Apache Junction Public Library — Attraction in Apache Junction

Best library in the valley. So many classes and activities. Staff is fantastic. Books categories are separated well to cover the whole building. chef kiss

The kids area is fantastical and large. So they are able to have an enclosed outside playground, 0-5 play area and are and a huge play castle; while still having all the kids books around. Meaning unless you are at the entrances of the kids area, you don’t really hear them to much. Plus there is a librarian in that zone that helps keep the kids at a reasonable volume

There are TONS of study rooms. Spaces specifically designed for only teens to enter which makes me feel safe. 3D printers and a studio room for making videos and music. Beautiful view of the mountain. Lovely layout of the building.

To address the noise and homeless

Due to the library having so many amenities. And people Actually LIKE going. It is louder than a normal libraries I’ve been to in the valley. But it’s not the volume of Walmart or a park okay? Everyone is aware of where they are at and keeps to a low-normal talking level. The first section of library you enter into is the loudest (checkout, computers, front desk). But like I said there are study room all around the library, and as you go away from the normal traffic, it does get quiet.

The homeless: yes. There are a few. But the security guard talks to them and knows them. It’s not like the homeless in other cities. They don’t bother anyone. I’ve seen them just being people (as they are) using the PUBLIC computers, sitting and resting at the PUBLIC little “cafe” area or respectful talking to one another by the piano seating area. All of which I’ve seen everyone else in the library do. So, it’s not like they are bothering and asking for money or being disrespectful of the building.

(As for the “shirt less” homeless that other reviewer saw. If you live in Apache junction, you’ve seen him everywhere. He just prefers that. Eats at fry’s and subway. Just his life, he also doesn’t wear shoes- oh no! lol I’ve seen my elderly snobird neighbors half naked on the SIDEWALK sunbathing, when the pool is a 2 min walk from there house. What’s their excuse? Chill. We’ve lost our tolerance for normal human behaviors and benefits of the doubt. No need to leave a library a...

This ends up really being a critique of our crumbling society more than a negative review of the library.

As other reviewers have noted, it's a loud space. From staff to 'patrons' (I'll get back to that later), to kids who have parents unwilling or unable to keep them in check, the library is a veritable cacophony of noise. Also, as other reviewers have noted, I had positive interactions with staff and others that, unfortunately, reinforced stereotypes of crusty, impatient librarians.

The library space is physically impressive. Great work there. I came in to do some recording and needed a private and QUIET space to work. Those spaces are reserved for 'patrons,' I was told. Ok, but there's the letter of the policy and then there's the spirit. There was space, if only temporary, to be had. Particularly frustrating was the fact that sometimes those study/meeting/conference rooms were occupied by sleeping 'patrons.' My brow was knitted as soon as I walked into the library and noticed a the security guard. Hmmm. Then I realized why this was indeed an important presence to have. I visited the library three times, and on each occasion the same half dozen displaced people were there. One guy regularly had his shirt off. It's sad that in our current state too often the only place for itinerant people to be warm, safe, and have computer access is the public library. My complaint is that I had, ya know, actual work to do, but because I'm not an Arizona resident, the process of procuring a quiet working space was more difficult than it should have been. In the end, I was able to sneak into a space with or without permission.

To conclude, the AJPL is a lovely facility. Sadly, it is victim to the ills of our country: noise, a certain lack of civility, wound-tight rule followers, and a security guard of all things! The AJPL ends up being a reluctant receptacle for those in need who might be better served by other institutions and assistance. To be fair, I've been in public libraries across the country in my travels, and in terms of what might be termed the decay of 'old-school' decorum, the AJPL...

This Is a perfect place to find a great book And pick up a disease! I agree with similar review that AJ Library took down just because it stated facts, ugly facts. People are constantly interrupting you for your spare change or anything material they can take with zero intent to bring back. It is the perfect place to intertwine with some of the dirtiest and smelliest people Apache Junction has to offer. This is a Sanctuary for street urchin. I also agree that residents and their children should be informed of "issues" for their safety but the library is allowed to abuse the system and literally get away with concerning actions. A video camera found to be recording in the women's restroom stall and it being swept under the carpet was wrong. Were any patrons of the library notified that they were recorded? No! Lines are definitely crossed letting the facility be over run by the homeless on a daily basis. The lack of leadership in AJ City council and the extremely bias police, families should find another facility to safeguard themselves...