Phoenix Public Library facts for kids
The Phoenix Public Library is a system of libraries in Phoenix, Arizona. It is run by the city of Phoenix. There are currently 16 library locations across the city. The main library is the Burton Barr Central Library, located in downtown Phoenix. Four of these libraries were designed by a famous local architect named Will Bruder.
How the Library Started
The idea for the Phoenix Public Library began in 1897. A group of citizens, called the Friday Club, wanted to raise money for a library. This club was made up of women who wanted to help their community grow. When the first library opened, it had 1,500 books.
In 1904, a rich businessman named Andrew Carnegie gave money to build a library. This building was on Washington Street. Today, this old building is still used as a museum and research center by the state of Arizona.
After World War II, Phoenix grew very quickly. This meant new library branches were needed. A new Central Library opened in 1953. This replaced the Carnegie Library as the main one. Later, in 1995, the Burton Barr Central Library opened. The old 1953 building is now part of the Phoenix Art Museum.
Phoenix Library Locations
Phoenix has many great libraries. Here are some of them:
- The Burton Barr Central Library opened in May 1995. It is very large, with five floors. This library is in Phoenix's City Council District 7.
- The Acacia Library opened in January 1969. It replaced an older library from 1929. Acacia Library is in District 3.
- The Agave Library opened in June 2009. It is a large library located in District 1.
- The Century Library opened in December 1973. It is in District 6.
- The Cesar Chavez Library opened in January 2007. Like the Central Library, it is in District 7.
- The Cholla Library opened in 1977. It was made bigger and updated in 1990. This library has two floors and is near Metrocenter Mall in District 1.
- The Desert Broom Library opened in February 2005. It has won awards for its design. This library is in District 2.
- The Desert Sage Library opened in July 1997. It is also in District 7, like the Central and Cesar Chavez libraries.
- The Harmon Library opened in December 1950. A new building for it opened in August 2009. Harmon is in District 8.
- The Ironwood Library opened in October 1991. It is in District 6, like Century Library.
- The Juniper Library opened in July 1996. Juniper is in District 3.
- The Mesquite Library opened in November 1982. It was expanded in May 1998. Mesquite is near the Paradise Valley Mall in District 3.
- The Ocotillo Library opened in 1967. It was updated in 2012. Ocotillo is in District 7.
- The Palo Verde Library opened in January 2006. It is located in District 5.
- The Saguaro Library opened in September 1964. Saguaro is in District 8.
- The South Mountain Community Library opened in September 2011. It is a partnership between Phoenix and South Mountain Community College.
- The Yucca Library opened in March 1969. It was updated in 2001. Yucca is in District 5.
See also
In Spanish: Biblioteca Pública de Phoenix para niños
