Desert Foothills Library — Attraction in Cave Creek

This library is either a one-star or five-star library depending on what you are looking for. If you want a pretty library, in a picturesque setting, where you can do some causal reading, and if a fair amount of background noise doesn't bother you- this library is perfect for you. However, if you are looking for a quiet place to study, read, or get some work done- this is not the library for you.

This is especially true if you cannot get one of the two available quiet study rooms, which are available on a first-come, first-serve basis in two-hour time slots or by reservation for $10/hour (though I do not recommend the latter option since they are usually not occupied).

The ladies at the front desk, though extremely nice and friendly, never stop talking and one of the days I was there, the library turned into a day care center for a bunch of screaming young children. I was here to study for law school exams, and I only studied here because it was the most convenient option. If you have a more quiet option and prefer silence, I highly recommend taking it.

There is a nice side patio that has nice tables and is usually quiet, but it doesn't have outlets, so if you plan on using a laptop out there, make sure it is charged. There also is a nice bookstore that people seem to like, though I have no personal experience using it. Coffee is also available at the front desk for $1 a cup, but make sure you have cash if you plan on purchasing.

In sum, it wouldn't be fair to give this library a high or low rating, as your opinion of it will depend on what you want from a library.

If the people running the library read this, I highly recommend getting rid of the day care activities (I don't expect kids to be quiet all of the time, but it doesn't make much sense to run a day care center out of a library either, as libraries are generally places where people go to quietly read). I would also try to keep employee conversation at the front desk at a minimum (this is a small facility and any normal volume conversation can be heard throughout...

This is a wonderful library! Even if you're not a local, stop by to check it out! It's a nice tourist stop too, since it also has a beautiful outdoor courtyard, and desert walking trail! The library offers a variety of classes, and library services, of course. The staff is welcoming and knowledgeable. It has well kept areas for people of all ages, which makes it a truly rich experience for anyone using the library. They also have a Chapter2 book donation and bookstore, where you can donate your books, puzzles, magazines, etc. A wonderful place to shop for used, rare books! The library keeps a section for homeschooling resources, both to borrow or take for free. Great place to donate your homeschooling materials, too. Last, they have a room specifically dedicated to books / study of the southwest, a room for to teenagers ages 11 to 17, a kitchen for culinary classes, a children's play area, and a children's educational room. Overall, this library is a wonderful resource for more...

Having a central location the library is easy to reach. They offer free hour-long guided tours of the facility at 11.00 AM and 2 pm. So it's reasonable to plan your visit so that you are there just in time for either of these. The tours are guided in a very friendly manner by one of the retired but still very dedicated staff members and they can grant you a 10% discount if you buy something in the library shop after the tour. The fact that one of the participants of our tour was on a wheelchair pulled by her husband attests to the wheelchair accessibility of the building, which is itself a masterpiece of architecture. I'd also advise to plan some time to browse the library on your own after the tour. I only found a small snack bar in the entrance hall. For those willing to lunch on something more substantial one of the options is Bryant Park behind...