The Boulder Public Library is easily one of the most beautiful and welcoming libraries I've visited. The building itself is huge, thoughtfully organized, and full of natural light, which makes it a great place to spend a few hours exploring. There are so many different ways to enjoy the space. You can grab a book and settle into one of the cozy reading areas, reserve a study room, or stop by the coffee shop. There's also a fantastic kid-friendly area and even fish tanks that add to the calm, relaxing atmosphere. One of my favorite parts is the location right along Boulder Creek. You can step outside and walk the path, enjoy the scenery, and then come back inside to read or work. It feels like the perfect mix of nature, community, and learning. The library also hosts events throughout the year, so there's always something going on. Whether you're visiting Boulder or you live nearby, it's absolutely worth a stop. Great vibes all around. read more

Great, BIG library! Private, all gender restrooms available. Lots of seating options all over. Quiet areas available as well.

Very nice public library, but unfortunately it is like so many libraries overrun with vagrants. The library is part of a complex with a theater and event venue. Today they were having a children's reading and a public event featuring a local author. read more

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Libraries have always been and continue to be the only place on this earth where I can go and get what I want. There are so many resources, from traditional books and magazines to computer usage, online access to e-books and movies through services like Overdrive and Kanopy and access to educational resources like Gale Courses and grant information for starting non-profits. This particular branch really has about everything and almost everything they offer is available even if you don't live in Boulder County, as is my case. The staff is courteous, knowledgeable, and helpful, the library clean and spacious, and the location convenient to many bus lines. I really can't recommend it enough. Support your local library and support your community. read more

Love the open feeling, lots of windows and natural light, and the stunning views of Boulder Creek!!! Gorgeous setting; I'll be interested to see it after renovations. Layout was simple and clean, signs clearly indicate locations and collections, staff seemed eager to chat and assist. Also, loved the play area outside!! read more

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The upstairs section was set out for an event of some sort, but the stacks were still there and lots of work/study carrels available. Some with power, some without. Some with an annoying dude making a work phone call. It's a beautiful facility that is a well managed and very clean. Neat, organized, it's a library. I chilled here for about an hour with their free wifi. Great. Free 90 minutes parking in their lot if you can find a space. read more

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Best library for working or studying if not for the bathrooms. The bathrooms are multi-gendered and you cannot take your belongings inside with you. You have to leave your bag outside in a bin, where the security guard is. The toilets themselves are nice, but the smell inside can be rough sometimes. I don't feel unsafe using the bathrooms, it's just the smell that is unpleasant. On occasion, I've noticed that the security guard might allow you to use the staff restroom if you're not comfortable using the multi-gendered bathroom. Bright upstairs with plenty of desks, cushioned armchairs, and computers. Pretty quiet for the most part. Free 1 hour parking. Seems like they have plenty of community resources. Overall great library, but the bathrooms are the biggest and only con if you plan on being there for a while. read more

I love the Boulder Public library- and I feel like they've been one of the best "covid safe" locations which I appreciate so much. Currently limited parts of the library are open and capacity is limited. But their doing holds which are convenient & easy to pick up. Their self check-out system also works super well. Thank you for providing us a all a safe and easy way to get books! read more

Boulder Public Library - Boulder Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

You can read the Iliad while you're waiting for the rest room. The wifi is reliable. Kanopy offers hundreds of documentaries and movies, although most are blocked with an error message - "Media is encrypted..." read more

On the hunt for a public restroom, we stumbled upon Boulder Library. Natural light pours in through windows on all sides and it over looks Boulder Creek. The cafe is a perfect place to get some work done or have a quiet meet up. It has snacks and coffee at a price comparable to other places in Boulder and the latte was pretty solid. The vibes are clean, quiet, and community. read more

Boulder Public Library - Cafe seating area - Libraries Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Ever since the age of 5 I have been wild about libraries. The boulder public library has helped re-kindle this excitement. Over the past 3 years there have been many different things that have brought me to the library: viewing a silent film accompanied by live music, hunting down a new book, logging work hours on my computer, as well as hosting a lecture in one of their community rooms. I enjoy perusing the aisles of books and appreciate the email due date reminders as well as the email notifications letting me know that my long awaited book is in and ready for my pick up. Though I haven't ordered from the cafe I enjoy walking through and seeing people socializing and enjoying each other's company. The community board (just south of the cafe) has lots of great local info and I've been known to hang some event happenings there myself from time to time. Looking forward to returning soon to pick-up my next highly anticipated read. read more

This library was a cool stop on our walk through Bulder. It had a lot of stuff to do, and really cool architecture. It had a Barnes & Noble feel to it but it was much bigger than a Barnes & Noble. However, it really has become a hotspot for homeless people. Also there are absolutely no bathrooms in Boulder, so we were hoping that the library wouldn't have closed their bathroom, but they did. read more

After several decades of being an on and off patron, I am currently back on for several reasons. First, I have a regular young visitor who never has enough books at her disposaL when she is in Boulder. It's been many years since our home contained material for this age group. Second, the city of Boulder has recently reinvested in both the interior and exterior of the library itself, as well as the civic center area along the creek that the library sits on which had been is disrepair. It had been previously over run by transients to our town who had caused much of the problem but was certainly also damaged by the record flood of 2013. In my family's earliest decades in Boulder this area and the library resource had been a terrific asset to the community. It seems it finally is again. The redesign to the civic area is beautiful. Close to the building, the additional activities surrounding the library contains an extraordinary play area, with both safety and excitement in mind and themed with a mountaineering local influence. The surface of some areas are rather steep though and on a wet day, was a bit slippery. I also did not notice activities suitable for handicapped children though perhaps I didn't look around enough. The library interior was nicely redesigned with organized book areas, some play area and a better security situation for its youngest patrons and sorely needed in these times. The era I was most familiar with would no longer be acceptable in these times. I was glad to see the subtle but effective changes. We also happened to arrive at a fun story time though they ran into some technical difficulties with the music sound system for one book presentation so we moved on, but it was well attended and perfect for preschoolers. All in all, it was a nice stop downtown on a day with marginal weather but still allowed us some great fun and a way to expend some serious energy and bring home 7 more books for the weekend visit. We will be back regularly. read more

Great place to visit, we had some fun outside on the small playground, inside is very clean, the are for children with many books, quiet and open space. read more

I'm from out of town but I can tell this is a hub for family's. A meet up of moms was occurring at the playground and circle time happened to be right during my visit. My daughter heard a story and danced and they brought out a cute tiger stuffed animal, little cloths to dance with. After the kids can play on the train table. Don't let the simple design of the toddler outdoor section dissuade you. My daughter randomly spent 20 minutes here. The other playset is strictly designed for older kids, I wouldn't come here for a huge toddler playset. Really fun time overall. read more

One of the best public libraries I have seen. Being Boulder not a huge city 'I as not expecting this huge, modern and well organized library just right next to the airbnb place we stayed during the weekend. We stopped by to take a look, a rest, a visit to the bathrooms and check out what was in store and the local activities posted on the wall. Everything was perfect I can't believe this library is from 1992, it looks like a very modern construction, very neat. Also the most stylist and comfortable yellow-ochre chairs ever seen! read more

I wish this were my home library. Two floors of pure magic and delight! Toys for kids everywhere! A fountain in the atrium! What is that prospecting for gold activity in the playground?? That's awesome! Also, a cafe???? And an enclosed skyway over the creek??? And then an entire museum with a theater??? And the friendliest and most helpful security guard you'll ever meet??? And beautiful, gleaming monthly brochures??? And a teen fun room with video games and computers and like a recording room or something???? This place is a librarian's wet dream. read more

Before I moved to Boulder, I had a library-related panic attack (because I'm a nerd). I thought, "This is a fairly small city, with lots of hippies, in the mountains... dear god, do these people read?!" I should have never worried. This library is pretty great, with an inter-library loan system you'll love. The library staff is always helpful and the apple cider at the cafe is superb. The reason it's getting 4 stars instead of 5 is twofold: (a) the wait to get a computer sometimes is ridiculous, especially if you just want to print something and (b) all the homeless people, who are clogging up the list to get on the computers. Seriously... do NOT enter the library through the glass dome-thing during the summer, the stench is overpowering. read more

Boulder Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

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Guys.. FREE PARKING ON WEEKENDS! (In Boulder that alone should be a big deal) this spacious and beautiful structure is ideal for the college students and neighboring bodies all around. It has great little corners to cozy up on to, plenty of computers and work spaces to use AND to my amazement , those not so often visited areas actually light up when you walk past them! Think to groceries store aisles that all of a sudden come to life and brightening up your way. yeah, that happens here! I am a lover of books, I am very disappointed I haven't walked in here yet, but I admire that modern feel and open breathable space of this library. If you are looking to reserve a meeting space or room- call ahead to see how they can help you out. When I came here with a small group, the guy in charge had literally booked our space within maybe an hour! read more

Libraries have needed to reframe and reinvent themselves from simple repositories of dusty books to engaging centers of communities, and the central Boulder one is one of the best in the Front Range. The building is modern and inviting with plenty of places to sit. The location along the creek is beautiful to add in a little walk before or after a visit. There are tons of free events, particularly for kids. Parking is easy and free in the adjacent lot. read more

I truly love this library. I thought it was beautiful before but the new renovations have really kicked it up a notch. There are plenty of cubbies and comfy chairs all around the library to cozy up and read while you're here. A few new things to note: - the hold section is now next to the desk on the Arapahoe side of the entrance - the old hold section by the spiral stairs is now movies. There is new seating along the windows in this area too - the children's section is up the walkway before the bridge. It's partitioned off and has couches and tables to sit and read together. - a new cafe, the Seeds Library Cafe, is coming. It's slated to open the 2nd/3rd week of April. It will be run by the Boulder Farmers Market. - at the top of the spiral staircase, the computers section is more spread out and open. I think there are magazines and periodicals up there too. - The fiction section is in the front area on tht first floor near the movies and music. Nonfiction is still upstairs but I think there are new comfortable orange seats by the front windows. The book return in the Arapahoe entrance foyer uses a RFID scanner to scan in books as they are sent through the belt. Make sure you have them facing the right way! The librarians can also still scan them in for you at the desk. You can tell the book will work on the scanner if there is a green marker line near the spine on the side of the book. There are new checkouts machines that use the RFID scanning too. I haven't used them yet but they look pretty fancy! My last trip here was great as usual. I usually put a book on hold to pickup so rarely walk the stacks but I took a quick mini tour this past trip to check out the new digs. I really like the new colors (bright teals, orange and lime green). There's still your usual eclectic crowd but way more seating stashed around the place to accommodate. I can't wait for the new cafe. I read that they're going to serve Silver Canyon coffee which makes me happy! read more

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This is a spectacular place to visit and right on the Boulder Creek. They just did a stunning remodel that replaced much of the reading room with computers. The book selection is just adequate but they are tied in with inter-library loans that normally come through. The space is the main draw for me except for the ad hoc homeless shelter that has developed on site in the last several years. It's still a nice place to go to. read more

Boulder Public Library - Lots of computers and windows. - Libraries Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

The Boulder public library is located off of the Boulder Creek path, and is close to downtown and Pearl street. What all this means is great accessible location with ample parking lots on both sides. Looking for a place to park to go to the bars at night? Use these lots. Two large buildings linked by a narrow hallway that acts like a bridge over the Boulder Creek Path, the Boulder Public Library is fairly big. The architecture is actually quite nice on the south side, and the selection is good. Naturally, as a public library, the BPL attracts all sorts of people, including the homeless, which is totally fine...except when they start looking at porn on the free computers. But anyway, while this place may not be as interesting as the Denver Public Library, the Boulder Public Library really holds its own. read more

Boulder Public Library - http://www.macwebguru.com/wp-content/2006/12/boulderpubliclibrarymainbranch.jpg - Libraries Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Lovely place to spend a day. The library is awesome. Activities inside for kids. Restrooms. Clean. Kiosks to checkout / in books. The outdoor play area is small but wonderful for kids to play. Sand, pumps, slides, clean, water climbing area. The creek is great for ppl tubing and playing in water. Great picnic area. Can not say enough good things read more

Incredibly spacious and clean with an embedded cafe, separate children's room, comfy chairs, and even an indoor water feature with free parking, wifi, and work spaces. read more

Large clean library. Went in to use facilities while visiting Boulder. Bathrooms are located inside the middle section from the entrance. read more

More often than not, when I move to a new city the first thing I check out is their library. Some libraries have been horribly disappointing and others have changed my life. None have compared to the Boulder Lublic Library. They have so many books and they're displayed and organized in an easy to look at and easy to find books kind of way. There is ample seating, lights, desks, and outlets; in other words, it's a great place to spend an entire day. The best part though? There's not a book out there that this library can't get you. They're gotten books for me from as far away as Indiana and Michigan. I love this place! read more

As homeowners and taxpayers in Boulder for 30+ years, my family and I have appreciated this library and all it has to offer. The experience today was different--very unusual. This afternoon, I went in to do some job research. I hadn't been in for a long while and did not know the closing time had changed from 9pm to 8 pm. As soon as someone let me know I finished quickly with what I was working on. It was 1 minute after 8 when I walked out the main entrance. But my polite cooperation and compliance weren't enough for the security guard.. He totally harrassed and talked down to me while I was getting ready to leave my work station at 7:57pm. It was overplayed on his part and completely unnecessary. Very upsetting. Thank you for listening. read more

The Boulder Public Library Branch is about as good as a small city library could be. It is perfectly situated in the middle of the city along the beautiful Boulder Creek trail with accessibility to the University Hill and Downtown districts. The outside is almost as wonderful as the inside. the various courtyards around the building and even directly on the creek. On a sunny day, you can see a diverse crowd around the main entrance. The main entrance is phenomenal, great representation of contemporary architecture. Few people realize that it is supposed to represent the iconic Boulder Flatirons not far from the library. The layout is fantastic as well. They have strategically situated express Internet terminals at the entry, with an information desk to boot. Then you see the openness of the library's space. There are two floors for the building. The children's section is situated at the bottom, and following a grand spiralling staircase you reach the reference and periodicals. There is so much wonderful natural light available, and the flexibility of work spaces are a true delight on busy days. If you follow the bridge over the creek to the older wing, you find a nice and affordable cafe. The other wing houses events and art installations. As a CU student, I prefer to go to the public library. It is one of the community's greatest assets. read more

I've been through a plethora of libraries over the past five months. From Walla Walla, Washington to Assawoman, Virginia. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about when I say depositories of books are my thing. The Boulder Public Library is like a sensitive girlfriend that fakes orgasms for you but you think it's real so there's no harm done. And she's cool, she'll cook you breakfast everyday so why are you complaining? Libraries are the forgotten cool sibling who just shows you all this rad shit to do. This particular sibling has relevant magazines, free/fast wifi, and so many study areas to shake an African walking stick at. Plus, the architecture is something to admire -- art galleries, outdoor gardens, and a beautiful pass over Boulder Creek. So boogie your bike down Broadway and pinfold your face into a book. You ain't cool unless you go to the library. read more

I just wanted to update and share a particularly awesome experience I had recently. I had been looking for the first book in the comic series 'Dykes to Watch Out For' by Alison Bechdel for months, and every time I was in the library it was checked out, or on hold, or at another library - and for some reason I hadn't put a hold on it. Last week, I went into the library and the status message on the search said that it was 'Being Shelved'! Super excited, and carrying the 2nd through 6th books of the series in my arms, I veritably galloped over to the customer service desk and shouted 'How do I get a hold of a book that's being shelved?!' The librarian did not blink an eye at my inadvertently using my outdoor voice in the library, and asked me what my book was called. "DYKES TO WATCH OUT FOR!' I exclaimed in the exact same voice. Not only did the librarian not blink an eye at my yelling 'Dykes' in a library, she also called down to the people who, I guess, do the shelving, and had them bring the book to the circulation desk for me. Not only did they do that, but they brought up the wrong book twice (since all the books have a slight variation on the same title, it's easy to mess up) and didn't even get ruffled when they had to keep going up and down the stairs looking for this tiny, ragged little comic book. Still five stars, always five stars - even places with good service sometimes act like you're putting them out. BPL never does - this is but one example of many that I could have related where the librarians did everything in their power to help me find a runaway book. read more

This library is awesome! Friendly and accessible staff are ready to help you. They also have really fun events going on here all of the time! I love the fresh water fish aquarium as well! read more

Absolutely love having the day off and spending it at this place. Sure there is the random angry vagrant, or that annoying bum stench, but most of the time this place glows with beauty. I usually start my time browsing through the magazines, then maybe I might bust out my computer for the free wifi, then look through their cookbooks for dinner ideas, heading down to check out the movies and cds then like to just randomly walk and see what books catch my eye. Lots of great books on hiking and travel too. The staff is very knowledgeable and usually jump at the chance to help you out. There is an amazing online program that can do anything from teach you a language to allow you to download full-print books. read more

I've never reviewed a library before. I've really never had reason. I love books of course but most libraries strike me as rather unremarkable except that famous one in New York. I think this one is even better than that. It has an indoor stream! And super high-tech stuff. And great staff. I've never been to a library with all this going on. Parking is kind of a hassle, but you can rent a book and then walk outside to the actual outdoor stream and sit there reading listening to water flowing by. This place is just cool. read more

I like this library a lot! I look up books online, put a hold on them, and go pick them up, and repeat. Most anything you need, lots of copies, materials in good condition and helpful staff! Building itself is updated enough and pleasant; location is central along Boulder creek and near Bway. Free parking for 3 hrs if using library. read more

I am so impressed by the new Boulder library renovation, especially all of the improvements in the kids' section. I also love the cafe - the service is always friendly and the setting is gorgeous! The food is good, too. Having the cafe here means that I feel like I can spend a whole day working at the library and not have to leave, and I love that. I think the whole STE(A)M program that they've put together is genius and my kids really benefit for the coding workshops. We go every week! I absolutely cannot wait for the Makerspace to open later this week. A huge congratulations to all that have worked so hard on our library. We are truly very fortunate - huge add for the community. read more

Boulder Public Library - Seeds Cafe - Libraries Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

I was at a literature conference here. It's been the most I've been in the library, ever! The Canyon theater is small, but tricked out with a new projector and sound system. Here are some shots from the festival. read more

Boulder Public Library - anne waldman and andrew schelling - Libraries Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

For a city of our size, the Boulder Public Library, and its many branches, is a point of pride. They've got a great selection and offer a large number of services. And the A&E programming is incredible. They also have a really fun, quirky film series and are host to some of the showings of the Boulder International Film Festival. read more

I can not say enough good things about this Boulder Public Library. I grew up coming here. I have found memories of playing in the children's section and checking out mountainous stacks of books. I thought the best way to organize this review would be to make a list. 1) the building is absolutely beautiful. All the reconstruction it underwent has really made the library functional and aesthetically pleasing. 2) the staff are some of the nicest people you will meet. They are always willing to go the extra mile to help out patrons. 3) considering how many people frequent the library the organization is nearly flawless. (There is some problems in the CD section from people not putting things back where they belong) 4) they have plenty of community events and educational classes 5) the little cafe above the Boulder Creek is a great place to spend an afternoon. Honestly I could go on and on. The BPL is one of my favorite places in Boulder. I will continue to go here for years to come. read more

Since I'm not a Boulder resident, I can't really give this place too many stars which I'll get into later. This is by far the cleanest and fanciest library I have ever been to. They have a fountain. An actual Fountain. in the library. This library has multiple floors and is now two buildings attached by a walkway. They have super fancy self checkout machines that seem to be from the future. My library companion decided to try swiping her Denver Public Library Card in the fancy Boulder Public Library Machine and surprise, it did not work. A helpful Boulder Public Library Staff Person came over to help and my friend explained she was trying to see if her Denver card would work here and they employee was kinda like 'um no dude' and walked away once she found out we were lowly Denver residents. The chairs and couches are very nice at this library. They also have booths just like at restaurants such as Bill Grays for you to sit at with your friends and read or maybe do some important research or hide from your annoying spouse. First thing I noticed was that the seating in the library did not smell like BO or urine and also they do not let homeless citizens sit in this library. The orange chairs spin around and their are windows so I can see this being a place I would come and sit when I pretend I'm sick and don't go to work. I guess I'd just read book there since I can't take out Boulder books. They are also building a cafe so you can have a snack. read more