Our Library: a Piece of Colorado History

Before Longmont had paved streets, it had a library

Longmont was just beginning to take shape in 1871 when philanthropist Elizabeth Thompson gave the community an extraordinary gift: nearly 300 books, more than 3,000 engravings and prints from the renowned Thompson Collection, and funding to build Library Hall. Located at 355 Pratt St., it became Colorado’s first permanent free public library and Longmont’s first cultural, educational and civic gathering place. Town meetings, celebrations, debates and church services were all held there before many public buildings existed.

Longmont soon outgrew Library Hall. In 1913, library services moved to the Carnegie Library, now home to Longmont Public Media. The Longmont Public Library on Emery Street opened in 1972 and continues to serve the community today.

Elizabeth Thompson believed every community deserved a welcoming place to learn, grow and belong. More than 150 years later, her vision echoes through every Storytime, author talk, Libby login, free event and every person who walks through the Library’s doors in search of something new.

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This story is one of many celebrating the triple anniversary of Longmont turning 155, Colorado turning 150, and America turning 250. In August, we celebrate schools and libraries. Check the City’s social media accounts each Thursday to learn more.

Photo captions, clockwise from top left: Tony Olmedo, age 7, watching a filmstrip at the Longmont Public Librarym 1978. A large group congregated on the steps of the old Longmont Library, with snow banked high on each side, 1913-1923. Boys reading in the Library’s reading bathtub at the Longmont Public Library, 1976. Elizabeth Thompson, who funded Library Hall, which was the first public library in Colorado, founded in 1871.