Arabian Library — Attraction in Scottsdale

Never go to Mustang library! It's considered "snottsdale" for a reason. Once you walk in, the staff is less than friendly. Out of the 5 interactions I've had with staff, only one was a good experience. The first time I got a card there, I should have known to see the red flags, because the staff was less than excited to set up an account for me. The second time I went, I accidentally left my card at home and the person checking me out was very disgruntled about having too look up my card number and lectured me about how I could have had faster check out had I not forgotten my card and explained how to do self check-out. I know how to do self check out, thanks. I just wanted you to look up my card info if it was possible. The third interaction, I was standing in line behind another visitor and the staff worker was overwhelmed with that visitor and looked at me and said "you can go elsewhere if you have questions or need to check out!" I felt as though I was unimportant and talked down to. To finish this up, just today I was sitting in the back studying for several hours. I was sitting cross legged in my chair looking at my computer and taking notes. The librarian came up behind me, touched me on my shoulder scaring me and taking my focus off my studies just to tell me " you have to wear your shoes in the library!" How awkward first of all. It wasn't as if I was walking around without shoes, I was sitting in my chair and my shoe fell off my foot. I was concentrated on my work. But thanks for breaking my focus, scaring me, and making me feel belittled like a rugrat running around without shoes. Hearing from other visitors, I hear that particular person is known as the "warden" around there. Seriously! Think twice before visiting Mustang library! If you want a warm and friendly environment, this IS NOT the...

In terms of a building design and resources, this is a beautiful place. With Scottsdale’s demographic and tax base, one would expect nothing less. The best time to go is before 230pm. Its location is directly across from Arabian Desert Middle School. When school gets out, middle schoolers and local high schoolers fill the place. I’ve been here dozens of times and without fail, kids are talking loud, playing video games, making phone calls. Several times, older kids are here swearing like they think they’re gang members, with zero regard to volume. Library staff - while helpful with resources - ignore the disruptions completely. I’ve approached them to ask if they could manage volume, but I’ve never witnessed them take action. They are powerless and display little interest in maintaining library culture, as this place has its own clientele: entitled. It’s all you need to know. As I said, a great place between open hours and 2:30pm on weekdays, but a loud afterschool...

Scottsdale is known for its desert, beauty, arts, and just so many things to do. The Scottsdale Library system combines all of these things in each of its locations.

The Arabian Library Branch is like entering a desert fortress. It seems both hidden behind walls as well as being bright and open. The building is a work of art. Between the design and the light streaming in its a lively place to sit and read or study. (Warming, it gets a bit chaotic when the school next door gets out early on Wednesdays and the kids stream in.)

The children's area is pretty big and separated well from the stacks. They offer many programs for kids and adults. The day I stopped in, they had a show and tell for anyone to bring in unique vintage items from their home and share the story of it.

Stop by just to take it all in. Get a free library card. Join in a gathering or program....