Denver Public Library Friends Foundation 2023 Candidate Survey Results
The Denver Public Library Friends Foundation surveyed candidates in this year's election to learn about their opinions and experiences related to Denver Public Library. Check out their responses below!
Important Notes: All responses are unedited and in the candidates' own words.
Mayoral Candidates
Kelly Brough
Kelly Brough
Running for Mayor of Denver
Campaign Email/Website: Kelly@kellybrough.com
What is your favorite library branch in Denver?
Bear Valley -- my girls being part of the Summer Reading Program. One program in particular brought snakes in and the girls got to touch them -- What? It was very cool.
What is your favorite library branch in Denver?
I love the downtown library!
What book are you reading right now?
I just read "The Personal Librarian."
Why do you think libraries are important?
They bring community together, are critical to supporting education and they build social capital. I grew up a block from the library in my home town -- I experienced the world before I left home because of that library.
Mike Johnston
Mike Johnston
Running for Mayor of Denver
Campaign Email/Website: mikejohnstonformayor.com
No survey responses were received from Mike Johnston.
City Council Candidates
Council District 8
Shontel Lewis
Shontel Lewis
Running for Denver City Council
Campaign Email/Website: ShontelforCouncil.com
What is your favorite library memory?
Fors Warren Library as a kid with the Summer Reading program. Being able to have access to computers as a young one at the library. The kindest security guard worked there, I don’t remember his name, but he was like a Father figure to the kids in the neighborhood that loved books and those that loved to climb on the roof of the library.
What is your favorite library branch in Denver?
Blair Caldwell Library.
What book are you reading right now?
What Happened to You? AND Being and Nothingness.
Why do you think libraries are important?
Access to both information, community hubs, history, documentaries. I am grateful for public libraries for the benefit to communities and early learners like myself without budgets to purchase books.
Brad Revare
Brad Revare
Running for District City Council District 8
Campaign Email/Website: BradForDenver.com
What is your favorite library memory?
This is easy - taking my two girls to go pick out approximately 15 books at a time to encourage their love of reading. I did the same thing growing up and love to see them pour over the books we check out together.
What is your favorite library branch in Denver?
Sam Gary.
What book are you reading right now?
Stolen Focus by Johann Hari.
Why do you think libraries are important?
Libraries are gateways to the broader world and are essential to democracy. Growing up in a small town, I read books to understand the broader world around me as well as expand my understanding of different perspectives of people in our community. Libraries spark passions, help people think critically, and ensure we have a health democracy. Now I have two little girls who love to check books out from Denver Public Library. They get to imagine being astronauts, mermaids, and scientists, all mere blocks from their home. That's powerful. Beyond my family, our city depends on libraries to educate and welcome everyone in our City, whether you are there to read, learn how to 3D print an object in a makerspace, or apply for a job. We are lucky to have Denver Public Library and the services they host for everyone in Denver.
Council District 9
Candi CdeBaca
Candi CdeBaca
Running for Denver City Council, District 9
Campaign Email/Website: CandiCdeBaca.com
What is your favorite library memory?
When the bookmobile would come to my elementary school over summer break at Swansea and I would check out Berenstein Bear books!
What is your favorite library branch in Denver?
Blair Caldwell because of all the Manual HS history and memorabilia.
What book are you reading right now?
Blackwater Falls by Ausma Zehanat Khan.
Why do you think libraries are important?
Books changed my life. They gave me access to new worlds, ideas, deeper understanding of myself and others and connection people across time and knowledge that is bigger anything else. Libraries are spiritual places to me. They are the manifestation of the divine in the authors and the readers and they allow spirits to connect in alternate universes....for FREE! Anyone can access these sacred space, everyone is welcome, especially in our Denver Libraries. More practically, they are the true equalizer in that they level the playing field by making the most powerful tool--knowledge--available to all.
Darrell Watson
Darrell Watson
Running for Denver City Council, District 9
Campaign Email/Website: https://watsonfordenver.com/
No survey responses were received from Darrell Watson.
Council District 10
Chris Hinds
Chris Hinds
Running for Denver City Council, District 10
Campaign Email/Website: ChrisForDenver.com
What is your favorite library memory?
Growing up, we didn't have much money. We lived in Texas but couldn't afford air conditioning or a TV. Instead, mom and I would go to the library where she would check out books and I would read in the kids section. I had the lovely honor of speaking at the Central library's dedication of the new children's library where I shared the story.
What is your favorite library branch in Denver?
The Central Branch.
What book are you reading right now?
Don't Think of an Elephant.
Why do you think libraries are important?
The Denver Public Library is one of the few remaining places where people can come together, learn about themselves and the world, and make memories with others in the community - all without paying a penny.
Shannon Hoffman
Shannon Hoffman
Running for Denver City Council District 10
Campaign Email/Website: Shannon-Hoffman.com
What is your favorite library memory?
Summer reading programs similar to Book It with book reading challenges and rewards. I grew up joining my mother at her workplace - a local hair salon - or spending the summer with my grandmother, since we couldn't afford things like summer camp, and I read so many books every summer. While I loved the challenges and the prizes, I really liked the learning the most.
What is your favorite library branch in Denver?
Central Library - very walkable from my house.
What book are you reading right now?
Fables and Spells by Adrienne Maree Brown.
Why do you think libraries are important?
Libraries are one of our last remaining public spaces where you don't have pay anything for the opportunity to learn, get warm, and access technology. We need to invest in our libraries for all that they provide to our community members.