We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Phoenix
More
    Help Center

    Burton Barr Central Library

    Is this your business?
    212 Reviews
    #12 of 185 things to do in Phoenix
    Traveler Resources, Libraries
    1221 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004-1820
    Save
    Share
    Review Highlights
    “Wonderful facility”

    I spent 25 years of my career in libraries, mostly academic but I have an appreciation for all of... read more

    Reviewed 4 weeks ago
    nanatravels2
    ,
    Phoenix, Arizona
    “Back Open Again”

    This is the Phoenix Main Library with an astonishing assortment of books and magazines. If you want... read more

    Reviewed August 27, 2018
    L9655LLdougs
    ,
    Phoenix, Arizona
    Read all 212 reviews
    57
    All photos (57)
    Full view
    Certificate of Excellence
    Traveler Overview
    4.5212 reviews
    • Excellent71%
    • Very good25%
    • Average3%
    • Poor1%
    • Terrible0%
    Travelers talk about
    “beautiful building”(13 reviews)
    “love libraries”(6 reviews)
    “arizona room”(4 reviews)
    About
    A library for the space age, this five-story cube of steel and glass is clad in ribbed copper sheeting and sunshine.
    Contact
    1221 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004-1820
    Central City
    Website
    +1 602-262-4636
    Call
    Improve This Listing
    Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Phoenix
    Small-Group Deluxe Grand Canyon Day Trip
    697 Reviews
    from $179.00
    More Info
    Grand Canyon Helicopter and Ground Tour From...
    231 Reviews
    from $429.00
    More Info
    Apache Trail / Canyon Lake Steamboat Cruise
    68 Reviews
    from $136.69
    More Info
    Desert Belle Sightseeing Cruise on Saguaro...
    166 Reviews
    from $23.00
    More Info
    Reviews (212)
    Write a Review
    Filter reviews
    210 results
    Traveler rating
    146
    53
    8
    3
    0
    Traveler type
    Time of year
    LanguageEnglish
    146
    53
    8
    3
    0
    Show reviews that mention
    All reviews beautiful building love libraries arizona room water damage children's area light rail architecture study media catalog periodicals columns cd
    FilterEnglish
    Updating list...
    1 - 10 of 210 reviews
    Reviewed 4 weeks ago
    Wonderful facility

    I spent 25 years of my career in libraries, mostly academic but I have an appreciation for all of them. I was happy to see this one reopen after having been closed for almost a year due to water damage. It is an attractive, modern...More

    Thank nanatravels2
    Reviewed August 27, 2018
    Back Open Again

    This is the Phoenix Main Library with an astonishing assortment of books and magazines. If you want foreign language they have it, DVD's and CD's you bet, childrens section, everything you could want and they do take donations of books for resale.

    Thank L9655LLdougs
    Reviewed August 6, 2018
    Great Collection Development

    I rarely actually go to this library but I use the online catalog to order books A LOT. I'm always delighted that I can get most anything I want, the only complaint I have is they are slow to process the new releases. So if...More

    Thank JustJanetPhoenix
    Reviewed July 15, 2018
    Old research

    Verify the hours they are open. Traveling across town takes time and gas for auto, so plan accordingly. Plenty of space to work, and people to ask for help for some difficult subjects. Older city directories or phone books were available for research of relatives...More

    Thank Perry G
    Reviewed May 13, 2018
    By far the biggest library in Phoenix.

    The location is currently closed for renovations/repairs to the roof after a hail storm damaged the roof causing it to leak. It should be re-opened by the end of summer 2018.

    Thank Scott R
    Reviewed March 14, 2018
    Burton Barr (closed/renovations) and Park Central (temporary) Libraries, Phoenix, Arizona.

    Yes, yes indeed, IF you do your Trip Advisor homework, you full well realize that the Main Central Lilbrary, Burton Barr, here in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, is indeed closed for repairs and renovations due to a flooding incident a year or so ago. Life goes...More

    1  Thank kanbaatar
    Reviewed March 12, 2018
    It’s only have there

    The library is under renovation due to flooding. the current location is a shadow fo the former building. But the storms damage will be resolved and then we will get our big library back.

    1  Thank MesaMike
    Reviewed March 7, 2018
    Not a warm and fuzzy place!

    Currently closed due to extensive water damage from summer storm causing sprinklers to engage. They are scheduled to open in mid-2018. I love spending a couple hours here while spouse is attending exercise classes, but for me the design of the library is too cold...More

    Thank jean31338
    Reviewed February 25, 2018
    Great Library

    Loaded with great book, movies, music, and very helpful staff. I love that Ancestry.com is free here.

    Thank caharris1943
    Reviewed February 14, 2018
    Closed for renovations

    It's currently closed for repair, however beautiful building. When they open again, I highly recommend visiting. There is a large selection of books - perfect for everyone. Lots of activities as well

    Thank Hannahbears_mom
    View more reviews
    123456…21
    Nearby
    Nearby HotelsSee all 176 nearby hotels
    FOUND:RE Phoenix
    598 reviews
    .22 miles away
    Holiday Inn Express Phoenix Downtown
    212 reviews
    .67 miles away
    Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown
    42 reviews
    .77 miles away
    Sheraton Grand Phoenix
    1,755 reviews
    .78 miles away
    Nearby RestaurantsSee all 3,415 nearby restaurants
    FEZ Restaurant & Bar
    273 reviews
    .25 miles away
    Palette at Phoenix Art Museum
    161 reviews
    .26 miles away
    The Old Spaghetti Factory
    462 reviews
    .11 miles away
    Forno 301
    84 reviews
    .23 miles away
    Nearby AttractionsSee all 498 nearby attractions
    Phoenix Theatre
    131 reviews
    .26 miles away
    Heard Museum
    2,560 reviews
    .60 miles away
    Phoenix Art Museum
    948 reviews
    .29 miles away
    See all 176 nearby hotelsSee all 3,415 nearby restaurantsSee all 498 nearby attractions
    Questions & Answers
    Get quick answers from Burton Barr Central Library staff and past visitors.
    Note: your question will be posted publicly on the Questions & Answers page.
    Submit
    Posting guidelines
    Related to items you viewed
    Phoenix Art Museum
    Phoenix Art Museum
    948 Reviews
    Art Museums
    Japanese Friendship Garden
    Japanese Friendship Garden
    291 Reviews
    Gardens
    St. Mary's Basilica
    St. Mary's Basilica
    238 Reviews
    Sacred & Religious Sites
    The Rosson House Museum
    The Rosson House Museum
    187 Reviews
    Historic Sites
    Dorrance Planetarium
    Dorrance Planetarium
    7 Reviews
    Observatories & Planetariums
    Orpheum Theater
    Orpheum Theater
    227 Reviews
    Historic Sites, Theaters