Started by Mayor John Hickenlooper, the program fizzled out unceremoniously following a steady decline in public participation. Under Mayor Michael Hancock, One Book, One Denver continued as a youth-centric club, but the city closed the book on its sanctioned picks and programming for adults.
Next year, however, the grown-up version of One Book, One Denver will begin a new chapter in hopes of getting residents back on the same page.
At the prompting of Mayor Mike Johnston's office, the DPL will reinstate the program without the aid of Arts & Venues. Instead, Michelle Jeske, city librarian and DPL executive director, will be working exclusively with members of her staff to breathe new life into adult literacy and book appreciation in Denver.
"Michelle felt strongly that the DPL should lead this effort, recognizing it as a unique opportunity to connect our community through the power of storytelling and reading," says Jessie de la Cruz, the DPL's new adult programming administrator and one of the staffers tasked with choosing next year's One Book, One Denver novel. "From my perspective, it felt like the perfect moment to bring back a program with such incredible potential to foster dialogue and connection. Opportunities to engage an entire city around a single story are rare, and the shared experience of reading, discussing and reflecting together is immensely powerful."
De la Cruz is no stranger to bringing people together through stories. She spent years as one of the leaders of archivism-as-activism nonprofit ArtHyve, a group she helped found; she also served as the archivist for the Clyfford Still Museum. Earlier this year, though, she jumped at the chance to work full-time for DPL, which ArtHyve had partnered with often in the past. And while she's not at liberty to reveal the novel that has been chosen to resurrect One Book, One Denver — that announcement will be made in August 2025 — she's happy to share her enthusiasm about the pick. Not to mention tease a few details.
"Being part of the group that chose the book for One Book, One Denver was such an exciting and thoughtful process," she says. "Personally, I wanted a book that could be more than just a great read. I was looking for something that would spark inspiring conversations. The chosen book stood out to me for its connections to identity, nostalgia, zine culture and music, all things that feel deeply tied to the creative heartbeat of Denver. It explores themes of self-discovery and belonging in a way that feels both deeply personal and widely relatable. I love how it resonates with the DIY, grassroots artistic energy that’s so present in our city, and I see it as a bridge to programming that celebrates the intersections of art forms and community storytelling."
The DPL is not ready to commit to One Book, One Denver resuming an annual schedule following the 2025 comeback; that will depend on the success of next year's pick. Regardless, de la Cruz hopes her passion for the program captivates the public as much as it has the DPL's staff.
"For me," she says, "One Book, One Denver is about creating a moment where Denverites can gather, reflect and dream together. I’m so excited to see how this book inspires conversations and connections across the city. Reviving One Book, One Denver is not just about celebrating Denver’s love for storytelling. It’s also about creating meaningful spaces where our community can come together through literature."
One Book, One Denver Picks (So Far)
2005: Peace Like a River, by Leif Enger
2006: Caramelo, by Sandra Cisneros
2006: The Milagro Beanfield War, by John Nichols
2007: Articles of War, by Nick Arvin
2008: The Thin Man, by Dashiell Hammett
2009: To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
2010: The Help, by Kathryn Stockett
2011: The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein
2012: Enrique's Journey, by Sonia Nazario
