The Bismarck Veterans Memorial Library, located in Bismarck, North Dakota, is a state-of-the-art public library that serves as a hub for community engagement, education, and entertainment. With a collection of over 200,000 items, including books, audiobooks, e-books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, and CDs, the library offers a vast array of resources for patrons of all ages. The library's mission is to provide free and equal access to information, foster a love of reading, and promote lifelong learning.
History and Architecture
The Bismarck Veterans Memorial Library was established in 1919 as a memorial to the soldiers who fought in World War I. The original library building was dedicated on November 11, 1920, and featured a beautiful Beaux-Arts design with a grand staircase, high ceilings, and large windows. Over the years, the library has undergone several expansions and renovations, including a major addition in 1980 that doubled the library’s size. The current building, which was completed in 2006, features a modern and sleek design with a large atrium, comfortable seating areas, and state-of-the-art technology.
Services and Programs
The Bismarck Veterans Memorial Library offers a wide range of services and programs for children, teens, and adults. The library’s children’s department features a vast collection of picture books, early readers, and chapter books, as well as a variety of programs and activities, including storytime, book clubs, and craft sessions. The teen department offers a collection of young adult fiction and nonfiction, as well as programs and activities, such as book discussions, movie nights, and gaming events. The library also offers a variety of programs and services for adults, including author readings, book clubs, and computer classes.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Interlibrary Loan | Borrow books and other materials from other libraries |
| Reference Services | Get help with research and answer questions |
| Computer Access | Use public computers and access the internet |
| Meeting Rooms | Reserve meeting rooms for community events and activities |
Collection and Resources
The Bismarck Veterans Memorial Library’s collection includes a wide range of materials, including fiction and nonfiction books, audiobooks, e-books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, and CDs. The library also offers a variety of digital resources, including online databases, e-books, and streaming services. Some of the library’s notable collections include the North Dakota Collection, which features books and other materials about the state’s history and culture, and the Genealogy Collection, which includes resources for researching family history.
Digital Resources
The Bismarck Veterans Memorial Library offers a variety of digital resources, including online databases, e-books, and streaming services. Some of the library’s digital resources include OverDrive, which offers e-books and audiobooks for download, and Hoopla, which offers streaming music, movies, and TV shows. The library also offers online access to newspapers and magazines, including the Bismarck Tribune and the New York Times.
- OverDrive: e-books and audiobooks for download
- Hoopla: streaming music, movies, and TV shows
- NewspaperArchive: online access to historical newspapers
- Ancestry.com: online access to genealogy resources
What are the library’s hours of operation?
+The library is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
How do I get a library card?
+To get a library card, you will need to provide proof of residency and a valid form of identification. You can apply for a library card in person at the library or online through the library’s website.
What services does the library offer for children?
+The library offers a variety of services for children, including storytime, book clubs, and craft sessions. The library also has a children’s department with a vast collection of picture books, early readers, and chapter books.
