Phoenix Public Library

Phoenix Public Library is a system of 16 branch libraries and the Burton Barr Central Library. The development of the Library began when citizens started raising funds in 1897, and in 1904, industrialist Andrew Carnegie made a donation for a library building on Washington Street near the state capital. Phoenix saw significant growth in the years following World War II and new branches were added citywide. In 1953, the Carnegie Library was replaced with a Central Library. The Carnegie building is currently serving as a museum, archives and research center operated by the State of Arizona. Continued expansion brought forth the Burton Barr Central Library in 1995, Phoenix' current main library. Between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012, more than 4.6 million people visited Burton Barr Central Library and 16 branch locations. They checked out more than 14.4 million books, DVDs and CDs.