Burton Barr Central Library — Attraction in Phoenix

Once again I am prohibited to issue 5 stars, even to, quite possibly, my favorite place to go. The inside of the library is, of course, fantastic and thoroughly enjoyable. The design of the ground floor is well thought out and quite logical. The second floor computer area is somewhat acceptable. Although I believe that the help desk, that the staff operate from, would be better served in the middle of the room, surrounded by the remote terminals, which the patrons utilize. The 5th floor is where the unfortunate failing of the layout is apparent. The individual desks are a great, and necessary ideal. For people accessing reference materials, and so forth. Yet while sitting there and recharging one's phone, the plugs are not well placed, to get to easily. The same goes with the group desk areas. It pains me to say it, but the overall architectural design of the outside of the building was the worst mistake of all. Between the materials used for the exterior walls, and their placement, it is absolutely not conducive to mobile phone signals, or usage. Understandably, one does not want to make a habit of using the phone in the library. But even for the usage of Wifi, on your mobile device, which the library does encourage it falls miserably flat. I sincerely hope that the average person reading this doesn't take it as an overly critical view of our wonderful central library. I love reading books, especially in their original paper form, and I've become quite fond of downloading ebooks, as of late. Most importantly, I do not wish for any of the staff, to take my review as a slight. I truly adore the library. This is an addendum to my previous post, and a necessary one. I erased my parenthetical comment from the last time, imploring them to fix the bathrooms. That repair was accomplished and has not had reoccurring episodes, to my knowledge. A job well done, if I may say so. As I've said before, the library is not just a place to store books and entertainment. It is a launching pad, on the quest for knowledge. The start of an epic journey to faraway, exotic lands. It is the discovery of new cultures, at least to us, who have previously not known them. Regardless of modern electronics and search engines, I, personally, would rather pick up a book to experience the stories I have not heard, or to gain the knowledge I was bereft of before. P. S. I also upped my rating to 5 stars, something that I rarely do. But if the library doesn't deserve it, then no one, or place does. Quite...

I am a 58 year old woman with mobility issues and need a walker to get around. I've been visiting this library for almost a year now, and they have never said anything about my walker or anything I needed to have with me because of my disability. I am also a student studying to be a teacher.

For the last week or so, security guards and police in the library have been singling me out and harassing me for having a tall, stand up walker. Sometimes they let me in without a problem, other times they harass me.

On December 23rd, 2024 I went to the library only to have 4 security guards and a police officer chase me down to tell me I can't have my walker inside the library.

They let people in with HUGE garbage bags of stuff, but always point to my walker and tell me I can't have it inside, I need to leave it outside and WALK inside without it, which is very difficult and PAINFUL for me.

I have no criminal record, nor any illegal substance use, but apparently they are targeting me and discriminating against me that I am some kind of hooligan.

I will be filling a lawsuit with the ADA for being non compliant for adults with disabilities.

I do understand some people have caused problems, but I do not cause any problems in the library and I have a right to visit my PUBLIC library with my walker and not face harassment and discrimination.

I have another friend who is disabled and needs a scooter to get around and was also harassed by the security guards because her scooter was too long, this needs to stop. Err on the side of better judgement and not just find someone...

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 From Girl Scout Troop 1141 – A Heartfelt Thank You

Our Girl Scout Daisy Troop 1141 had a truly wonderful experience at Burton Barr Central Library, thanks to the warm welcome and thoughtful programming provided by Librarian Stephanie and the entire staff. From the moment we arrived, we felt seen, celebrated, and supported.

Stephanie created a beautiful experience for our young scouts that aligned perfectly with our “Friendly and Helpful” petal, which teaches the value of being a kind and contributing member of the community. She thoughtfully selected a book for story time and designed an Epic Roadmap Scavenger Hunt that not only made learning fun, but also introduced our girls to the library catalog, how to find books, and the importance of respecting shared spaces. Her creativity and patience left a lasting impression on our girls—and their families!

As a troop committed to developing confidence, leadership, and curiosity in young girls, we’re so grateful for community partners like Burton Barr. This visit wasn’t just a fun field trip—it was a lifelong lesson in how public spaces like libraries play a vital role in helping children grow into informed, empathetic, and empowered citizens.

We look forward to many more visits and want to sincerely thank Stephanie and the Burton Barr team for going above and beyond. Your impact was real, and your kindness made all the difference.

— With gratitude, Girl...