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Burton Barr Central Library
Rating Details »
1221 N. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85073
(602) 262-4636
Phoenix, AZ 85073
(602) 262-4636
38 reviews for Burton Barr Central Library
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.
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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!
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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!
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The most beautiful public library tat I have ever seen. Wonderful working spaces for those with laptops, or even without laptops. Nice view from the windows when you're on the fifth floor.
Very nice library.
Good selection of books, competent staff, plentiful reading space and very interesting interior.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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Five stories of fabulousness, that is the Burton Barr. Did you know they have a rare book room, complete with a printing press and many first editions? It is open by appointment only unfortunately, so I just drooled on the glass instead of getting my dirty fingerprints on the books. That is my favorite area in the library.
Second favorite is the large periodical section. Newspapers, magazines, glossy prints just waiting to be picked up and explored. Old editions of Seventeen, check. Old editions of National Geographic, check. Newspapers from all over the world, check.
Fifth floor offers views of the city as well as comfortable reading spaces. I was able to pull a book on architecture and relax for an hour while watching the people scurry like ants on Central in the 100* heat. Good times.
It's convenient to get to, just off the light rail. It is within walking distance to the Phoenix Art Museum. Have a culture adventure and enjoy our urban city, take the light rail to the library and have lunch at Arcadia Farms Cafe.
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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.
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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!
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.
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I love this library...on a hot summer day, walking into the cool A/C of the ground level. It's a very modern building, especially for a library. They've got a great music collection as well and a fairly decent book selection. Pluses for being along the lightrail and having a parking lot, minus a star for smelly homeless people loitering around all day and taking up the computers.
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....]
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I have a strange fascination with libraries. I guess I just love what they are about. I feel so lucky to have Burton Barr so close to my home. I especially love that it's designed by Will Bruder. You can see the similarities between this building and the ASU campus. Anyway, besides the beautiful and seamless intertwining of the outdoors with the indoors, this library houses an enormous collection of resources. There are multiple levels with both stairs and elevators to get you around. There is a considerable sized computer lab that allows you to reserve a computer for an hour at a time using your library card. You can find pretty much anything you could be looking for at this library. It has a great selection of everything. We are lucky to have such a cool place downtown. Just watch out for the bums camping out in the area.
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This is a beautiful, modern library. It lets in a lot of natural light for reading. It was built to reflect Arizona's geology (sun, canyon formations, etc.) and you will notice the "canyon walls" feel in the atrium. The outside resembles a mesa from the side. There is a large collection of books (though you will find a more scholarly/academic selection at Hayden Library at ASU Main) and plenty of space for reading. Floor-to-roof windows cover the north and south ends of the building and whether or not you wish to do any reading you will get great views of Downtown and Midtown Phoenix from the top floor.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Awesome place. Be sure to go there at solar noon at the summer solstice and watch the special effect sunbeams from the skylights hit the top of the columns where the cables hold up the roof. Also watch the shadows move down the wall and then pass to the other side, Impressive!
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i love the library. the architecture here is on point, the open floorplan is awesome for a multilevel building. its just awesome ok.
i just wish i could find those damn books they say i have still. :\
oh well.. at least i can still get in this place.
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I want to get into the rare book room so bad. *drool*
I love this library. Except the fact that they keep all their graphic novels in the teen section. Even graphic novels that are probably not really for teens. What's the deal?
They also strike me as pretty strict about book damage. Or....just one person is. I checked out one book that had a pretty damaged cover. I didn't think much of it, except that hey... it's a library book. They're all going to be in a state of disrepair. After I returned it, they assumed I'd damaged it and froze my account with a $25 fine. When I went to the counter to let them know that it had been that way when I checked it out, I had to talk to a rather bitchy employee who said "I don't think so. We don't let books this damaged go back on the shelf."
Me: "Really? Oh...well.. I don't know what to tell you. It was like that when I checked it out. Somebody must have overlooked it."
Her, in that I-think-you're-so-full-of-crap-and-I-hate-you voice: "We don't put -tape- on the covers of our books."
Me: "Um, neither do I?"
She rolled her eyes at me and said "I'll waive it this time. But if you return a book this damaged again, we're fining you."
:( :( :*( Geez, my first encounter with a mean librarian.... and it's not even the hot naughty kind.
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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...
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This library is actually very fun for a library, check it out- bathrooms and all- and see why!
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I love living so close to Burton Barr Central Library. Five stories of books, millions of titles, it is heaven. Not to mention their CD collection, you will be hard pressed not to find something cool. I have checked out hundreds of CDs from here, everything from Mogwai to Charlie Patton box sets. It is a great resource for music, something I don't think a lot of people realize. (Be sure to check out the teen section on the 4th floor, that is where most of the good CDs are.)
Their website has been redone, so now you can place holds (3) online and save items to your "Bookshelf" for future reference or to check out later. They will transfer your hold request to your location, too.
The employees are all pretty friendly and very helpful, when you need it. I can't forget to mention the rare book room, the Arizona Room, full of archived Phoenix/AZ/Southwest history, and the many ongoing events and art gallery.
Sometimes outside there are people wanting you to sign this or that petition, or the occasional person asking for change, but more often than not, you can walk in unmolested.
I can't say enough good things about it.
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The libraray is quite impressive and used by many. As a WiFi spot the network could use a little more speed. They must throttle down the wifi because 175Kbs up and down is the best I have seen. That is ok speed for most things but if you are in need of transfering large files it can add time to your afternoon.
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The other reviews have pretty much said it all. This library is a beautiful wonder and one of Phoenix's dearest treasures. I would love to see more businesses open up around the place so I could get to places on foot...
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Multi-storey building chock full of books, all kinds of magazines, free internet and very popular. God bless government funded facilities.
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Very impressive modern design. If you are at all interested in architecture, check it out. Bonus? It's free.
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It gets the vote as being the best library in Phoenix, but then agian it didnt have very good competition. I only dislike the employees about 50% to 75% of the time. At least they usually have what I am looking ofr I suppose.
Best library in Arizona, hands down! No matter what city in AZ I'm living in (Tempe, Scottsdale, North Scottsdale...wherever!), I will always drive to get my books here. First of all, it's huge. I am not sure how many levels exactly this place has, but there are plenty. The architecture alone is enough to go check it out, not to mention the thousands of books they have on hand at all times. You know how when you go to most libraries looking for a specific book only to be told they have to order it for you from another library? That never happens here! A see-through elevator takes you up to the different levels or you can get some exercise by taking the stairs. There are often really cool art displays here (I saw a Beatles photography exhibit that was awesome) and tons of free, interesting and fun classes are always being offered in one of the many classrooms within the library. Only drawback: tons of bums outside. Tons.
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