St. Louis Library Hours - SLPL & University Libraries
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Last Updated: December 2025 | 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.
St. Louis Public Library (SLPL) - City 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.
Central Library
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.
Schlafly Branch
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
Carondelet Branch
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
Kingshighway Branch
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 County Library (SLCL) - County Libraries
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.
Library Headquarters
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
Cliff Cave Branch
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
Daniel Boone Branch
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
Florissant Valley Branch
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
University Libraries in St. Louis
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.
Washington University - Olin Library
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.
Saint Louis University - Pius XII Memorial Library
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
UMSL - Thomas Jefferson Library
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 & Unique Resources
SLPL Genealogy & Local History
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.
Vatican Film Library (SLU)
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.
St. Louis Mercantile Library (UMSL)
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.
Wash U Special Collections
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.
Tips for Using St. Louis Libraries
For Genealogists
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.
For Students
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.
For Families
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.
For Researchers
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are St. Louis Public Library Central hours?
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.
What's the difference between SLPL and St. Louis County Library?
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.
How do I get a St. Louis library card?
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.
Can I use Washington University library?
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.
Which St. Louis library has the best genealogy resources?
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 Library Insider Tips
🏛️ Central Library Architecture Tour
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.
🧬 FREE Ancestry.com Access
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.
📜 Vatican Manuscripts at SLU
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.
🚂 Mercantile Library Hidden Gem
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!
🔧 The Lab Makerspace (FREE)
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.
🌙 Late Night at Wash U
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!
Verified Info: Our team personally contacts libraries to verify hours. Data last confirmed: December 2025
Common Questions About St Louis Libraries
What time do libraries open in St Louis?
Most public libraries in St Louis open at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM on weekdays. Weekend hours typically start at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Academic and university libraries may open earlier, around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM during the semester.
Are St Louis libraries open on weekends?
Yes, most St Louis public libraries are open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday hours vary by location, with many libraries operating reduced hours (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM) or remaining closed.
Do I need a library card to visit St Louis libraries?
No, you can visit and use library facilities without a card. However, borrowing books, accessing computers, and using certain services require a free library card. Residents can get one with valid ID and proof of address.