A nice little library, not very big, but has everything kids would want and grown ups would need…read morefrom a library. The kids section is pretty nice with lots of children's books, several computers w/preloaded kids software and then a few kids-only reservation-required computers. The stacks for adults are pretty standard. There's a little section of books for sale out front from their friends of the library and they have good books for very reasonable to downright great prices. Apparently they get lots of donations of good books in good shape. All in all, this is a smaller but still good enough library and even as visitors, we enjoyed it.

Came here for the first time to donate blood and of course had to look around. It is a small…read morelibrary but has a lot to offer. As I was walking up to the entrance, I noticed that they offered free water and allowed people to come in and cool down. It was over 110 degrees that day and I appreciated that that was something offered for those in need. I discovered that the library also offers cultural passes to some of our favorite museums and destinations. As I looked around, I also noticed that they had free seeds that you could get. You do need a library card and there is a limit of 3 packets per three weeks. Both color and b/w copies can be done. The restroom was spotless and well-maintained. Very quiet inside - unless I'm there. Will I be back......of course. As I had to get a library card for the seeds and found a book I had to take home to read.

This library is located near the Surprise civic center. There is a lovely pond and trail just…read moreoutside of it. You can enjoy the view from the large picture window within the facility. Although I am not a resident of Surprise or Arizona for that matter, I was able to sign up for a free library card. I even got to choose my library card design that was created by residents in an annual contest. They have a variety of services here that you will find at other libraries across the country. You can check out physical books or download the Surprise Library app and find links to the Hoopla and Libby apps for free digital content downloads including movies, TV shows, podcasts, audiobooks, music, and more. They have laptops and WiFi devices available, but there seems to be a very long wait for these. People can check them out for a 3-week period. You can also use computers there at the facility. I loved seeing a group of friends playing games at a table. There was also a Seed Library for people wanting to grow their own plants. The Library of Things (LOTs) seems to be popular for kids to checkout toys. My favorite item was the cultural pass. They had available passes to a variety of museums and cultural establishments. You could checkout a pass and use it within a seven day period. I wanted to checkout the free pass to the Phoenix Art Museum. Unfortunately, this branch didn't have one available at the moment I came in, but the staff was kind enough to direct me to another branch that had it and they held it for me since they knew I was on my way. The pass was good for two free admissions to the art museum. This saved us over $50. What an amazing service offering! There are countless events on the calendar, especially for young families. It's definitely worth visiting your local branch to find entertainment and educational resources to enrich your life.

If you need to study, this is NOT the place to go. It is so noisy. There's a kid area and it…read moreliterally sounds like they're doing construction. They are loud, noisy, crying, screaming... not the place to go. This is a library not a playground. People are there to study. I do there often to study and one day a got came in screaming "taxi, taxi." With all due respect, the librarians game a responsibility to keep the place quiet and they do not. So if you need a quiet place, don't come here.

Let me preface this to say that I know very little about the extent of their book or audio…read moreselection at this location. My review is based on the courtesy of staff, their knowledge of services offered, the convenience of the huddle rooms -availability and reserving, and the items they occasionally have available for purchase. I've come here for printing recently instead of going to the UPS store. Saves me more money. You can submit things to be printed via email or you can print things yourself either from desktop or directly at a set up printer. There is a fee, which is minimal, and there are some limitations to what you can print. I've used the Culture Pass deal and saved the price of two tickets for two adults (online price, age 18-64, $26 each) to visit the Heard Museum. Very cool, and it was our first to the Heard Museum, so added bonus. More recently the gentleman I spoke to provided me a quick lesson on how/where/when to pick up future Culture Pass so I could participate again when I find passes available. Some of the Culture Pass locations you could visit: Desert Botanical Garden The Heard Museum Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art Reid Park Zoo Gilbert Historical Museum Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Arcosanti Sedona Heritage Museum Lowell Observatory Superstition Mountain Museum and several more. Desktops are available for a reserved period of time, and wifi can be accessed without a specific set limit if you bring your own laptop. On one occasion we picked up a selection of music cds for $1 each. Better price than many second hand stores. And I did see they have books available for purchase. A few other activities the library offers: Ask a Master Gardener presented by U of A Maricopa Master Gardeners. Seed exchange Free Garden Seeds (limit 3) Break TIME Chandler Recreation Guide And numerous other Community Events -all viewable on their website. Keep in mind, you must have a library card to use most of the things mentioned.

While the library itself is clean, modern, and welcoming, the noise level made it one of the worst…read morelibrary experiences I've had. People were having loud conversations, talking on speakerphone, children were crying and running around, and there were constant distractions everywhere. At one point, a woman sat next to me and conducted multiple business calls on speakerphone the entire time. I also overheard very personal conversations about evictions and divorces that really shouldn't be discussed loudly in a public study space. It was nearly impossible to focus or concentrate. I understand libraries serve many purposes today, but there should still be some level of respect for those trying to study or work quietly. Compared to libraries I've used in New York, this environment was far louder and much less conducive to studying. If it weren't for the computers and resources available, I would definitely choose another place to complete my coursework. Unfortunately, with over 30 hours left of classes and assignments to finish, I didn't have much choice. Very disappointing experience.

Large Library near next to a Riparian Preserve!…read more This facility has it all - nice quiet place to do work & lounge. If you get board, you could go for a nice walk at the nature preserve directly next to this library.

Nice library next to the Riparian Preserve! Lots of indoor spaces for studying, games, and books to…read morechoose from. My family and friends like attending the baby lapsit classes and the story times classes. You can tell the librarians put in a lot of work to make it fun for the kids! For the activities, go on the website and make a reservation. When classes are full, you can go there and wait to see if there are any no shows so that you can attend.

This is a municipal library located in downtown Chandler. It has 2 stories and is very well…read morestocked. If you get a library card, you have the opportunity to get cultural passes throughout the city. If you go to the second floor, they have conference rooms and places for kids to learn and also play. The residents of Chandler should be very happy that the city has provided such an amazing facility.

I didn't even know there are 4 public libraries in Chandler and this branch located in downtown is…read morethe largest branch in the system at about 64,000 square feet! I figured it was about time I checked it out and I was very impressed. The first floor has adult collections, study rooms, meeting rooms, and quiet work areas. They even have a cafe to purchase drinks and snacks. The second floor is dedicated to children and families. They have a ton of children's books, computers, play spaces, and story time rooms. Staff is extremely friendly and helpful. I was told by getting a library card, I can check out passes that provide free admission to museums, gardens, and cultural attractions around Arizona. How cool! Will check out the cultural passes another time but did get the library card. They also offer a lot of free classes and programs for adults, teens and children such as book discussion groups, arts and crafts workshops, and story times. There's something for everyone here.

Although a small library, it's got exactly what you need with the ability to have books from…read morenear-by libraries sent here for checking out. Computers are well kept and perfect for using MS software like Microsoft Word. Would recommend it!

I absolutely love this library! Its tiny but mighty as there are a lot of places to sit and relax…read moreas well as an amble selection of areas for children, teens, and adults. Also, there are tons of books to choose from, and if it is not there, the staff is happy to request it for you! I love that it is quiet and comfortable. Also, the staff are very kind and approachable. Every time I have come in, they have made my day!

We love Burton Barr Library. My son is always so happy there. The activities are great and very…read moreeducational, and he enjoys learning and interacting with other children. The staff is kind and welcoming, and the environment is perfect for kids. Highly recommended for families.

A library masterpiece. Every experience I've had here was excellent. Most recently I came for the…read moreSummer Solstice event (6/21/25) which was an architectural delight. There was live music, the architect spoke explaining the light and architecture at work for the special hour (12-1). It was beautiful and fascinating to witness. There was also a demonstration of the Washington Printing Press in the Rare Book Room with a special print that day created by library staff. There was also a limited tshirt that day at the Friends Bookstore with a print from the printing press designed by library staff. Every day here is a special day, but today was an extra special day. Staff is always ready to help, is friendly, and is very knowledgeable - whether it's Adult Services Staff, Youth Services Staff, Circulation Staff, or Municipal Security; everyone is here to help make your experience incredible. There's a first floor with an art gallery, the children's area, the adult fiction area, the checkout area, the accounts desk, the security desk, and the auditorium. The second floor has the computer, printing, faxing, copying, and scanning area, the business area, the arizona room, workforce area, and college depot. I loved the informative display cases on the second floor which held information on filming western movies in Arizona, about Burton Barr - their namesake, and about the architecture of the building. This was a very nice, informative touch. The third floor is administration and is not open to the public. This is where the magic of Phoenix Public Library is planned. This is where the PPL team orders and processes PPL materials, where staff plans programs, marketing, and more! The fourth floor is the teen room, the makerspace, and where the youth services staff plans programs. The fifth floor is the largest reading room in the nation, yes, larger than NYC Central Public Library's reading room! It's an impressive floor and my favorite with those beautiful North, and South views of Phoenix. This floor holds the adult non-fiction collection, and reference collection. Each floor has restrooms, look for signs. Can't find it? Ask the friendly staff at any service desk. Enjoy your visit at an architectural gem, a Phoenix Point of Pride, and at one of the best library's in the nation.

Awesome library and campus park outside the library. The youth section is massive and decorated…read morebeautifully, exciting the imagination of children. My 4th grader loves coming and hanging out in the castle playing with the LEGO tables and other stem toys. Very inviting and just outside is the splash pad and park. The adults section is huge with lots of seating, tables, and comfortable chairs to read on. They have a large 2 room Book Sale section where you can find books, magazines, puzzles and dvds for $1-$3. My favorite library in Arizona. Also there's a full service cafe inside the library. I ordered a coffee today. Very convenient!

If you know me, you know I love checking out new libraries. I was in the Scottsdale area and…read moredecided to stop by Scottsdale Civic Center Library to get some work done, and I will definitely be back. One of the first things I noticed was how spacious the library feels. Everything looked clean and well maintained, which made it a really comfortable place to settle in and focus. There was actually already a line of people waiting outside for the library to open at 1 PM on Sunday, which says a lot about how popular it is. One feature I thought was especially cool is their seed library, where you can pick up seeds to plant your own plants at home. They also offer the usual cultural passes, which is always a great perk with a library card. Speaking of that, I really liked how unique their library card designs are. I was able to sign up for a card today thanks to a very helpful staff member who made the process quick and easy. Inside, there were plenty of tables and outlets almost everywhere, which made it perfect for getting work done. There is also a free charging center where you can charge devices. Parking was also simple. I parked at the Scottsdale Civic Center Garage, which made access really convenient. Overall, I was very happy with my visit today and will definitely be coming back.

A clean and modern one-floor library that has nice decor and ambiance and seems like a good place…read moreto cool off or study. They have a little store and a seed library (two packets a month), as well as a decent selection of books, movies and other materials. We were there for an evening adult art class which was fun and very well done. They have a new online sign up process which was very easy.

Fair-to- good selection of books on site, but many books can be special-ordered from one of the…read moreother Maricopa County libraries. Librarians are knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Also books and programs for children and teens are available. Also a good selection of videos, again with a wide selection available from other County libraries.