St Louis Library Hours 2026
Last Updated: March 2026 | Verified by Editorial Team
The St. Louis metro area features two major public library systems: St. Louis Public Library (SLPL) serving the city with 16 locations, and St. Louis County Library (SLCL) with 20 branches throughout the county. Add world-class university libraries at Washington University and Saint Louis University, and you have one of the Midwest's richest library networks.
About St Louis Libraries
The St. Louis Public Library serves the City of St. Louis with 16 locations, anchored by the stunning Cass Gilbert-designed Central Library that opened in 1912. SLPL offers free cards to all Missouri residents.
Location & Contact
1301 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 241-2288
| Monday - Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Features: Stunning Beaux-Arts architecture, St. Louis history and genealogy collection, art gallery, meeting rooms, free parking garage
Insider Tip: The building itself is a must-see with its marble staircases, ornate ceilings, and grand reading rooms. The genealogy collection includes city directories back to 1821 and St. Louis vital records. Free parking is available in the garage on Locust Street.
Location & Contact
225 N. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 367-4120
| Monday - Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Features: Central West End location, extensive children's collection, popular study destination
Location & Contact
6800 Michigan Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63111
(314) 352-2900
| Monday - Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Features: Historic south city neighborhood, strong community programs
Location & Contact
2260 S. Vandeventer Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 771-4881
| Monday - Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Features: Near Tower Grove Park, convenient mid-city location
St Louis Library Branches
St. Louis County Library operates 20 branches throughout St. Louis County, serving over one million residents. SLCL consistently ranks among the top library systems in the nation for circulation and programming.
Location & Contact
1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63131
(314) 994-3300
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Features: Largest county branch, extensive genealogy collection, popular materials, meeting rooms, The Lab makerspace
Location & Contact
5765 Telegraph Road, St. Louis, MO 63129
(314) 894-2100
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Features: South County location, near Cliff Cave Park, strong children's programming
Location & Contact
300 Clarkson Road, Ellisville, MO 63011
(636) 391-1710
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Features: West County, popular family destination, extensive DVD collection
Location & Contact
195 New Florissant Road S., Florissant, MO 63031
(314) 838-5571
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Features: North County hub, job assistance resources, teen center
St. Louis is home to several
St. Louis is home to several major research universities with impressive library collections. Washington University's library system is particularly renowned for its special collections and research facilities.
Location
1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130
(314) 935-5400
| Monday - Thursday | 7:30 AM - 2:00 AM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM |
Features: Special Collections Research Center, Julian Edison Department of Special Collections, Film & Media Archive, beautiful Gothic architecture
Insider Tip: The public can visit during regular hours and access the Special Collections Research Center by appointment. The Danforth Campus is gorgeous for walking, and the library building is an architectural gem worth seeing.
Location
3650 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 977-3100
| Monday - Thursday | 7:30 AM - 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM |
Features: Vatican Film Library (microfilm of Vatican manuscripts), Special Collections, Catholic history resources, Midtown location
Location
1 University Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63121
(314) 516-5057
| Monday - Thursday | 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Features: St. Louis Mercantile Library Association (one of oldest libraries west of Mississippi), Western Historical Manuscript Collection
Special Collections
Central Library houses St
Central Library houses St. Louis city directories from 1821, vital records, newspapers, and neighborhood histories. Free access to Ancestry.com on library computers. Staff genealogists can help with research.
The only complete microfilm copy of
The only complete microfilm copy of the Vatican Library's manuscript collection in the Western Hemisphere. Over 37,000 manuscripts available for research, making SLU a destination for medieval scholars worldwide.
Quick Fact
Founded in 1846, one of the oldest libraries west of the Mississippi. Features art gallery, rare books, and extensive collections on westward expansion, riverboat history, and St. Louis business history.
Quick Fact
Modern literature and poetry, German exile literature, Samuel Beckett archive, and extensive holdings in American and English literature. Film & Media Archive includes rare silent films.
About St Louis Libraries
Quick Fact
Start at SLPL Central for city research or SLCL Headquarters for county records. Both offer free Ancestry.com access and staff assistance. The Missouri History Museum library is also excellent for regional genealogy.
Quick Fact
Wash U's Olin Library stays open until 2 AM during the school year - even non-students can use the building during day hours. SLCL's The Lab makerspace offers free 3D printing and equipment for all cardholders.
St Louis Library Services
Both library systems offer excellent children's programming. SLCL branches typically have more weekend and Sunday hours. Summer reading programs at both systems include prizes and events throughout the metro area.
Quick Fact
The Vatican Film Library at SLU is internationally significant for medieval research. Wash U Special Collections are accessible by appointment. The Mercantile Library at UMSL is essential for Missouri and western history.
The St. Louis public library system
The St. Louis public library system serves the community with multiple branches offering free access to books, digital resources, computers, and community programs. As a publicly funded institution, the library provides essential services to residents of all ages and backgrounds.
Notable Fact
St. Louis's library system reflects the city's unique character and community needs. Like most American public library systems, it operates on the principle that information access should be free and equitable. The library serves as both a quiet study space and a vibrant community center, adapting its programs to serve St. Louis's diverse population.
Free Library Cards
Library cards are free for St. Louis residents. Visit any branch with a valid photo ID and proof of your St. Louis address. Most branches issue cards on the spot. Many St. Louis libraries also offer instant digital cards through their website, giving you immediate access to eBooks, audiobooks, and online databases before you even visit a branch.
Digital Resources
St. Louis libraries offer far more than just book lending. Most branches provide free WiFi and computer access, meeting room rentals, printing and scanning services, children's storytimes, teen programs, and adult education classes. Many branches also offer job search assistance, tax preparation help during filing season, and notary services.
Visitor Tip: Check St. Louis library's website for their events calendar before visiting. Many branches host free workshops, author talks, and community events that aren't widely advertised. Weekday mornings tend to be the quietest times to visit for focused study or research.
Did you know? American public libraries circulate more than 2 billion items per year. The St. Louis library system contributes to this by serving its community with resources worth hundreds of dollars per household annually — all completely free with a library card.
Frequently Asked Questions
St. Louis Public Library Central at
St. Louis Public Library Central at 1301 Olive Street is open Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, closed Sunday. The historic Cass Gilbert building houses special collections including genealogy resources and St. Louis history materials.
St. Louis Public Library (SLPL) serves the City of St. Louis with 16 location...
St. Louis Public Library (SLPL) serves the City of St. Louis with 16 locations. St. Louis County Library (SLCL) is a separate system serving St. Louis County with 20 branches. Both offer free cards to Missouri residents, and reciprocal borrowing agreements allow use of either system with your home library card.
St. Louis City residents get free SLPL cards by visiting any branch with phot...
St. Louis City residents get free SLPL cards by visiting any branch with photo ID and proof of address. County residents get free SLCL cards the same way. All Missouri residents can get cards at either system. Digital cards are available online for immediate access to eBooks and digital resources.
Washington University's Olin Library is open to the public for in-library use...
Washington University's Olin Library is open to the public for in-library use during regular hours. Community borrower cards are available for $100/year for checkout privileges. The Special Collections Research Center is free to access by appointment for all researchers.
SLPL Central Library has the strongest collection for St. Louis City research...
SLPL Central Library has the strongest collection for St. Louis City research, including vital records and city directories back to 1821. SLCL Headquarters in Clayton also has extensive genealogy resources. Both offer free Ancestry.com access on library computers with knowledgeable staff available to assist.
St. Louis Insider Tips Libraries
The Cass Gilbert-designed Central Library (1912) fea...
The Cass Gilbert-designed Central Library (1912) features marble staircases, gilded ceilings, and a stunning Grand Hall. FREE self-guided architecture tours available - ask at the desk for the brochure. Best photos: morning light through east windows.
Both SLPL and SLCL offer FREE
Both SLPL and SLCL offer FREE Ancestry.com, Fold3, and Newspapers.com access on library computers. SLPL Central has staff genealogists who can help with St. Louis research - no appointment needed, just ask at the Local History desk.
Saint Louis University's Pius XII Library houses the...
Saint Louis University's Pius XII Library houses the ONLY complete microfilm copy of Vatican Library manuscripts in the Western Hemisphere. Medieval scholars fly here from around the world. Public access by appointment - free to all researchers.
The St
The St. Louis Mercantile Library at UMSL (founded 1846) is one of the oldest libraries west of the Mississippi. Features FREE art exhibitions, rare books on westward expansion, and amazing riverboat/railroad collections. Most visitors don't know it exists!
SLCL Headquarters features "The Lab" -
SLCL Headquarters features "The Lab" - a FREE makerspace with 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and recording studio. All equipment is FREE to use with a library card. Staff teach you how to use everything.
Washington University's Olin Library stays open unti...
Washington University's Olin Library stays open until 2 AM Sunday-Thursday during the school year. While checkout requires a Wash U ID, anyone can use the building for studying during regular daytime hours. The Gothic architecture rivals Oxford!
