Best Libraries in Phoenix

Summer is supposed to be a time of rest and relaxation, an opportunity to recharge the batteries, and summers in Phoenix are not always conducive to outdoor activities. Phoenix libraries, however, offer a respite from the heat and a vast store of resources to keep both kids and adults entertained.

There are summer reading programs, story hours, homework assistance, and computerized databases. Families can spend hours wading through the stacks or utilizing the knowledge of their local librarians. If you're looking for an excellent Phoenix library in your community, the following are great places to start.

Desert Broom Library

29710 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix
Closed Sundays and Mondays

Considered a model of sustainable design, the Desert Broom Library is surrounded by sand and scrub, and seems almost like an extension of the desert in which it was built. The concrete floors and huge windows lend a modern, industrial feel, but the library itself is well-equipped and a perfect choice for families with children.

There are lots of activities for toddlers and grade-school children, including family story time and a puppet theater. They also have summer reading programs for kids of all ages, including teens. This Phoenix library is closed Sundays and Mondays, but is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

Cesar Chavez Library

3635 W Baseline Rd, Laveen
Closed Fridays

Located next to Cesar Chavez Park, this Phoenix library is among the most popular for children, boasting extensive programs geared toward both entertaining an teaching kids. They've got more than 50 computers in a computer training lab, a community room that seats 75, a story room for kids, and an "interactive learning space" for parents and their young children.

This is a great place to take kids who are interested in learning about computers or who seem more interested in movies than books. They show movies every once in a while, such as the Harry Potter series, and they have an extensive DVD library.

Acacia Library

750 E Townley Ave, Phoenix
Closed Sundays and Mondays

Although it is one of the smaller Phoenix libraries, Acacia is an invaluable resource for bilingual children. They have lots of materials in both English and Spanish languages, as well as a collection of materials for learning English as a second language. Bilingual Family Story Time is a particularly unique program, and they also have a "teen room" with music stations and other teen-friendly materials.

Burton Barr Central Library

1221 N Central Ave, Phoenix
Open Daily

With five floors and more than 700,000 volumes, Burton Barr Central Library is arguably the most popular library in Phoenix. Teenagers can take advantage of the College Depot, which offers assistance in applications, referrals, SAT prep, ACT prep, financial aid, and more. A rare book collection provides a sense of history and permanence in publishing, and the 10,000-square-foot children's reading room helps get kids excited about books.

Agave Library

Lighted stacks, group study quarters, and a gorgeous reading garden make the Agave Library a comfortable and engaging Phoenix experience. Parents will appreciate the efficient check-out and return stations, as well as the helpful staff members who are always willing to assist kids and adults in finding the materials they want.

Phoenix libraries are lauded as much for their design as for their contents, and the Phoenix public library system offers a wealth of entertainment and educational materials for people of all ages. It would be easy to spend an afternoon a week at any of the above facilities.

Source:

Phoenix Public Library System