Reviews of Burton Barr Central Library (Library)

Elflord McGeek

Great library and resources along with help for the community.

raphael hyde

Very clean and maintained. Ive been frequenting 5 of the phx libraries and this is by far the best, exellent quiet areas on the 5th floor and beautiful views

Kathryn Watts

Cool and quiet.

derric bryant

A good place to escape the elements

U n i

This is literally my favorite library it so pretty it huge and they always hold great evens and there great selection its just all and all beautiful too

Crystal Shapiro

Took my step daughter (9 yrs)to try to have some bonding time had her get her first public library card she was so exited to feel so independent while I had to step away to print some paperwork she was downstairs in the children area and have the best experience with one of the staff members helped showing her how she could check out tablets on her own I really love how this library gave her that Independence as I type this she's asking if we can take back the book she checked out so they won't be late so proud of her!

Debra Vanmeter

Beautiful libary, 4 floors, elevators, computers, books nice employees librarians, parking, trains n buses right there. So far cholla n Barton are terrific please join it's free, just bring I'd or address get a free libary card bring cans of food n get discount if you owed money. dvds,books, knowledge is free.

ROBLOX NoOB AKA MANNY

I Can’t Wait to Go to Burton Barr Central Library on Sunday at 1pm!

Blakley Friend

Absolutely great place to bring your kids and also a wonderful place if you are coming to get a good read. Inside they have comfortable sofas, sofa chairs, as well as desk areas and computer centers where you can relax and read. They have children's programs for reading, writing, math programs as well as computer programming learning programs for kids where they can learn about code. Oh, and they teach kids how to 3D Print. Pretty cool. Inside the library, it is quaint and the staff and people are respectful. Inside this 5 story building, they have a pond inside as well as a see through elevator that you can take all the way to the top floor. This is the best library in all of Arizona.

Mark Holgate

Ok, so this is a really cool modern library. 5 floors with tons of open spaces and activities. Lots of views of the city and a maker space. Unfortunately I can only give it three stars because of the special kind of crazy that exists there. Homeless yelling at each other, a guy wading in and grabbing change out of the fountain. Even most of the kids there had something weird about them. It's a shame. It's a great library, but I won't be going back.

TATER TOT

It's quiet, and I can be away from people on the didth and second floor.

Martha Otero

Kids area is great!!

Manatees F

The biggest issue is their transients. So beware where you sit, some of the homeless can leave the seats... messy. Seen it a few times that they rent out a room and fall asleep so if you're looking to rent one they might be used up. Even as a male it's weird going into the restroom or the top floor and being close to where they linger. Other than that the staff is knowledgeable and the library is a great resource.

Michael Td Roberts

Burton Barr Central Library is one of the bests libraries in the Phoenix area. The architecture & Design is amazing, lots if light from all the glass walls and windows, views of the park and downtown Phoenix, lots of parking, right next to the light rail and near restaurants & bars. The interior in welcoming & large with multiple floors & bathrooms, seating throughout, over 60 computer stations, very helpful staff throughout the library and of course free wifi. Lots of books, magazines, DVD's, CD's, a great career center & college resource office, kids area and the coolest feature is a the creative room. Burton Barr Central Library is well worth your visit. #localguides #libraries #burtonbarr

Johnathan Moran

Loved the interactive stories. Displays were very interesting. My grandkids loved to see the dinosaurs up close.

Clifford Waite

At times the A.C. works and then times it doesn't work. Overall it is a huge library probably the biggest library in all of Arizona. One of the downsides for me at this library would be it's security guards. They are very unprofessional and a gossipy bunch of people. I tend to go to this library just to use their free wi-fi but they have this one particular female security guard she is the older white lady with blonde hair has a tendency to stalk me. Every time I lookup I see her looking at me quickly and then turning away. She now has her other security guards watching me as well. They sure do know how to make a patron feel uncomfortable. The wi-fi is shotty at best.

Yak Mehoff

I love meet my girlfriend here, and if she doesn't show up I can find a new one.

Renee Chamberlain

My all time favorite Phoenix library has stepped it up again. The addition of the nursing nook in the children's area is amazing. I would love to see these in every library.

Mike Valentine

Burton Barr Central Library is one of Phoenix's best libraries in the area. Close yo the rail, buses, downtown and local restaurants and retailers.

heavenly mettle

Huge selection of books. Very nice selection of newly published items as well. The video selection seems quite large but, I've never been able to locate anything I want except via placing an item on hold in advance. Seems as if the video selections are one of the most popular. Rather large number of computers are available although the recent change of allowing 2 hours time per visit makes the wait time less than reasonable in my opinion. I believe this may be due to some recent political considerations concerning the homeless and if so then it is understandable. The wifi is fairly decent though and there is a room on the 2nd floor that is designated a "quite room" where electrical outlets are readily available. As this is a downtown venue there are large numbers of homeless people but, not to worry, being poor and homeless isn't a condition that is catching! And from my personal experience they mostly don't bite! I'd love to give this place 5 stars but, long ago they closed the small coffee shop. For some unspoken reason they refuse to reopen it? The times when they're open have been reduced in the past. Hopefully this will change sometime in the future. Wonderful staff.

MrRJMGREEN

There is an area known as "the bridge" where all the drug addicts hang, it is literally over a walkway from the library. I did social work and ran AA groups. The addicts would attend a group, then go hang at the bridge. The library is nice, the inventory is good, and I was always treated well. However, it is a scary place. I liked the little R2D2 mailbox.

Jack Sommersby

Haven for the homeless! They stink to high heaven and panhandle you. Rather than working or looking for work, they congregate here and make the library experience very unpleasant.

All Mine

This is the most impressive library I have been to

Joen Isabel Copeland Aguirre, Esq.

My absolute favorite library!! We love all the family activities! A true gem!

Marcus Anzelone

You should be a proud city to have a library on this scale. Impressive.

Josh M.

Really one of the most comfortable libraries I've ever been to

KIA flores

Allot of homeless people in the library ain't good for my kids to be around and can't trust allot of homeless people

Jeff Hull

Really is a great place for the kids.

Vanessa Arzu

The library is Magnificently beautiful!!! It has BOOKS! Many many books to choose from! This is every reader's dream place and a place for every child to learn. I love it! The fifth floor is my favorite for those magnificent window structures that captures my eyes and heart every single time! There is a place for every age there! It is a place one should visit upon coming to Phoenix. The greatest thing to do if you are coming from Sky Harbor Airport ( with little luggage) and you have a few hours to spare before your hotel or airbnb check-in, hop on the train train there and take it straight to the library! That was the coolest thing I got to do on my initial visit, and because I came in the early morn, it was very very quiet. And if you up for a quiet spot to relax, you can hop on the train 1850 N Central, and walk over to Central Arts Plaza to the little park tucked away in the corner. Makes for a relaxing time and a beautiful pictures if you like taking pictures. Check it out!!!

FEETUS Cletus

Very large library. Great architecture. They also have apple computers and a 3D printer.

Eileen J

I miss it. can't wait for it to reopen

Sarah Vassall

What a great place! It makes me miss being in school! The library is HUGE and it has a great selection of kids' books, videos, foreign language, etc. The staff is friendly and helpful. No complaints about this place, and I'm glad to see Phoenix investing in such an important public facility.

Michael Bucy

This is a large library, which I enjoy, that is right off the Lightrail & stays open late several nights each week. I also like to schedule & use their Study Rooms for a little more privacy. Plus, they have The HIVE for entrepreneur/small business support. The staff has always been friendly & helpful. I wish they wouldn't SHOUT multiple closing reminders: 15-min, 10-min, 5-min, & CLOSED!

Susan Rastella

The Burton Barr Central Library will be CLOSED until summer 2018. It recently received a lot of roof and structural damage because of a storm. Patrons are requested to use other branches of the Phoenix Library System. Note: The reopening date is tentative. The library reopened on June 16, 2018. It was closed because of Major renovation after storm damages. The library's current hours as of May 14, 2019 are: Monday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday - 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday - 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday - 1 p.m. to 5 p.m

Tamara Garrett

Being mentally disabled not much i can do. But its so peaceful on the 5th floor. I can spend all day here. The only draw back is i wish they would seek an outfit to run the cafe

Brenda Almazan

It's peaceful, I'd live there if I could

Deborah Abernathy

Before it was closed, it was an airy, comfortable environment in which to read or get on the computer. There were plenty of computers with Internet access. On the first floor there was a deli.

Travis Slaughter

Have enjoyed this branch even since i was a teenager. Love the updates and renovations that have happened over the last 30 years.

Mr Mookie

Awesome place to bring the family. Great architecture, library, and play areas for kids.

jaqueline loya

Nice place to work, study, and read with all its employees keeping the place at its best. Second floor is usually busy with lots of people loitering on the computers and the bathrooms on that floor is worrisome with people walking in with luggage’s at times. My only concern is that the library should have more security since there is kids in the building. Walking through the second floor doesn’t feel safe especially after watching a man cursing and raising his voice at random people, it took a few minutes for someone to escort him out.

katie hoskins

Huge library! I ended up asking for help from 4 separate librarians for different things and all were kind and helpful, walking me to the section I needed rather than just pointing, acknowledging when they weren't sure about something but still trying to help... Only thing is they could really use a map/signage/directory. 5 floors is a lot of territory.

coupleofbeers31

Great library with a beautiful view of the city. The selection of books and cds is excellent. It's quite likely one of the most beautifully designed libraries in the country. The biggest problem here is the menacing characters that hand around this area and in the library itself. It's not fun to be hit up for money and yelled at by drug addicts and the mentally ill and also to deal with safety issues because a lot of the people standing outside look like gang members and ex-cons. Also some of the staff members could stand to be a little more helpful and to improve their customer service skills. Thanks.

Curtis Smith

Great place to relax unwind , and enjoy some good reading . Wonderful staff and security...

Laura Shalstar

I volunteered part time and loved reading small novels to children.

Hugh Dunne

Nice airy space with a great selection of books, but I deduct points because several times I've had a bad experience being dinged for books that had minor damage before I checked them out. The library workers are ferocious about going over returned books with a magnifying glass to find the slightest hint of damage, then they force you to pay the full cost of a brand new copy of the book, even if it was 20 years old. And you don't even get to keep the copy of the book they make you replace! Examine every book VERY carefully before checking it out. If there is minor damage, ask a staff member to make a note of it. If there is more than minor damage, don't check it out. Open CD or DVD cases to check for missing or damaged disks before checking them out. (A sign tells you to check them out first before removing them from the protective cases, but this is asking for trouble.)

Greg Lima

Very helpful people are always happy to assist you!

Wisam Moughaouiche

Love it!!!! ,but in going to find manga if there is plz tell me if there is

Maribel Gamboa

It's a beautiful library. Kids and I love it.

Esoteric Quality

Great staff, artistic design, inventory, and assistive technology options.

Hector The Dank Memes

The place is good but to much people it good tho

Kimberly Ash

Beautiful architecture and all of the library staff were very helpful

T E

This is a really cool library with lots of space and events all of the time. The staff is great. The only downside is the vagrancy in and around the library itself, city planning could help address. Used it as a resource through college and university. Love the building, location and most everything about it except aforementioned downside.

Wild Garrett Family

I'm glad they are back.

Edna González Blando

It looks wonderful I hope I could visit it soon. I m going to travel to Phoenix on february and want to rent a room with a bathroom just for me. I would like to live with a really an american family to learnd about the americans costumes, way of life etc. Thank you for your help.

jolina brown

i miss coming to this library when will it be open again

Scaii Hoffman

This is a great library and its big enough for everyone :)

Desire Hepinger

This has to be the best public library in Phoenix, the only thing is that it got water damage last year and it has been closed ever since. I cant wait till they open it up again.

J. Ignacio Garcia

A great and positive atmosphere. The homeless don't bother me. As, they too are human beings simply trying to keep cool. Simply put a sign up encouraging all the public to enter only if they are hygenically safe for others??? I'm not so unintelligent and lame as to let them define what the library truly is to me. They ain't keepin me away either (too all the lame o's downin' the homeless on this site)! It is a great facility that welcomes and is friendly to ALL of the public and is full of literary treasures!!!

Marc Prebish

Library itself is a top notch facility. I do suggest you don't bike there because you probably won't be leaving with a whole bike.

Joshua Bernal

The library is awesome. Beautiful and tastefully artistic design and architecture. The customer service is excellent. Good security on site. Many services. Lots to choose from. The wi-fi is really good but theirs lots of bums watching you tub and streaming movies so it slows down allot and kicks you off. Also make sure to bring some perfume or something cause the stinky bums everywhere can sometimes stink up the place and make you gag cause the homeless shelter isn't far from it. The library is superb. It's just all the darn loser bums that don't want to better their lives that linger their that make it kinda annoying. And i don't mean the transients. At least their moving up and using the libraries valuable resources.

Walter Jackson

Is this a library or a homeless shelter????

Joe Willets

Amazing library with many floors, great views, quiet areas, and private rooms for study groups. The only downfall here is the large homeless population. I understand that it's a struggle, but the smell of unshowered people can get overwhelming at times.

OVOXO OVOXO

please for the love of god segregate out the homeless.

Monica Rodriguez

Big library the first floor is the children's floor it's very clean. The workers there are very helpful and look happy to be there. Story time for kids are every Wednesday at 10am. They have therapy dogs that go every Tuesday at 10am but it's a hit or miss sometimes they don't show up. So far I really enjoy it. There is no cafe inside so bring your own coffee they said something about their coffee shop flooded.

Nicole Figueroa

I love this library so much. The architecture is beautiful. Their kids and teen spaces are excellent and they have so many classes and things to do that it's hard to choose. Best library for kids in the valley! #supportlocalart #artsaves #lovehard #themorticiansdaughter

Kane Reyes

Security can be kind of uptight and abusive with their authority, unless your cool with a couple of them. Other than that, great place to pass the time and meet up with people.

Emma Halasz

LIBRARY HOURS ARE 9-9. DOES NOT OPEN AT 8. PLEASE FIX.

Kelli Publish

This place is HUGE with tons of books and things to do. As a small business owner, I enjoyed coming here for networking meetings and bringing my laptop to do work. There are a lot of homeless people. They never bothered me, but it's a little different if you're a first time visitor.

Cris Guti

I've been to this library twice, months apart. Both times did not have a pleasant experience. They don't seem very organized, they can be more helpful and the second floor smells of urine. A lot of homeless hanging outside.

Fernando Cruz

5 stories of knowledge, entertainment, meeting rooms, and amenities. Located on Central Avenue, pretty close to downtown Phoenix, is one of the most beautiful buildings around.

Lace King

Absolutely gorgeous. Super clean and cool inside. GIANT selection. I'm fortunate this is the second closest branch to me and frankly, after experiencing this place there is zero reason to go to the rest. This branch is wonderful.

McKenzie Wilkins

Very proud such a great library is part of our community

Ilse DeBord

They have books, movies, how to's, audio, whatever you need or want. They are fantastic in their service and will get material for you and your research. Great place for kids at story time and a wonderful interactive childrens section.

jim stutsman

One of the best libraries I've ever visited. Top notch.

Jessica Aragon

This library is huge. I would always go here for any books and resources. An to the fun events for all ages. Great place filled with space for readers and the public.

Akanksha Singh

Its a huge public library with huge collection of books,video and audiobooks.They conduct many free events for free for the community.Give it a visit if you like reading and the library resource and atmosphere wont disappoint you.The staff is also cooperative

Carlos Montoya

It's opening day! It's a lovely Saturday, my family loves this library and are excited to be able to take a light rail trip down their.

Kayak Joe

Huge building with several floors. Friendly staff and convenient facilities. A lot of people staying here. An excellent place to learn some information and get some directions from those experts.

David Wrench

The larger reading room in N. America and plenty of space to study or read.

JeTaime P

The most amazing library I've ever been in! Work of art.

V Ando

One star for not showing your work time at Google map

Joshua Prather

Quiet spot to work with a great view of the city. People from all cultures take advantage of this place and remind us of the beautiful diversity in our city. Check it out.

Daniel Fieldstone

GREAT SPOT TO MEET FOR A DATE Who else remembers the gentleman who would go from floor to floor and should "Library will be closing in, sixteen minutes." Gosh was he a character and I will always remember him. This is a cool building with very nice contemporary design. The elevators are amazing and when you look down you will see a pond that they hover over. This is a really cool spot.

ROSELYNN TOPETE

My 10 year old son loves coming here!

Michael Gracia

Awsome place to kill time, or study up on something! The staff here are very helpful and informative! Highly recommend stopping by if you haven't yet!

Cole Sieffert

You know what I like more than my Lamborghini? Knowledge

Joseph Stoner

cleaning crew steals things and security turns a blind eye. if you don't leave anything unattended for more than 2 min it is not bad for research and to browse. The staff is mostly nice and helpful. selection of books in large. building is absolutely amazing.

Rerunkid

Great selection of books and the library's 5th floor had an amazing view of downtown Phoenix.

James Smith

An amateur adult film star named KEIRA KENNEDY (real name Jaclyn) used to do adult webcam shows from this very library--while they were open to the public--back in early 2014. Google "Keira Kennedy full public library show" (minus the quotes) if you don't believe me. But be warned: the video is not safe for work. That should tell you all you need to know about how on the ball the staff at this library is...or was. lol

Russell L

The library itself is excellent. However, I wish the City would do something about all the homeless people that sleep there and the smell they create. Especially on the 5th floor where the Non Fiction and the Great Reading Room are. I understand it's Phoenix and it gets extremely hot and they don't want to be outside, but some of them just creep you out and their smell is unbearable.

Shaaron Elisha

The details of my life are quite inconsequential ... Very well, where do I begin? My father was a relentlessly self-improving boulangerie owner from Belgium with low-grade narcolepsy and a penchant for buggery. My mother was a 15-year-old French prostitute named Chloé with webbed feet. My father would womanize; he would drink; he would make outrageous claims like he invented the question mark. Sometimes, he would accuse chestnuts of being lazy. The sort of general malaise that only the genius possess and the insane lament ... My childhood was typical: summers in Rangoon ... luge lessons ... In the spring, we'd make meat helmets ... When I was insolent I was placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds — pretty standard, really. I like to read and this library has books.

Nickel Kratzer

I like this library. I've been coming here since I was a kid. The fifth floor is great. Nice place to study; its cool, somewhat quiet, and nice views of up and downtown. I am sad to say, if I was a parent, Im not sure if I would let my kids come here. Ive seen some weird stuff here. Ive seen peeps drinking hooch-yes, straight up, jailhouse, orange peel and jolly rancher, pruno juice. A bum fight in the restrooms. I still give it five stars, though. Ample parking, a lot of it covered. Nice staff. Nice design.

Jonathan Chen

Beautiful interior, by far the most amazing library I have been in. Expansive reading area on the 5th floor, amazing views of downtown. The water features on the first floor make for a new inviting and relaxing touch. As others have mentioned some people were talking on their phones, another person a few seats down from me appeared to be homeless...had a large amount of belongings and we're talking to themselves and scribbling on papers. Otherwise it's clean and with headphones or earplugs it is a nice place to read.

Ashley Bohman

I love this library! Lady at the front desk was very sweet when I got my library card and I found the book I wanted with ease. It is very clean and just a gorgeous building. Can't wait for years of renting books here!

Michael Edward

Was able to get online and research apt rentals in the valley

destroyerofdreams nightdesires

Would be a 4 if there bathrooms weren’t so disgusting where someone could peep in on you through the toilet paper roll

Miriam Rojas

It really depends on why you are visiting. If you are looking for books and other resources, this is a 5 star library. If you want to read or study, forget it. I was there today with my son trying to get some study time in and we had to move 3 times due to the people having loud conversations. Not to mention the foul language used completely disregarding my 9 year olds presence. Don't think we will be returning here.

Gerry Blevins

One of the nicest libraries I have ever been into anywhere in the country. Very impressed.

Marivel Ruiz

A few employees were a little less the polite even still I enjoyed my visit and will be going back.

Sandy Henderson

This is the best library. The inventory is great, and the employees are extremely helpful. I do not live close to the library, but I do not mind the extra travel because the trip is well worth it.

Olga L. Rodriguez

Nearly always have what I need.

Kristyn Decker

I called the library to discuss the possibility of a discussion and book signing for my recently published book - FIFTY YEARS IN POLYGAMY - Big Secrets and Little White Lies while I would be in Phoenix doing a few radio and t.v. interviews. Even though it was too late of notice for most libraries to set things up for us, Linda Bently was incredibly kind and congenial. She emailed the libraries across her county to see if they could set something up. She also gave me a few more book store contacts. We were able to set up a book talk and signing at the Wickenburg library Tuesday July 31, at 10:00 a.m. I hope we can make it back to the Phoenix libraries for book talks and signings when we can plan ahead. A HUGE thanks to Linda Bently!

Jeffrey J. Quatrone E.A.

What a beautiful public space. Thank you Phoenix

oh yea yeah

Very Peaceful With Great View Of The City

Michael Robinson

They finished all the repairs. Pretty cool now that it's open. Huge space. Large selection and tons of community services free for the public. Great place for research.

shem ysrayl

Out Standing learning environments

sam hill

Beautiful library. A real treat. Every phoenician should make the pilgramage at some point.

Grace Montijo

They really need to do something about all the homeless there around our kids smelling up the Library like unrine and Alchol .So Gross ! Hope kids don't get tb or hyp.

Heather Colon

Was kicked out of the pre teen section with my 12 year old and told he needed to be in there alone. This is a huge safety concern. I will never come back to any phoenix library. You want me to leave my kid alone with and go several floors away and think he us safe with a librian watching. They tried reassuring me know adults are allowed oh ok so he is safe around a bunch of teens?! Unbelievable never again.

TJ Cortopassi

Libraries should be an oasis, a place to escape the stresses of the world and find tranquility in the stories of life, whether true or fictional. Burton Barr Central branch fits that description perfectly, from the quiet tunnel with murals as you enter to the bubbling pond that surrounds the stairs and elevators. Stay on the first floor to find fictional tales of mystery or science fiction, or fly up the glass-walled elevators to the top floor to find every truth and wonder that our world offers. Come with your children for reading hours, arts and crafts, or computer coding classes. Enter, and find peace.

paul sphar

2 star rating for this library especially for it being in the middle of downtown 4 days out of the week it only stays open til 5pm I don't know if you been to other states but some libraries in other states stay open till 11pm and are usually consistently staying open till that time not only 3 days out of the week till 9pm and the rest till 5 pm that's obviously means they don't provide customer service being that that's one of the aspects of good customer service 2 stars for this horrible not adequate

Pi Rocky

A vital masterpiece. Too bad it is not open longer hours. Also, they need to give the tolerant staff a pay raise for having to constantly deal with the homeless population who try to use that place as a second home...

Anthony Washington

Great library with great views from the 5th floor.

steven Lewandowski

Largest selection of reading material of any library in Arizona other than a University. I'd give it 5 stars but, it can at times be very loud. Since when does a library allow Loud Talking?! Also be very careful if you happen to live close by and decide to bike there. Even though there are cameras everywhere I'm told by the staff that bike theft is not unusual at this location. For business owners or those who think they may have a great idea for a business this library has many classes to help. Check the second floor at "The Hive"

Jerrod Mallinger

Excellent library, but all sorts of undesirables hang out here. Keep your belongings close and be prepared to see a fight break out. Not a place I would bring my kids!

Heather Spotts

The Best library ever! So many nooks and crannies, with many surprises in store for all! Art displayed everywhere. So many books. Yay! Books books and More books!

Jose Areta

Great place to read and study. Free wi-fi and relatively quiet areas to sit down in comfortable seats and desks.

Robert Kyles Jr

When is the library going to be re-opened?

Inv8derChris Doe

Good inventory, beautiful building, but crawling with homeless. Wouldn't be so bad, but staff seems to be unable/unwilling to deal with this problem and really affects the whole experience. They bathe in the restrooms, and harass patrons for money/cigarettes all day long to the point it really makes you not want to go there. At night they sleep on the property. The whole problem is compounded by the skate park east of the main entrance. As long as they have a place to hang out where they won't be chased away, there's no reason for them to leave. I understand location being an issue, but damn I'd enjoy a day at the library more if I didn't feel I'd be harassed by the homeless every time I went.

Jen B

A fabulous facility, open, modern, and I always found what I was looking for.

Karen Shepherd

A great library with a wealth of resources, plus nice views!

Nikki Holgate

Beautiful views and great community involvement, but I just didn't feel safe letting my kids out of my site there.

Cornelia Johnson

Love going to this library however bring plenty of hand sanitizer some of the ppl are really nasty, real nasty.

Mason Denetchee

It tells u every nearest library closes to u.. love it..

Amarjyoti Krishnan

Amazing library. It is huge and has a huge collection of books. Just love the views.

Alberto Simpson

This is a nice looking library but as far as the individuals that come here, it's terrible place. It is very noisy, people blowing there noses, talking loud, laughing out loud with no respect for others. The place smells horrible, from all the transient people that come here, just to sleep, and go to the bathroom and do you know what. People sleeping outside the front doors, for the poor little kids to see that want to come here and learn. As far the library itself it is full of up to date books, online resources are great 100℅ amazing. It's not one of the librarys with all outdated publications.

Alexandra silverstone

Just amazing building in downtown Phoenix, that we love to visit every time we are vacationing here. It is a complete work of art including the lovely and helpful people around. They happily and willing answer questions making sure that your visit is rich in culture and knowledge! If you come to Phoenix do not forget to come by!

Todd Rhoton

TIP: For Burton Barr Central Library card holders you can take advantage of the carousel of free places to visit throughout Phoenix. The free places include most of the Museums throughout Phoenix. #localguides #libraries

Be Cu

Besides the weirdos that hang out in the front hoping for easy money, the library inside is full of nice and helpful people. When i first walked in i didn't realize it was a 5 story library! The top has all the science books the bottom has all the language books. I also found it interesting instead of running large tubing for A/C, they made it come out of the floor. I can't imagine it being bearable on the 5th floor during the summer

Monica Vela Ortiz

Me and my 3 year old son frequent this library at least once a week and it's always an enjoyable experience. From the kids my son gets to play with of all ages to crafts, book readings, as well as tons of cool toys to play with it's great for adults too. This place is probably one of the main reasons my child is as smart and as sociable as he has become in comparison to the shy little boy he was before!

Hayley Robinson

Beautiful library. Check out the desk spaces on the top floor!

Adam Latchem

The homeless, and mentally disturbed people that come here. I was looking for a computer station to use. I walked behind someone using a station, talking to himself, and he started cussing at me under his breath to "go away (expletive expletive)". I would advise caution around some of the people that come here. Staff is nice.

Stacey Chenoweth

I love the kid area here so much! My daughter loves to play with all the hands on activities here. The staff is always very helpful too.

Liz Arizona

The Burton Barr Library is a point of Phoenix Pride. It is a special place to enjoy the season changes designed for the winter/summer solstice The architectural materials & design make fantastic postcard pictures.The tranquillity of the water structure underneath the stairs makes for a very calming entrance.

Carlita Roman

Nice staff! Good to know we still have these around

Linda Tucker

Love going to burton Barr library

Scott Randolph

By far the largest library in Phoenix, and probably the state. Has a whole room for Arizona historical books and documents, a kids room, career center, tons of magazines, newspapers, and reference materials for doing research. Has a lot of computers to use and free Wi-Fi. The employees are helpful and the security guards are actually nice to you. The only drawback is that it is usually pretty busy (there are a lot of homeless people that hangout there) at times and it can be pretty loud for a library with the children playing and a lot of people around showing their lack of respect for others and/or knowledge of library etiquette.

Bryan White

Very beautiful library Love the architecture

Chanel Lavant

I love the library. They have an awesome seeds programs for those wanting to begin a garden. Along with computers for use. Most importantly a loads of great books . Now to get the negatives. While utilizing the HIVE business area ; my family and I were approached by a repugnant queen of the damned aka Madeline P. She made us feel very unwelcome upon entry and harassed my family accusing us of have no business in the HIVE business. She suggested that we go somewhere else in the library. Things got lively after that. She called security , and threatened to call police. We waited for all of them to show up. The person in charge decided to speak with unpleasant woman 1st before even reaching out to us. She insisted that the woman was unsure of reason for being in the area and she was “sorry”. I’m not buying that, she discriminated against us because we were indigenous people and wanted nothing to do with us . Not to mention her warm and informative welcome to her fellow caucasoid man who came in after we did.

Pearl Ogle

Me and my daughter love this library

Jake Robinson

The most beautiful library I’ve ever had the pleasure of patronizing, Burton Barr is modern and expansive, with 5 stories of inventory that a can be explored via glass elevator(with fantastic view). This library has a gigantic selection of all types of recorded media, for all age groups, in both digital and analog formats.

Daniel Lawrence

I love the LIBRARY! It's cool to read books and hang out and take the glass elevators and get some work done and look out the windows. Realized I had to start working at coffee shops again though after some noisy sweaty kids sat next to me on the fifth floor and one asked me how far away Apache Junction was

Jami M. Guler

Great Library! Lots of historical material about Arizona.

Zak Cat

It's a library ♥️

Danni Petersen

I have always personally loved libraries and this is no exception, I came from a small town where a library of this size seems impossible. So I was in awe my first time stepping in. It was a clean facility. Only thing I would love to see more of is a wider selection of physical books and a smaller online presence.

Emily Peralta

I loved this place. The staff is great and very helpful.

Gricelda Garcia

This public library is fantastic, It had a beautiful and awesome view, a great place to study and read love it.

Brandon O'brian

I've visited my fair share of libraries and feel that this library is one of the few libraries I really like. This library has a whole room dedicated to college resources, kids area, creative room, work source computers and a large variety of books, DVD's and magazines. What sets this library apart from other places is the volunteers knowledge, safe place with security, community information and resources and most of all resources to help someone find a job or career. I can't wait to see the new remodel.