The purpose of this plan is to provide a guide for designing improvements in public library service in the Denver metropolitan region and for evaluating the libraries as they develop. The report examines the background of public library planning activities, characteristics of the region, local library systems, area library resources and minimum standards, and the development of local libraries and area resources to 1985. A program for public library development is recommended with these objectives: to bring local library resources to the levels of the American Library Association standards, to develop a library system that meets the standards for public library systems, to provide library services that are easily accessible to all residents in the region, and to develop policies and programs that will allow residents to use all public libraries in the area. Objectives will be accomplished by: (1) a developmental program which will be funded on a shared-cost basis with local, state and federal funds, (2) research and development activity to assist libraries in meeting changing needs which will be funded by the public library system and the Denver Regional Council of Governments, (3) coordinating the services of all types of libraries, and (4) drafting library standards that will reflect the needs of the Denver Metropolitan area. Appendixes include the planning schedule, population data, and an inventory and directory of local libraries. (JB)