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.

Scroll down for current details about where to find library services as part of your visit to Burton Barr Central Library

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. This project is scheduled throughout the remainder of 2026.

Burton Barr Central Library will remain open during this project, with the work, temporary restrictions and relocation of public library services are scheduled in phases to minimize disruptions and ensure continued access to library resources.

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

Timeline

Burton Barr Central Library will remain open with normal operating hours during this time.

Current Status: Know Before You Go

Updated Friday, June 26 2026:

Throughout the remainder of 2026, Burton Barr Central Library’s fire suppression system is being replaced as part of a capital improvement project. Burton Barr Central Library will remain open with temporary restrictions and relocation of public library services scheduled in phases to minimize disruptions.

Effective June 1

The 1st Floor will be closed, and:

the East and West entrances remain open with a fenced pathway to the elevators and stairs.
two temporary book drops will be available outside the East entrance.
NO inside book drop will be provided during this time.

Find the following services on the 2nd Floor:

Self-checkout and customer service
Holds
College Depot services will be available to the public in the StartUpPHX space.
The Arizona Room will reopen on Saturday, June 20.

Find the following services on the 4th Floor:

Teen Central will remain open.
MACH1 for children's programing, children's computers, and children's catalog computers.
Family Resource Center programs will be temporarily held in the 4th Floor Lecture Room.
The Rare Book Room will reopen on Saturday, June 20.

Looking for the temporary location of a collection?

Learn where you can access collections beginning Monday, June 1.

Effective June 29

Burton Barr Central Library visitors will be able to access the library only through the entrance on the West side (adjacent to Central Ave.) as we replace and upgrade the door on the East side (immediately adjacent to the parking lot). The temporary Book Drop and Holds Lockers located outside the East entrance will remain available. This work is anticipated to take 1-2 weeks. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we make this critical improvement to our facility.

Details about further phases of the project are to be announced. Details are 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).