How do you think of the local library and what is offered? Most envision physical books on shelfs or the availability of audiobooks and periodicals. Materials covering all topics and categories both non-fiction and fictional stories from the human imagination are at the fingertips of the library patron.

There is much more to our local Lowry library – the Schlessman Family Branch – that is surprising and FREE! First, meet some of the warm and wonderful staff members at our Lowry Branch. They are willing and able to help all who come to Schlessman. This is one of the most consistently busy locations in Lowry. There is a strong sense of community inside these walls.

Staff members were so kind to give me a tour and told me about some things that are unique at the Schlessman Branch. Ageless Grace, Brain & Body Workout for People 50+ on Fridays from 2 to 3 p.m. and Geocaching which is a real-world treasure hunt using GPS on your device are just two of the wide range of offerings. There is an art installation in the teen section – enter, turn, and look up!

INSIDE SCOOP: Susan and Valerie revealed that there will be a renovation to the Schlessman Family Branch Library, but no one seems to know exactly when. I got the impression it could happen in 2024. There will be a small addition for staff offices on the 1st Ave. side of the building, but the basic footprint will remain the same. The interior will be completely reconfigured with a focus on the best use of space and outfitted with improved lighting, fixtures, and materials.

Lowry’s branch of the Denver Public Library is the Schlessman Family Branch Library.

SERVICES:
Here are a list of services that the library provides.

• BizBoost – make an appointment to create a business plan
• Technology Help Center & Digital Navigators – make appointment for in-person or virtual
• Non-Profits – make an appointment for assistance finding valuable resources
• Patent & Trademark Resource Center – make an appointment to get help with preliminary patent & trademark searches
• Students – make an appointment for help with school assignments
• Ask Us – 24/7 chat to ask questions in English and Spanish
• Bookmobiles – Schools and older adult communities can request the bookmobile to come to them
• Community Assistance Resources – Scroll all the way down this page to see the enormous list of resources curated by the DPL for you
• Computers & Technology – You have access to computers, the internet, and classes to use them
• Cultural Inclusivity – Citizenship and Immigration Legal help, learn English, computer help, Denver area resources, connections, and community
• Curbside Bundle – Librarians will put together a bundle of 10 items if you let them know a child’s interests
• Educator Services – Tools and resources for educators, field trips, reading support, homework support
• Healthy Food for Denver Kids Snack Program
• Home Delivery – A DPL team member will deliver your books if you are unable to get to the library
• Can’t Find It at the Denver Library
  

WHAT ELSE DOES MY LIBRARY CARD GET ME?

Museum passes
Take courses at udemy
Reserve a Community Room
Library Things:
– Chromebooks & hotspots
– Bicycle repair kits
– State park passes
– Ladders, tools, power tools, post hole diggers
– Sewing machines
– Draft and power Check meters
Newsletters
Personalized reading list
Phone-a-story
Resources for ex-offenders
Services for persons with disabilities

If you think the list of services above is impressive, check out the link for events and you will be amazed. Whether you are looking for things for families, older adults, singles, couples, friends, migrants, teenagers, tweens, kids, toddlers, or babies there is something for everyone. There is no reason to be alone, to not have your opinions heard, to be without expressing yourself through art, writing, music, or being in nature. You don’t have to let lack of funds get in the way of living a full life, just learn to use your public library to the fullest.
If you are interested in diving deeper into the value of the public library and community, I highly recommend this book, Palaces for the People, How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life by Eric Klinenberg. The Schlessman Family Branch Library is Lowry’s Palace for the People.

Lowry Lowdown is a monthly article written by Lowry resident Judy Rough who brings us good information about places and goings-on in our community. You can reach her at connect@lowryunitedneighborhoods.org.