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Burton Barr Central Library
Categories: Public Services & Government Libraries Education Educational Services Libraries, Educational Services [Edit]
1221 N Central AvePhoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 262-4636
- Hours:
Mon, Fri-Sat 9 am - 5 pm
Tue-Thu 11 am - 9 pm
Sun 1 pm - 5 pm
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
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57 reviews for Burton Barr Central Library
57 reviews in English
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Review from Magenta P.
Phoenix, AZ
11/3/2011
This is a fantastic library and a great spot in Phoenix. One of the few places in Phoenix that actually makes me feel like I'm in a city. I love the building, the staff and the selection. There is always something going on whether it be people watching either inside or in the parking lot, classes, book sales, etc. I'm glad that I live so close to this library as I'm here almost weekly.
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Review from Rebecca R.
Phoenix, AZ
2/7/2012
Burton Barr- the only place where I can witness someone attempt to steal a car in the parking lot and still give the business 4 stars.
Well, they did catch him, after all! This is a huge library in central Phoenix so naturally some sketchy things happen (and lots of people sleep on the chairs) but the selection simply cannot be beat! A whole floor for nonfiction! A huge section of books in foreign languages! If you need it, it is in this library.
The glass elevator scares me, so minus one star for that. Oh and you can check out a "city pass" that will grant you free admission to several city museums if you have a library card. Just go early, they are always checked out by noon!Listed in: The ideal afternoon in Central…
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Review from Donna B.
2/5/2012 4 Check-ins Here
This is hands-down the coolest library I've ever visited. A rockin' building, a really cool water display with the stair case, and several self check-out stations. There's also a "concierge" of sorts as soon as you walk in the building - the building is huge and can be intimidating - this person answers questions and points you in the right direction.
The top floor is quiet for hunting books, another floor seems to be dedicated to high school students and mentoring, and another for kids. Move between floors via the staircase over the water display, or in the glass elevator with a view.
Use your library card to search for and reserve books online (card not needed to search...only to reserve materials for pick-up).
A big plus is the amount of covered parking.
Loss of a star: no drive-up book return, and they don't proctor exams for distance education grad students. -
Review from Ida C.
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Burton Barr Central Library is the most beautiful and swanky public library I have ever beheld!
It looks like a VERY upscale bookstore, and it's pretty amazing to know that everything is free. Cool, neon signs show where the various sections are (e.g., teen central, holds, romance, sci-fi, etc.). There are great views from the top (5th) floor, and you can get there by climbing the beautiful staircase or by taking the glass elevators.
Other perks include attractive reading and studying areas as well as several computer areas. The colors are energizing and fun.
PARTING THOUGHT: If you go as a tourist, be sure to avail yourself to the Phoenix travel guides section on the 5th floor to get more ideas for places to check out whilst in town! -
Review from Joanna M.
Phoenix, AZ
12/30/2011
My review of Burton Barr will be based ONLY on their children's section and not the rest of the library. I've heard wonderful things about all that the library has to offer for adults but I really only use libraries to check out books for my classroom.
Throughout my 6.5 years of teaching, I have acquired over 1100 children's books of my own. Aside from the fact that I love children's books one of the main reasons I choose to buy books for my room rather than check them out is because the library is just so difficult to rely on when it comes to getting the books I need.
I teach small children, so I am fully aware of how hard it is to keep things organized if kids are allowed to touch them. But isn't the point of the Dewey decimal system lost if books are NEVER organized back to their rightful places on the shelves? Every time I try to check out books from Burton Barr I have to spend hours looking for them. The computer says they're checked in, but guess what - they're never where they're supposed to be. I get that there are budget cuts and not as many librarians as we most certainly need in such a large section, but come on. Stop worrying about the kids who want to play on the computers and start organizing the shelves! According to the online system, the library has a wonderful collection of books to entice children off the computers and into the world of reading, so why isn't it more important to put those books in their hands and make them easy for people to find?
Back in the day, I used to load up my class and head to the library for our first field trip of the year. They made sure every kid was signed up for a library card before we went so they could all leave with a book. I was always disappointed when we'd show up and sit through a puppet show instead of learning about how to use the library or why they should even bother asking their parents to bring them back. Perhaps if they'd spent years teaching the children who visited how to use the library rather than entertaining them with a puppet show the shelves would not always be in the sad state they are today. -
Review from Stephanie J.
Washington, DC
9/5/2011
Reasons I love this place:
1. You can pay your fines online.
2. Up to 99 renewals of items.
3. Amazing views of Phoenix from the fifth floor.
4. This has to be the best air-conditioning in the city.
5. Really modern design.
6. Huge laptop/study area on the fifth floor.
7. Huge movie selection
One criticism: They don't have TV show box sets on DVD. I asked the library and she said it was due to budget constraints and fear of theft/losing a DVD in a series. -
Review from Jeromy H.
Phoenix, AZ
2/2/2011
Here is another fine example of Phoenix splendid public works.This building is a vibrant hub of human interaction and learning. There is free Wifi throughout the building with plenty of well lit desks complete with a place to plug in your power supply. There are also public computers for anyone who has a library card and a little patience as there is a time limit
and a place for users to line up when all the 30 - 40+ computers are all in use. See for yourself. It's free fun for everyone. Our Tax Dollars the way they should be spent!!!Listed in: Public Works & Municipal…
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Review from Stacey H.
4/18/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I love this place! Lots of books, and friendly librarians can help you with whatever you need. The new self check out machines are amazing you can put up to four books on the table and it checks them out all at once. Especially helpful on a big trip :).
If you need a quiet place to work or study head upstairs to the fifth floor, tons of books, and even better desks with plugs so you can plug in your laptop and work. Make sure you take a break and enjoy my sons favorite part the amazing views. He loves to stand at the windows and see everything. -
Review from Nicole P.
Phoenix, AZ
6/26/2011
I love this library. It is huge and very modern, but easy to navigate. The librarians and staff are all friendly, patient and helpful. There are the usual resources (computers, wifi, printers, etc) and there is plenty of it. I've done quite a few papers here when the internet at my apartment was down. Also a huge selection of movies (lots of interesting foreign classics) and a quick self checkout. Plenty of parking and I've enjoyed quite a few exhibits in the front gallery during First Fridays.
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Review from Brig T.
Phoenix, AZ
4/7/2011
This library is amazing. Even if you don't read, its worth coming in and checking out just for its amazing architecture and views. I mean, how many libraries do you know with a waterfall/pool inside? It is very tranquil if you are looking for somewhere to get away from it all and just enjoy your book. (Or do your homework). Location is excellent, being that it's right on the light-rail as well. I don't know how anyone cannot enjoy a library.
All that being said, I do have one criticism. The people at the help desks are not the most friendly or helpful. On more than one occasion I have asked for help, and received a really sub-par answer, or felt like I'm being sneered at. So as long are you not planning on talking to the help desk, you are in for quite a treat. -
Review from Kelsee I.
7/10/2011
This is a really great library and probably the best in Phoenix! Among the beautiful architectural elements, this place has a pretty descent selection of books and music. There are different levels of the building that gives a great separation. There are lots of areas that allow you to sit a read all the different books. There is also a really cool teenager room that provides a cool hangout for all the young folks. Haven't had any bad experiences yet. Overall a great place to go!
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Review from Amy B.
8/24/2009
How can you not like the library? Especially when its as cool as this one? Ive been here twice now, and absolutely love seeing the arcitectural masterpeice that it is. Made out of steel and glass, its a jewel of a place. Glass elevators, reflection pools, and art throughout the place thats lovely to look at.
If all the libaries were like this, people would come more often. They have 5 floors, and each one has its own special purpose. Will return in the future. -
Review from Emily J.
Austin, TX
6/18/2009
I adore this library, I could spend hours here. Libraries in general are amazing, you can learn, read, listen to music explore for hours for free and no one will bother you. This point of Phoenix pride is open, modern, and has a great selection.
The staff is really friendly and helpful in the few times I've needed them they are always easy to locate. They have several self-checkout stations, but there is alwaysa line, it would be nice if they also had a few more, or were more proactive in helping those who seem a bit confused with the machines.
I love the Phoenix Library system in general. I live closest to Yucca and frequent Burton Barr, both quite frequently (more in the summer when all I want to do is laze by the pool with a book). It is so nice to be able to check books out at Burton Barr, and drop them off at Yucca on my way to work or where ever I'm headed to. They also offer interlibrary loan, so I can request books to be delivered the branches closest to me. Super convenient! They also have a really great website to facilitate this all.
**My most recent and exciting discovery is the Culture Pass, which is awesome and I can't believe I haven't heard of it before! You can check out a pass to one of several of the museums or galleries in the area. You receive a slip from the librarian that you take to the site and it is good for 4 complimentary passes! It's good for a week from checkout time, and comes with other discounts you can also take advantage of. I love it! My friends and I went to Taliesen West this morning- usually $27 each for the tour we went on- completely free! This is such a great program, I really hope that it continues even with budget cuts.
It's a big, beautiful library, plus it's open on Sunday. You can't beat that! -
Review from Erin G.
Fairfax, VA
2/27/2009
Phoenix libraries are crazy yo. I come from an area where libraries are quaint, hushed, puritanical affairs so when I approached Burton Barr I thought 'welcome to the thunderdome, max.' This place looks like it could take off and shoot into space, for real.
The real gem is the sheer volume of books. I came looking for tomes on wine studies and left with 13 books. Can I possibly even read that many in three weeks? The aisles are wide and well lit, there is loads of natural light filling each high-ceiling-ed floor and the librarians are quite friendly and helpful.
I didn't linger because my stack was weeble wobbling everywhere but what a cool place to come back and just get lost in. -
Review from Kristin C.
Phoenix, AZ
3/29/2007 2 photos
I can't help it. I know I'm in the minority, but I still think kids should have to look up information with cards in little drawers, and they should have to know the Dewey decimal system. Is this outdated? Sure, but isn't the whole point of education learning HOW to learn? So I'm a bit of a library geek. Recovering geek actually. That said, the first time I even saw the building for the Public branch I could practically smell the reference section. It's that good.
In all ways - this library rocks! Quiet, without oppressive. Computers for internet access, computers for searching. Lots of seating for individual study and contemplation. And their teen section is just amazing. It's officially just for teens to have a private space. What a great way to keep the library "cool" at an age where most kids start to zone it all out. And great art collections too! And for those of us who love the old stuff - they have an amazing section of historical documents where they will rotate those in view of the public in little cases - while others are available to be viewed only be appointment. Wow.
Even if you aren't interested in libraries or reading, you have to go once just for the architecture and the amazing view from those window walls on the North and South side of the building. It really is amazing. -
Review from Lauren V.
8/13/2007
Probably the most gorgeous library I've ever been in. designed by Will Bruder (SMoCA...the super modern-looking lime and yellow condos on university), I stopped in finally to kill some time post-work, pre-happy hour.
It's uber modern, with shade screens lining the outside and tons of natural light inside. At the center are two glass elevators the rise out of a black-bottom reflecting pool on the ground floor. The center of the building is open all the way to the ceiling, and the 2nd-5th floors wrap around the open space. It's pretty breathtaking....and my only problem is with these neon, 80's-looking lights they have everywhere (lining the top of the elevators, as signs for sections like "periodicals" and "teen center"). It's like they were added as an afterthought by someone who thought all the design elements were nice, but too subtle, and they had to punch it up and make it look 'cool.' Disappointing.
Also, on the summer equinox, or the first day of summer, there are specially-placed skylights that create the illusion of flames inside the library when the sun hits them at noon. I have to check out this phenomenon, but it is def on my list. Plus, they have a Rare Book Room, a room designated to AZ history, a photo art "gallery" (ok, it's a small room, but awesome) and a Book Art 'gallery.' For a lit/book/word nerd such as myself, this library is now one of my favorite places in phx. -
Review from Kristin S.
Somerville, MA
12/12/2008
I enjoy this library. Its got a really open and modern feel to it. Its not one of those libraries that has a funky smell and dark corners. But to be honest, I do find those kinds of libraries somewhat comforting. (Except I have been libraries with stacks you could hide a dead body in and series of connecting tunnels that are downright frightening). Anyways, I digress. Modern libraries are a nice change and I imagine more inviting to children, this particular library appears to be very kid friendly.
There are some good spots to set up with your laptop but I do wish there were more places to plug in. I do rather like sitting by the window overlooking Hance and staring off into downtown while I'm taking a break from my work. The stacks are nice and spacious and you never feel as if someone is going to sneak up on you while you look for something.
You have access to a few satellite libraries through Burton Barr. It's a nice resource, as much of the materials that I am looking for are housed at the Heard Museum. However, and this is more of a fault with that library and not Burton Barr, you cannot bring anything but a notebook and a pencil in there and you cannot check out books. Its not very conducive to conducting the kind of research that I need to conduct. Like I said, its more of an issue with the Heard than here, but its still frustrating when the book I am looking for comes up as being housed there. I also find that they do not have some texts I would like, and I usually end up checking them out at ASU. I don't think what I study is that controversial that it shouldn't be carried in the public library of a major city.
There is one big drawback for me. Nerd Alert: I don't like the Dewey Decimal system. I'm a Library of Congress system kind of gal. Its what I've know for my entire academic career. I find it unnerving when I don't get a call number that starts "LC" or "LB". The lack of letters freaks me out. It also means I have to take a moment to orient myself to the layout, whereas in other libraries I can just head to the stacks and know where I'm going.
All in all it's a great public library and I'm glad that I can walk there from my place. -
Review from Laura P.
Seattle, WA
1/27/2010
Walking north on Central Ave. is how I stumbled upon the Burton Barr Central Library. At first I thought that I was coming up on one of Phoenix art museums so I was totally pleased to see that this cool structure was the library. Other yelpers have done justice with their description, so I can't add more there.
One really cool feature of this library is the children's section on the first floor. Walk past the reflection pool, heading south and you'll find an extensive children's section. It served as a perfect and *free* place for our small party of toddlers to kill some time. There is a low, curved bench with cubbies full of books which piqued our girl's interest. The bench seat had various art embedded into it, providing it texture. Another great part of the kid's section is the large, dark blue felt feature on the wall. Several small, bright & colorful pieces of felt in the shape of familiar cats & fish and the unfamiliar coyotes can be be placed at will. This is an idea I'll definitely steal!
There is an adjoining courtyard next to that section. It is enclosed with a curving tall fence, part of which is made with colorful sections of purple, blue, red, etc. We weren't able to access it because they closed it due to mud.
Minus a star because the main info desk and the kid's info desk couldn't help us find what we were looking for (a park just due west of the library), but that is minor. -
Review from Staja H.
Phoenix, AZ
1/21/2008
Hands down one of the best libraries I've ever been to.
The parking lot is large so you can always get in and out fast. The entire place is immaculate and well kept. The workers are extremely helpful and cheery. The view from the elevators is CRAZY AWESOME. What I found when I went was that the reading room is the largest in north america and the library was built 13 years ago. This place is pretty advanced for being over a decade old.
Getting a library card has never been easier and I will definitely go back to read, write, or people watch. Kudos to Phoenix for a kickass library. -
Review from Charlie G.
Phoenix, AZ
6/22/2008
Perhaps you've heard of the Library of Congress. Nice Library.
Burton Barr Central Library has a bigger reading room.
Wil Bruder was the Architect. You either love his work, or you hate his work. I love his work! And, this library is as good as it gets.
Arrive in the sixth floor reading room a little before Noon *on* the Summer Solstice. Ask a librarian: They'll tell you why. [ah, the mystery....] -
Review from Chris C.
Lafayette, CO
6/15/2009
Very nice library.
Good selection of books, competent staff, plentiful reading space and very interesting interior. -
Review from Adam P.
Phoenix, AZ
3/11/2009
This tends to be my main vein for my movie fix. They have an awesome collection of foreign and classic films that has yet to be matched anywhere in Phoenix. If you're looking for a foreign title that's in the Criterion Collection, chances are that you'll find it here. The great thing about this place too is that you get to rent up to five movies without having to return them for something like five weeks and you could probably spend your whole life doing this once a month and never get through all the films they have.
Another reason I love this library is the architecture. It makes great use of the space and doesn't feel like an academic library. One random thing however is the odd Borg Cube-like sculpture that looks like it crashed in the main entrance. Overall, it's just an awesome building to be in and experience. Burton Barr is a really peaceful place if you need somewhere to study. There's an awesome view from the top story where you can get a great view of Central and downtown.
My only complaint? It smells like homeless people in some spots. That sounded cruel, but you know what I mean. -
Review from Tyler H.
Phoenix, AZ
12/9/2008
Who knew libraries could be cool?
Well, I did, but it's been a long, long while since I've been to one. The internet and audiobooks have taken over my life, but it was nice to reconnect with the people.
The architecture of this place is pretty damn cool, much better than the interior design, in fact. I love the view of the city, the glass elevators and the wide open spaces, but hated the open central area, which allowed noise to drift from the first floor to the FIFTH.
What happened to people not talking in libraries? Oh wait, I was glared at for nearly a minute when I spoke in a tone above a whisper. I guess there aren't enough mean librarians anymore to shush people, as another patron put the fear of MOM in me by staying into the back of my skull to get me to shut up.
Oh, and all I did there was work on my laptop. Maybe I'll check out some books next time... -
Review from J seth A.
Phoenix, AZ
12/15/2009
I wish I could live here. The views are breathtaking, the architecture inspires confidence and pride and the library card this year is so cute!
Libraries are not irrelevant, they have served a vital role in the development of the world and still have a place in the modern world. I'm the biggest supporter and user of modern technology and the Internet, but I could never undercut the value a good library brings to a community. Ours is over 280,000 square feet with 706,000 items spread across 5 floors. This library is a gem and makes me very proud of Phoenix. -
Review from Mary s.
7/6/2009
I am writing this review in regards to the Culture Pass they offer.
The Culture Pass is better than sliced bread and I hope they continue to do it. You go to the library, show your library card, and tell them what museum you want to go to. (There are 11 choices to include the Science Center, The Phx Zoo and Tallisean West, just to name a few) If they have the pass available(Go early on Monday for best selections) for that particular museum they will give you a piece of paper that is worth 4( yes you heard me right, 4 free admissions!!!) this is amazing! We have used it so far and have saved over 150 dollars and have only used it twice.Can't wait to use it some more! PS- be flexible. I went to a museum I never thought I would go to because that is all they had left and it was great. You would be surprised what fun there is out there waiting to be discovered! -
Review from Dave B.
8/22/2009 4 Check-ins Here
Sure libraries are almost irrelevant but this place is a Phoenix jewel for sure. The buildings outside is pretty nice, but inside it's a masterpiece. I'll spare you the descriptions of the glass elevators and the pools of water underneath ... but it's awesome, trust me.
Outside of that ... the entire Phoenix Public Library system is first rate. My favorite parts: they will ship the book you want to the nearest library to you, you can return the book to any location and they allow you to renew your books on-line (they give you an email when it's due and you just click through to re-up, so basically you can keep it as long as no one else wants the book).
First rate and awesome! -
Review from Amanda B.
Tucson, AZ
7/7/2008
The disclosure list here is long: I worked for the PPL system, am still employed with the city, and a sibling is also a current PPL employee.
I have many, many issues with the Phoenix Public Library system. In many ways they're approaching things from the complete opposite direction than I would like (if you ever feel the need to talk libraries, I'll give you an earful), but Burton Barr is beautiful. I could ramble on about disagreements with weeding, collection development, but...
Go look at the building, the Arizona Room, the top floor on Summer Solstice. If you can't find what you're looking for, pester one of the librarians about their Interlibrary Loan system, and they'll do their best to help you find the item elsewhere. The employees are here because they love libraries and that alone makes it a place worth visiting. -
Review from Reylynne W.
Laveen, AZ
5/21/2009
I like this library because it has a lot of books both new and old. I like the way they designed the place. I never been in the old library before they built this new one.
However, what I don't like is how kids are always running around, playing on the elevators, or sometimes yelling and no one, I mean, no one does anything about it. I thought that the librarians are supposed to maintain the silence within the library. They have a security guard sitting right there too. There's been a few times that I would just walk out of the library with out any books. Because I could not concentrate with all that racket.
A library is like a sanctuary. A place where you can get away from the hustle n' bustle. Not to be annoyed by them dang kids. -
Review from Michael L.
Phoenix, AZ
8/25/2008
Libraries are a wonderful thing, now if folks would just learn how to pronounce the word library. ;-{)
This library has such a good variety of books, recorded too. The video library is fairly good too. I also love the option of ordering a book to be ready for you when you arrive. The folks working there are consistently helpful.
The building it self normally would not catch my eye as I am not particularly drawn to the modern aesthetic. Yet I find myself looking at the corners of the interior and its structure it is actually pretty cool.
The parking too is quite easy.
We are lucky to have such a place where cheap folk such as I can get a good book to read. -
Review from Samantha D.
Washington, DC
7/7/2008
Yay Phoenix. You did this one right.
I've always been able to find what I need. I'm not sure that I love or hate the architecture but I did read about it in Dwell which is always just a bit impressive.
My only beef is...why isn't there a cafe? Does that make me a yuppie for wanting a coffee house in my library? I promise it's only cause I desperately need the caffeine! Either way...I love espresso and a good book. But this library is top notch if you ask me. -
Review from Deirdre E.
Phoenix, AZ
3/9/2011 24 Check-ins Here
I thoroughly enjoy this library, and feel as though it offers many wonderful services, especially despite many city-wide budget cuts. The building itself is very modern in architechture, and has wonderful open floors with great floor to ceiling windows. Taking a trip to the top floor and watching the city from the north and south facing windows can be an afternoon of entertainment in and of itself. They also have wonderful individual workstations on the top floor, a very accommodating teen center on the fourth floor, and a very large children's area on the first floor. As far as services go, there are plenty! The reading program for kids is now offered throughout the year (not just in the summer anymore), there is the culture pass program (tough to get tickets, but cool that they're free), assistance with college applications and financial aid, classes to learn basic computer skills (free!), free internet access (on their computers or with your own wi-fi), and a really cool summer schedule for kids that is also free! I also really like the email alerts that I now receive, reminding me when my books are due - this has saved me from late fees many times! If it strikes your fancy, there is also a cafe and a small bookstore, though I have never frequested either.
So why not five stars? Well, in the end, this is a library, and place to find books and other materials, and considering this is supposed to be the main hub for all the Phoenix Public Libraries, I sometimes find they are lacking in some of the information I am looking for. Also, while I understand that money is tight everywhere right now, the hours are sometimes less than convenient. -
Review from Jamie Q.
Pico Rivera, CA
7/28/2008
I love books, hence I love libraries. I have also heard good things about the Central Library. So when my friend and I decided to go visit Phoenix, we decided to stop off and see it. I must add though that the main reason we went was because the Travel Channel did a list of the world's weirdest bathrooms, and the bathrooms at the library came in second on the list. I know what you're saying too yourselves. That could be the lamest reason to visit someplace! Now that I think about it, you are probably right.
The 1 star is for the bathrooms. The actual library gets 3 stars, because although the building is stunning, I found the inside to be disorganized and a bit dirty. Back to the bathrooms though. We went into the bathrooms and there was nothing weird about it. So we decided to ask the librarian what made it weird and he did not know what we were talking about. He then told us that if you look into a little hole in the wall dividing the entryways into the men's and women's bathrooms, you can see light from the fiber optics installed in the library. He then said it's probably cool for only about a second and that it definitely was not weird.
And guess what? He was absolutely spot on.
Now I don't know who to blame. Should I blame the library for installing something so dumb? Should I blame the travel channel for putting this on the world's weirdest bathrooms, or frankly creating a list of the world's weirdest bathrooms? Or should I blame myself for going to a library to see this in the first place? Ah heck, I'll blame all three. -
Review from Layal R.
Phoenix, AZ
5/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful architecture, great selection, great art, librarians are very nice.
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Review from Jw L.
San Mateo, CA
12/7/2006 2 photos
Feel like staying at a 5-star hotel for unbeatable price in Pheonix or Scottsdale? Hints: http://Priceline.com and 4th of July. Phoenix is steaming hot around that time, so hot that you want to jump into a swimming pool and submerge till sunset. But, if you know your way around the 101 loop, check out the Phoenix Central Library before dinner.
The design of this library rivals any libraries in the world. Tilt-up concrete walls to the east and west to reduce direct solar gain in the morning and afternoon; glass curtain walls to the north and south to bring more natural light into the reading room. Phoenix Central Library is not only cool and photogenic, it also cuts the energy use to 1/3 of what was initially projected. Did I mention free internet? You can yelp away right in the library... -
Review from Monica R.
Sunland, CA
9/17/2008
I've been to a lot of libraries - LA libraries, NYC libraries. I love libraries. Burton Barr rocks!
Yes, it's cool-looking or interesting or whatever but the best thing is the huge array of books. One thing the Phoenix public library system gets right is the book collection. They always have the latest titles and they aren't afraid to collect both recent Christian lit and Gay/Lesbian lit. Any place that provides both for its patrons is a damn good library indeed! -
Review from Johnny A.
Phoenix, AZ
5/4/2010
For 30 seconds, I get to be a kid again riding up and down the hydraulic smooth glass elevators, with the fountain view. This is the best part about the library. The effecient energy oriented building architecture is probably one of the best example of civic offering from the City of Phoenix. There are plenty of parking also.
For the real deal, the inside is spacious with plenty of good style seating spread apart. There are about 5 stories of books and media items you can check out. It is a general purpose library and not meant to be as specialized as a university library. Being a Library of Phoenix card member allows me to go to any of their 12 local branches to check out items and I believe they have an inter-library loan process for getting books from other libraries or US universities. Also you can browse their catalog online and I believe there is also free wifi in all branches.
For a general multipurpose public library, I can't ask for more. -
Review from nova k.
San Diego, CA
4/26/2009
I really dig the modern architectural design and layout of this spot. This place is a totally cool space with a decent view and selection.
This is another downtown Phoenix gem. -
Review from Amber A.
Phoenix, AZ
2/21/2010
I live closest to Centruy City library, but I love going to Burton Barr. This library is and has been an invalualuable source for school work, previewing books I might want to buy, and just some me time to browse the aisles. The architecture is amazing. I love going to the 5th floor and looking down and riding the elevators is fun too.
I also love that I can manage my library account on line. Renewing and requesting holds is very convienent for me. Thank you Burton Barr. -
Review from Wesley H.
Scottsdale, AZ
11/16/2009
Burton Barr has such potential...but I feel that Scottsdale Civic Center beats it in so many ways.
Burton Barr's interior and exterior designs make it an interesting and beautiful building. The glass elevators allow visitors to take in the full extent of this great building. Sure it's wumbo in size, but does that make it great? Not exactly.
What I didn't find particularly enticing about Burton Barr were some of the core aspects of a library. For instance, it's HOT on the fifth floor. So much that I moved downstairs. The fifth floor also has a bad wifi connection and ZERO floor outlets for laptops. What the hell is that?!
On some of the lower floors, the shelves of books are very empty. I stumbled across a corner in which up to 50 shelves were totally bare. Color copying isn't an option, computers are ancient. Oh, and the populous who loiter around the entrance bumming cigarettes make me hesitant to walk inside. Covered parking? Keep dreaming. It's not like we live in Arizona or anything. -
Review from Jason F.
Phoenix, AZ
3/28/2009
I really like this libray.
In comparison to other libraries I have experienced, it has a pretty good selection of books on subjects I am interested in.
The staff is always helpful.
I especially love that I can look for and hold books online - very nice!
