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.

Need some recommendations for things to read and watch this month? Check out our September Staff Picks!
09/02/2026

Need some recommendations for things to read and watch this month? Check out our September Staff Picks!

As part of the One Book One Denver programming, Blair-Calwell Library is hosting an important conversation with our este...
09/01/2026

As part of the One Book One Denver programming, Blair-Calwell Library is hosting an important conversation with our esteemed panelists! Be sure to register for the event.

We'd love to see you in the library this month! What events are you excited for?
09/01/2026

We'd love to see you in the library this month! What events are you excited for?

Come join us for Storytime this week! There's also an exciting panel for One Book One Denver!!
08/30/2026

Come join us for Storytime this week! There's also an exciting panel for One Book One Denver!!

08/27/2026

We apologize, but the Propagation Library will be closed for the remainder of the week for maintenance with the goal of reopening on Monday. Thanks for your patience!

Join Dr. Christopher Hunt for a lecture and conversation exploring Baldwin’s struggle against Black despair amid nationa...
08/25/2026

Join Dr. Christopher Hunt for a lecture and conversation exploring Baldwin’s struggle against Black despair amid national and global turmoil, and the radical vision of hope that runs through his work.

Learn how to maintain your garden during the summer/fall from a Master Gardener!
08/24/2026

Learn how to maintain your garden during the summer/fall from a Master Gardener!

Join us for a special Preserving Legacies conversation presented in partnership with One Book One Denver. Learn how to r...
08/24/2026

Join us for a special Preserving Legacies conversation presented in partnership with One Book One Denver. Learn how to research family properties, trace Colorado migrations, and uncover how the land, buildings, and rooms where lives were shaped and sometimes erased still hold memories.

There's lots to learn at the library this week!
08/24/2026

There's lots to learn at the library this week!

Join Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) on Tuesday, August 27 for a virtual public meeting...
08/20/2026

Join Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) on Tuesday, August 27 for a virtual public meeting on the Welton Next Steps project!

DOTI will community feedback on proposed improvements to Welton Street. Your input is essential as we move this project forward.

Date: Tuesday, August 27

Time: 5:30–7:00 PM

Location: Virtual

Sign up on the project webpage: https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Department-of-Transportation-and-Infrastructure/Programs-Services/Projects/Welton-Next-Steps

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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