Naming Libraries Through Community Collaboration
Denver Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
The chain of events following the murder of George Floyd re-ignited a movement and the call from communities nationwide to end systemic racism. This led the Denver Public Library (DPL) to examine our own organization that has been in place for more than 130 years and the names of buildings that are part of the system. Through our research, two initial branches were identified as being named after historical figures whose past did not align with our values. This research underscored the importance of why names matter and illuminated an opportunity for DPL to challenge inequity through the naming and renaming of our library branches. In the months and years to follow, DPL engaged various communities, stakeholders and partners to create a community-driven approach to our naming process that celebrates the unique cultural history of the neighborhoods we serve.
Challenge/Opportunity
Through research, DPL discovered that two of our twenty-seven branches were named after individuals whose past actions conflicted with our mission and values. William N. Byers was a strong supporter of the Sand Creek Massacre, and P.T. Barnum exploited people of color and those with disabilities in "freak shows." DPL reflected on this challenge and as a result took this question to the community. A comprehensive exploration process revealed overwhelming support for renaming the branches. This allowed DPL to thoughtfully curate a collaborative, community-led naming and renaming process to ensure our spaces are inclusive, welcoming, and honoring of the public trust. DPL collaborated with elected officials, key stakeholders, partners, and community leaders. As a result, our new Recognition Policy now includes a due diligence process involving historical research and community engagement. The process was used to name two new branches and consider new names for two existing branches.
Key Elements of Innovation
One of DPL’s main goals for its branch namings and renamings is to ensure an accessible and inclusive process. To help us engage the many unique and diverse groups in the communities we serve, we start the process by assembling a community committee that includes residents, community leaders, local business owners, community-serving organizations, and local DPL staff members. In line with DPL’s recognition policy and values, this committee creates naming criteria to help guide and score name recommendations. DPL’s Community Engagement and Communications teams then work to create a multilingual survey that is distributed through various community-centered channels and mediums, including the committee’s personal networks. Once the survey closes, recommendations are researched and vetted and then sent back to the committee for review and scoring. A final name recommendation is presented to DPL’s Library Commission, which takes a final vote of approval.
Achieved Outcomes
Guided by our values, we developed a new organizational policy to name/rename spaces that authentically center our community. As a result, we have:
- Renamed a branch to John “Thunderbird Man” Emhoolah, Jr., a Kiowa and Arapaho and a descendant of survivors of the Sand Creek Massacre. Emhoolah was a Native leader who dedicated his life to educational advocacy and was co-founder of the Denver March Powwow.
- Named a new branch Bob Ragland. Ragland was a prolific and well respected Black visual artist, teacher, author and tv producer. He was a library supporter and resident of the neighborhood where the branch is located.
- Named a new branch Lena Archuleta. Archuleta was Denver's first Hispanic female school principal, dedicated her life to improving the well-being of all, especially Hispanic Denverites. DPL has an award named after her celebrated annually during Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Successful engagement effort to determine how to proceed with the renaming of the Ross-Barnum Branch.
