FAQs and User Tips

How do I get a library card?
Sign up online or visit any Denver Public Library location. Please bring photo ID and proof of address.

How long does it take to sign up for a library card?
It only takes a few minutes to sign up online or in person at the library.

How much does a library card cost?
Denver Public Library cards are free.

I don’t live in the City and County of Denver. Can I still get a Denver Public Library card?
As long as you are a resident of Colorado, you are eligible for a Denver Public Library card.

Do I have to have a Colorado ID to sign up for a library card?
While we prefer Colorado ID, you may use any State ID, Military ID or your passport to sign up for a library card. If your ID does not show your current address, please bring proof of address (utility bill, lease).

What if I don't have anything with my current address on it?
If you do not have proof of address, but have a photo ID, we will sign you up for a temporary card and allow you a one time, 3-item checkout. You must bring proof of address on your next visit to receive your card or check out more items.

How can I update my address/phone/e-mail information?
Account information must be updated in person at any Denver Public Library location. Please bring official verification of your current address. Update your e-mail address here.

What do I do if I lose my library card?
Be sure to notify any Denver Public Library location if your card is lost or stolen. If you do not report your card lost or stolen and someone else uses it, you will be responsible for whatever is checked out. To get a new card, just visit any location and bring photo ID.

I don’t have my library card, can you look me up by my name to check out?
If you don’t have your library card, we require that you show photo ID to check out, renew or provide information on your card. This is to protect you against unauthorized use and for the privacy of your records.

How many items can I check out?
You may have up to 300 items checked out on your card at a time. Within the 300, you may have 20 videos, 7 DVDs, and 7 CDs at a time. Books and audio books are unlimited (up to the 300 total item limit).

How long can I keep the items I check out?
Books, audio books, TV series DVDs and adult nonfiction DVDs check out for 3 weeks. Videos, children's DVDs, adult feature film DVDs, CDs and magazines checkout for 1 week.

I owe fines but can’t pay today. Can I still check out?
As long as your fines are less than $10, you may still check out and renew your items.

Do you have amnesty days?
We do not have amnesty days.

How many times can I renew my items?
Most books and audio books may be renewed up to 3 times unless another customer has requested the item or the item is 40 days overdue. Most DVDs, CDs and videos may be renewed 1 time unless another customer has requested the item or the item is 40 days overdue. Featured titles and magazines cannot be renewed.

Can I renew online or by phone?
You may renew online using My Library Card or by phone 24 hours a day by calling 720-865-1133. You may also call any Denver Public Library location to renew your items.

Can I send someone else to pick up my holds for me?
As long as the person has your library card, they may pick up holds for you. Without your card, we will not give your holds to another customer.

Is there a way to get popular titles without waiting for a hold?
The Denver Public Library has Featured Title collections at six locations. Featured titles are multiple copies of high interest books that are available in these libraries for browsing and checkout.

Can you notify me of my holds and overdue items by e-mail?
We now have e-mail notification of holds and overdues. Click here to sign-up.

What if I go on vacation? Will I miss my holds?
You can suspend one, many or all of your holds while you are away. See Vacation Hold Suspension.

I lost an item. What do I do?
You are responsible for every item you check out. If you have lost an item, you will be charged a replacement cost and a processing fee.

I checked out an item and it got damaged. Do I have to pay for it?
If an item can no longer be circulated due to damage, you will be charged a replacement cost and processing fees. You will not be held responsible for normal wear and tear.

Can I return my items to any library?
You may return your items to any Denver Public Library location. If you return your items to a library outside of Denver, they will be returned to us. Please note that the items stay on your card until we receive them and if they are not received, you are still responsible for the items.

I returned an item and it is still showing on my library card account. What do I do?
Please call or visit any Denver Public Library location and ask that a “Claims Returned” status be placed on the item. You may also visit the branch where you returned the item, and check the shelf, if you like.

Does it cost anything to rent DVDs, videos and CDs?
Some Interlibrary Loan items have a checkout fee, but all other items are free to check out. Please keep in mind that items not returned by the due date will accrue fines of 25 cents per day, per item.

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