When people first learn about the Boulder Library Foundation, they often ask an important question: Isn’t the Library funded through taxes? The answer is “Yes. But also, no.”
Our tax dollars support the Boulder Public Library’s facilities and staff, which is a great start. But our Library’s programs—including some of BPL’s most popular, Summer of Discovery, and the innovative BLDG 61 Makerspace—require outside funding.
Since 1974, the Boulder Library Foundation has been bringing people together to ensure our Library can continue developing meaningful educational programs for our community.
What We Fund

Cultural Experiences &
Creativity Initiatives
Championing the arts to enrich our community, and providing resources and opportunities that cultivate curiosity and encourage innovation.

North Boulder Library Branch
Raising funds for the development and construction of the new North Boulder Library Branch.
Become a friend of the Foundation.
We love Boulder, and we believe our public Library should have the resources it needs
to develop innovative artistic and educational programs that enrich our community.
Become a friend of the Foundation today to help foster a community
of lifetime learning and engagement.
Featured Events
The Cultural Caravan brings great music to the Canyon Theater stage in 2023!
The Boulder Library Foundation is proud to introduce the Cultural Caravan as its artists-in-residence for the 2023 season! The Cultural Caravan is a 501(c) organization that has been bringing small businesses, social-service nonprofits, municipal...
Join us for our biggest event of the year
Join us for our biggest, most entertaining event of the year. “From the Page to the Stage” a fundraising gala to support library programming, will take place Thursday, Nov. 17 at the Boulder Main Library’s Canyon Theater. Feel the transformative...
Summer of Discovery: June 1 – July 31
One of Boulder Library Foundation's largest annual investments is in Summer of Discovery. This year, we're teaming with sponsors Good Crisp Company, Cold Stone Creamery and Gateway Fun Park to make it even better.Sign up for Boulder Public...
You’re invited: Maker Made 2022
One of the best things we've done together in recent memory is to fund the creation and upkeep of the BLDG 61 maker space. We invite you to celebrate and learn more about the local maker movement with the return of Maker Made 2022, a gallery show...
Midday Music Meditation moves back inside at Main!
Midday Music Meditation is moving back to the Main Library branch after a long stretch of performances out in the community.Join us Feb. 9 from noon to 1 p.m. for an hour of beautifully improvised music featuring instruments from around the...
The Cultural Caravan brings great music to the Canyon Theater stage in 2023!
The Boulder Library Foundation is proud to introduce the Cultural Caravan as...
Join us for our biggest event of the year
Join us for our biggest, most entertaining event of the year. “From the Page...
Summer of Discovery: June 1 – July 31
One of Boulder Library Foundation's largest annual investments is in Summer of...
You’re invited: Maker Made 2022
One of the best things we've done together in recent memory is to fund the...
Midday Music Meditation moves back inside at Main!
Midday Music Meditation is moving back to the Main Library branch after a long...
Our Blog
Foundation secures $700K playground grant for NoBo Library
Defend Public Libraries – Donate Today
Across the country, public libraries are under attack. Battles over banning books have placed librarians in the middle...
David Farnan: The Value of Public Libraries
Boulder Public Library Director David Farnan recently gave a fascinating keynote speech to Boulder Rotary on the topic...
New leadership joins Foundation board
The Boulder Library Foundation’s board welcomes four new directors and an additional representative to its board from...
Video re-mix rings in New year
Together, we make a difference at Boulder Library Foundation
Local diarist launches affordable housing archive project at Carnegie
Fall 2021- BLF Concert Series Update
Chris Barge Joins BLF as Executive Director
Arts in the Park Summer 2021 – Arts for All
Sustainable Library Funding
Foundation secures $700K playground grant for NoBo Library
Defend Public Libraries – Donate Today
Across the country, public libraries are under attack. Battles over banning books have placed librarians in the middle...
David Farnan: The Value of Public Libraries
Boulder Public Library Director David Farnan recently gave a fascinating keynote speech to Boulder Rotary on the topic...
New leadership joins Foundation board
The Boulder Library Foundation’s board welcomes four new directors and an additional representative to its board from...
Video re-mix rings in New year
Together, we make a difference at Boulder Library Foundation
Local diarist launches affordable housing archive project at Carnegie
Fall 2021- BLF Concert Series Update
Chris Barge Joins BLF as Executive Director
Arts in the Park Summer 2021 – Arts for All
Sustainable Library Funding

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