With a new focus on adult programming and the recent completion of four years’ worth of renovations, the downtown Denver Public Library offers new and exciting ways to experience literature and reading.
“In my role at Denver Public Library, I’ve been focused on identifying gaps in literary engagement and building programs that push beyond traditional formats—making books and storytelling feel alive, immersive and unexpected while staying true to DPL’s mission,” says Jessie De la Cruz, the adult programming administrator for DPL.
Both on and off campus, De la Cruz curated several programming options that cater to all levels of readers and participants. Her first and greatest efforts have been centered around the revitalization of One Book One Denver. “I’m bringing it back as a citywide literary celebration. While the official book reveal won’t happen until August 8, I’m already working with incredible partners—including Denver Zine Library, Lighthouse Writers Workshop, WaxTrax, Levitt Pavilion, and the Colorado Asian Pacific Alliance—to create dynamic programming.”
But De la Cruz’s work includes broader, ongoing efforts to bring together Denver’s literary community with creative events and unique opportunities to experience literature in new ways. “Books don’t exist in isolation,” she says. “They influence and are influenced by visual art, music, performance and the cultural moment we’re living in. I’m especially interested in celebrating these intersections, weaving literature into the fabric of Denver’s creative community. I want to invite people into literature in ways that feel fresh, communal and deeply engaging.”
Silent Pages Society
This exciting venture seeks to bring together readers in unexpected places. Participants bring their own books to the determined location—museums, opera houses, train stations (or even on the train!)—to join other book lovers in quiet reading time. “I wanted to reimagine what collective reading could be—to give it a sense of adventure, movement and discovery,” explains De la Cruz. “No assigned books, no discussions—just you, your book, and the quiet presence of fellow readers. Attendees collect passport stamps at each gathering, tracking their journey through Denver’s hidden literary spaces.”
The next scheduled Silent Pages Society meeting is April 18 at RTD, embracing the theme of movement and transition. In June, DPL will host a special Pride edition of Silent Pages Society in a brand-new location.
“Expanding access to dynamic author conversations has been another focus of mine. Last year’s event with Pádraig Ó Tuama drew 400 attendees, showing the demand for deeper literary engagement,” De la Cruz shares.
In 2025, DPL invites several Colorado authors to share their work and process with attendees, including:
• Marcelo Hernandez Castillo, Children of the Land, April 11
• Vauhini Vara, Searches, April 17
• Peter Heller, Burn, May 24
• Torrey Peters, Stag Dance, June 20
• “Killer Plots: Women of Mystery Fiction”, July 24
• Andrew Krivak, The Bear, October 17
• Crisosto Apache, Ghostword, November 7
Late Night Lit
Often, literature is overlooked as an art form, but it is the fulcrum of storytelling, and De la Cruz hopes to improve upon this perception by making literature more immersive and communal. “I also saw a gap in literary events that blend storytelling with performance, music and visuals, so I created Late Night Lit, a live annual, late-night literary experience that makes storytelling immersive.”
The inaugural event is this fall, October 4, at the MCA Denver Holiday Theater. The premier schedule includes: John Cotter (Losing Music), with a literary performance; Danielle Seewalker, showcasing visual storytelling through art; Nathan Hall, demonstrating sound design that enhances narrative; Josh Mattison, presenting immersive audio storytelling; and The Late Night Show Band, which will feature a new lineup every year.
And along these lines, De la Cruz also initiated new programs that expand the intersection of literature and the arts. “My goal is to ensure literature isn’t just something we read—it’s something we experience, interact with, and build community around. I want people to see, hear and feel stories in unexpected ways,” she says.
These efforts include the Spark Program, a residency pairing authors with Denver-based artists, musicians and creatives to develop collaborative works inspired by books; and COVERS, a series that explores book design and music, featuring a book cover designer, as well a musician performing a live cover of a song tied to the book’s themes.
Under De la Cruz’s direction, DPL will continue to grow new, integrative programming for the Denver community. “Libraries have always been at the heart of intellectual freedom—spaces where ideas spark change, where communities come together, and where people can see themselves reflected in stories. At DPL, we’re carrying that forward by creating programming that doesn’t just inform, but inspires; that doesn’t just entertain, but engages. Free access to books, ideas, and conversation isn’t just a value—it’s a foundation for a thriving civic and cultural life. I want our programs to challenge perspectives, forge new connections, and remind people that the library isn’t just a place to check out books—it’s a space to explore, to create, to belong. Literature has the power to shape the way we see the world, and I hope our programs invite people to be part of that ongoing story.”
Learn more at denverlibrary.org/spotlights or follow along on Instagram @thelibrarylineup.