Aside from being the host of some late-night super secret UYEs, the library is also a great place to grab a book! This library in particular is chalk full of them. Books of every shape, size, colour, language, topic and font. You may also find CDs and DVDs to check out here! The people watching is on point! The patrons of Burton Barr are as diverse as the books! I don't suggest you go to the teen floor unless you want to be annoyed beyond belief or you have to tutor a student. The children's section is phenomenal. Separate computer section just for the tiny ones' enjoyment. The tables are full of puzzles and games for the kids also. Plus the books in this section range from toddler to 6th grade reading. Also, the City has in place all kinds of wonderful reading programs. And yes, the architecture and decor are fantastic. This really is a beautiful library. read more

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! read more

Visited this library a couple of times prior to moving near the area 5 years ago. Really liked the layout (five out of six floors are accessible to the public). Can't recall if it offers wi-fi. The staff that worked the checkout desk seemed very friendly and helpful when I asked for restaurant suggestions around the area :) I became excited when one mentioned that a new branch was opening soon closer to where I would live- the Cesar Chavez branch on Baseline. I thought perhaps it would be very similar to this 6-storied building. I was truly disappointed when I finally did visit CC Library, as it turned out to be a one-storied daycare center for noisy teenagers and pre-teens waiting for their rides to come pick them up :( I'd hoped to have more opportunities to check this library out again, but I may have to wait for Yelp to throw a party out this way to make a day out of it! read more

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!!! read more

I tried to come to this library a couple times this week, but I kept forgetting they didn't open until 11 a.m. Tues-Thurs. Budget cuts stink. I finally made it in and stood in line to get a new library card. The lady before me had checked out her maximum 35 items and was returning them to the counter, so I had to wait until the clerk was finished with those before I could go up to the window. She told me I had a library card from the year 2000 and so I would have to pay $2 to replace it. Yeah, I have lived in 4 other states in the last ten years... I did not keep my library card. No problem, I thought. Then she told me I had $9.90 in fines from 2001. Hmm? Strange since I moved out of state in 2001, but okay. The library obviously needs the money, so I decided to pay the fines. She directed me to another terminal and once I figured that out and paid, I had to stand back in line to get my card. So, my first visit to the Burton Barr Library in 12 years went like this: Walked in. Waited in line. Paid a fine. Waited in line. Got my card. Left to pick up my daughter. So, why 4 stars? 1.) this library is gorgeous 2.) the clerk was very helpful, even though the system is not the most efficient 3.) they are pretty clean for a downtown library 4.) you can check out Kindle books, a Culture Pass for local museums, music and videos Support your local libraries! I've been a creature of Amazon Prime and have not spent nearly enough time inside a library. That will all change now that my library card and I are reunited. read more

I can only imagine that people who approve of this library have never been to libraries in other cities. It's dirty, it smells, and it's generally filled with people who can't behave. There are payphones in reading areas. Children scream and cry. The staff seem miserable. The audiobooks orders seem to be made by Ann Coulter. If you want to be propositioned, bothered, harassed, asked for money or perhaps attacked in the bathroom, then by all means, do go. read more

I didn't think libraries could have personalities. I have always associated libraries with one thing, and that is books. But this place changed the game, it made me reimagine so many things in my life. This place proved a library can be more than just a place to store books that gather dust. There is *plenty* of parking. I have lived in a lot of cities and something that can be difficult to find is a parking spot. Which is odd. I know they probably believe no one is going to the library, but if they are, they are either there for a quickie or there for the entire day. Not a problem here. There are seemingly more spaces than at a mall. When you walk inside...dear Jesus Roosevelt Christ. You "descend" downwards passing by little exhibits of art that opens up to a larger area with a staircase straight out of Harry Potter with a body of water beneath it. I have never in my life imagined anything like this. I realized that maybe other things could be different. Maybe that microwave could come with a silent setting so I don't wake up my family at 1am. Maybe at Best Buy they change the screen resolutions to get you to buy the pricier TV. Your imagination is aroused. The book selection is unparalleled. I found some pretty arcane tomes there that made me think that some secret genius both designed and filled the library with esoteric knowledge before going to the Himalayas. There is one drawback though. It's something I have noticed wherever there are a lot of books. The bathrooms...I mean, B & N suffers from this also. When I go inside the bathrooms, the smell alone makes me want to go take a shower or change my contacts so I don't get pink eye. I don't stay long in those. I recommend this library. B & N is cool, but that's the boring choice. Be dope and interesting by going to the BBCL - Burton Bar Central Library. read more

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....] read more

I still stand by everything I wrote in my initial review. However, having spent much more time here since I went back to school, there are definitely some things that warrant deducing a star. The main thing is that there are a a fare share of homeless and other people who obviously not there to read, study or borrow a book. I understand that as social services are cut, these people have no place to go and need shelter from the heat or cold. That said, it is very difficult to study or get your work done when the couple behind you are eating their dinner and chatting away. I was trying to study for finals when a young lady left her father to babysit her toddler daughter, who gave no consideration to the amount of noise that they were making. I'm not trying to sound like a dick here. This is indicative of a far bigger problem. that said, this is a library, not a day spa for the disadvantaged and this can be a huge distraction for those trying to make use of it. read more

Love the architecture and am a very proud downtown Phoenician to call this OUR Public Library. Look for the elevators when you first walk in... it's like they rise out of the water (YES... water)! read more

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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. read more

I really love this library. Up on the top floor there are always ample desks and kiosks for quiet studying (and homeless people sleeping, but I've never had a problem with any of them... other than snoring). I love that you can request books online and they will be ready and waiting for you in the reserved section downstairs. They have a TON of DVDs and CDs to check out, and you can even check out e-books for your kindle online! I've heard the bathrooms are crazy, but even though I've been here many times I've never looked at them, will have to do that next time! read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

The top level is the best level in my opinion. It's the quietest level and you get a good view of downtown Phoenix from both the North and South side ceiling to floor windows. The only real drawback is the smell that comes from the DVD and CD section, I don't know it it's urine or just the plastic casings that are giving off that smell? The cafe is closed indefinitely as I was informed by the librarian with no real date of when they are going to be opening it back up again. I have never had any problems with any of the homeless people that come to the library, but you might get asked for some change in the parking lot or asked to sign a petition by the entrances. The 2nd level is for studying and they have a 'quiet' room where you are expected to keep your mouth shut and study. Why budget cuts!? The libs is only open until 5pm on Monday and a couple of other days. Overall, the library is huge and has everything you may be looking for. I want to get locked up like that dude Powder and read everything this library has to offer. read more

Very nice library. Good selection of books, competent staff, plentiful reading space and very interesting interior. read more

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! read more

Good spot to get work done. The study rooms are okay. They get the job done but there have been times where I've had to ask people to leave that were infringing on my time slot and they were not too happy about that. All in all a nice spot. The internet can be kind of slow sometimes, which is frustrating if you're a student and have a deadline. If there's an event going on at the adjacent park, the parking can be difficult. Many of the other reviews mention the homeless people. Maybe if you live in a bubble they would bother you, but I've been to this location multiple times and who cares? it's not a big deal. read more

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. read more

For those who never been here; this is one of the few designed public library by the local architects and designers here in Phoenix. I was taken on tour from outdoor to indoor where they spend good time explaining how this was built and functionality and how it contest with the site. The library is located pretty close to the street; as you get in from the main entrance, you get this skylight pleasing water fountain sound surrounding with art works that makes you felt like you're in the oasis. There are 5F where each floor serves varies of purpose and presentations. (ask librarian for the details...) The top floor is a must visit with super high ceiling and the design is quite unique to see here in Phoenix town. The reason this place gets me is the kids area. It is just too good to be true for the parents. Lots of sitting area, librarian monitor what kids are doing on their computers, an enclosed outdoor area for kids to go around with toys and securities wondering around to make sure guests don't get bother or disturb by some of the homeless. Again, this is public, so do understand some of the purposes are for the public, not for private; however, you can sign up for private conference room at the lobby for those interested. Good view, great book selections, location, service, making this place all around with solid score for parents and guests. read more

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. read more

Like many other reviewers, I can't find fault with the superb architecture and stunning views from the top floor- that's a given. Their selection is great, no problem there. If you can't find what you need, they will try to get it for you from another branch or an inter-library loan. If you have questions about a book, the librarians are knowledgeable and will go out of their way to help you find what you need. They won't just point to where you need to go, they will take you there. I do take issue with their library accounts team- if you are a frequent borrower, as I am, you will be dealing with them from time to time. I will often write into their, "ask a librarian" online inquiry system with one question or another. After a fashion, my inquiry will be responded to by a nameless rep who usually responds curtly, and with very little information besides regurgitating library policy. They pretty much ignore the details of my issue and just cut-and-paste their replies from I'm guessing a spreadsheet on their computer. The agents at the library accounts counter on the first floor are a roll-of-the-dice. I've had very kind and helpful young ladies and I've had the rude, dismissive sort as well. Between the "ask a librarian" online responders and the "I can't be bothered" girls at the library accounts desk, I think management would be well served to invest in some customer service training. Because borrowers at the public library are still customers, and will gladly go elsewhere when not getting a good experience. read more

Prettiest library in PHX! Right next to the lightrail. This location has lots of resources like a college center, a multimedia center and just overall a great ambiance. There are tall glass windows with a great view of phoenix. Library is quiet, clean has free parking and accessible through public transportation! read more

I came here because I heard that you can get spectacular views of the Phoenix skyline! To my surprise, I also found a fun art gallery on the first floor. As I meandered to the main floor, I found a voucher shelf which allows you to check out two vouchers a month to visit different museums, for free! This includes exhibits like the desert botanical garden, the heard museum, the Scottsdale contemporary art museum, the Phoenix Art museum, and lots more! There are 5 floors of books, magazine, DVDs, music CDs, computers, and study rooms. read more

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. read more

As long as I can remember I've always enjoyed reading and in my adult life the minute I arrive in a new city I always check out the local library. Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix the library is spacious, modern, and well appointed. There is no shortage of material that ranges from popular fiction,learning materials,dvds,and college depot that offers information for those looking to earn their high school diploma/ Ged. The staff is more than happy to help patrons who require assistance. read more

Received the worst possible customer service experience today at this library. I came for curbside pickup. First you have to call to give someone your card number so they can locate your order and bring it out to you. If you get a message when you call, you're told to hang up and call back. I called 29 times before it was answered and I was asked to be put on HOLD. When I had the opportunity to speak to someone I was told I didn't have anything on hold to pick up. I said I had the email that stated I did and that it was on hold for one more week from today. She said she'd get someone to help her and put me on HOLD. Another worker picked up my call. I went through everything with her. She said, Oh. I think someone else was helping you. And SHE put me on HOLD. A THIRD person answered my line. I'm no dummy. I started with, I'm already being helped. Unless you're helping her. She asks me to tell her what's going on. She puts me on HOLD and the first lady comes back on to tell me they don't have anything on hold for me. Meanwhile, I checked my account online and attempt to hold the book. The system says I can't hold the book because I already have it on hold. UGH!!! I'm told to speak to a worker in the yellow vest outside. I say There's someone in an orange vest but she's far away. I call for her from my window. No response. I call and wave to her from my open window. No response. I call for her, wave to her and honk my horn. She looks at me, turns her head and walks back into the library. Literally almost crying from frustration at this point I offer to send the email they sent to me back to them as verification. Can't do that. Finally, someone comes OUT to see my email. She takes pictures of it in four parts. At this point one half hour has passed and I have another appointment to get to. She asks if I can come back. Says they will call me and begins to walk away. I ask if she wants my number first. Thirty minutes later Melodie calls me to say they found the book under a different family member's card number. It's important to note that Phoenix Public Library cards do not have names on them. She tells me If I can give that number, I can pick up the book. So I trek back to the library and this time when I call I ask for Melodie. I am told she is not available. I give the new card number to this ray of sunshine (I joke) and am told that number is invalid. I pause and I breathe. I ask again for Melodie. She puts me on hold and comes back to tell me Melodie cannot speak to me and that Melodie has said that she TOLD me I had to have the correct card number. I give the third number I have. She tells me it seems to be missing a digit. I tell her when I use that number to log in to their website, it opens under the correct name. She asks if the card is mine or someone else's. I tell her it's my daughter's. She asks me how old my daughter is. I say, She's 17. How old is YOUR daughter? Angrily she says M'am! There is a process we need to follow here. She puts me on HOLD. She comes back wearing her Wonder Woman facade and says, I'M going to ALLOW you to check out this book but I need your daughter to call the library. I ask for what reason she needs to call. She repeats herself. I say, She's a child. Why do you need my child to call? She says, She's 17 years old. From 13 years or older, children need to update their information. I ask her for the number to call and the hours. There is one minute left before they close. I call the number and get Doris. Doris seems as if she's angry to be alive. I tell her I need to update the card. She asks if it's my card or someone else's. I say it's my daughter's. She says she needs to speak to her. I call my daughter three way and she speaks to Doris. It seems Doris is fighting her disdain for her job at this point. She updates the card. My daughter asks for a duplicate card. Doris says, YOUR MOTHER JUST CALLED WITH YOUR CARD! My daughter says, I don't think so. What is the process for getting a duplicate card in the future? Through clenched teeth and in angry tone Doris says, WHEN we OPEN again, you can come IN and get a duplicate card. Damn Burton Barr Library. Is it really that bad??? What a HORRIBLE experience. All to get a book! I should have just streamed the information!!! read more

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! read more

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. read more

What beautiful library... Lots of space and everyone has been courteous. I like the open fifth floor desks looking south out the window. Nice exhibits for study breaks, although I wouldn't leave my stuff out of sight. Bathrooms and building are well maintained. Private study rooms are available and quiet. Hours are a little short. This is a PUBLIC library in the city so expect there to be bums looking for free WiFi to watch cat videos. I don't mind and everyone minds their business without any bother. No one has been too loud or abnoxious. If you're a suburbanite who thinks the city is a dangerous place and fear your children will get hooked on drugs or join a gang based on coordinates... This library would not be your first choice. Enjoy! read more

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... read more

This is a really nice library. Free internet, free outlets, free chairs, free...oh wait, it's a library! These things are still open? If they all were this nice, then they'd still be a thing. read more

Staff is friendly. Offers a wide selection of books and media, yet if you're wanting to use one of the library's computers, expect a long wait. Also, there are homeless people in the bathroom stalls (both in the men's and women's restrooms) with all of their bags and belongings stacked in piles in the stalls with them. The library needs to take it upon themselves to help these people find the appropriate place to go for help instead of letting them hole up for hours in the bathrooms. read more

Out of many libraries within Maricopa, this by far has to be one of the largest and well maintained libraries we have been to. Five wonderful floors of BOOKS! A reader couldn't ask for anymore! The concerns I have are primarily for safety since a lot of homeless tend to come in and want to hang out in the cool atmosphere for free in the library. This makes it hard with children, but most seem to over look the issue. There are many computers for patrons to use that make it easy and convenient for those without a laptop. read more

4.5 stars. What's not to love about FREE books?! I prefer library books because the check out time restraint forces me to open the book instead of placing it neatly on the bookshelf. The only downside of this library is the number of homeless people that congregate there. read more

Since being back in Phoenix just a few weeks I was looking for a place to find books. As much as I love my Kindle there will always be something about holding and smelling the pages. Plus I can find books for the little one! When walking into this place it was beautiful... the outside as well as in. There was so much to find and the place to me is very organized. I was also surprised with the great selection of movies and music they have. It's also great they do movie night and have activities during the month for adults and kids. The staff was helpful and it was easy to get a library card (just need ID). No one was rude and they were able to help me find what I was looking for an answer my questions. Definitely going to make that my place to study and hangout sometimes. read more

I love the shaded parking under the new solar energy panels. Can't say enough about the Hold service. Look online for the books I want, place them on Hold and get an e-mail when they're ready to pick up. Then I just walk in, pick them up, and scan them out. If I could just learn how to download the electronic books to my ipod I'd be thrilled. read more

Time to get shocked: I frequent the library. I know you can't tell by looking at me, but I'm trying to cram as much information into my brain as possible at all times. The Burton Barr library is an excellent place to do that. This place is massive. If you want to get some serious shit done, I would take the stairs to the 5th floor immediately. You'll also get your days worth of exercise climbing up these stairs, which I am a fan of. Good, you've made it. Now look at this room, it's frickin massive. THE WORLD IS YOURS. There's some pretty killer views from up here, and also a serious amount of non-fictions goodness. What's between floors 1-5? God only knows. Likely homeless people. The homeless do seem to seek refuge here, but I haven't noticed any downsides to this fact as of yet. Someone did try talking me into a Church / Cult meeting once while I was walking in, but that's about it. You might be looking for a plug for your laptop? They are there, fixated to the underside of tables. That's about all...oh wait....... SUPER NOT-SO-SECRET BONUS, but a reason to go to the library even if you're not into book learnings. They have glass elevators, that FLY. Hop in on the 5th, press your face against the glass, look down and wait. It's vertigo heaven. TRY IT. It's worth it. read more

Being from Tucson, this isn't a library I use as a local. But, it was very inviting for many reasons. One, I am jealous of the DVD selection- the section for TV shows and the wonderful amount they carry. It's a large library with tons of selections and a pleasing environment. There are people around to help and assist and point in the right direction. It seems clear with signage and finding ones way around is no problem. There are lots of computers and places to sit and relax and do work and read. This is a hopping library. I would love to come back and explore more. The children's desk librarian was very helpful and nice. There is a so-so bookstore that didn't really have a super selection. Perhaps they have better somewhere else in town. read more