In early November, the Phoenix Public Library asked for patience from the public as it makes critical upgrades to Burton Barr Central Library. Located at 1221 N. Central Ave., the dynamic, 280,000-square-foot facility welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, which means that routine updates, replacements and improvements need to be made to many features of the iconic building.
The current project will include two substantial capital improvement projects to various roofs and the fire suppression system throughout the building. Construction on these two projects will be done simultaneously and began Nov. 11 and are projected to continue through September 2025.
To accommodate this project, closures and restrictions to parking availability in three of the parking lots will be in place. Guests are advised to arrive 15-20 minutes earlier for in-person events to ensure they can find adequate parking. Portions of the “Solar Panel (North) Parking Lot will not be available and the east row of parking spots along the Pill (Center) Parking as guests enter Burton Barr Central Library off of Willetta Street will not be available.
Guests also will see small closures or relocation of services temporarily. The Pulliam Auditorium, one of the largest meeting areas, will have limited access; all other BBCL meeting rooms and study areas can be reserved per usual. The Children’s Garden (immediately adjacent to Children’s Place, 1st floor, southeast corner) will be closed through February 2025, and the library’s general programing, StartUpPHX, and College Depot programs will continue as listed in online calendar of events.
Burton Barr Central Library will remain open during these projects, with little to no disruption to weekly services. Find updates and information at www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org.
