It's nice library and is reasonably quiet. Facilities: Wifi Free Technology Classes Free Culinary Classes Enumerous Collection Free Passes to Museums, etc (Limit 2) had to be availed in a week. Collections of Magazines, Dvd's, Books Study Rooms Can access your account online and renew your checked in item again. Self Checkout is pretty cool. Dont have to wait in cues. Cafe. read more

Tempe Public Library - Tempe library on southern has tech classes in library computer lab and is complimentary ( no charge ) classes. - Libraries Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

See all

In this area of the Phoenix suburbs I have been to four city branch libraries--downtown Chandler, both Mesa libraries and the Tempe library. While my favorite has to be the Chandler library which I visited weekly for several months when I was here helping my mother out in 2007, I would say the Tempe library is a close second favorite. It has a really nice welcoming atmosphere as soon as you walk in. There is a dais as you enter were there are usually one or two employees waiting to answer any questions you might have, which is very handy and helpful. They have a pretty decent selection of audio books for being a one branch library. The upstairs seems to be mainly adult items and if you go down the stairs you'll find the teen section, middle school section, Elementary and preschool sections, also a conference room on the downstairs level. I couldn't figure out where the elevator was but they do have an elevator if the stairs are a problem. There are several computers where you can check books out and catalog computers where you can look up books are stationed throughout the library. Off to the back right as you walk in there is a little lunch counter with coffee, drinks, sandwiches, desserts, pastries, etc. I tried a red velvet cupcake and it was very good. If you're in a hurry there is a drive thru book drop on one side of the building which I used several times. Parking is more than plentiful and I always see lots of cars there and lots of people using the library-- always a good sign. I can't survive with out my audio books to listen to wherever I am and this library supplied me with probably close to 20 while I was in town (thanks to my daughter's library card). I shall return next trip! read more

This library seems to be on top of it. As I have seen so far they tend to be very up to date in regards to getting new titles into the library. The library for the most part is clean an quiet. There are public use computers, coffee shop, and an area downstairs for the young ones. The reasons I don't give this place a full five stars is this - while most of the employees are nice, cordial, and indeed go out of their way to make your experience pleasant, there are a couple I can only guess they either hired from the DMV or Mc Donald's... Over-all great experience. Overall good environment and customer service. Overall four stars. read more

Probably the most beautiful and large library I have been in. I am sad that I didn't realize it when I lived close. They have a large variety of books and activities. They have a nice little Cafe as well. I would have no problem spending a few days here and not have seen everything! read more

Very friendly staff, great collection of books, and I totally dig the cafe and the culture passes that let upto four people enter select museums for free. It's a really cool place to spend an afternoon. Just sit back in one of the cushioned armchairs, bury your nose in your favorite book, and forget about the world. The library has study rooms, free WiFi, and computers for public use. The Friends of the Library (they're in a room right next to the entrance) has an incredible sale...paperbacks and children's books for $1 and less! read more

Tempe Public Library is the library of my past, my present, and my future. When I was knee-high, my mom would take me to the library to check out books every week. I enjoyed browsing through the aisles and flipping through the pages of bright illustrations and short but charming stories. It was here that I developed my love for reading. As I got older and progressed to junior high school and high school, this was the library for research papers, or to read various classics and modern novels. This library was the site of the annual high school art show, where some of my drawings and paintings were shown. Over the years the library has changed in appearance and in some cases, content, as the DVD section grows and a large portion of the library is now devoted to computers, but it still holds many memories that I will cherish, and will continue to build upon. Although I've traveled to many places, lived in various cities, this will always be #1 in my list of best libraries. : ) read more

I love my library, just don't tell them I don't actually live in Tempe anymore and that I actually live in Scottsdale. I have been going to this library for years and I have yet to step foot into the Civic Center library in Scottsdale that is closer to my house because I am honestly a bit afraid. Am I going to be hassled at the door because I am not wearing proper shoes? Does the reference section contain books only informing readers of the best plastic surgeons, mixed drinks and make up application tips? I know my Tempe library and it accepts me for who I am. I visit the book sale area every weekend for the best book deals around. You can get paperbacks for 50 cents, magazines for a quarter and hardbacks for $1.00. I find old and new treasures here all the time. After perusing the book sale area I visit the Connections Cafe which serves up all of your coffee, tea and snack needs right in the comfort of the library. The staff here is friendly and helpful and the layout is easy to navigate. I am off to see if there is a review of the Scottsdale Civic Center Library to maybe calm my fears... read more

Absolutely love this library!!!! There are so many positive things to say about this facility, it is amazing. I don't even know where to begin in my comments about the Tempe Library. The entire library had a complete makeover in the recent years. It is very modern, with bright colors and comfortable places to chill and read a book or magazine. The number of resources are outstanding. The most impressive area, I think (and I may be biased because I'm a mom) is the Children's Library, which is pretty much the entire bottom floor, with the exception of a couple of meeting rooms and a Teen Area where the big kids can hang out, play video games and do homework (yeah, right). It is colorful, well organized and kid friendly with an entire area for toddler aged kids to play. Also, there is a Family Computer Area where parents can use the library computer for up to a half hour at a time while the little ones play with toys and puzzles and read (or gnaw on) books. There's a couple other computer areas for older children to use and seating of all kinds. Book selection is bountiful, there's new stuff almost every time we go! Story-time is awesome, my son loves it and it's something free to do. Upstairs is a huge Computer Area and a Cafe and of course many, many books, mags and other media. And that little Friends of the Library Used Book Store... that little room is full of hidden treasures for way, way cheap. I have found so many cool books and other items for the kids and myself there. The volunteers are sweet people that will keep their eyes open for you if you are looking for something specifically. Just ask and they will take your name and number and call you if they come across something you ask for. Plus, there's a FREE used book cart right outside the door of the book store and sometimes you can find some cool stuff out there. Oh yeah, and Free Wi-Fi too! This library is just too cool for words, you must check it out in person! read more

Looks are deceiving, it doesn't look nearly as enormous on the outside as it should. Forget about the fact that the upper floors are for city government business and you still have a children's section that dwarfs some "satellite" library branches. Over time the library has under gone changes, but that hasn't kept them from having some hidden treasures tucked away in one of the many shelves. I can still remember the time I found the Official 3rd Rock From the Sun book! It can be a little overwhelming to just browse here so I try to come with a mission. Thankfully the one time I couldn't find the book I wanted i found the eBook version. read more

A neat space. The computer facilities are top-notch and have secure access to anything you might want to read or watch on the internet. The book selection seemed fine in the Fantasy and Science Fiction sections, and of course the "bargain bin" always makes bookworms lick their lips in anticipation. The library lacks architecturally. Phoenix Public Library has much more interesting things for kids to bound upon when they eventually get bored of what the library offers. read more

I have been visiting the library quite often lately to work on my Genetics class. I typically always find a spot to sit down and plug in my laptop. The WiFi seems a bit spotty at times, I have had to disconnect and reconnect often. I have tried to take a few tests in here and it is impossible without reserving a private room. The last time I was there, someone was eating chips and chewing ice a few tables down clearly not getting the quiet concept. Then the ladies putting away the books decided to have a full blown conversation in a aisle for about 15 minutes causing a huge distraction because they were not being quite. I haven't checked out books in awhile so I cannot review on that but if you are looking for a quiet place definitely reserve a room. read more

I just recently moved to Tempe after living in Seattle, and I know no one will believe me, but I like Tempe's library better than Seattle's! Don't get me wrong, Seattle's library is beautiful,inspiring and awesome, but oh..so...big. At the Tempe Public Library I can actually find a book! Maybe it's because less people check out books there, or it could be their book rental program for new, popular books, but if i'm looking for a book, I can usually find it. Plus, their kids play area downstairs is a godsend, my daughter loves playing with other little ones while I can read. The coffee in the cafe can be pretty good as well (depending on the Barista), and i'm from Seattle! read more

Totally dig this place. They have tons of computers to use and I have only waited once and it was only for a couple minutes. The DVD's are sometimes in rough shape but they have quite a selection to choose from. Everyone is so very helpful and friendly too. read more

Very nice facility. We came here for a Live reading of the book "Tales from the Firehouse" and I was not disappointed. The rooms they used were a bit small for the turn out, but it was the first reading. There were several events taking place and everyone seemed to have the space needed, and parking was sufficient. read more

I love this place! I don't know if it is because it fills me with a sense of nostalgia, but the energy is comforting and inviting. There are many books for sale in the shop on the first floor, there is a seed library (which I plan to use), a cafe and many new books. I use the quite rooms for studying. Tempe is one of those places that I have fallen in love with because of gems like this! OK! Back to studying.... or maybe the cafe! read more

If I were to design an ideal library environment - this tempe library would be it - very large - reading and study areas everywhere you can imagine - even in book isles - good WiFi - a cafe with outside seating - a cafe with great food and low prices - a book store with thousands of great books from a quarter to a dollar - very clean - very safe - lots of security but they are there to secure not to hassle anyone - beautiful grounds to walk with benches and a historic museum - huge meeting rooms with all the technology - and on and on and on - read more

I love this library, but recently there has been a large number of homeless folks filling the place to just literally hang out. Not to read, not to study...they're just sitting everywhere. The security will kick them out though if they're disturbing you. read more

Some people love going to the coffee shop to relax (i.e. the mob at Starbucks). I love going to Tempe Public Library to rewind. It is bright, clean, and reasonably quiet. It has amazing book/magazine collections, lots of family-friendly programs, and helpful staff members. The Connections Cafe inside serves really good scones. There is a $5 minimum for credit cards I think. Although there was at one point in 2013 some technical problem with renewing books online and as a result I was wrongfully charged late fees for a couple times, I think for the most part Tempe Public Library a true blessing to the community here and offers wonderful resources. read more

Nice customer services,nice ELS teachers. Lots of events and lots of books and DVD. You can stay all day with free wifi and quite reading environment. Thanks read more

See all

Great public library in a convenient location with lots of parking (at least half of it covered). The library is clean with plenty of helpful staff. There is a little bookstore where they sell used books for next to nothing. There is a small snack bar inside. read more

This review is for the Culture Pass available to residents through any Phoenix area library. At every library each morning a certain number of passes to the most popular attractions such as museums, the zoo, the botanical garden, and Taliesin West are available to be "checked out" - four passes per library card - no limit per family, one week to use them. I believe each card holder can check out two passes per month. This is a great way to show yourself or out of town guests all around the city for FREE. I asked my sister who is not a big work-the-system person and in the middle of moving her life to Germany to get passes for us, and she scored the biggest ticket item - Taliesin. What a wonderful and informative time we had. More cities should offer this for serious people who are willing to work a little for their culture. read more

The Tempe Library is a great place to spend an afternoon. As a relatively new resident of Tempe, places like this make me happy to be a part of this community. The facilities are expansive and look great... they have ample space to spread out and read a book or do some research. The check out system is quick and painless, and the book drop makes it easy to return on time (overdue fees: $0.25 per day, so renew online). I love the little touches that always make me stay longer like the cafe and used book sale area. Culture pass is pretty cool and I hope to use one soon... the ones I want are usually checked out, but I'll get them one day! Will be back soon. read more

They are so nice here at the desk and its always quiet and you can mill around and i just love the cafe here, its real clean and you can see the sandwiches good in the glass counter and you can get a half sandwich for 2 bucks, all types which is handy and they have coffee all day and they have really delicious scones like lemon...they have different flavor scones often and i love how you can also sit ouside and eat if you want to and the patio is kind of blocked off by plants and upstairs so its private, you can daydream and look out and feel private out there on the phone or talking to friends etc...Everyone I know loves this library, its very quaint and has so many nice areas. read more

I'm a library-going type of woman. You know what I like about this library? I can go into the cafe, pay 1.68$ for a cup of jasmine tea, grab a table by the window, (or out on the cafe's patio) plug-in my laptop, and write/read/research away. And what an upbeat cafe crew! And what an easy self check-out system! You know, sometimes in our search for the perfect "free wifi" cafe, we forget about good old libraries. I like to mix it up, but lately I find myself back at the library more and more. Plus they have that certain something going for them---books. read more

This is a really good library. I average two books per week, mainly autobiographies. The selection is enormous and the library is always clean and organized. You can renew and reserve online. I enjoy coming here. Staff members are informative and helpful. read more

Free books, free movies, free newspapers, free magazines, free drinking fountain... this place is great! Sure there's a couple people who aren't quite "homeowners", but they still have helpful staff, a clean building, and plenty-o-inventory. Five big ones! read more

I love the library and I love books. Whether I'm looking for cookbooks, how-tos or a good novel, I go to the library. A couple of years ago, for a short while, we had no satellite, cable or internet and I found great DVDs to check-out. We watched all the Chef Ramsey TV shows and I found a fascinating and short-lived drama about WWII. I once borrowed a work-out video so I could learn country line-dancing. Now that was a work-out! read more

I've been going to this library since I was 10 years old. They have expanded and modernized it so much since then! There is nothing to not like about this library. I remember as a kid I pretty much read out the entire science fiction section, lol. I love the setup of it now. read more

Real Rating should be ZERO STARS, but it makes me put a minimum of one.... No stars for the Tempe Library at 120 5th Street. "Why not?!" you ask. Well, I headed there today after reading the reviews and stood at 120 5th Street and noticed that it was home to the Courthouse and the Police Station. A guard at the court house saw me looking at the building and motioned me in. He asked, "What are you looking for?" "The library," I replied. To which he responded, "Oh, it just says there is a library here on the internet, there really isn't one." Hmmm... "It just says there is a library here on the internet." So, no stars for the library at this address because IT DOES NOT EXIST!!!! read more

This is a nice library, however, I wish they had more than one branch. It's always very clean and easy to find materials. The workers are really helpful too. read more

I can't find another library with the same feel as the Tempe Library. Maybe it's because I grew up going to this library, but this is what a library should feel like. It's quiet, the set up is fuss-free and simple so that it is easy to find what you are looking for and easy to browse! It's been a couple of years since I've been there, but they had a new book section (fiction and non-fiction), and I really appreciated having that when I was just looking for a random book to read. And there is plenty of parking. Living in California now, I really miss the simplicity of going to the library, sitting for a while to read and then checking items out. read more

Unfortunately, I no longer feel like the library is a safe place to allow my children to browse unless I can see them. I don't even want my son to use the bathroom on the main level. I've actually had to leave the computing area and the seating area due to strange and inappropriate behavior from fellow patrons. The smell in the computer area is quite bad. The library attracts a huge homeless population. read more

Beyond the nostalgia, I just really love this place. I've been with this library since I was in kindergarten - they were in another building then. It's grown into a brilliant place to find the books you need, or to get work done in one of the private rooms. read more

Awesome for kids: My four year old son has been a huge fan of this library for at least two years now. The story hosts free story time/kids activities multiple times a week. There's also a nice play area for them with pretend kitchen and other toys. Borrowing materials and website: They also have an amazing collection of all kinds of books and DVDs. The website is a convenient place to check out all the content and even reserve material that's out for circulation. Apart from notifying when it becomes available, they also hold it near the entrance to enable us to quickly check it out. The recently revamped checkout machines make it very convenient to quickly check out multiple books or DVDs. I don't remember the limit but they have a very generous limit for the DVDs and books. read more

The people that work here are AMAZING!!! If they dont have a book that you are looking for they will find it for you!!! I love you guys, hope you know that!! read more

This library is pretty cool, there are always plenty of places to sit, they have friendly employees, a cafe and free wifi. And I love that. My only complaint is the hours there. they close earlier now and open later. read more

I love bringing my baby boys here. They have so much fun with reading and attending the events. The renovation these past couple years have been a big upgrade. read more

I've been going to this library for years, ever since I have moved to Tempe. It's amazing to see the progress in upgrading its check out system as well as the covered parking. Staff is very friendly and helpful. There is so much variety in its selection of books and movies, and is one of the best libraries I've been to. read more

The star value is a 0 but I am forced to select 1. Homeless people asking for money outside and just aimlessly lurking around the building. I went in to print a boarding pass for a flight which would have taken seconds. Unfortunately, I needed to know the password for my library card because I do not frequent the library on a regular basis. The library clerk would not wait on me. When I finally was able to log in and bring up my flight information, the computers were turned off 10 minutes before closing time. I was rudely told that I could print it at the airport. Are you kidding me? I wanted to print it early, that is why I came to the library! Pathetic service!!! read more

We dropped in for a quick look. Very spacious, lots of computers. Very friendly staff. If we live in Tempe, we will enjoy coming here often.