Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library
🏢 Central Dakota Library Network · Bismarck, North Dakota
Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library
North Dakota's capital-city library, the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library fills a full downtown city block at 515 N 5th Street with more than 185,000 items, a coffee house and a Library of Things — and stays open until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–9pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–9pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–9pm |
| Thursday | 9am–9pm |
| Friday | 9am–6pm |
| Saturday | 9am–6pm |
| Sunday | 1pm–6pm |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 515 N 5th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 355-1480
Website: bismarcklibrary.org
Plus Code: 85RXR668+2H (Bismarck, ND)
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📖 About Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library
The Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library is the public library of Bismarck, North Dakota's capital, and serves more than 50,000 residents across Burleigh County. It began in 1917 as a Carnegie library at Thayer Avenue and 6th Street, built with a $25,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie. In 1963 the library moved to a larger building at 6th Street and Avenue A, financed by a veterans' bond levy — the moment it was renamed to honor the area's veterans. The current 70,000-square-foot building opened in 1987, occupying an entire city block with its entrance at 515 N 5th Street. Today the library is a member of the Central Dakota Library Network, a consortium of about 20 libraries across five counties, so a Bismarck card reaches a shared regional catalog and collection.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Historic roots as a 1917 Andrew Carnegie library; renamed for area veterans in 1963 and rebuilt as the current 70,000 sq ft downtown building in 1987
- Collection of more than 185,000 items serving 50,000+ residents of Burleigh County
- On-site Gifted Bean coffee house and a growing Library of Things (including birdwatching kits with binoculars and field guides)
- Member of the Central Dakota Library Network — a shared catalog and collection across roughly 20 libraries in five counties
- Open late until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, plus Saturday and Sunday afternoon hours
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Bismarck cardholders can stream, download and research free, 24/7:
📚 Services
- Reservable meeting and study rooms
- The Gifted Bean coffee house on site
- Library of Things lending (including birdwatching kits)
- Mobile printing from your own device
- Ask a Librarian reference help
- Public computers, printing & free Wi-Fi
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes and the Parent-Infant Singing Project
- Adult book clubs (Lunch Break, Potluck, Mysteries)
- Library Bird Club, Stitch Days and Mahjong Club
- English-language learning circles
- "Move It or Lose It" adult mobility classes and an Autumn Movie Series
📍 Nearby Libraries in Central North Dakota
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Bismarck · Browse all North Dakota libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library?
The library started in 1917 as a Carnegie-funded Bismarck Public Library. When it moved to a larger building in 1963, the project was financed by a veterans' bond levy, and the library was renamed to honor the area's veterans. The current building opened in 1987 at 515 N 5th Street, but the memorial name has carried through every move.
Which nights is the library open late, and what are the weekend hours?
The library is open until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday it runs 9 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sunday is a shorter afternoon shift from 1 p.m.–6 p.m.
What can I borrow besides books from the Library of Things?
Beyond its 185,000-plus item collection, the library lends non-traditional items through its Library of Things — for example, birdwatching kits that pair binoculars with field guides. It also runs a Library Bird Club, and there's a Gifted Bean coffee house on site if you want to settle in.
Can I use my Bismarck library card at other North Dakota libraries?
Yes. The library is part of the Central Dakota Library Network, a consortium of roughly 20 libraries across five counties that share a catalog and collection, so your card reaches materials well beyond Bismarck. Statewide, North Dakota residents can also stream and download free through Libby and the North Dakota State Library's online resources.
🧰 This library lends a “Library of Things.” See what you can borrow besides books and find other libraries with a Library of Things Library of Things by state.
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