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About UsAbout Us<div class="ExternalClass908C6A2B5AA34B25863ECDBA6B24BA0D"><h2>Mission<br></h2><h3>We empower our community with resources and opportunities to inspire and enrich lives.</h3><h3> </h3><h2>Values​​​<br></h2><h3>Adaptability</h3><p>We evolve services and technology to meet the needs of the community.</p><h3>Inclusion<br></h3><p>We level the playing field through ensuring universal access.</p><h3>Integrity </h3><p>We do the right thing even when no one else is watching.</p><h3>Kindness<br></h3><p>We foster an environment of empathy and compassion.</p><h3>Making a Difference </h3><p>We build impactful connections with our communities every day.​​<br></p><p><br></p><h2>Start With Us​<br></h2><br></div>

 

 

 

 

Burton Barr Central Library, exterior view from the eastBurton Barr Central Library, exterior view from the easthttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/images/BBCL_exterior_2017_BB1_17.jpg16

 

 

Annual ReportsAnnual Reports<i class="fas fa-file-alt"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/annual-reportsYour Phoenix Public Library is more than a warehouse for books! Our mission is focused on what we can do for and with people in our communities. We are a cornerstone that supports early literacy, education, entrepreneurship, empowerment, and engagement.<div class="ExternalClass0308FE3CF2EE46A2A24D2D0D9D393750"><p>​Your Phoenix Public Library is more than a warehouse for books! Our mission is focused on what we can do for and with people in our communities. We are a cornerstone that supports early literacy, education, entrepreneurship, empowerment, and engagement. Take a look at a highlight of our accomplishments throughout recent years.<br><br></p></div>annual-reports
Hear from UsHear from Us<i class="fa-solid fa-megaphone"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/hear-from-us​Sign up to hear from Phoenix Public Library!<div class="ExternalClassEB662C57788E4B0392C3E127E4E287E8"><h4>​<span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Sign up here to stay informed with Phoenix Public Library’s monthly eNewsletter and other periodic notices about upcoming events, updates and library resources.</span></h4><p><br>We know privacy is important so we will not sell, rent, lease, or otherwise provide library customer lists or customer-controlled information to third parties.<br><br>If you have an active library card and a valid email address registered with us, you should receive the <a href="/about/enewsletters">monthly eNewsletter</a> automatically. At any point, you can select the link at the bottom of our email to unsubscribe. </p><p><em>*If you unsubscribe from updates about library activities, we will still send important account notifications to you by email.</em></p><br><p><br></p></div>hear-from-us
Library Advisory BoardLibrary Advisory Board<i class="fa-solid fa-people-group"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/library-advisory-boardLearn about the Phoenix Public Library Advisory Board.<div class="ExternalClassB3BF4816C2964FFA92B221D5932D2A76"><h4>The Phoenix Public Library Advisory Board, consists of seven members, each serving a staggered three-year term. Members are nominated by the Mayor of Phoenix and appointed by the Phoenix City Council. The Library Advisory Board serves in an advisory role, providing information and making recommendations to the Phoenix City Librarian, Mayor and City Council on matters of library-related public concern.<br><br></h4><h4>Current Phoenix Public Library Advisory Board members:<br></h4><p>Abraham James, Chair<br></p><p>Brenda Thomson, Vice Chair</p><p>Kathleen Ingley</p><p>Adam McAnally</p><p>Dominique Medina<br></p><p>Dianne Post<br></p><p>Anne Thorne</p><p> <br></p><h4>Visit <a href="https://boards.phoenix.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-safelink="true" data-linkindex="0">City of Phoenix Boards and Commissions</a> and <a href="https://boards.phoenix.gov/Home/BoardsDetail/33" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-safelink="true" data-linkindex="1">Library Advisory Board</a> to learn more.</h4><h4>Visit <a href="https://www.phoenix.gov/cityclerk/publicmeetings/notices" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-safelink="true" data-linkindex="2">City of Phoenix Public Meeting Notices</a> for Library Advisory Board meeting postings.​</h4><p>​</p></div>library-advisory-board
Library Update: Fire Suppression System Replacement Project Library Update: Fire Suppression System Replacement Project <i class="fas fa-thumbtack"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/library-updatesLearn about Burton Barr Central Library's Fire Suppression System Replacement Project and if it will affect your visit.<div class="ExternalClass5A0E1148C53D4430858C02A46BE8C0E4"><p> <span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 2"><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Please pardon the dust, noise and parking impacts as we make critical upgrades to <a href="/locations/burton-barr">Burton Barr Central Library</a>. Burton Barr Central Library is a dynamic, 280,000 square foot facility that serves a diverse population and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. This means we routinely need to update, replace and improve many features of our building. </span></span></span></p><p><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 2"><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">A substantial building upgrade is in process at Burton Barr Central Library. The project is large and includes a lot of moving parts.</span></span></span></p><div><h3>Fire Suppression System Replacement Project <br></h3><p>​​The entire Fire Suppression System for the library will be replaced as part of a capital improvement project, making critical safety updates to the building. <span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Burton Barr Central Library will remain open during this project, but the work, any temporary restrictions and the relocation of public library services are scheduled in phases to minimize disruptions.</span>​ ​</span></p><p><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">The entire project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.<br></span></p><h4>How will these projects affect my library visit?</h4><p><em>Expect the relocation of library services within </em><a href="/locations/burton-barr"><em>Burton Barr Central Library</em></a><em>.</em></p></div><p><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"><a href="/locations/burton-barr">Burton Barr Central Library</a>’s book drop will remain available 24/7 and all Burton Barr Central Library, <a href="/startupphx" target="_blank">StartUpPHX</a>, and <a href="/collegedepot" target="_blank">College Depot</a> programs will continue as listed in our <a href="https://calendar.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/calendar/burtonbarr?cid=-1&t=g&d=0000-00-00&cal=-1&inc=0" target="_blank">online calendar of events</a>. This may mean your program will be held in a different location than normal. Please check the online calendar to be sure. If during your visit you can’t find something in its usual place, please be sure to ask at the information desk.</span></p><div><h4>What to Expect<br></h4><ul><li>​Noise (drilling, etc.)</li><li>Vibrations (movement of heavy equipment, hand tools, etc.)</li><li>Dust and debris​​​​</li><li>Odors </li><ul><li>​​The library is taking mitigating measures to reduce the intensity of odors.​<br></li></ul></ul></div><h4><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Timeline​</span></h4><p><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Burton Barr Central Library will remain open with normal operating hours during this time.​</span></p><p><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"></span><strong>Beginning Monday, June 23, 2025</strong></p><p></p><div><ul><li><a href="/mach">​MACH1</a> is temporarily closed to visitors in order to accommodate the construction project. The space is anticipated to be <strong>closed for </strong><strong><strong>5</strong> to 6 weeks</strong>.</li><li>​​During this time, MACH1 programs will continue to be held in different program spaces throughout Burton Barr Central Library. <a href="https://calendar.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/calendar/burtonbarr?cid=15413&t=g&d=0000-00-00&cal=15413%2c16588&ct=55349&inc=0" target="_blank">Please visit MACH1's programs in the online calendar</a> and be sure to note the location of each program.<br></li></ul><div><strong>Details about further phases of the project are to be announced.</strong><br></div></div><p></p><div><p><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"><em>Details subject to change. Check back often for updates about upcoming temporary closures of sections of Burton Barr Central Library and current details about where programs, services and materials will be temporarily relocated.<br><br></em></span></p><div><h3> <span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Thank you!​</span></h3> <br>We appreciate your support of our library and all it has to offer and apologize for any inconveniences our construction projects might cause. </div><div> <br> </div><div>Consider using your <a href="/services/borrowing/library-cards">Phoenix Public Library card</a> to its fullest potential during this time and plan a visit to one of our other <a href="/locations">16 library locations</a>. You can always use your card to check out books and other items from any of our 17 locations and return them to any Phoenix Public Library location (including their book drop). <br></div><div> <br> </div></div></div>library-updates
Phoenix Public Library MilestonesPhoenix Public Library Milestones<i class="fas fa-history"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/historySince 1897, Phoenix Public Library has served the growing communities of this southwestern metropolis. Discover the milestones in our historical timeline.<div class="ExternalClass8B9ED522D8AC41EAACCC737C5F8BFFA7"><div class="table-responsive"><table class="table table-hover table-stripe"><thead role="rowgroup"><tr role="row"><th role="columnheader" scope="col" class="w-25">Date </th><th role="columnheader" scope="col">​Event </th></tr></thead><tbody role="rowgroup"><tr role="row"><td role="cell">November 1897</td><td role="cell">Fourteen wome​n organize the Friday Club to start a public library.​</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">June 21, 1898</td><td role="cell">Friday Club opens first Phoenix Public Library in the Fleming Building at Washington and First Avenue.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">September 16, 1899</td><td role="cell">Phoenix Library moves from the Fleming Building to City Hall.​​</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">March 29, 1901</td><td role="cell">First library board of trustees appointed by the Phoenix City Council.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">​March 3, 1902</td><td role="cell">City Council levies annual tax to support the library.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">​January 1904</td><td role="cell">Andrew Carnegie gives $25,000 to Phoenix for a library building.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">February 14, 1908</td><td role="cell">Carnegie Library at 1101 W. Washington St. dedicated.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">May 17, 1917</td><td role="cell">First library is established at Second and Washington streets.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">January 16, 1940</td><td role="cell">Mae Bartlett Heard donates eight acres at Central Avenue and McDowell Road for a civic center to contain a central library, art museum and auditorium.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">September 11, 1950</td><td role="cell">​Harmon Library at 411 W. Yavapai St. dedicated.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">​August 2, 1952</td><td role="cell">Carnegie Library closed after 44 years of service.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">March 1, 1953</td><td role="cell">Central Library at Central Avenue and McDowell Road dedicated.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">1954</td><td role="cell">Phoenix resident Alfred Knight loans his extensive collection of 3,000 rare books to the library with the understanding that it will become Phoenix Public Library property upon his death.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">October 4, 1964</td><td role="cell">Saguaro Library at 2804 N. 46th St. dedicated.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">April 26, 1966</td><td role="cell">Palo Verde Library at 4402 N. 51st Ave. dedicated.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">​August 23, 1967</td><td role="cell">​Ocotillo Library at 102 W. Southern Ave. dedicated.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">​January 5, 1969</td><td role="cell">​Acacia Library at 750 E. Townley dedicated.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">June 5, 1969</td><td role="cell">Yucca Library at 5648 N. 15th Ave. dedicated.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">​December 16, 1973</td><td role="cell">​Century Library at 1740 E. Highland Ave. dedicated.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">May 7, 1977</td><td role="cell">Cholla Library at 10050 Metro Parkway East dedicated.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">October 21, 1982</td><td role="cell">Mesquite Library at 4525 Paradise Village Parkway dedicated.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">July 14, 1990</td><td role="cell">Expanded Cholla Library opens at same location.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">October 26, 1991</td><td role="cell">Ironwood Library at 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. dedicated.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">May 20, 1995</td><td role="cell">New Central Library at 1221 N. Central Ave. dedicated.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">July 13, 1996</td><td role="cell">Juniper Library at 1825 W. Union Hills Road dedicated.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">​July 19, 1997</td><td role="cell">Desert Sage Library at 7602 W. Encanto Blvd. dedicated.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">February 26, 2005</td><td role="cell">Desert Broom Library at 29710 N. Cave Creek Road dedicated.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">January 28, 2006</td><td role="cell">New Palo Verde Library opens at same location.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">June 7, 2008</td><td role="cell">New Saguaro Library opens at same location.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">​June 5, 2009</td><td role="cell">Agave Library at 23550 N. 36th Ave. dedicated.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">September 12, 2009</td><td role="cell">New Harmon Library at 1325 S. 5th Ave. dedicated.</td></tr><tr role="row"><td role="cell">September 24, 2011</td><td role="cell">South Mountain Community Library at 7050 S. 24th St. dedicated.​</td></tr></tbody></table></div>​<br></div>history
PoliciesPolicies<i class="fas fa-list-ul"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/policies<div class="ExternalClass5240579EBBBB435482421131330178D7"><p>​Phoenix Public Library has a number of policies in place to provide the community with the best service possible.<br></p></div>policies
Press RoomPress Room<i class="fas fa-newspaper"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/press-roomMedia contacts and Phoenix Public Library News.<div class="ExternalClass5817191C8ACB48938D897E36EC133F0C"><h3>​​Members of the Media</h3><p>To learn more about Phoenix Public Library programs, services, resources and events and/or talk to a library spokesperson, please contact:</p><p>Lee Franklin<br>Community Relations Manager<br><a href="mailto:lee.franklin@phoenix.gov">lee.franklin@phoenix.gov​</a><br>602-534-2025 (desk)<br>602-769-4450 (cell)<br></p></div>press-room
Start with UsStart with Us<i class="fa-duotone fa-regular fa-star-of-life"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/start-with-us<div class="ExternalClass713C066666EB46F0B0AB2588217F4503"><h3>​It's your life, your goals, and your dreams.<br>Looking for the resources to get there?</h3><h2>Start with us.<br></h2></div>start-with-us
State of the LibraryState of the Library<i class="fas fa-file-alt"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/state-libraryPhoenix Public Library provides an essential support system with one of the greatest empowerment gifts of all: free access to trustworthy information.<div class="ExternalClass6C42CAA86C234673A497817F601FF246"><p>​Phoenix Public Library (PPL) a system of libraries comprised of central Phoenix’s flagship, Burton Barr Central Library (BBCL) and 16 branch locations, provides greater Phoenix communities and individuals an essential support system with one of the greatest empowerment gifts of all:  free access to trustworthy information. A reliable entrée to knowledge platforms, cultural experiences, career and college readiness, entrepreneurial expertise and resources that champion lifelong learning for all, throughout every stage of life…and all accompanied with the personalized expertise of a librarian, is what communities throughout greater Phoenix find at Phoenix Public Library. Circulating over 10 million library items a year provides the foundation of Phoenix Public Library’s service delivery and enables the library system to offer more than 1,000 life-changing and entertaining services, programs and workshops for kids, teens, families and adults every month.</p><h3>Read through the highlights as presented by Rita Hamilton, Phoenix Public Library City Librarian.<br></h3></div>state-library
Support the LibrarySupport the Library<i class="fa-solid fa-handshake-angle"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/support-library​Learn how to support Phoenix Public Library with a donation, by working with us or by volunteering your time.<div class="ExternalClass018B508398E743739CEB81E3D2B9573C"><h2>​Learn how to support Phoenix Public Library with a donation, by working with us or by volunteering your time.<br></h2><p><br><br></p></div>support-library
eNewsletterseNewsletters<i class="fas fa-envelope-open-text"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/enewslettersTake a look at our current and past monthly eNewsletters.<div class="ExternalClass68BA7F2156774C8FB65B4C996C03BF2D"><h4>Take a look at our current and past monthly eNewsletters.​</h4><p>​<br>Phoenix Public Library would like to keep you informed about matters of interest to you!<br></p><p>If you are not already getting the eNewsletter and would like to, please subscribe to the eNewsletter by signing up at Hear from Us.<br></p><p><strong>Please note:</strong> Phoenix Public Library sends eNewsletters out at the end of each month to cardholders with email selected as a notification method. <a href="https://discover.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/?openAccount=profile" target="_blank">If you are a cardholder and would like to change the method of all your notifications, log into My Account to update your preferences.</a><br></p><p><br></p></div>enewsletters