Phoenix Public Library, Phoenix, AZ. -- June 01, 2009 -- Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave., will celebrate the summer solstice Sunday, June 21, the first day of summer and the longest day of the year.

The free celebration begins at 11:30 a.m. (the library will open early, at 11 a.m., for this special program) with Irish and Scottish music performed by Rich Bailey followed by a noon talk by architect Will Bruder, who designed the library. Bruder's special guest will be visionary architect Paolo Soleri, who is celebrating his 90th birthday.

The event takes place in the Great Reading Room on the fifth floor, which was designed with the summer solstice in mind. As the solstice unfolds, light and shadows will move across the walls on the fifth floor and through the skylights, enabling sunlight to illuminate the room's tapered columns.

The Summer Solstice celebration is sponsored by the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library.

Phoenix Public Library is a system of 14 branch libraries and the Burton Barr Central Library. For more information, call 602-262-4636 or visit phoenixpubliclibrary.org.