The Acacia Branch library sits today much as it did when it opened in January 1969 – with a modest slump cement block exterior, resembling burnt adobe, that contains within its walls an airy feeling and a multitude of knowledge and resources (photo by Kathryn M. Miller).
Tucked back in a modest Sunnyslope neighborhood sits an equally modest-looking building. Designed by Bennie Gonzales & Associates and opened Jan. 5, 1969, the Acacia Branch of the Phoenix Public Library system has quietly served residents for more than 50 years. And now, the residents that it has served for so long are seeking historic status for the building.
Designed to resemble burnt adobe and maintaining most of its original integrity, the library reflects the signature style of Arizona native Gonzales, whose “regionalism” style, according to Modern Phoenix, focused on “the culture, building materials, and climate of the region.” Step through the library doors and patrons are transported into a light-filled space with an airiness that defies its modest exterior.
The activity at the library, too, defies its small 6,600-square-foot footprint and humble demeanor, welcoming nearly 90,000 visits each year and circulating almost 72,000 items. One wonders if Gonzales imagined the impact the library would have on the community.
Acacia, located at 750 E. Townley Ave., was his second Phoenix library – Ocotillo Branch opened in South Phoenix in 1967 – and he designed libraries in Wickenburg, Scottsdale, Sedona and beyond. This represents just a small sampling of Gonzales’ work, but he enjoyed designing libraries, Modern Phoenix says. Spending hours at local libraries as a youth and with aunt who was a librarian in Nogales, it seems as though he understood the value of public libraries.
Fast forward 50-plus years, and a movement is underway to preserve this Sunnyslope mainstay for future generations, spearheaded by Julia Taggart at the Sunnyslope Historical Society.
“In Sunnyslope, the first library they had was at the Desert Mission,” Taggart said. “This is the second library they had, and it still has both historical and architectural integrity of Benny Gonzales, who is a world-renowned architect. It is so beautiful to see and it’s one of the smallest libraries in the city of Phoenix, but it has so much heart and people love it – it’s their hometown library.”
It was the love that the community expressed that prompted the Historical Society to seek historic status for the library, which would protect it from future redevelopment.
She added that, while many have generational memories of going to the library, and they enjoy the diverse offerings they can find there, “not too many know the actual history of the library or the architect, which we are hoping to fix.”
The community will have the opportunity to learn more about Gonzales’ legacy when his son, Barney, speaks at the Sunnyslope Historical Society, 737 E. Hatcher Road, at noon on Saturday, Jan. 3, and learn more about the library and the services that it offers at an open house event scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
The historic preservation case is currently under staff review, said Helana Ruter, Historic Preservation officer, “We do not have an existing historic context for libraries constructed in Phoenix in the post-World War II era, so we are having to compile some research on how Acacia compares to contemporaneous libraries,” Ruter said. “Should the Historic Preservation Office determine the Acacia Library property eligible for historic designation, it would go onto the Jan. 12 agenda of the Historic Preservation Commission for initiation of historic preservation overlay zoning (designation).”
For their part, the library supports the effort, says Lee Franklin, community relations director for the library system.
“Phoenix Public Library is pleased to have Acacia Library designated with this historical preservation status as it speaks to yet another unique community and generational connection the library provides to library users, neighborhoods, and members of the community,” Franklin said. “The library holds a special value to so many in the community, this acknowledges and honors how the library has been relevant and responsive throughout the years, based on the needs individuals have had at any given time throughout the history of Phoenix.”
For event information, visit www.sunnyslopehistoricalsociety.org. Learn more about the Historic Preservation Office and find meeting information at www.phoenix.gov/pdd/historic-preservation.
