The mission of the Bradford Memorial Library is to provide library services to persons of
all ages in the community. The library will make readily available the most requested
materials in various formats and serve as an access point for any needed information. In
addition, emphasis will be placed on encouraging young children to develop an interest in
reading for enjoyment and learning.
Monday - Thursday 9:00 - 9:00
Friday & Saturday 9:00 - 5:00
Sunday 1:00 - 5:00
The library is closed Sundays between Memorial Day and Labor Day
On March 11, 1897, the El Dorado Free Library was established on the second floor of the
city building with a $75 annual allowance from the city fathers. The library was open two
hours a day three days a week. On December 2, 1912, as a result of a $10,000 grant from
Andrew Carnegie, the first public library building opened its doors. In June, 1957, Mrs.
Ruth Bradford, a library trustee, donated $200,000 for the erection of a new public
library building as a memorial to her husband, Robert II Bradford. Mr. Bradford had been a
leading citizen of the El Dorado community; he was president of the El Dorado National
Bank, vice-president and treasurer of the El Dorado Refining Company, oil producer and
real estate owner. In December of 1996, the public service and a new parking lot on the
east side. In November of 1997, the library went online with a new automated circulation
system, including dial up access to the public catalog.
The Bradford Memorial Library actively promotes and invites the use of the collection and the facility by the community.