Visit the Library

One of the benefits of Gardens membership is the opportunity to check out materials from the library. Members of the Gardens are able to check out most materials for up to three weeks. Your membership card is your library card. Members may also place holds via the online catalog for up to five items at a time.

We have eBooks! Find more information on our Electronic Resources page.

Periodicals and LEaRN collections are for use in the library only.

Have a gardening question? We’ve got the answer! Since 2005, Colorado Master Gardeners from CSU Extension Denver County have worked in partnership with Denver Botanic Gardens to provide research-based answers to gardening and plant-related questions.

Colorado Master Gardeners are on-site in the Gardening Help office in the Helen Fowler Library January through October.

• April – Oct.: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Nov. – Dec.: Email only – gardeninghelp@botanicgardens.org
• Jan. – March: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

You can also reach Gardening Help at 720-865-3575 or by email at gardeninghelp@botanicgardens.org.

Plant Identification Guidelines: 

Tell us where and when you saw the plant. If it was at the Gardens, tell us which garden.

Send multiple photos that clearly show:

1. All parts of the plant (flower, leaves, bark, needles, etc.)
2. The overall form and size of the plant
3. A coin, pencil or shoe for scale

Tip: Hold your hand or a piece of paper behind the plant to help the camera focus on the plant rather than the background.

Access to the library’s collection is restricted while the library remains closed. More details about the library’s collections can be found on the library collections page.

The library accepts donations to augment our collections.

If you are looking to donate items to the library, please call or email to set up an appointment. Materials must be in good condition and fit our collection scope.

General book donations may be included in the used book sale, added to the collection or disposed of based on the needs of the library.

Donations of historical or other value are evaluated on a case by case basis. Contact us to speak with the head librarian for more information.

Sensory Processing and Autism Resource Kits (S.P.A.R.K.) are available to check out for free and are appropriate for people of all ages with autism or sensory needs to help them feel safe and supported while exploring the York Street gardens. The backpacks were designed and created by the Autism Community Store in partnership with the Autism Society of Colorado.

Each kit includes a garden-themed Seek & Find weighted lap pad, wiggle seat cushion, noise-reducing headphones, visor, fidget keychains, hand-operated fan, turquoise sunglasses, calming strategies card and an outdoor blanket. Check kits out on a first-come, first-served basis in the Helen Fowler Library in the Freyer – Newman Center or at the Information Desk in Boettcher Lobby. 

For the safety and enjoyment of all guests:

• Please be considerate of others.
• Do not leave children unattended.
• Respect the collections.
• Food and covered beverages are allowed in the library as long as you are mindful of placement. If spillage or damages occur, alert the librarians immediately in order to preserve the integrity of the space and the collections.
• When you are done browsing, place your items in the carts, on top of the shelving or in the collection baskets located within the stacks and reading areas.
• The children’s library is reserved for use by children and their families.
• Sleeping is not permitted in the library.
• Do not enter the staff areas.