Boulder Public Library
Boulder, CO
The Boulder Public Library, located along pretty Boulder Creek, is a hub of culture. Beyond offering books and learning materials, it has a modern design featuring open spaces, reading areas, and a bridge connecting different sections—great for a quiet moment in a bustling city. The library also hosts art exhibits, workshops, and other events, making it a vibrant space for learning, creativity, and collaboration.
The basics
More travelers should visit public libraries: You can get a quick taste of what events are happening locally, attend a workshop, talk, or class, or simply take advantage of the free WiFi and the quiet. At the Boulder Public Library, visitors will also find an on-site café, great for grabbing lunch and enjoying a picnic on the grounds, along Boulder Creek and the Boulder Creek Path. It’s all just steps from downtown, so it’s an easy-access spot for a little inspiration and serenity.
Things to know before you go
Free public events are often hosted at the on-site Canyon Theater—check the schedule for showings. Tiny local art galleries can be found in the library’s “Makerspaces.” On the grounds by the Boulder Creek Path are a playground, beehives, and a community garden.
How to get there
To get to the Boulder Public Library, head to 1001 Arapahoe Avenue in downtown Boulder. If you’re walking or biking, the library is easily accessible via the Boulder Creek Path; if you’re driving, use nearby public parking garages or metered street parking. Public buses also stop nearby, with routes leading to downtown Boulder and the library's main entrance.
When to get there
The library is typically open every day of the week, with reduced hours on the weekends; the café, only open around breakfast and lunch, is closed on Mondays. As long as the library is open, there’s no bad time to arrive, though you may want to time it with a stroll along the Boulder Creek Path.
A Boulder hack
A Boulder library card offers some serious perks for residents, including the ability to reserve a Boulder Culture Pass. With that in hand, card-holders (and, in some cases, multiple guests) can explore a handful of Boulder’s best cultural attractions for free, including the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the Museum of Boulder, and more. So if you live there or are visiting friends, see where you can go on the card.
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