| 125th Anniversary of Phoenix Public Library | 125th Anniversary of Phoenix Public Library | <i class="fa-solid fa-stars"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/125 | 2023 marks our system’s 125th anniversary of serving our community! | <div class="ExternalClass367FBE38B8A949809E44D923871874C7"><h2><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">2023 marks our system’s 125</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">th</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> anniversary of serving our community!</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> </span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></h2><p><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"></span></p><div><p><span role="presentation"></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">On June 21, </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">1898</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> the “Friday Club” opened our first Phoenix Public Library location in two upstairs rooms of the Fleming Building</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">at Washington and First Avenue. This was the result of fourteen women recognizing the need for Phoenix, incorporated as a city in 1881, to have a free library. In 1901, the Arizona Legislature passed a bill allowing a tax to support free libraries, qualifying Phoenix to have a donated library building from Mr. Andrew Carnegie. The Carnegie Free Library at 11</span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-fontsize="14" data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">th</span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> Avenue and Washington was opened in February of 1908</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> and served as our primary location until 1952. It was replaced by the original central library constructed </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">on property donated by the Heard family </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">at </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Central and McDowell</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">In 1995, our current flagship, Burton Barr Central Library was opened, and the original central library became what is now the Phoenix Art Museum.</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> Recognizing how critical library services are to a growing city, community leaders have consistently supported Phoenix Public Library expansion</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> and th</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">rough the decades, we have grown to be a system of 17 locations.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">For 125 years, generations of </span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"d76f225f-c8d4-47fc-aa5e-b492891e15cf|7","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"normaltextrun",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"normaltextrun",469778324,"Default Paragraph Font"]}">Phoenicians </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun">have come to the library to discover a love of reading…help their children be ready for school… …learn new skills for a job…enjoy a great family program…use the latest technology…</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun"> </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun">discover they have what it takes to go to college…find a welcoming place…</span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">and of course, we have always helped fellow book lovers find their next great read! </span></p></div><p><br></p></div> | 125 | |
| Annual Reports | Annual Reports | <i class="fas fa-file-alt"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/annual-reports | 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. | <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 | |
| Library Advisory Board | Library Advisory Board | <i class="fa-solid fa-people-group"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/library-advisory-board | Learn 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.</h4><h4>Current Phoenix Public Library Advisory Board members:</h4><p>Abraham James, Chair</p><p>Brenda Thomson, Vice Chair</p><p>Kathleen Ingley</p><p>Adam McAnally</p><p>Dominique Medina</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 | |
| Phoenix Public Library Milestones | Phoenix Public Library Milestones | <i class="fas fa-history"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/history | Since 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 women 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 | |
| Policies | Policies | <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 Room | Press Room | <i class="fas fa-newspaper"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/press-room | Media 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 | |
| State of the Library | State of the Library | <i class="fas fa-file-alt"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/state-library | Phoenix 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 | |
| Strategic Plan | Strategic Plan | <i class="fas fa-scroll"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/strategic-plan | Learn about Phoenix Public Library's 2019-2023 Strategic Plan. | <div class="ExternalClassAAD2E7321CAB4E02B5B80D3BE6C3E5DB"><p>It is my pleasure to present an outline of Phoenix Public Library's 2019-23 Strategic Plan!</p><p>In 2018, a team of Phoenix Public Library staff began the process of constructing the latest version of Phoenix Public Library’s Strategic Plan. Over the course of a year, we gathered feedback from library staff, customers, and stakeholders including multiple customer and stakeholder surveys, customer focus groups, staff group exercises, and interviews and planning meetings with Library management.</p><p>In this next chapter - our Strategic Plan 2019-2023 - we hope to expand our strengths and guide our work for the next four years. Phoenix Public Library has something for everyone…providing a platform for people to come together as a community and build a collection of ideas. Access means opportunity, and by expanding upon the hands-on expertise and guidance in early literacy, STE/AM, entrepreneurial, college access, job access/career enhancement, and engaging family friendly programs and resources our customers have come to expect from us; we hope to be part of empowering all members of our community to change or improve their lives. We are committed to our identified four strategic directions: “Enrich and Entertain”, “Increase Access”, “Build a Stronger Community”, and “Work Smarter”, while also prioritizing traditional library services.</p><p>Thank you for your continued support and patronage of Phoenix Public Library. I invite you to continue to provide us feedback and suggestions related to our Strategic Plan through our “Ask Us” tool and submit a comment or suggestion. Phoenix Public Library looks forward to continuing to be a valuable asset you rely upon.</p><p>Rita Hamilton<br>City Librarian<br></p><h3>Help us by providing feedback</h3><p><a href="/services/ask-us">I invite you to continue to provide us feedback and suggestions related to our Strategic Plan through our "Ask Us" tool</a>. Phoenix Public Library looks forward to continuing to be a valuable asset on which you rely.<br></p></div> | strategic-plan | |
| Support the Library | Support the Library | | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/support-library | | <div class="ExternalClass32459EFABDBB43F7893CE05DEEDB9350"><div><h2>Learn how to support Phoenix Public Library with a donation, by working with us or by volunteering your time.<br></h2></div></div> | support-library | |
| eNewsletters | eNewsletters | <i class="fas fa-envelope-open-text"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/about/enewsletters | Take a look at our current and past monthly eNewsletters. | <div class="ExternalClass68BA7F2156774C8FB65B4C996C03BF2D"><p>Phoenix Public Library would like to keep you informed about matters of interest to you!</p><p>If you are interested in receiving occasional email communications from Phoenix Public Library, <a href="mailto:kristl.chavez@phoenix.gov?subject=RE%3A%20Newsletter%20Sign-Up&body=Full%20name%3A%0D%0A%0D%0AEmail%20address%3A">please email the following information to Kristl Chavez, Web Content Librarian at kristl.chavez@phoenix.gov with the subject line "RE: Newsletter Sign-Up."</a></p><ul><li>Full name</li><li>Email address</li></ul><p><strong>Note:</strong> Phoenix Public Library sends out these monthly eNewsletters at the end of each month to cardholders with email selected as a notification method. <a href="https://catalog.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/logon.aspx" target="_blank">To change the method of all your notifications, log into My Account to update your preferences.</a><br></p></div> | enewsletters | |
