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Give the Gift of Reading: Free Books in Denver

Posted on February 27, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Peyton Garcia

Peyton Garcia

An open book on a desk

How to find free books and support local authors 👇 (Евгения Матвеец / Getty Images)

This Saturday, March 2, is Read Across America Day — a national celebration of reading and a concerted effort to ensure the wonderful world of literature is accessible to all. The perfect way to celebrate? Check out the brand new, free monthly reading series at Globeville’s Fort Greene bar set to debut tomorrow evening. The recurring event, called Reading Den, will be a fun and relaxed low barrier to entry for the lit-curious, as well as a platform to support local authors.

Looking for even more ways to dip your toe in the pool of reading possibilities? Here are a few other free options to get you started and keep the love local.

Denver Public Library

With 27 local branches equipped with knowledgeable staff and free literary programs including book clubs, children’s storytimes, author readings, and other reading programs, your Denver Public Library is the perfect place to begin your book-reading journey.

  • 🤓 Bonus: Also find free tools, language programs, museum passes, and other resident resources at your local DPL branch.

Little Free Libraries

Dotted in neighborhoods around the world, Little Free Libraries are public bookcases where community members are encouraged to “take a book, share a book.” They’re largely unmanaged and open to anyone. Find a Free Little Library near you, or start your own!

BookGive

BookGive is a local nonprofit committed to ensuring fair access to books for everyone by distributing books to Denver schools, organizations, and book-lovers of all kinds! Any metro Denver org can request a book donation. BookGive also operates the Free Book Room, open to the public Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 4890 Lowell Blvd.

Counterpath Free Book Store

Counterpath is a free, donation-based bookstore located at 7935 E. 14th Ave. The mission is simple and honest — free books for anyone who wants them!

Local Book Clubs

You can find book clubs all over the city, at the library, book stores, coffee shops, and often at local breweries — Fiction Beer Co., Novel Strand Brewing, and Raíces Brewing are just a few that host monthly book club meetups.

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