John "Thunderbird Man" Emhoolah, Jr. Branch Library
🏢 Denver Public Library — Denver, Colorado
John "Thunderbird Man" Emhoolah, Jr. Branch Library
A 1918 Carnegie library in the heart of Denver's Art District on Santa Fe, this branch was renamed in 2021 to honor Kiowa-Arapaho educator and veteran John "Thunderbird Man" Emhoolah, Jr.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays.
📍 Location & Contact
Address: 675 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204
Phone: (720) 865-0160
Website: denverlibrary.org
📖 About John "Thunderbird Man" Emhoolah, Jr. Branch Library
Opened in 1918 as the Byers Branch, this is one of Denver's five original Andrew Carnegie-funded library buildings, designed by the firm Varian & Varian for roughly $22,000. In 2021, after a two-year community-led research and voting process, the branch was renamed for John "Thunderbird Man" Emhoolah, Jr., a member of the Kiowa and Arapaho Tribes, a Korean War veteran of the U.S. Army's 45th Thunderbird Division, and an Indigenous educator whose career spanned fifty years. The change followed research showing the original namesake, Rocky Mountain News founder William N. Byers, had supported the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre against the Cheyenne and Arapaho people. The building sits on Santa Fe Drive in the La Alma-Lincoln Park area, at the center of one of Denver's most vibrant arts corridors. It was recently renovated through the voter-approved Elevate Denver bond program. The branch offers a parking lot, bike parking, outdoor seating, ADA-operated doors, and language-support services.
⭐ What makes this branch special
- One of Denver's five original 1918 Carnegie library buildings
- Renamed in 2021 to honor Kiowa-Arapaho veteran and educator John "Thunderbird Man" Emhoolah, Jr.
- Located in the Art District on Santa Fe, a hub of galleries and First Friday events
- Recently renovated through the Elevate Denver bond program
📱 Free with a Denver Public Library Card
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Byers Branch renamed the Emhoolah Branch?
After a two-year community research and voting process, Denver Public Library renamed the branch in 2021. The former namesake, William N. Byers, had supported the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre, so the branch was renamed to honor John "Thunderbird Man" Emhoolah, Jr., a Kiowa and Arapaho educator and veteran.
Is the Emhoolah Branch really a Carnegie library?
Yes. It opened in 1918 as one of Denver's five original library buildings funded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, and the historic building still serves the neighborhood today.
Is the branch open on weekends?
No. This branch is closed on both Saturday and Sunday. It is open Monday through Friday, closing at 6 PM Monday through Thursday and at 5 PM on Friday.