Oh, how I love a library! I don't Nook, Kindle, have online subscriptions to my daily newspapers, or favorite magazines: I read books, preferably hardcover - better to sniff - and cherish the experience, and printed versions of all my media. This library aka Burton Barr, is architecturally stunning, the interior includes a fountain, glass elevators, and sweeping views from floor-to-ceiling windows.
I serve on the BOD for a grassroots non-profit org, and we meet here monthly to plan our upcoming projects. I've also signed up to take some courses at The Hive on the first floor: they offer a myriad of classes, business mentorships, and a welcoming environment for creativity.
To those bemoaning the presence of less fortunate and homeless folks: it is a PUBLIC place, people, this means everyone is welcome, even the marginalized, and those some would rather ignore. Most are there to use computers, get out of the heat/cold, and do not bother anyone. Sometimes humans are very cruel :(
There's an art installation which rotates monthly; free WIFI; many classes and programs for children and adults; computer access; and I haven't even explored all of the floors yet. They close at 9PM sharp, and starting about thirty minutes prior, VERY loud announcements are made to remind patrons to pack up: the first time I heard it, I nearly fell off my chair, it was jarring!
I'm so pleased that Phoenix has a great library system, and glad to visit Burton Barr on the regular.
* plenty of parking *
** conveniently located in DT PHX **
*** sweeping views from floor-to-ceiling windows ***
**** A Hive; art installations; classes, special events, and programs for all ages ****
***** truly stunning architecture *****