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Unique Collections & ServicesUnique Collections & Services<div class="ExternalClass76D1D2AA137E49DC8DDEB63658FDF425"><h3>​Phoenix Public Library is more than just books. Explore those special things your library has to offer. See just how much your library card can do for you!​<br></h3></div>

 

 

 

 

Experience special offerings from Phoenix Public Library, free with your library card.Experience special offerings from Phoenix Public Library, free with your library card.https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/images/Services/Unique-Collections-and-Services_web.jpg902

 

 

Culture PassCulture Pass<i class="fa-sharp fa-solid fa-ticket"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/services/unique/culture-passA Culture Pass​ gives a library customer FREE admission for two people at participating arts and cultural institutions.<div class="ExternalClass50BAFDB619E9471EBB6E227F5B0E990E"><p>​A <a href="http://www.act1az.org/culture-pass/" target="_blank">Culture Pass​</a> gives a library customer FREE admission for two people at participating arts and cultural institutions. Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  They cannot be renewed; they cannot be placed on hold.</p><h4><a href="https://discover.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/search?query=%22Culture%20Pass%20program%22&searchType=series&pageSize=10" target="_blank">Check which Culture Passes are currently available</a>.</h4><p>Culture Pass Program displays are located in each of our locations.​<br></p><p>Culture Passes are available to check out during <a href="/locations">library​ hours</a>. At checkout, staff will give you a date-due slip admitting two people for one visit to that museum or cultural institution during the following seven days. You do not need to return the slip; it will expire on its own.<br></p><p>Passes may be limited to general admission only. Special exhibitions may not be covered, and other restrictions may apply.​</p><p>Customers are limited to one pass per family at any one time, up to two passes per month.<br></p><p>Hours and availability are subject to change at any time. For more information, please call the museum or cultural institution.<br></p><p><br></p></div>culture-pass
Read Along CollectionRead Along Collection<i class="fa-solid fa-book-open-reader"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/services/unique/read-along-collection​Browse Phoenix Public Library's Children's Read Along Collection, where print books meet audiobooks.<div class="ExternalClass82416E289867457BAD0C5EEC8BA49127"><h4>​Browse Phoenix Public Library's <strong>Children's Read Along Collection</strong>, where print books meet audiobooks! </h4><p>The books in this collection have battery-powered audio devices attached to them so children and families can listen or read along. Some titles even include a "learning mode" which poses educator-vetted questions to readers that stimulate critical thinking and reading comprehension. </p><p><b>The collection includes:</b></p><div><ul><li>​picture books</li><li>beginning readers<br></li><li>chapter books</li><li>graphic novels</li><li><p>and non-fiction<br></p></li></ul><p>It's all geared towards young readers!​<br></p></div><h3>​Borrowing from the Read Along Collection<br></h3><p>Items within the Read Along Collection have the following limits:<br></p><div><ul><li>​Up to 5 items can be checked out per library card at one time</li><li>Up to 5 hold requests can be placed on items per library card at one time</li><li><p>Items in the Read Along Collection are not renewable<br></p></li></ul></div><h3><a href="https://discover.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/search?query=%2a&searchType=everything&pageSize=40&collectionIds=288&pageNum=0" target="_blank">Browse the entire collection now.</a><br></h3></div>read-along-collection
Seed LibrarySeed Library<i class="fa-solid fa-seedling"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/services/unique/seed-libraryPhoenix Public Library offers a variety of fruit, vegetable and perennial seeds available for check out to Phoenix Public Library customers. <div class="ExternalClass8AF1D4286FC940769BB667ADAEF15BF3"><h4>Phoenix Public Library offers a variety of fruit, vegetable and perennial seeds available for check out to Phoenix Public Library customers.  <br></h4><h4>​​Customers may check out up to 3 seed packets at one time per card, every 3 weeks.  Checked out Seed Library items will be removed from customer accounts automatically. ​<br></h4><h3>​Visit Seed Library kiosks at <a href="/locations">Phoenix Public Library locations​</a> for availability.<br></h3><br></div>seed-library
The 2025-26 Call for Local Authors is Now ClosedThe 2025-26 Call for Local Authors is Now Closed<i class="fa-solid fa-typewriter"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/services/unique/local-authorsThe 2025-26 Call for Local Authors is Now Closed<div class="ExternalClass1ED24024C858430BA806BF1BDE623A68"><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="color:#0072c6;font-family:"segoe ui semilight", "segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:1.46em;">Submissions were accepted from April 1 through May 11, 2025.</span><span style="color:#0072c6;font-family:"segoe ui semilight", "segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:1.46em;">​</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:17px;font-size-adjust:none;font-feature-settings:normal;color:#000000;"><span class="s1" style="font-family:uictfonttextstylebody;"></span></p><p>Thank you to all those who submitted work.</p><p>Stay tuned for more information about this year's authors, events and the upcoming call for authors. <br></p><p><br></p></div>local-authors
Video GamesVideo Games<i class="fa-solid fa-gamepad-modern"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/services/unique/video-gamesVideo games are available for checkout at Phoenix Public Library. Learn more.<div class="ExternalClassA2945FD5A51640738E53057152AD4333"><h2>​Video games are available for checkout at Phoenix Public Library!</h2><h3>​​​​</h3><h3>Video game titles for all ages are available for the following consoles:</h3><ul><li><h4>Nintendo Switch</h4></li><li><h4>Xbox One</h4></li><li><h4>Xbox Series X<br></h4></li><li><h4>Playstation 4</h4></li><li><h4>Playstation 5<br></h4></li></ul><h4>Simply visit the Video Game kiosk at <a href="/locations">your local Phoenix Public Library location​</a>, grab the card for an available title and take to the desk for checkout. </h4><h4><span style="font-size:1em;">Holds cannot be placed on video games. Video games are not renewable. </span></h4><h4><span style="font-size:1em;"></span><span style="font-size:1em;">At this time, 1 video game item checkout per library card is allowed.</span></h4><h4><br></h4><h3><a href="https://discover.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/search?query=%2a&searchType=everything&pageSize=10&mode=advanced&collectionIds=320&pageNum=0" target="_blank">​Browse all currently-available titles​</a>.<br></h3><h4><br></h4><h2>​Happy gaming! <br></h2><div><br></div></div>video-games

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arizona RoomArizona Room<i class="fa-solid fa-cactus"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/locations/burton-barr/arizona-roomLocated on the second floor of Burton Barr Central Library, the Arizona Room offers a special collection focused on the history and culture of Phoenix, Arizona, and its peoples. <div class="ExternalClass1EC714FC96C0416981E5D2D17A48478F"><p>Located on the second floor of Burton Barr Central Library, the Arizona Room offers a special collection focused on the history and culture of Phoenix, Arizona, and its peoples.</p><p><strong>Arizona Room material is reference only and cannot be checked out or leave the room.</strong></p><h4>Arizona Room Hours</h4><p>Monday and Friday: By appointment only<br>​​Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday: Noon to 4 p.m.<br>Sunday: Closed​​​​<br></p><p><br></p></div>
Hotspot Lending ProgramHotspot Lending Program<i class="fas fa-wifi"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/services/computers-internet/hotspot-lending-program​​WiFi Hotspots are available for check out at Phoenix Public Library.<div class="ExternalClassEC79FDF6472D4557BC89231971126052"><p>​​WiFi Hotspots are available for check out.<br></p><p>Wifi Hotspots are eligible to be placed on hold for any <a href="/locations" target="_blank">Phoenix Public Library location</a>. <br></p><p><span lang="EN-US">Phoenix Public Library will notify the Library Account holder when the hold is available for pickup at the selected location based on their notification settings. Held items must be checked out by the date listed or the item will be made available to the next requester. Holds may only be checked out to the Library Account used to place the hold unless the account holder has chosen to associate their account with that of another account holder, excluding WiFi Hotspots.</span> <span lang="EN-US">For WiFi Hotspots, a maximum of five (5) devices can connect to the Hotspot at one time.</span> </p><p><span lang="EN-US">Devices and applicable charging cord(s) must be returned to the service desk at the location of original check out and directly to a library employee only during library hours of operation.</span> <br></p><p>Learn more about checking out a hotspot:​<br></p><h3>Req​uirements</h3><div><ul><li><span style="color:#444444;font-family:"segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;">​​Borrowers must have a valid Phoenix Public Library account, and either a current government issued photo identification or proof of their current address must be presented at time of checkout.</span></li><li><p>The Phoenix Public Library account holder must be in good standing, including current address and contact ​information, fees not exceeding $25, and not in collections.</p></li><li><p>The Phoenix Public Library account holder must read, understand, and sign this agreement at the time of each hotspot check out.</p></li><li><p>Hotspots may only be checked out for three weeks at a time.</p></li><li><p>​Hotspots cannot be renewed.</p></li><li><p>Library account holders are eligible to place a hold request for a hotspot. Patrons are limited to one hotspot hold request on an account at a time. Upon fulfillment of the request the account holder will have 10 days to check out the hotspot from the library selected for pickup.</p></li><li><p>A maximum of 5 devices can connect to the hotspot at one time.</p></li><li><p>Hotspot and charging cord must be returned to the same location from where it was checked out, directly to a library employee only during library hours of operation.</p></li><li><p>Hotspots should not be returned in the book drop for any reason. Borrowers will be billed for resulting damage to the hotspot and charging cord and may be denied future hotspot checkout.</p></li><li><p>Customers will continue to receive overdue notices if applicable. If the hotspot is not returned on the 45th day of being overdue, the customer will be charged for the device and any peripherals.</p></li><li><p>Hotspots will be disabled after the due date.</p></li><li><p>Upon return of a device, immediate checkout of the same device is not guaranteed and is subject to availability and maintenance protocols.</p></li><li><p>Specific models cannot be requested by customers or assigned by staff.</p></li><li><p>The Library ac​count holder must be 18 years of age or older to checkout a hotspot on their card.</p></li><li><p>The Phoenix Public Library account holder must be in good standing, including current address and contact <br></p></li></ul><div><br></div></div><div><h3>Lost/Damage Fees</h3><p>The borrower is responsible for costs associated with the damage, loss, or non-return of the hotspot and related components and will be billed a total Flat Device Fee of $25.01 for any and all missing parts.<br></p><p><em><strong>Abuse of device borrowing privileges may be subject to suspension of privileges at library manager discretion.​</strong></em></p></div><br></div>
Rare Book Room Rare Book Room <i class="fa-solid fa-scroll-old"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/locations/burton-barr/rare-book-roomVisit the Rare Book Room and explore a treasure trove of rare books, artist-made books, one-of-a-kind works of art and history in the heart of downtown Phoenix.<div class="ExternalClassF74ECB0967084601B621203F5245C2F2"><p>​<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The Phoenix Public Library received the Alfred Knight Collection as a donation in 1958. Alfred Knight was a successful businessman, civic leader, local philanthropist, and dedicated library patron. Mr. Knight's interests spanned a diverse range encompassing Shakespeareana, Napoleana, early modern literature, as well as prized first editions of American and British literary classics. The Rare Book Room also houses a reference collection on history of the book, history of printing, and typography, as well as an expansive collection of artists' books. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><h1><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"><strong>Rare Book Room News</strong></span></h1><h2><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><em>Historic Treasure Found in Phoenix Public Library</em></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":2,"335551620":2,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></h2><div><h3><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Background:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></h3></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">For centuries, public libraries have played a critical role in communities. A role that evolves and shifts, reflecting the needs of its community. Yet at the same time, public libraries remain timeless and few gathering spaces appear as frequently in an individual’s life as the library. Here in Phoenix it's where a child goes for story time and to read their first chapter book. Where an adolescent learns to code and discovers how to get lost in a novel. Where a nervous teenager fills out their college applications. Where adults snag the latest musical album or newest book topping the charts, receive help with their taxes or prep for an interview. Where visitors of all ages can connect with life changing information or find a treasure. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">It is also the place where on a recent March morning global scholars gathered in </span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Phoenix Public Library’s Rare Book Room at <a href="/locations/burton-barr">Burton Barr Central Library</a></span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">. The group, hosted and joined by </span><a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Arizona State University</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> faculty, looked on with slack-jawed wonder at a 437-year-old book with handwritten notes by author John Milton of “Paradise Lost” fame. Normally, it would take months for scholars to research the handwriting and determine if it was Milton’s. But, by ASU faculty leading the charge and inviting four international scholars to join together, the red tape was cut away and </span><a href="https://www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/john-milton-annotated-holinshed-chronicles-commentary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">history was made</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Just a few floors above where local teens sat filling out college applications these scholars identified the handwriting of Milton in an Alfred Knight Collection copy of </span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">“Holinshed’s Chronicles,” dated 1587.</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> Believed to be very popular in its time, “Holinshed’s Chronicles” was used as a source for much of Shakespeare’s works. It’s likely that, at one time, this was John Milton’s personal copy of the book and this is only the third book with Milton’s notes known to history.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">It would be hard to overstate the significance of such a find nearly 350 years after Milton’s death and at this particular point in time. As debates rage across the nation over the notion of free speech, finding the handwriting and real-time thoughts of one of history’s most impassioned defenders of both the freedom of speech and of the press seems like kismet. Even more good fortune, this treasure of a rare book representing a timeless thread is accessible at a public library.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> ​</span></p></div><h4><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:</span> </h4><p><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Annie DeGraw, ASU</span> <span aria-hidden="true"></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span> <span aria-hidden="true"></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span> <span aria-hidden="true"></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span> <span aria-hidden="true"></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span> <span aria-hidden="true"></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span> <br><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">(602) 502-3856</span> <span aria-hidden="true"></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span> <span aria-hidden="true"></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span> <span aria-hidden="true"></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span> <span aria-hidden="true"></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span> <span aria-hidden="true"></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span> <br><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><a href="mailto:annie.degraw@asu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">annie.degraw@asu.edu</span></span></a><br></p><p><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Lee Franklin, Phoenix Public Library </span>​<br><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">(602) 534-2025 <br></span> <span aria-hidden="true"></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span> <span aria-hidden="true"></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span> <span aria-hidden="true"></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span> <span aria-hidden="true"></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span> <span aria-hidden="true"></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><a href="mailto:lee.franklin@phoenix.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">lee.franklin@phoenix.gov</span></span></a><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240,"335572071":0,"335572072":0,"335572073":0,"335572075":0,"335572076":0,"335572077":0,"335572079":0,"335572080":0,"335572081":0,"335572083":0,"335572084":0,"335572085":0,"335572087":0,"335572088":0,"335572089":0,"469789798":"nil","469789802":"nil","469789806":"nil","469789810":"nil","469789814":"nil"}"> </span></p><h4 style="font-size:13px;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">FOR MORE TOURS OR RESEARCH APPOINTMENTS, CONTACT:​</span> </h4><p><a href="mailto: %E2%80%8Brarebookroom@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">​rarebookroom@phoenix.gov​</a> </p><p><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240,"335572071":0,"335572072":0,"335572073":0,"335572075":0,"335572076":0,"335572077":0,"335572079":0,"335572080":0,"335572081":0,"335572083":0,"335572084":0,"335572085":0,"335572087":0,"335572088":0,"335572089":0,"469789798":"nil","469789802":"nil","469789806":"nil","469789810":"nil","469789814":"nil"}"><br><br><img src="/images/Libraries/BBCL/Rare%20Book%20Room/RBR_Holinsheds-Chronicles_web.jpg" alt="Scholars gather around "Holinshed's Chronicles" (1587) in the Rare Book Room at Burton Barr Central Library." style="margin:5px;" /><br></span></p><p><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240,"335572071":0,"335572072":0,"335572073":0,"335572075":0,"335572076":0,"335572077":0,"335572079":0,"335572080":0,"335572081":0,"335572083":0,"335572084":0,"335572085":0,"335572087":0,"335572088":0,"335572089":0,"469789798":"nil","469789802":"nil","469789806":"nil","469789810":"nil","469789814":"nil"}">Scholars from left to right: Aaron Pratt, Tara Lyons, Zachary Lesser, Claire Bourne and Brandi Adams. ​</span></p></div>