Washburn Public Library
🏢 Central Dakota Library Network · Washburn, North Dakota
Washburn Public Library
On Main Avenue in Washburn — the McLean County seat on the Missouri River — the Washburn Public Library offers four full weekday evenings plus Saturday mornings, a lending collection that includes North Dakota State Park Passes and STEAM Kits, and a 24-hour sidewalk produce shelf that has become a community gathering point all its own.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–6pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–6pm |
| Thursday | 10am–6pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10am–1pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 705 Main Avenue, Washburn, ND 58577
Phone: (701) 462-8180
Website: washburnndlibrary.com
Plus Code: 85VW7XQC+FF (Washburn, ND)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Washburn Public Library
The Washburn Public Library serves as the public library of Washburn, North Dakota, the McLean County seat situated along the Missouri River midway between Bismarck and Minot. The library occupies a standalone building at 705 Main Avenue and participates in the Central Dakota Library Network, which gives cardholders access to a shared online catalog and interlibrary loan services across the region. Its collection spans books (including graphic novels and manga), DVDs, e-books, and specialized lending items such as STEAM Kits and puzzles. A distinctive community amenity is the free 24-hour Produce Shelf on the Main Avenue sidewalk — a take-one, leave-one, or trade station open year-round. The library also provides test proctoring services for students in the area. Monthly adult book club meetings, preschool storytimes and group movie screenings round out a program calendar that serves Washburn's roughly 1,300 residents as well as visitors to the nearby Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Lends North Dakota State Park Passes — borrow a pass and visit any of the state's parks free for a weekend
- STEAM Kits, puzzles and games available for checkout alongside the standard book and DVD collection
- Test proctoring service for students taking remote or online examinations
- Free 24-hour Community Produce Shelf on the sidewalk outside — take, leave or trade fresh produce any time
- Open Monday through Thursday plus Saturday mornings, with a strong evening schedule (closes 6 pm weekdays)
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Washburn cardholders can borrow, stream and research free through North Dakota's statewide and regional digital collections:
📚 Services
- Books, graphic novels, manga, DVDs, e-books and audiobooks
- STEAM Kits, puzzles and games for checkout
- North Dakota State Park Passes lending program
- Test proctoring for remote and online exams
- Public access computers and free Wi-Fi
- Interlibrary loan through the Central Dakota Library Network
- Free 24-hour community produce shelf (sidewalk, year-round)
🎸 Programs
- Monthly adult book club with discussion and optional potluck dinner
- Preschool children's storytime
- Group movie screenings
- Summer reading program
- Community events and Friends of the Library activities
📍 Nearby Libraries in McLean County
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Washburn · Browse all North Dakota libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I borrow a North Dakota State Park Pass from the Washburn Public Library?
Yes. The Washburn Public Library participates in the ND State Park Passes lending program. Cardholders can check out a pass that provides free entry to North Dakota state parks for a short loan period — a great option for families planning a weekend outing near the Missouri River.
Does the library offer test proctoring?
Yes. The library provides test proctoring for students taking online or remote exams. Contact the library in advance to schedule an appointment and discuss any requirements from your institution.
What is the Community Produce Shelf I've heard about?
The Washburn Public Library maintains a free produce shelf on the sidewalk in front of the building at 705 Main Avenue. It is open 24 hours a day and operates on a take-one, leave-one or trade basis — anyone is welcome to drop off or pick up fresh fruits, vegetables or other produce at any time, even when the library is closed.
Is there a book club at the Washburn Public Library, and is it open to newcomers?
Yes. The library hosts a monthly adult book club that meets on the last Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. for discussion and an optional potluck dinner. The club is open to anyone interested — you do not need to have finished the book to attend. Extra copies of the current selection are usually available at the library.
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