Library · Phoenix
Libraries in Phoenix
Phoenix Public Library serves Phoenix’s 1,697,696 residents from 17 locations. Last year it logged 2,124,498 visits, about 1.3 for every resident, and lent 1M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Burton Barr Central Library
1221 N Central Ave, Phoenix 85004
58 hrsopen a week
280,000sq ft
1.1Mbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Auto-renews loansBooks renew on their own if no one’s waiting
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#37
#37 of 41 · Most-used libraries in AZ →Among AZ towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#22 · Most library borrowing →#30 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
2.1M
visits
1.3 per resident
1M
loans, print + digital
5.9 per resident
8,970
programs & events
231K attended
1.3M
library cards
76% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 100,000+ people
Per-resident numbers, compared only with libraries of a similar size across the country, because a tiny town’s library always looks busier per person.
Visits per resident
1.3 visits · typical 2.1
Lower than most similar-size libraries (17th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
2.9 print items · typical 3.2
A little below typical (44th percentile)
Digital borrowing
3.1 e-items · typical 1.4
Higher than 79% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
1.3 kids’ items · typical 1.6
A little below typical (39th percentile)
Program attendance
0.1 attendees · typical 0.2
Lower than most similar-size libraries (22th percentile)
Cardholders
76% of residents
Higher than 89% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
1M loans last year
Books & media (adults)27%Kids’ books & media22%E-books, audio & streaming52%
Who the programs are for
8,970 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$30 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $51M.
Local 97%State 1%Federal 2%Gifts & other 0%
Locations
Other libraries in Phoenix
And 4 more in Phoenix.
About these numbers
How to read this page
Hours are an averageThe survey reports a building’s public hours for the whole year. We divide by the weeks it was open, so check the library’s own site for today’s hours.
Compared by size“Similar-size” means libraries serving about as many people, nationwide. Per-resident numbers always flatter the smallest towns, so they’re never compared with big cities.
One year, the library’s own countLibraries report their own visits, loans and programs for fiscal year 2024. A library that didn’t respond keeps its address and hours here, with no numbers.
Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services, Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024. Distances are straight-line from the town center.