Celebrating a year of intranet connections

How Denver Public Library turned an intranet anniversary into a celebration of culture

When Denver Public Library (DPL) launched its ThoughtFarmer intranet, DPLConnect, the goal was clear: bring people, resources, and communications together in one central place.

Fast-forward a year, and not only has DPLConnect become a vital tool for its 800+ staff, it’s also become something to celebrate.

To mark the one-year anniversary, the team threw a celebration that embodied everything their intranet stands for. Connection, creativity, and community.

The result was a joyful, multi-day, multi-channel event that brought staff together across departments, branches, and digital touchpoints.

Turning a birthday into a culture-building moment

The main event was an in-person party at the Denver Public Library’s Central location, complete with cupcakes, custom-designed stickers, bookmarks featuring the intranet’s icon, and cards showing how to download the DPLConnect mobile intranet app. There was music, laughter, and a fitting game of “Connect 4″ (because of course!)

Staff who signed in to the party were entered into a draw for an AirTag, a playful nod to staying connected.

The vibe was more than festive, it was meaningful and for many, it was a chance to reflect on how DPLConnect had changed the way they interacted with information and each other.

From cupcakes to clicks: a hybrid intranet celebration

The celebration wasn’t confined to a single room. The team brought the party online too, transforming the DPLConnect homepage into a confetti-filled digital delight. Staff were greeted by falling cake and 🎉 emojis when they logged in. Who doesn’t love confetti and cake?

The centerpiece of the virtual celebration was an inventive scavenger hunt. DPL’s internal comms team strategically placed “Falling Fun” emoji cards on five different intranet pages and invited staff to find them and submit their entries through an intranet form. The incentive? Prizes…and bragging rights. 

The scavenger hunt wasn’t just fun, it was strategic. Site traffic spiked dramatically during those two days, as staff eagerly clicked through unfamiliar corners of the intranet, discovering new resources and departments. Engagement soared, proving that when you make exploration fun, people will come. And stay.

Inclusivity across branches: why mailing kits mattered

DPL’s celebration wasn’t limited to headquarters or the homepage. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity across their network of branches, the team mailed out special anniversary kits. Each envelope included confetti, coloring pages, stickers, bookmarks, and that same helpful app download card.

Not only did staff across branches feel seen and included, but mobile intranet usage also jumped. For an organization with dozens of locations, this kind of participation is a testament to thoughtful, creative planning.

Looking ahead

Amid the fun, DPL also used the occasion to gather valuable insights. An internal communications survey ran alongside the festivities, giving staff the chance to share what they love about DPLConnect, and what they’d like to see improved. That feedback will shape how the intranet evolves in year two, ensuring it continues to meet the needs of a diverse and dynamic library system.

Why we love it

At ThoughtFarmer, we’re always inspired by the ways our customers bring their intranets to life, and this celebration from Denver Public Library is no exception. It wasn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It was about recognizing how DPLConnect has helped build connections across locations, spark curiosity, and create a shared sense of culture and community. From confetti to cupcakes, coloring pages to content, this anniversary was a masterclass in turning an internal tool into a meaningful, engaging experience.

Happy first birthday, DPLConnect! We can’t wait to see what year two brings! 🎂

Great communication starts here

A great intranet does more than store files. It connects teams, and simplifies communication.

Learn more