Best library in valley? (Phoenix, Mesa: appointed, spring break, loan)

[bigDwiki]

I've noticed that almost all of the cities in the valley let anyone in Maricopa county get a library card, even those that do not live in that particular city.

Which library [system] is the best, as far as number of books and all?

[ReadyFreddy]

It's hard for even the libraries to tally up their own holdings, given the increasingly digital nature of things.

I don't know who has the best or the most, but for public libraries, I think the Burton Barr branch of the Phx library is nice and very big. In the east valley, I like the Tempe main library. Their catalog software is very user friendly. I use Mesa libraries most, due to proximity. Their catalog (software) stinks. The county community college library system isn't bad, for academic libraries. Another bad catalog, though.

[Jkgourmet]

Agree with Freddy with the additional information that the Scottsdale library system has way more dvd's. I always found a particularly good selection at Arabian branch. Chandler has a very good collection of large print books.

[Bondurant]

I've been to four libraries: Burton Barr & Juniper of the MC system, Tempe and Chandler.

Burton Barr and Tempe are my favorites of the bunch. Within the MC system I've had better luck ordering books from other libraries.

[ReadyFreddy]

Just as a note, be aware that Maricopa County Community College libraries serve the county residents in addition to students. They hold more academic type materials but if you need to use a computer or a book on Shakespeare or something, they're an option. But school holidays (like now, spring break) they may be open only to students.

[MarianR]

I greatly prefer Mesa Public Library and Tempe over Maricopa County system. I was really disappointed in the fiction collection at the Southeast Regional library and very pleased when I discovered that the Red Mountain branch of Mesa PL was even closer to me. Now you can request interlibrary loan online - haven't used it yet but have a list when I run out of something to read. Visiting Burton Barr is on my valley "bucket" list.

[tantan220]

The Burton Barr Library is definitely the most impressive library I've ever seen or been to in my life!

[AZgarden]

Originally Posted by MarianR

I greatly prefer Mesa Public Library and Tempe over Maricopa County system. I was really disappointed in the fiction collection at the Southeast Regional library and very pleased when I discovered that the Red Mountain branch of Mesa PL was even closer to me. Now you can request interlibrary loan online - haven't used it yet but have a list when I run out of something to read. Visiting Burton Barr is on my valley "bucket" list.

Interlibrary Loan took 3 weeks to get a book out of Mesa Library sent to me in Chandler. Not good. I could have gone over there and gotten it myself.

In terms of "best" libraries, definitely NOT Chandler. The main library's empty shelves are an eyesore.. I asked about this and was told its a "funding" problem.

[Bungle]

The Phoenix public library system is great. All branches are connected online and you can request material to be on hold and delivered to your nearest location using the online system. I usually log on, add a book/cd/dvd to my queue and I'll receive an email when it's ready to be picked up. Their newest location at South Mountain Community College is also really cool architecturally.

[ReadyFreddy]

Yes, interlibrary loan is slow.

Most libraries have lost major funding in recent years. I think the Mesa main library is only open 50 hours a week now.

You can 'check out' Kindle format books from the Phx Public Library now. There are often long waits, I'm finding.