summer of Adventure prizes. In addition, DPL staff was able to break the language barrier that most non-English speaking parents deal with at school and other facets of their child's life. Spanish speaking parents were able to communicate with DPL staff on a daily basis about projects, behavioral issues and overall information about the library. 4. Lessons Learned a. Describe what the organization learned based upon the results, successes, and challenges reported in Questions 2 and 3. Please share any changes that will be made based upon these lessons learned.

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Lessons Learned K-2nd graders: ● Since the students in this age group require a lot of one-on-one attention, it would be good practice to set a ratio of 1:10 students maximum per each teacher to provide students with more individualized attention. ● Most of the activities provided were structured with varying degrees of difficulty. In the future, structured activities should be made simpler to promote a sense of accomplishment among students. 3rd-5th graders: ● Students were provided with open-ended activities; however, in the future, it would be good practice to provide instructions on how to use new materials or techniques that might be used in these activities. ● Prior to the start of the program, an initial discussion should be coordinated about the roles and expectation providing programming to participants. This meeting should include staff from DPL, DPS and any other organization(s) collaborating with DPL to deliver programming. 5. Additional Information (if this is the final report) a. Please compare progress with your Scope of Work. Were there any shortfalls? Any discrepancies? Our scope of work was to provide an enrichment program to students struggling with reading and writing. Through our partnership with DPS’ Summer Academy, we were able to provide positive and engaging programming for children moving into 1st through 6th grades. We learned that instituting learning pathways afforded children with choice, fostering intrinsic motivation, opportunities for relationship-building and new skill sets. To continue and improve on this new method of programming, we will require additional staff support for future programs. b. Please share anything else that happened during the grant period that impacted the organization, either positively or negatively. Our presence at Amesse Elementary brought us into contact with parents, caregivers and children who are either not users of the library or use our services very sparingly. The presence of library staff at this school site helped children and parents become more aware of library services and resources. In addition, the fact that our library staff spoke Spanish helped parents feel at ease and connected to the program. While it is unfortunate that the community partnership and data sharing agreement with DPS did not include summer, now that we have executed one agreement, DPL has a much better understanding of how to work with DPS in the future to access information to evaluate our youth programs. Coordinating between two government agencies required significant persistence and patience but we are now in conversations with the Community Partnership Manager at DPS on how to best work together and this experience is informing our planning for Summer 2018. c. Please provide two Student Success Stories. K-2nd grade: During the first week of the program, one of our participants, Yoko, struggled to make friends. Her shy nature kept her from being more outgoing and open to meeting new people. It only took a week before she and another outgoing and resourceful participant started to work and play together. They laughed together and encouraged each other during the activities. 3rd-5th grade: In order to build solar ovens, we brought unused pizza boxes to the class. Mia was immediately excited by the stack of pristine boxes and asked if she could use a leftover, after all the solar ovens had been built. We said yes and she immediately started to plan her project. Over the course of three days, she planned, sculpted and painted an elaborate clay pizza with a variety of toppings. We were impressed with the detailed design process, the determined execution and the intense level of engagement that the student demonstrated throughout the project. d. Please provide three quotes about the program from either students/parents/teachers.

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• Tyler’s Mom: “I was going to pull them out (transportation issues) but when I told my son and nephew about my plan they said, ‘No, no...we like going because we make cool things’. I’m glad they’re participating otherwise they would’ve been home watching TV or playing on the phone”. • Daphne (participant): When asked at the wrap-up poster presentation, “what did you like most about coming to our program?” Daphne said, “making new friends”. • DPS Secretary: “If you provide this program again, please keep me in mind. My daughter really enjoyed it”. e. Please attach five high resolution photos (organization to maintain photo releases) from the program

Be a Scientist: Owl Pellet Dissection (K-2)

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Be A Scientist: Glitter Volcano (K-2)

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Outside Playtime (K-2)

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Inventor Station (3-5th)

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Artist Station (3rd-5th)

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1,000,000 1,200,000 1,400,000 1,600,000 1,800,000    InPerson visits Online visits 200,000 400,000 600,000 800,000 Gonzales Branch Gonzales Missingsome Central & Byers Overdrive - - total total website

changed how site visits are counted, resulting in significant drop in our online visits since November 2016 November since visitsonline our in drop significantin resulting counted, are visitssite howchanged Jan 345,769 1,142,656 - total total doorcount fromlocations, all as submitted TrackVia to DoorCounts application; data collection methodology changedt Feb 319,859 959,756

opened February 23, 2015 23, Februaryopened Mar 362,898 1,027,240 , , Overdrive, catalog, anddatabase visits by session, as reported by DUX Apr 383,729 978,656 May 347,227 931,607

2015 Jun 422,992 824,493

visitcounts from June &July; extrapolations willbe added to next month's report. Jul 384,878 1,052,937 Aug 355,230 1,137,321 Sep 336,218 1,074,013 Oct 352,612 1,120,808 Nov 296,017 1,072,660

Dec 288,348 1,063,309 Denver PublicLibrary Total By Month Visits

Jan 329,899 1,182,428 Feb 336,543 1,143,436 Mar 353,808 1,200,651 Apr 366,948 1,133,554 May 345,882 1,116,485

2016 Jun 404,599 1,174,636 Jul 395,650 1,163,933 Aug 389,450 1,144,679 Sep 344,023 1,034,483 Oct 344,861 1,012,447 Nov 329,891 890,706 Dec 317,819 804,734 o bemore consistent across all locations in 2015 Jan 334,372 920,582 Feb 327,983 841,168 Mar 365,814 901,089 Apr 316,985 849,015 May 348,147 848,969 2017 Jun 311,977 841,636 Jul 352,414 882,353 Aug 386,950 896,412

Sep In Person Online

. Oct Nov Dec 1,000,000   Materials Downloads 100,000 200,000 300,000 400,000 500,000 600,000 700,000 800,000 900,000 Auto Branch Gonzales - - renewals began renewals - total total circulation of physical materials at locations, all from Polaris ILS - total total downloads,

Jan 693,127 72,282

opened February 23, 2015.23, Februaryopened Feb 634,933 64,442

on June 1, 2016 1, on June 722,741 73,511 including electronic books, movies, magazines,and music, as reported by DUX Mar Apr 710,384 70,588 May 695,470 74,750

2015 Jun 771,888 71,605 739,140 77,494

. Jul Aug 673,988 78,873 Sep 632,963 77,402 Oct 679,716 76,179 Total By Circulation Month Nov 628,807 76,563 Dec 617,838 82,888 Denver PublicLibrary

Jan 639,710 87,982 Feb 602,460 79,834 Mar 639,077 90,434 Apr 639,710 87,804 May 587,718 90,219

2016 Jun 780,113 91,201 Jul 768,210 91,916 Aug 762,263 94,077 Sep 705,638 89,786 Oct 719,352 91,271 Nov 707,878 89,334 Dec 691,462 95,633

Jan 708,720 103,427 Feb 659,885 91,085 Mar 750,439 104,137 Apr 693,327 100,546 May 683,084 105,613 2017 Jun 718,665 103,184 Jul 700,158 106,593 Aug 689,926 107,774 Sep Materials Downloads Oct Nov Dec Denver Public Library Monthly Circulation by Branch August 2017

Total +/- Previous 2017/2016 Location Circulation Month Year/Year

Athmar Park 13,128 (114) 2,283 Bear Valley 38,465 1,336 1,753 Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library 9,593 276 (507) Bookmobile 4,374 (640) (115) Byers 3,757 51 (300) Central Library 100,669 (1,151) (12,977) Decker 15,291 (188) (1,746) Eugene Field 26,563 128 (1,763) Ford-Warren 14,224 150 (1,046) Green Valley Ranch 27,476 (1,999) (4,466) Hadley 330 (982) (14,964) Hampden 35,209 (810) (3,418) Montbello 11,265 (239) (1,857) Park Hill 33,213 (216) (2,018) Pauline Robinson 6,013 (17) (624) Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales 26,152 (316) (3,673) Ross-Barnum 10,232 (959) (1,639) Ross-Broadway 14,807 133 (1,723) Ross-Cherry Creek 28,121 477 (2,671) Ross-University Hills 58,793 87 (649) Sam Gary 66,968 (2,159) (3,139) Schlessman Family 56,840 (1,204) (7,157) Smiley 23,525 298 (2,231) Valdez-Perry 3,788 (3) (1,035) Virginia Village 33,260 (369) (3,546) Westwood 3,890 (292) (68) Woodbury 23,871 (1,424) (3,150) Denverlibrary.org Downloadables 107,774 1,181 13,697 Total 797,591 (8,965) (58,749)

Gonzales branch opened February 23, 2015.   includes includes some estimates, as our tracking system did not capture this information before2015.) Outreach Signups New 10000 20000 30000 40000 50000 60000 Gonzales Branch Gonzales 2017.Januaryand 2015 November in upload databaseDPS large program card MyDenver Card 0 s - total number Jan 350 6,417

- Feb 285 5,398 total total number of new library card signups occurring at Outreach events in community,the as submitted to TrackVia Program & Ou

opened February 23, 2015.23, Februaryopened Mar 293 6,584 of

new library card registrations (including Apr 586 6,622 May 709 6,428 Jun 597 8,986 2015 Jul 285 7,609 Aug 647 7,513

Sep 934 7,608 Month By Cards Total New Library Oct 394 7,094 Nov 494 38,480 computer useronly cards), as reported by IT Dec 223 4,906 Denver PublicLibrary

Jan 136 6,324 Feb 129 5,834 Mar 69 5,917 Apr 393 5,674 May 557 5,703 Jun 362 8,387 2016 Jul 258 6,947 Aug 495 6,886 Sep 321 6,575 Oct 114 5,590 Nov 410 5,421 Dec 137 4,514

Jan 89 64,388 t reach Tracking application. (Note:2014 data Feb 104 5,041 Mar 68 5,488 Apr 233 5,102 May 312 5,070

2017 Jun 162 6,876 Jul 222 6,280 Outreach Signups Outreach Cards New Aug 318 6,469 Sep Oct Nov Dec 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 S attendance figures were not aligned with state reporting definitions andmay include (Appointment Services, Exhibits, andPas Attendance essions 0

Jan 33,950 - total total number of program sessions offered defined(as -

total total program attendance Feb 36,384 Mar 41,168 Apr 41,807 May 34,431 Jun 26,998 2015 Jul 25,149 from all locations, as submitted to TrackVia Program & Outreach Tracking application (inlcudes programs,library events, stor Aug 17,056 Sep 35,224 Total Month Attendance By Program Oct 49,091 Nov 47,435

in Attendance) Dec 30,910 Denver PublicLibrary Jan 38,279

, , as submitted to Feb 46,011 Mar 53,228 Apr 33,345 May 36,887 TrackVia TrackVia Program & Outreach Tracking application Jun 27,547 2016 Jul 25,448 Aug 21,688 Sep 38,377 Oct 47,489

siv Nov 39,433 e Programs). Dec 23,417

Jan 34,073 Feb 41,267 Mar 45,520 Apr 47,413 May 42,313 2017 yt Jun 30,963 imes, andtours); prior to 2015, Jul 28,383 Aug 25,282 Sep -

Oct - Sessions Attendance Nov - Dec - 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 Denver Public Library June 2017 Human Resources Dashboard

Open Leave Cases as of Percentage of Staff on Leave August 2017 11%

FMLA - Intermittent Leave Cases FMLA - Continuous FMLA - Intermittent 32 Leave of Absence FMLA - Continuous 9 Leave of Absence 6 Interactive Process (ADA) Interactive Process (ADA) 7 Medical Disqualification 0 Medical Disqualification Workers' Compensation 15 Workers' Compensation

Type of Leave Taken Type of Leave Taken Care for Spouse Employee Illness 18 Care for Parent Employee Injury * 20 Pregnancy 4 Care for Child Personal Leave Request 2 Care for Extended Family Care for Extended Family 1 Care for Child 8 Personal Leave Request Care for Parent 11 Pregnancy Care for Spouse 5

Employee Injury * * Employee injuries are a combination of on-the-job Employee Illness injuries (15) and off-the-job injuries (5). 0 5 10 15 20 25 Denver Public Library June 2017 Human Resources Dashboard

Completed Learning - Year-to-Year Comparison Last Month: 2500 Staff Learning Completions 2000 eLearning 527 1500 Instructor Led Training 701 1000 500 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2017 Instructor Led Training 2017 eLearning 2016 Instructor Led Training 2016 eLearning

Last Month: 150 Instructor Led Sessions Offered - Year-to-Year Comparison* Instructor Led Training Sessions Offered 80 100 Percentage Taught by DPL Staff 88% 50

0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2017 DPL Instructor 2017 External Instructor 2016 DPL Instructor 2016 External Instructor

Instructor Led Training Hours Top 5 Training Items Last Month Completed by Staff Title Type Rank Safety at DPL Session 1 2000 Presenter Showcase + Program Petting Zoo Session 2 2017 1000 Power BI: Working with the 2016 DPL Data Warehouse Session 3 0 Lead Clerk Required Training Curriculum 4 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Workday: Requisitions Session 5

July 14, 2017 Summer of Adventure Promo

August 11, 2017 The not-so-dying art: The National Poetry Slam converged on Denver and proved poetry is very much alive Competition, open mics, workshops and entertainment draw the festival’s largest crowd yet.

By JOELLA BAUMANN

Poetry as an art form may predate literature as a way to evoke and portray emotion. It has evolved and changed for centuries, however, some may argue that this form of entertainment has lost its ability to hold its place in popular culture. Try convincing Christopher Michael, president of Poetry Slam Inc. of this theory.

“If poetry is dead how come there is 113 poetry slams nationwide? And that’s just big regional slams. There are 400, 500 poets here just for this event and all the volunteers,” he said with an eye roll. “Poetry ain’t dead.”

A crowded room was filled to listen to the Haiku Championships. The National Poetry Slam is in town and competitors go head-to-head to decide who is the Haiku Master in this rapid-fire poetic competition on Aug. 10, 2017 at the Denver Public Library in Denver.

Michael is the 2016 Individual Poetry World Slam Haiku Death Match Champion and has been courting a relationship with slam poetry since 1999. As a leader in curating the National Poetry Slam, he finds that competition and entertainment is what lures people into the poetry scene. The six-day festival winds up its inaugural year in Denver Saturday, with a roster of events people can attend.

As the moderator of the “Haiku Death Match” open mic on Thursday, Michael put on a show in the basement of the Denver Public Library and few seats were empty. Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that consists of a three-line, five-seven-five syllabic structure and are typically themed around nature. At this death match, the 17-syllable structure was the only requirement. Walk-in poets provided their stage names on sticky notes to compete in the non-traditional haiku battle.

The audience had two tasks: silence and the vote.

In the poetry scene, it’s typical for the audience to snap instead of clapping to show approval, however, there was no snapping here. Michael allowed finger waving, that resembled jazz hands, and one or two-handed claps and in slam poetry style, audience members were selected to judge the poems by raising a flag to represent their choice each round. “Red” or “not red” (white) was the designation and poets had to score the best two out of three to advance to the next round.

“All that happiness and love, do that at the party tonight. This is battle,” said Michael who ushered in each round with a serious booming voice. “Enter haiku!”

Some poets kept the mood light and the audience struggled to keep quiet, laughs squeaking from lips pressed closed:

“When Willow Smith’s pet

Rabbit is choking she whips

Her hair back and forth,” said Nick Nappo from the Rock Slam team in New York.

Other poets stunned the audience into silence.

“Child stillborn each night

She dreams umbilical cord

Tug of war with God,” recited poet Jerri Hardesty from Alabama.

The audience stayed enthralled and engaged through the entire competition, visibly fighting urges to belt out cheers and claps in approval. Over an hour-and-a-half, eight groups of two poets battled until only two poets remain.

“Hipster Santa Claus

Delivered presents in June

Before it was cool,” said Glori B., an Austin based slam poet and three-time haiku death match champion.

She claimed another title and a red Japanese-style tea set.

This is the poetry of contemporary times.

For the hundreds of artist and thousands of spectators who have flocked to Denver for the confab, there is excitement and positive energy that reverberates around the downtown buildings hosting the events.

The people here are as all-inclusive as the wide array of items on the menu that is the event schedule. Open mics are named for ethnicities, nationalities, genders, sexes, religions and identities. Workshops range from learning how to turn art into a business and keeping your dignity and money, to learning how to DIY a book of poems, called a chapbook, or having a sober check-in with other recovering addicts. “This is a necessary and amazing festival, said Kevan Davidson from Toronto, who attended the African-American open mike and competed with his team in preliminaries on Thursday. “It’s one of the few places where we get to voice our opinion, even though we are judged.”

Danielle Brooks, one of the host city co-chairs for the 2017 National Poetry Slam, said events like this are successful because of their content and inclusivity.

“It’s the human experience,” she said. “Life is not easy and that hasn’t changed over the centuries. Much like anything in society and our world, poetry is not dead. It gives people the chance to voice their specific lens.”

There was no shortage of opportunity for virtuoso and novice to see the world through the words of someone different from them by listening to them bare their soul on stage. There are never-ending chances to learn both literally and figuratively.

If you only attend one portion of the event, the finals at the Paramount Theater will be a real treat, Brooks said. The best of the best from all over the country will compete for the national title — and $2,000 and a trophy. Saturday the final four teams will take the stage along with four-time Denver Grand Slam Champion Andrea Gibson. “I think there’s such a diverse mix during the day with a ton of great poetry,” Brooks said. “At night, you get to watch tops teams really fight for their lives with their best work.”

Libraries obsolete? No way, say Millennials.

Young people like the library for its meeting spaces and programming, but bookies from all generations are taking advantage of changes in the public institution rst envisioned by Ben Franklin.

By Story Hinckley, Sta AUGUST 14, 2017

Standing behind the front desk in her cream cardigan and thick horn- rimmed glasses, Priya Charry looks like everyone's childhood librarian. Except, of course, for her long purple fingernails and gold nose ring.

Ms. Charry, who is in her mid-20s, recently earned her master’s in library science and now works as a part-time librarian for various Boston Public Library (BPL) branches. Charry says “more and more” Millennials are interested in being librarians. And just as we need to rethink the stereotypical librarian, she says, we need to reimagine what libraries can Librarygoers work in the Rose Main Reading Room at the do for young people. New York Public Library in July. Millennials are fueling library use today, according to a recent study from Pew Research. (Michael Noble Jr./AP) “Before I started working in a library I would hang out in libraries all the time, just as a place where people are willing to have a conversation or make recommendations for me,” says Charry, in between helping patrons at Boston's South End branch. “One of the biggest values of the library, for all ages, is that it's a free place where you can be outside of your home and outside of work.”

In the age of Amazon's two-hour delivery and ubiquitous internet searches, libraries are seemingly obsolete institutions. Adding to their 21st-century woes, public libraries across the country face budget struggles: The US Institute of Museum and Library Services has cut funding in 37 states since 2011.

But according to a recent Pew Research study, 53 percent of Millennials (those ages 18-35) in the United States visited a library at least once in 2016, more than any other generation. Books are expensive, say Millennials. So why not take advantage of the library?

“The books I get at the library are exploratory,” says Olivia Haskell, a rising junior at Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y., while perusing the religion section at Boston's Central Library in Copley Square. “I don’t have to commit to buying them.”

Millennials say they also appreciate libraries’ free community spaces and in-person programming – two resources that fill a void in today’s digital age. The ability of libraries to fill this niche, say visitors and employees, will spell their future success.

“The tools and technology have changed, but libraries have always been innovative in responding to the needs of the community,” says Jim Neal, president of the American Library Association (ALA).

Mr. Neal recently visited public libraries across the country and says that libraries from York, Pa., to Santa Fe, N.M., are seeing an influx of Millennial patrons and are adjusting their offerings accordingly. “Libraries are one the few organizations that operate in the public interest. They support people, and they do it in a very neutral, nonjudgmental way.”

'The university of the people' 'The university of the people'

On a given Monday, the Boston Public Library’s online events calendar advertises a variety of free programs aimed at young adults, from “Job Search and Resume Help” at Central, “English/Spanish Language Exchange” at the West End branch, a book club discussion on a new bestseller at the Charlestown branch, to a free concert at the East Boston branch. Charry says the South End community, especially young visitors, suggest programs for their branch using a cork board on the back wall.

To Charry, offering such programming is part of the library's mandate. “It's a responsibility to teach the things that we know already, as much as it is an opportunity to gather people’s opinions, bring them in, and have them grow.”

Millennials are entering the field of library science to answer this call. Kate Benson, director of graduate admission for the Simmons College library science program, says the average applicant age has fallen to 27 in recent years. The younger applicants “want to promote literacy and access to information,” says Ms. Benson. “They want to serve their community in that way.”

Libraries have always been “the university of the people,” says Neal, by supplying more than just books. In the 19th century, for example, immigrants sought out public libraries to learn English. And the Pennsylvania Avenue branch of the Baltimore library was one of the few public buildings to remain open during the violent riots that followed the death of Freddie Gray, a young black man who died at the hands of local police officers in 2015.

Anne Smart, who has worked as a librarian for BPL for almost three decades, says she has watched local branches become “community gathering places” that neighborhoods – especially young people – depend on. Recently, for example, a young woman came in to print off bills while a young man came in to work on his resume.

A new vision of library space

Boston’s Central Library was redesigned last year with these needs in mind, says BPL President David Leonard. The $78 million renovation, which included tearing out walls, adding more charging outlets, and simplifying book organization, has led to a 22 percent uptick in foot traffic, says Mr. Leonard, and many of the new visitors are Millennials.

Young girls walk through the lobby of Boston Central library's newly renovated Johnson building. STORY HINCKLEY/STAFF “The library is one of the few remaining spaces in society that everybody feels they have ownership over,” says Leonard. “Everyone feels like they can come here and rub shoulders together or engage in conversation.”

Jihyun Kim, a middle school math teacher in her early 30s, says she visits libraries all the time – but she rarely checks out books.

“I just like the feeling the library gives me. It’s calm, clean, organized,” says Ms. Kim. “I can bring my work here or use it as a meeting place.”

While helping two young patrons with a book request, librarian Charry reflects on the evolution of the institution she works for. “I think more and more people now are realizing [the library] is not only an intellectual place,” she says, “but also a creative place to have fun and relax.”

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August 15, 2017

Denver council approves $937 million GO bond project list; voters to decide on 7 measures in Nov.

Kurt Sevits

DENVER – The Denver City Council on Monday signed off on $937 million in general obligation bond measures that will go before voters in November.

The finalized list includes a total 460 projects, the bulk of which are related to transportation and mobility, such as road construction and maintenance, public transit and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

Rather than refer the list to voters in a single, massive bond measure, the city has decided to split it into seven separate ballot questions. Come November, voters will decide on the following individual ballot measures:  $431 for transportation and mobility projects  $116.9 million for city-owned cultural facility improvements  $75 million for a new outpatient center at Denver Health Medical Center  $77 million for safety facility projects  $69.3 million for Denver Public Library improvements  $151.6 million for parks and recreation  $16.5 million for city-owned facility improvements

Beyond the Denver Health and Denver Public Library projects, some of the largest proposals on the list include $101 million for deferred road maintenance – repaving, curb and gutter repair, bridge rehabilitation, etc. -- $55 million for a bus rapid transit system along Colfax Avenue, $37.5 million for a recreation center in Westwood and $35.5 million to renovate the North Building at the Denver Art Museum.

The GO bond project list was the result of more than 4,000 suggestions from the public, which went before dozens of stakeholder committees before landing on the desk of Mayor Michael Hancock and the Denver City Council.

“I want to thank City Council for their partnership throughout this entire process, as well as the stakeholder committees, city staff and Denver residents who proposed ideas for investment,” Hancock said. “This truly is the people’s bond package, and we created it together.”

The city says the projects will all be paid for through the issuance of bonds, which will not increase property taxes for Denver homeowners.

Voters will decide on the measures on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017.

For more information on the individual projects, head over to denvergov.org/2017GObond.

August 17, 2017

Mandatory solar eclipse glasses hard to find days before event

BY JIM HOOLEY

DENVER -- Just about every store that has been selling glasses for Monday's solar eclipse has run out, while others have very limited supplies.

Experts are worried the shortage of protective glasses that are needed to watch the first coast-to-coast solar eclipse in the U.S. in 99 years will create real danger.

The Denver Public Library is out of its supply as is the Museum of Nature and Science. A boulder hardware store sold out its 17,000-pair supply pretty much in one day.

Eye doctors stress that it's too risky to try to sneak even a quick peek at the sun with the naked eye. The proper protection is imperative to avoid permanent vision problems.

“The sun shines through your pupil, the back part of your eye," optometrist Tara DeRose said. "Your lens reflects in the back can direct the intense light into the back of your eye. Essentially, a burn. And that can cause irreversible vision damage."

Glasses must have the proper ISO code 12312-2 (sometimes written as ISO 12312-2:2015) to be legitimate to use for the eclipse.

Filters that are ISO 12312-2 compliant reduce visible sunlight to safe and comfortable levels, and block solar UV and IR radiation.

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Home (http://greaterparkhill.org/) » GPHC News (http://greaterparkhill.org/newspaper/gphc-news/) » Community Conversations Highlight Aspirations Community Conversations Highlight Aspirations

By newspaper537 / August 31, 2017 / Uncategorized (http://greaterparkhill.org/category/uncategorized/)

Library Turns Out To Meet Your Neighbors

By Becky Corning and Tara Bannon Williamson

Pauline Robinson and Park Hill branch librarians

Giant jenga, hula hooping, a live band, giant connect four, and hamburgers, hot dogs and watermelon were enjoyed by a large crowd at the Pauline Robinson branch library on Aug. 4. Denver Days was a great time to embody the community aspirations we learned about through our community conversations with our Meet Your Neighbors party.

Libraries all over the country, including all Denver Public Libraries, are hosting Community Conversations. Library representatives are asking community members to share issues that are affecting them so libraries can support and connect community leaders and change agents to bring about positive change.

Several themes emerged from the first conversations at Pauline Robinson Branch held last year, noted Senior Librarian Leslie Williams. People were concerned about safety, lack of youth engagement and neighbors not knowing each other and knowing what is going on in the neighborhood. The third theme rose to the top as one that we at the library could work on. (http://greaterparkhill.org/wp- content/uploads/sites/3/2017/08/9.17.At-the- Together, Pauline Robinson and Park Hill Branches have this year hosted two Library-pic-3.jpg) Community Conversations representing Greater Park Hill and held at the A “Meet Your Neighbors” party at Pauline Robinson was Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. office. From the conversation emerged an part of Denver Days events, and was also in response to aspiration to have a shared identity that was inclusive, diverse, and promoted community conversations that started about a year ago. open and courteous discourse.

Obstacles to these goals were seen to be racism, lack of affordable housing, and inequities in schools. There were deep discussions about people being table o age in place, having a safe place for children to play and increasing community involvement.

The Aug. 4 party was the third of three “Meet Your Neighbors” events we (http://greaterparkhill.org/ hosted throughout the summer that incorporates the aspirations expressed by wp- the community. We will also be hosting events in September and November: a content/uploads/sites/3/2 Park Hill Walking Tour at 11 a.m. on Sept. 9 and a potluck event in November. 017/08/9.17.At-the- Next steps in the Community Conversation process involve taking deeper dives Library-pic-2.jpg) into the heart of what the neighbors of Park Hill, and Denver, want for their Children and adults enjoyed Giant Jenga and Giant Connect communities. We have a Teen Conversation, led by Park Hill teens, scheduled Four at a “Meet Your Neighbors” for early September and look forward to hearing from their perspective. To party at Pauline Robinson participate in any of these deeper dive conversations, email Tara at Library on Aug. 4. Photos [email protected]. courtesy of Becky Corning

Note: All Denver Public Libraries will be closed Monday, Sept. 4 in observance of Labor Day.

Pauline Robinson Branch Library – September 2017 Programs

Tech Help One-on-One | Mondays and Wednesdays, noon-1 p.m.

Get technology assistance from one of our in-house experts on your own device or a public computer. Learn the basics, such as email, social networking, word processing and eMedia. Call the library at 720-865-0290 to schedule an appointment.

Preschool Storytime | Wednesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, 10:30 a.m.

Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for 3-5 year olds and their parents or caregivers.

Park Hill Walking Tour | Saturday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m.

We’ll travel from Pauline Robinson to Park Hill branch highlighting our lovely neighborhood. The full loop will be 3.42 miles, with an option to do half ending at the Park Hill branch if you arrange for transportation. Highlights will include: Little Free Libraries, the Dahlia Center for Health and Well-Being, the Park Hill Community Bookstore, exciting alley art and fun historical facts.

Tech Showcase | Thursday, Sept. 14, 1-2:30 p.m. Check out the latest and greatest in technology tools and gadgets. Learn about how they work and what they can be used for. Explore our 3D printer, Vive 3D goggles, programmable robots and more.

STEM: Bits Box | Saturday, Sept. 23, 2 p.m.

Build your computer skills by learning to write your own code and create apps.

Pauline Robinson Book Club | Saturday, Sept. 30, 12 p.m.

This month’s selection: Queen Sugar by Natalie Baszile. Drop-ins are welcome.

Park Hill Branch Library – September Programs

All Ages Storytime | Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for children of all ages and their parents or caregivers. Craft activity immediately follows the program.

Baby Storytime | Thursdays and Fridays at 11:15 a.m.

Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for babies ages 0-18 months and their caregivers. Play and social time immediately follow the program.

Toddler Storytime | Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their caregivers.

Help Me Understand: Discussing Volatile Topics | Wednesday, Sept. 6, 6:30 p.m.

Divisive times can bring anxiety and anger around volatile conversation topics. Using a variety methods that encourage collaboration and understanding around difficult conversations, we will explore values and belief systems developed over a lifetime. We will build skills to strengthen our abilities to hold civil conversations and move toward solutions.

Park Hill Walking Tour | Saturday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m.

Join us as we travel from Pauline Robinson to Park Hill branch highlighting our lovely neighborhood. The full loop will be 3.42 miles, with an option to do half ending at the Park Hill branch if you arrange for transportation. Highlights will include: Little Free Libraries, the Dahlia Center for Health and Well-Being, the Park Hill Community Bookstore, exciting alley art and fun historical facts.

Teen Advisory Board (TAB) | Tuesday, Sept. 12 and Tuesday, Sept. 26, 6 p.m.

Join the Park Hill TAB. Help plan events and projects, talk about your favorite books, music, movies and make your opinion count. Plus snacks. Ideal for ages 13 and up.

Roald Dahl Birthday Party | Wednesday, Sept. 13, 4:30 p.m.

Celebrate author Roald Dahl’s birthday with a variety of fun activities based on his books. Ideal for families and ages 4-10.

Black. by Lamaria Aminah presented by Curious Theatre Company | Wednesday, Sept. 13, 6:30 p.m.

Written by a young, local writer from the Curious New Voices program, Black. is an original play that gets to the heart of the matter on communication between races. A discussion about our own roles and voices regarding race will follow after the play. Teens, families and community members are encouraged to attend. For more information about Curious Theatre Company or this show contact [email protected].

Park Hill Underground Comedy Club: Christie Buchele | Thursday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.

Denver comedian Christie Buchele reps the Mile Hi City hard while crushing audiences with a wry, biting style that’s a bit sweet, and a little bit surly; proving time and again you can say anything with a smile on your face and a gimp in your step in our underground, after-hours comedy club. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Eighteen and over only due to adult content.

Beginning Genealogy | Saturday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Learn to think genealogically through exploration of census using Ancestry.com, pedigree charts and family group sheets and other major record groups.

Among the Ruins, with Author Ausma Kahn | Saturday, Sept. 16, 2:30 p.m.

Ms. Khan holds a Ph.D. in International Human Rights Law with a research specialization in military intervention and war crimes in the Balkans. Among the Ruins, the third in the Rachel Getty and Esa Khattak mystery series, takes the reader from Canada to Iran while demonstrating a compelling and lyrical writing style. Books available for sale and signing.

Magic Club | Monday, Sept. 18, 4:30 p.m.

Do you already play Magic: the Gathering, or are you interested in learning? Stop by two afternoons a month to play and meet other teens. Ideal for grades 6-12. (No meeting Monday, Sept. 4; library closed for Labor Day.)

Kids’ Book Club | Tuesday, Sept. 19, 3:30 p.m.

Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt by Megan McDonald. Activity: Treasure hunt in the library.

Tween Book Club | Thursday, Sept. 21, 4:30 p.m.

The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd. Activity: London game

No Strings Attached Book Chat | Saturday, Sept. 23, 11 a.m.

Read whatever you want and attend whenever you can. Share a recent read, an old favorite, or anything in between.

ACLU 101 | Tuesday, Sept. 26, 6:30 p.m.

In this interactive talk, Kathleen Hynes, Ph.D., Volunteer speaker for the ACLU of Colorado will review the work of the ACLU through some of its major local and national cases. The cases will cover topics such as juvenile justice, free speech, LGBT rights, immigrant rights, privacy rights and voting rights. Vellamo | Saturday, Sept. 30, 2:30 p.m.

Vellamo is the performing and songwriting team of Pia Leinonen and Joni Tiala. Their music is reminiscent of 1960’s folk revival groups such as Judy Collins, Richard and Mimi Farina; Peter, Paul, and Mary and Pentangle – but with a Scandinavian twist.

Enjoy an entertaining musical performance and get an introduction to the Finnish language and the folk music tradition combining Scandinavian and Slavic influences with folklore.

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SUBMIT » Ex Libris: New York Public Library review – the restless mind of the city

A treasured US institution opens itself to the painstaking view of fly-on-the-wall master Frederick Wiseman, who finds enlightenment, humour, compassion and soul within its walls

588 16 Jordan Hoffman Sunday 3 September 2017 16.47 EDT rederick Wiseman, who can reasonably be called one of the most groundbreaking film-makers F still working, has spent his entire career taking deep dives on very specific topics. It’s maybe something of a punchline that now, at age 87, his latest subject is everything. For over 50 years Wiseman’s all-seeing, fly-on-the-wall cinema has visited institutions (a psychiatric hospital, a park, a museum, a concert venue, a school), gobbled it all up and served it back in an edited form that, while avoiding a traditional three-act structure, links sequences that build to a rich, almost- transcendent understanding. Lord knows others ape the style, but few compare. Ex Libris: New York Public Library has the drive of a vociferous reader checking out and renewing the maximum number of books their card will allow. Its running time of three hours and 17 minutes is generous enough to succeed on multiple levels. The most prominent theme is the divide between rich and poor, and what the NYPL means in different neighbourhoods. The gorgeous main branch on Fifth Avenue with its marble lions serves a different function than the outposts in the economically disadvantaged outer boroughs. On Fifth Avenue, a “Books at noon” guest like Richard Dawkins will wax about the Enlightenment; off Kingsbridge Road in the Bronx, the community huddles up for job interview tips. The only recurring characters are the caring and determined administrators (some googling puts faces to names; by and large Wiseman doesn’t care for formal introductions) who agonise over the budget and try to anticipate changes in digital technology. There are side trips to speciality branches, such as Lincoln Center’s Library for the Performing Arts, Harlem’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the Mid-Manhattan Library’s fabled picture collection and the Braille and Talking Book Library in Lower Manhattan. Most of the visits focus on a community activity or guest speaker about a panoply of topics (sexual innuendo at Jewish delicatessens, the logistics of deaf interpretation at theatrical events, misguided Marxist defences of slavery among 19th-century southern intellectuals, Gabriel García Márquez) and each one is absolutely fascinating.

Focus … young New Yorkers pursue tech projects in one of the library’s borough branches. Photograph: Courtesy of Tiff Ex Libris rolls out like a collection of short films. If you aren’t that into this special event (maybe you just don’t dig slam poetry or watching kids build robots) sit tight because in a few minutes we’re moving on. It’s like watching Wiseman skip along through the stacks of all accumulated human knowledge. Frederick Law Olmsted is believed to have coined the term “lungs of the city” in reference to Central Park. It becomes quickly evident that the New York Public Library is its mind. But Wiseman’s film delves deeper. A mind isn’t just a collection of facts, as gratifying as the process of learning may be, it houses our understanding of community and morality. Threads reappear and resonate in each of the library’s “lessons” until they vibrate into a basic, essential blur: listen, learn and be kind. The NYPL administrators are far from the cliche of jaded bureaucrats (and if I ever meet Anthony T Marx, Carrie Welch, Iris Weinshall or Khalil Gibran Muhammad near a checkout desk they can expect an enormous bear hug), but they are understandably humbled by the responsibility of allocating funds to best serve an enormous and diverse group of people. This includes how to most humanely deal with homeless people taking refuge in branches meant to serve an entire community. In between the meatier scenes, Wiseman regularly takes a breath to snoop on individuals plugging away at the various branches. In addition to folks like me tapping at a laptop are people scrolling through a century of old newspapers, either for research or just for fun, plus those who play video games, doodle in a notebook, investigate treatments for cancer with an anguished look on their face or New York Public maybe just zone out for a breath. More than any other civic institution, it is a place Library launches for the betterment of everyone in every conceivable way, and if this ends up being imprint to publish books inspired by Frederick Wiseman’s last film I can think of no better swan song. its collections Ex Libris was showing at the Venice film festival. It is released in the US on 13 September Read more Wheelchair Sports Camp makes its music available through Denver Public Library's Volume project. Miles Chrisinger Crank the Volume: Denver Library Distributes Local Music Online

RILEY COWING | SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 | 6:00AM

Back in 2014, librarian Joan Hansen noticed the library had fewer tangible resources for musicians than ever and wanted to connect cardholders to Denver's music scene.

Taking inspiration from then-emerging streaming sites like Bandcamp and SoundCloud, she led Denver Public Library's initiative to launch Volume, a platform where local musicians can upload their albums and library patrons can platform where local musicians can upload their albums and library patrons can stream or download local music.

“We had always tried to purchase music CDs from local bands and put them in the collection,” Hansen says. “But it was getting harder and harder to find things; bands weren’t pressing things on CD anymore.... So we thought maybe there was an opportunity for us to host some local music on our website, since we get a lot of website hits.”

Volume is currently accepting submissions from local musicians of any genre until September 29. A handful of library staffers with diverse taste in music will evaluate the submissions, rating them on a scale from one to five. From there, they will put the highest rated recordings online.

Currently, Volume hosts 75 albums across genres from Americana to jazz. Since any local musicians can submit, Hansen says the music that makes the cut represents much of Denver’s music scene.

When filling out the submission form, musicians can provide links to their social- media channels and websites so patrons can learn more about the band, including upcoming concerts.

“[Volume] is a good way for us to have unique content you can’t get everywhere and curate it in a way for people who maybe wouldn’t discover it to find it,” Hansen says. “We actually have pretty good music CD circulation. We have a lot of library users that check out CDs and are pretty passionate about music. I think [Volume is] another discovery platform for everybody.”

Convincing patrons to browse the library's offerings beyond the stacks can be a challenge.

“When people think of the library, they think the library [just] has books,” Hansen explains. “It’s hard to even get people to realize we have e-books. It’s really hard to move outside of your brand and into that awareness [that] we have other stuff, too.”

The library is doing more to boost the local scene that just putting up songs online. The Park Hill and Ross-Cherry Creek library branches have been holding concerts; The Park Hill and Ross-Cherry Creek library branches have been holding concerts; Central Library occasionally hosts sunrise concerts, complete with coffee and doughnuts; those events are largely attended by patrons experiencing homelessness.

“One of our goals was to connect with the community, including the local music community, and foster that [connection],” Hansen says. “I feel that [live concerts have] been the direction it has naturally gone to. Rather than just the streaming, [there's] live contact.”

Submissions for the next edition of Volume are due September 29. Visit Volume Denver for more information.

RELATED TOPICS: MUSIC MUSIC NEWS

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