Please pardon the dust, noise and parking impacts as we make critical upgrades to
Burton Barr Central Library. 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.
A substantial building upgrade is in process at Burton Barr Central Library. The project is large and includes a lot of moving parts.
Fire Suppression System Replacement Project
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. 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.
The entire project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
How will these projects affect my library visit?
Expect the relocation of library services within Burton Barr Central Library.
Burton Barr Central Library’s book drop will remain available 24/7 and all Burton Barr Central Library, StartUpPHX, and College Depot programs will continue as listed in our online calendar of events. 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.
What to Expect
- Noise (drilling, etc.)
- Vibrations (movement of heavy equipment, hand tools, etc.)
- Dust and debris
- Odors
- The library is taking mitigating measures to reduce the intensity of odors.
Timeline
Burton Barr Central Library will remain open with normal operating hours during this time.
Beginning Monday, June 23, 2025
- MACH1 is temporarily closed to visitors in order to accommodate the construction project. The space is anticipated to be closed for 5 to 6 weeks.
- During this time, MACH1 programs will continue to be held in different program spaces throughout Burton Barr Central Library. Please visit MACH1's programs in the online calendar and be sure to note the location of each program.
Details about further phases of the project are to be announced.
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.
Thank you!
We appreciate your support of our library and all it has to offer and apologize for any inconveniences our construction projects might cause.
Consider using your
Phoenix Public Library card to its fullest potential during this time and plan a visit to one of our other
16 library locations. 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).
