Background

Boulder Public Library: A Community Hub

Discover a world of knowledge and community at the Boulder Public Library, offering resources, events, and services for all ages in the heart of Boulder.

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The Boulder Public Library's main branch serves as a vital community center, offering a wide range of resources and programs for all ages. From books and media to events and services, it's a hub for learning, culture, and community engagement in the heart of Boulder.

A brief summary to Boulder Public Library District - Main Library

  • Monday 9 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-7 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the library's website for a calendar of events and programs, including storytimes, workshops, and concerts.
  • Take advantage of the library's free Wi-Fi and computer access.
  • Explore the Paper & Spine Used Book Store for bargain books, CDs, and DVDs.
  • Consider using Boulder's public transportation system to reach the library. Several bus routes stop nearby.
  • The library offers 15-minute free parking at metered on-street parking spots Monday–Saturday, but you must initiate a parking session using a parking app or pay station.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Pearl Street Mall, walk east on Pearl Street towards Broadway. Turn left onto Broadway and walk north for one block. Turn right onto Arapahoe Avenue. The library will be on your left, a short walk down Arapahoe. This is a pleasant, flat walk through downtown Boulder.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus routes serve the Boulder Public Library. Check the RTD (Regional Transportation District) website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. From the Boulder Transit Center, the library is a short walk east on Arapahoe Avenue. A local day pass costs $6, allowing unlimited rides on local bus routes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Boulder. Simply enter 'Boulder Public Library' as your destination. Expect a short trip from downtown Boulder to cost around $8-$15, depending on demand and traffic.

  • Parking

    The Boulder Public Library does not have on-site parking. However, several parking garages and surface lots are located nearby. Metered street parking is also available, but it can be limited. City garages are free on Saturdays, Sundays, and city holidays. Metered street parking costs $1.50 per hour, Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some lots around the library are free on Saturdays. The 1045 Arapahoe Main Boulder Public Library parking has 177 spaces.

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Discover more about Boulder Public Library District - Main Library

The Boulder Public Library, located at 1001 Arapahoe Avenue, has been a cornerstone of the Boulder community since the main branch's construction in 1961. However, the library's roots go back further to 1906, when the original library was established in the Carnegie building on Pine Street with a $15,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie. The library moved to its current location on Canyon Boulevard in 1961. The two-story, 23,800-square-foot building was designed with sculpture galleries, reading rooms, gathering spaces, video viewing rooms, and music listening rooms. Today, the Boulder Public Library District consists of the main branch and several branches, including the Carnegie Branch Library for Local History, the George Reynolds Branch, the Meadows Branch, and the North Boulder Branch (NoBo). The library offers a vast collection of books, media, and online resources, as well as a diverse array of programs and events for children, teens, and adults. These include storytimes, book clubs, workshops, concerts, and film screenings. The library also provides access to computers, internet, and printing services, and it partners with local organizations to offer resources such as job search assistance and language learning programs. The Boulder Public Library is more than just a place to borrow books; it's a dynamic center for community engagement and lifelong learning. It supports literacy, provides access to information, and fosters a sense of connection among Boulder residents. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to read, a stimulating program to attend, or a welcoming space to connect with others, the Boulder Public Library offers something for everyone.

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