Colorado's oldest libraries do an amazing job protecting and preserving some of the state's historic treasures for future generations.

Read More: Colorado's Pioneer Museums: A Fascinating Look At State History

Keep reading to learn where some of Colorado's oldest libraries are located, what's preserved inside, and how they are making sure it's available for years to come.

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Colorado's Oldest Libraries

Denver Library
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Colorado’s oldest libraries include Liberty Hall at 335 Pratt Street in Longmont (1871), the Woods Free Library in Colorado City (1896), and the Denver and Auraria Reading Room Associates (1860).

Many of the state's oldest libraries have been busy renovating. The Denver Public Library has restored all five of its original Carnegie Branches, adding modern upgrades to their already iconic and historic designs.

The Old Colorado City Branch Library in Colorado Springs is another historic library that's been around since 1904. The building's renovations helped preserve the architectural integrity and allowed the public to continue to use the property.

Preserving the State's History for Future Generations

Colorado Capital
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Some of the unique ways our state preserves the Colorado story include the digitization of historic works and the protection of land.

  • The Colorado State Library supports digitizing historical documents and making them available online. This helps give more of the public access and preserves historical documents while protecting originals.
  • Programs that protect land include the Rocky Mountain Land Library's transformation of a 19th-century ranch into a library of nature and history for researchers and the public.

Read More: Colorado’s Abandoned Railroads: A Hidden History Beneath Our Feet

Western Slope Preservation Projects

Colorado libraries on the Western Slope are also doing their part to protect and preserve the history of the Centennial State in Grand Junction, Delta, and Montrose alike.

Mesa County Public Library in Grand Junction, Colorado

Grand Junction, Colorado
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In Grand Junction, the Mesa County Public Library has digitized the county oral history project which started in 1975. As you can imagine, there are an invaluable number of interviews with area pioneers and their family members that have helped share tons of unique info about the Grand Valley.

Delta, Colorado Public Library

Delta, Colorado
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The city of Delta, Colorado can show the state a thing or two about preserving things for the future. A trip to the Delta Public Library (opened in 1911) can help you learn all about the more than 30 buildings in Delta (including the library) that are protected and recognized for historical significance.

The Montrose Genealogy Center

Montrose Genealogy Center
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The Montrose Genealogy Center is a unique resource to the Western Slope with a huge library that is indexed for family history and local records. It makes it much easier to trace your roots and follow the area's history when so much of the leg work is done. Visit them online at Montrosecogenealogy.org.

RIP: The Top Ten Most Famous People Buried in Colorado

Colorado has been the home of many famous celebrities over the years. Some of our celebrities are so famous that people still visit their graves decades after they have passed on. Scroll on to see some of the most famous gravesites in the Centennial State, and to find out more about the people who made such a name for themselves here in Colorado.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

Exploring the History of Grand Junction, Colorado: From Frontier Town to Small City

If you came to western Colorado in 1880, you probably never would have guessed how the valley would look in 2023. Check out a timeline of significant events that brought Grand Junction from the frontier to a small city from 1880 to 1900.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

MORE: How Much Do You Know About the Odd History of Colorado and Wyoming?

Here's a deep dive of fun facts about Colorado and Wyoming for you to share at your next "Border War" party.

Gallery Credit: Chris Kelly

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