Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library

Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library is part of the Denver Public Library. Webb and First Lady Wilma J. Webb had a shared vision.

The Denver Public Library Commission named the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library. Former Mayor Wellington Webb and First Lady Wilma Webb proposed the name, which combines the last names of Omar Blair, the first black president of the Denver school board, and Elvin Caldwell, the first black City Council member. Background: A Missing Piece of History
Denver Former Mayor Wellington E.

They envisioned a research library and museum to preserve and showcase the many contributions of African Americans to Colorado and the West. Much of that history was in private hands — those of political leaders, community organizations, churches and individuals. Other history was unwritten, still in the heads and hearts of those who had lived it. In 1999, during his third term as Mayor of Denver, Mayor and Mrs. Webb saw the urgent need to collect this legacy in one place before it was lost forever. They proposed construction of an African American Research Library as part of the Denver Public Library system. “There’s so much history, and we need to capture that for young people,” he said. “So much of it is in boxes, in basements, or in our heads.” And so the journey of gathering that history began. By 2000, the Denver Public Library had engaged consultants and a community advisory committee to help plan the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library. Public meetings were held with neighborhoods that would use the facility, and Library staff began to collect personal and professional papers, publications, photographs, works of art and other memorabilia of distinguished African Americans from all walks of life. Finally, groundbreaking for the new library took place in early 2002. The Library continues to thrive as a neighborhood branch, a research library and museum. Plan your visit to the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library today.

And just like that, we've given away our 400th plant at the Propagation Library! Tina took home this Jade plant, planted...
08/12/2026

And just like that, we've given away our 400th plant at the Propagation Library! Tina took home this Jade plant, planted it, and was kind enough to bring it back for a celebratory photoshoot. What should we do for number 500?

We're doing a another Clothing Drive! Give some new or gently used clothing to those in need.Drop Off Time:At 10 AM to 1...
08/11/2026

We're doing a another Clothing Drive! Give some new or gently used clothing to those in need.

Drop Off Time:
At 10 AM to 12 PM

Pick Up Time:
At 1 PM to 5:30 PM

*Please make sure that the clothes donated are clean and untattered.

*We do not accept footwear, accessories, swimsuits, or undergarments. All leftover items will be donated to charity.

08/10/2026

The 2026 One Book One Denver selection is . . .

The Nickel Boys by .

A gripping, beautiful novel about friendship, discrimination, and the cost of survival.

Set at a reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida, The Nickel Boys is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of injustice.

Pick up a free copy at any Denver Public Library location while supplies last, explore programs across the city inspired by the book, and join us on September 25 for an author talk with Colson Whitehead.

End summer break right this week at Storytime!
08/09/2026

End summer break right this week at Storytime!

One book one Denver is on it's way, stay tuned as the reveal is coming out on August 7th. It's going to be a good one, ...
08/05/2026

One book one Denver is on it's way, stay tuned as the reveal is coming out on August 7th. It's going to be a good one, check it out!

A citywide invitation to read, reflect, and come together One Book One Denver is an annual reading experience for adults that brings the city together through a shared story. Each year begins with a Book Reveal on August 7, followed by programming across Denver throughout August and September in lib...

We'd love to have you at Storytime this week!
08/02/2026

We'd love to have you at Storytime this week!

We'd love to see you at the library this month!
08/01/2026

We'd love to see you at the library this month!

07/30/2026

We’re so sorry, Storytime is canceled for today (7/30) but we hope to see you next week!

Come celebrate summer and all the great ways families, friends, and neighborhoods can play together! Join us for free fu...
07/28/2026

Come celebrate summer and all the great ways families, friends, and neighborhoods can play together! Join us for free fun, including yard games, chalk art, and a bubble dance party!

It's a week of community at the library! We'd love for you to join us!
07/26/2026

It's a week of community at the library! We'd love for you to join us!

Address

2401 Welton Street
Denver, CO
80205

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(720) 865-2401

Website

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