Phoenix Public Library

The library is full of great books and resources and is certainly much better than the ones I used to go to back in Florida. The library is fairly clean and the staff is very helpful. However I did take one star off because the library itself and the areas just outside the doors (not to mention the neighborhood) are full of people who look like they’ve been through the system (shelters, detox, prison, mental health clinics, etc) so it is kind of scary and very shady. Many don’t shower and many will hit you up for money, cigarettes, or your cell phone. Some sell «sodas». I don’t know why the police don’t watch the area better. Be careful at night.

I’ve visited my fair share of libraries and feel that this library is one of the few libraries I really like. This library has a whole room dedicated to college resources, kids area, creative room, work source computers and a large variety of books, DVD’s and magazines. What sets this library apart from other places is the volunteers knowledge, safe place with security, community information and resources and most of all resources to help someone find a job or career.

I came here because I heard that you can get spectacular views of the Phoenix skyline! To my surprise, I also found a fun art gallery on the first floor. As I meandered to the main floor, I found a voucher shelf which allows you to check out two vouchers a month to visit different museums, for free! This includes exhibits like the desert botanical garden, the heard museum, the Scottsdale contemporary art museum, the Phoenix Art museum, and lots more! There are 5 floors of books, magazine, DVDs, music CDs, computers, and study rooms.

Call me a booksnake!
For my first review as a new Arizona resident, The Burton Barr Central Library came first to my mind. I made it a priority to check out the Phoenix Public Library system since I knew I would be spending lots of time here. I’ve been to many public libraries around the nation and I must admit the City of Phoenix has a very comprehensive and sophisticated system.
When you enter the Burton Barr Central Library, you’ll notice the modern glass feel, the water feature in the lobby and the five floors of references and information. Each floor has a dedicated section but my fiancé Daniel L. and I always gravitate to the fifth floor because they have panoramic views of the city and it’s typically quiet compared to the other busier floors. The window panels move with the sunlight and doesn’t impede on your reading. They have rows of desk (each include power strips) as well as individual desks.
Do take advantage of the DVD rentals (3 weeks for free!) and the self checkout which will get you in and out of there.
The bathrooms also have this contemporary steel feel to it. In general, the library is clean and allows covered drinks.
The Wi-​Fi is consistent and fast which scores huge points with us!
Hours of operation:
Monday 9AM-​5PM
Tuesday 9AM-​9PM
Wednesday 9AM-​9PM
Thursday 9AM-​9PM
Friday 9AM-​5PM
Saturday 9AM-​PM
Sunday 1PM-​5PM
There is free parking and the Valley Metro conveniently stops in front.
Thank you Phoenix for your services!

Very cool place to check out if you’re downtown. Head to the fifth floor to get in some cool views.

I still stand by everything I wrote in my initial review. However, having spent much more time here since I went back to school, there are definitely some things that warrant deducing a star. The main thing is that there are a a fare share of homeless and other people who obviously not there to read, study or borrow a book.
I understand that as social services are cut, these people have no place to go and need shelter from the heat or cold. That said, it is very difficult to study or get your work done when the couple behind you are eating their dinner and chatting away. I was trying to study for finals when a young lady left her father to babysit her toddler daughter, who gave no consideration to the amount of noise that they were making.
I’m not trying to sound like a dick here. This is indicative of a far bigger problem. that said, this is a library, not a day spa for the disadvantaged and this can be a huge distraction for those trying to make use of it.

Excellent customer service. Employees were helpful with setting up a new account and explaining the various services the library provides. Also a great place to come and work on any kind of schoolwork or business related work.

This library is great it is HUGE I love coming here to work on hw very modern I would recommend that everyone should come check it out

As far as services, quality of facilities, and friendliness of staff go, this library is 5 stars all the way… it always feels like a brand-​new facility inside and out based on how well they maintain it. If they don’t have something in stock onsite, you can order it from another Phoenix library system location and have it delivered there for you. They have a self checkout system and after hours book/​disc drop, and you can even renew most items through your online account — this may be a new feature for 2015, but I just received an email this past week telling me that they automatically renewed my items for me because they were close to their due date! There is plenty of parking, and it is easily accessible from the light rail. The downsides are the constant presence of transients and petitioners out front — I guess both of those groups have figured out that this library is where their target audience of responsible adults go, plus the east side entrance is in the shade for most of the afternoon. However, running that gauntlet to visit this library location is still worth it!

When the government alert system is activated in Phoenix because of an approaching haboob, why should you jump into your car and race down to this library? For the view!
Trust me; it wasn’t my idea. I thought we should stay home and batten down the hatches. But, no, I was in for a treat: the Phoenix Public Library, tour courtesy of Mark H. With the closing hour approaching, along with the haboob, we were allowed in the building, along with other assorted patrons.
This is a library? To the citizens of Phoenix, thank you! Check out the waterfalls, inside. Yes, there are shelves of books, but so much more. My tour guide took me to the top floor by elevator, where we found south facing windows and settled into some comfy chairs. I had visions of being locked in after closing hours, so I talked my tour guide into leaving before we were stranded here for hours, which wouldn’t have been a bad thing at all. Maybe next time.

Love, love, love for this library.
From it’s displayed art pieces, 5 levels, amazing view of Phoenix and high speed wifi– there’s nothing more that I can ask for in a public library.
I favor the 5^th level mostly because of the abundance of desks, outlets, wifi connection, amazing view of Phoenix and great lighting. Since it is public, there will be kids running around at times, the homeless or people who aren’t conscious of their speaking volume but most times it is great for studying and reading.
I have yet to check anything out or need much help from the staff working here. However, when I asked help at the Help Desk the man was very helpful and patient in explaining where everything in the library was. He also answered many questions I had, which I was very appreciative of.
I’ve been going here frequently and really enjoy it. They do allow drinks if it sealable, but no eating– which is understandable.

What beautiful library…
Lots of space and everyone has been courteous. I like the open fifth floor desks looking south out the window. Nice exhibits for study breaks, although I wouldn’t leave my stuff out of sight.
Bathrooms and building are well maintained. Private study rooms are available and quiet. Hours are a little short.
This is a PUBLIC library in the city so expect there to be bums looking for free WiFi to watch cat videos. I don’t mind and everyone minds their business without any bother. No one has been too loud or abnoxious.
If you’re a suburbanite who thinks the city is a dangerous place and fear your children will get hooked on drugs or join a gang based on coordinates… This library would not be your first choice.
Enjoy!

Free movie nights? Rotating museum exhibits? Architecture that resembles a space-​age future world? Free library cards with three weeks per book and a 35 (!!) book check-​out limit? Comfortable work stations? Gorgeous views of the Phoenix skyline? A physical size larger and more open and spacious than any university library I’ve ever visited? Rare book and child play areas?
Phoenix sure has done right with its library.

I don’t go to libraries much, but I came here a few months ago to study for my boards. I’ve never enjoyed a library experience that much. The place is huge and very well kept up. Very knowledgeable and helpful staff. I had to move because my spot was blown up by a bunch of hobos, but I didn’t let that dampen my study time.
Overall, if you’re in need of a study space in Central Phoenix, this is the place for you.

Love the architecture and am a very proud downtown Phoenician to call this OUR Public Library. Look for the elevators when you first walk in… it’s like they rise out of the water (YES… water)!

I’ve found myself at this library several times sp far this year.
Each time that I have been to this library, it has been for a meeting of some sort. The library may not be the first place that organizers think to host a meeting, but this happens to be one of the more perfect spots. This library can be the perfect place for a meeting that might pull in people from all over the valley. This library is in a very central location, it is on the East side of Central Ave and is just above the I10 and South of McDowell.
I have been to meetings in the Pulliam Room. This room is fairly large with a wonderful sound system and technical amenities. My only problem with this room is that the required rental is 4 hours, but the seats are HARD wooden seats. Not so nice on the bottom if you’re sitting for 4 hours.
I have also attended meetings in Meeting Room A and Room B. Small rooms with no audio visual equipment, minimal amenities, and awkwardly situated in the same hallway as the restrooms, so there is a lot of traffic and noise right outside the door when your meeting is in progress.
All in all, this is a nice library.

I write for a living so I am constantly tied to my laptop and looking for a place to curl up and work. Of all the coffee shops and libraries I’ve worked out of across the country, this is most definitely my favorite spot.
If you go on their website, you can reserve a study room for up to two hours. I usually reserve a room for myself, check to see if their are any openings when my time is up and then just keep renewing the room all to myself. Of course if someone else comes along, I’ll let them have it, but I might as well use it if it’s just sitting there!
There are multiple places to hide out and work in on the five (?) floors here. I like the long tables on the second floor, although sometimes I like the views from the fifth floor and go up there instead.
Bring in a bottle of water and some quiet snacks and plan to spend the day. Great way to escape the heat during summer months. Oh and the parking lot has solar panels that are used as covered parking spots. Genius!

I love the library and I love the Burton Barr library most of all. Compared to the other Phoenix libraries, this one is the king. It is located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, has multiple levels (in which you can ride a glass elevator) and it has so many square feet filled with books, audio tapes, DVDs, CDs, etc. It also has a café and ample amount of parking. I love visiting this library when I am downtown.
Normally, I place an online hold for books. I really like this feature as I can browse online, find out when new books are available, and then place a hold. When the books are at the library, I can swing on down and pick it up. That way when I go, I’m never disappointed that my book isn’t available. However, this particular location has A LOT of books so I’ve come with a list in mind and usually have been able to find every book.
I would highly recommend stopping by this library if you are in the neighborhood, just for the experience. You could grab a cup of coffee at the café, or a snack, and then settle in for a good read. They also have computers if you need to do some research. Definitely check it out!

I’m sitting here on a Wednesday evening completely in awe of this library (by Arizona standards anyways). Having only visited the Yucca branch to date, I was immensely impressed by the architecture here. But, then again, it’s downtown so it should be nicer.
I can see how the hobos can overrun this joint — there were plenty in the park on my way in. Good with the bad, I guess. Still, I’m glad I’ve changed up my reserve dropoff from Yucca to here.

I had almost forgotten this awesome Library existed!!! :)
This library is like a walk down memory lane! LOVE IT! I used to come here a lot when I first got my library card. That was back when I was just 8 years old, oh the good times!!! :)
This library is so expansive and in great condition, yes its the building that stands right on top of the 101 tunnel. Oh and yes, you will occasionally bump into a homeless person or more who may be there to enjoy the nice A/​C on these hot summer days, but no worries! Their all mostly friendly and quiet.
Plus, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the massive selection this fine library has to offer!
Enjoy! :)