Erin Porteous
Erin Porteous has been a vital part of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver’s leadership since 2006. Named Chief Executive Officer in 2016 at just 34 years old, she has worked relentlessly to increase nonprofit visibility and inspire community investment by building and expanding upon the organization’s programming, financial support initiatives, and partner engagement strategies. As an emerging thought leader, Erin is a former recipient of Denver Business Journal’s “Top 40 under 40,” a member of the Young Presidents Organization, and was a featured contributor in the 2019 Biennial of the Americas. Erin is also a life-long reader and now spends countless afternoons exploring Denver’s public libraries with her two young daughters.
Fiona Hill
During a March 2022 visit to Denver, Dr. Fiona Hill, senior fellow at the @Brookings Institution and former senior director for European and Russian affairs on the National Security Council, took a break from speaking about foreign policy to talk with the Friends Foundation about two of her favorite things: books and libraries. Her conversation inspires a first-rate reading list and underscores the vital importance that free access to information and materials play in our society.
Adrian Miller
Adrian Miller is a food writer, James Beard Award winner, attorney, and certified barbecue judge who lives in Denver and uses the Denver Public Library to research his books. A "hardcore" reader as a child, "I read the entire World Book encyclopedia set that my parents had and the Bible in its entirety", Adrian now shares food stories that unite people and share knowledge.
Phil Weiser
Meet power library user, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. A self-described “voracious reader”, our state’s chief legal officer credits public libraries for nurturing his love of reading as well as that of his kids.
Jake Schroeder
Because he's done it nearly 1,000 times, you've no doubt heard him belt out the National Anthem at an Avalanche game. Or maybe you're a fan of his iconic local funk band, Opie Gone Bad. But Jake Schroeder's talent and interests extend far beyond his singing. He took a few minutes to talk with us about the critical importance of history education and libraries.
Stewart Tucker Lundy
"You couldn't ask for anything more beneficial than a building full of books and knowledge. It's essential for every community to have this type of resource for everyone." Stewart values stories, whether they come from people or books. Denver's own actor, writer, photographer, producer and all-around fabulous human talked to the Friends Foundation about making connections and reading.
Elsa Holguin
Elsa grew up in a small town in Chihuahua, Mexico, moving to the U.S. when she was 17. She learned English by attending a program at the Denver Public Library the summer before repeating her senior year at North High School. To this day, she remains a library fan and lifelong reader. As president and CEO of the Denver Preschool Program, she helps make preschool possible for all Denver families.
Joe Smith
Joe Smith is a lifelong library user. He's a partner at law firm Bartlit Beck LLP and an advocate for the classics. We asked Joe to share with us his favorite reads, the inspiration he draws from libraries and more. Wondering what Joe considers to be a great book?
Jim & Allison Johnson - Honorary Ball Chair Edition
DPLFF is pleased to announce community leaders Jim & Allison Johnson as Honorary Co-Chairs of DPLFF’s signature event, the Booklovers Ball. Denver Central Library is undergoing an exciting renovation in 2021, and this year’s Booklovers Ball: Booklovers in Bloom will be held al fresco at the enchanting Denver Botanic Gardens. As longtime library fans and supporters, Jim and Allison have attended the Booklovers Ball for many years. We look forward to celebrating the 24th annual event with them on Friday, September 10.
Taylor Kirkpatrick
Taylor Kirkpatrick President & CEO of Babson Farms, Inc. shares his favorite books, his library story and more. "Libraries matter - they make communities and their constituents better. This is an overdue (see what I did there?) thank you to Denver Public Library for nourishing my curiosity."
Kelly Brough
Former President & CEO of Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Kelly Brough opens up about her love for libraries and her favorite authors...
Dan Ritchie
It's been said that a library is infinity under a roof. Read why Dan Ritchie, Chancellor Emeritus of the University of Denver, gives credit to libraries for some of the greatest experiences of his life.
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