Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library
A vital cultural center preserving and celebrating African American history in Denver's historic Five Points neighborhood.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Museum access
Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library
Best Time
Museum access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital cultural center preserving and celebrating African American history in Denver's historic Five Points neighborhood.
"A great library to learn some black history. Check it out!"
🎯 Museum Hours Vary
The museum floors have limited hours (often 12-4 PM). Check Denver Public Library for current times.
📚 Explore the Archives
The second floor houses valuable research materials, perfect for deep dives into Black history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Five Points History Exhibit
Third Floor
Explore Denver's vibrant Black history and the achievements of Coloradans. A must-see for understanding the region's roots.
Black History Month Art Exhibit
Gallery Space
Discover stunning works by talented Black artists, often showcased during February and extending into spring.
Research & Archives
Second Floor
Delve into a rich collection of materials for in-depth study of African American history and culture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Dual Nature
Check Museum Hours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Museum Hours Vary
The museum floors have limited hours (often 12-4 PM). Check Denver Public Library for current times.
📚 Explore the Archives
The second floor houses valuable research materials, perfect for deep dives into Black history.
🖼️ Art Exhibits
Look out for special art exhibitions, especially around Black History Month.
📍 Five Points Farmers Market
Visit the nearby market on Saturdays for local produce and community vibes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Museum Hours Vary
The museum floors have limited hours (often 12-4 PM). Check Denver Public Library for current times.
📚 Explore the Archives
The second floor houses valuable research materials, perfect for deep dives into Black history.
🖼️ Art Exhibits
Look out for special art exhibitions, especially around Black History Month.
📍 Five Points Farmers Market
Visit the nearby market on Saturdays for local produce and community vibes.
💻 Computer Issues
Some visitors report slow computers. Be patient or use other library branches if needed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library for its invaluable exhibits on Five Points history and African American achievements in Colorado, calling it a vital cultural institution. However, some note that the museum hours are limited and computer systems can be slow, impacting the overall user experience.
"Finally took a full visit. Library has 3 floors but I would say that's still on the smaller side based on what you can do here. First floor has the resource materials (books, computers, CDs, etc). Second floor is the research/reading room. They have a lot of good books in here that I wish you could check out. Also keep in mind this area is open from 12-4 and doesn't go by library hours. The third floor has an exhibit of five points history and black people accomplished accolades in Colorado or are from Colorado. They even have an area where they play a short film on five points history. Being a transplant I really enjoyed the exhibit and actually learned some things.
I'm sure this is for a reason, but I wish they had more seating/working areas on not just the first floor. For me it was too many people and no room.
But a great library to learn some black history. Check it out"
Daijah
"As the title states, this is the African-American satellite of the Denver Public library system, and it is obvious since the minute you walk in!! it’s really beautiful how this library expresses and showcases the history of African-American culture throughout the decades and centuries and fully equipped with millions of resources for people to educate themselves on."
Kim HE
"The computer are slow to turn on! Next they lag noticeably slow to open a page! Even when inputting the library card correctly it rejects the the accurate information! Its like resetting your password then the server or computer says you can't use your old password for a renewed one. This anomaly is unwarranted, it their something wrong with the computers? Does it need a software update? Is their something wrong with the servers? Do my taxes not go to upkeep and maintenance ? How to do I ask for I.T?"
Ernesto Moreno
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The library is located at 2401 Welton St, Denver, CO 80205, in the historic Five Points neighborhood. It's accessible by public transportation, with several bus routes serving the area. Parking can be limited, so consider ride-sharing or public transit.
Street parking is available in the Five Points neighborhood, but it can be competitive, especially on market days. Some visitors suggest using ride-sharing services or public transport to avoid parking hassles.
Many visitors enjoy walking around the historic Five Points neighborhood after visiting the library to soak in the atmosphere and discover local businesses.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general admission to the public library floors is free. Access to the museum and research areas is also typically free, but it's always a good idea to check the Denver Public Library website for any special exhibit fees or access requirements.
The library's public floors generally follow Denver Public Library hours. However, the museum and research areas on the second and third floors have more limited hours, often from 12 PM to 4 PM. It's crucial to verify these specific hours on the DPL website before your visit.
While the second floor houses extensive research materials, many of these items are for in-library use only and cannot be checked out. The first floor offers a broader selection of circulating materials.
Typically, there is no admission fee for the exhibits at the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library. However, special events or temporary exhibitions might have associated costs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the public library resources on the first floor, delve into historical archives and research materials on the second floor, and experience exhibits on Five Points history and African American achievements in Colorado on the third floor.
As a branch of the Denver Public Library, the Blair-Caldwell Library is generally designed to be accessible. It's recommended to contact the library directly for specific accessibility needs or questions.
Yes, the first floor of the library offers public computers. However, some users have noted that these computers can be slow.
Five Points is a historically significant African American neighborhood in Denver, known for its vibrant cultural scene, jazz clubs, and community activism. The library plays a key role in preserving and sharing this history. +1
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in public areas of the library. However, flash photography or professional photography may require special permission. It's best to check with library staff if you plan extensive photo or video recording.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Five Points neighborhood has several dining options, from casual eateries to more established restaurants. The Saturday farmers market also offers food vendors.
Generally, food and drinks are not permitted in the library's research areas or exhibit spaces to protect the collections. There may be designated areas for consumption.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the exterior architecture, the bronze relief on the Welton side, and any art exhibits. The historical displays inside also offer unique visual storytelling opportunities.
Filming for personal use is usually allowed, but for commercial or professional projects, you'll likely need to obtain permission from the Denver Public Library.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Tip: Check the Denver Public Library's event calendar for any family-friendly programming hosted at the Blair-Caldwell branch. The library's role as a community space means there are often activities designed to engage all ages.
📚 History Buffs & Researchers
Don't miss the Five Points history exhibit on the third floor, which provides crucial context and narrative. The library's staff are often knowledgeable about the collections and can offer guidance. Be sure to confirm the specific operating hours for the museum and research floors, as they differ from the main library.
🎨 Art & Culture Enthusiasts
Beyond the visual arts, the library's connection to the Five Points neighborhood means you're immersed in an area rich with cultural history, including its past as a jazz hub. Keep an eye on the library's event schedule for talks, performances, or artist meet-and-greets that align with your interests.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Five Points History
Through artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, the exhibit provides a compelling narrative of resilience, achievement, and the ongoing legacy of the Black community in Colorado. A short film often plays, offering a concise yet powerful overview of Five Points' historical significance. This is an essential stop for anyone wanting to understand Denver's diverse heritage beyond the typical tourist trails.
Traveler Tip: Many visitors, especially transplants, express surprise at how much they learn from this exhibit, highlighting its educational value for understanding the local context.
Accessing the Archives and Research Collections
Visitors can expect to find a range of materials, including historical documents, photographs, oral histories, and potentially rare books that are not available for general checkout. The library staff, particularly the librarians specializing in special collections, are often a great resource for navigating these archives. Be prepared for a focused research environment, as this space is designed for quiet study and in-depth exploration.
Community Insight: Some users have mentioned that certain materials within the archives are for in-library use only, emphasizing the importance of planning your visit to maximize your time with these unique resources.
Community Hub and Local Events
The library also frequently hosts events, workshops, and art exhibitions, particularly around cultural observances like Black History Month. These events foster a sense of connection and provide platforms for local artists, educators, and community leaders. For instance, the library has been a venue for discussions on banned books and has showcased art from various Black artists.
+1Local Flavor: The library's proximity to the Mo' Betta Green Marketplace, a popular Saturday farmers market, further enhances its role as a community gathering spot. This makes visiting the library on a Saturday a great way to experience both local history and contemporary community life.
+1
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