Acacia Branch Library

I wish there was a minus one. OMG Never in my entire life have I ever encountered such a chaotic place. I have gone there numerous times as it is close to my residence. I have on several occasions mentioned to the people in charge how unbelievable LOUD and noisy it was. The kids literally run around laughing and yelling and there is NO BARRIERS or walls separating them from the rest of the library. I live at Peoria and Cactus area. I have been going to PV library where I never seem to be able to find a parking space or mostly to 59^th Ave and Brown library because I just cannot tolerate the loud, unruly, uncontrollable lack of any discipline with the little horrors. On Sat 1 16 16 at approximately 2 – 3 pm I went in and it was so LOUD and boisterous I felt like I got hit in the face with a brick. I was yelling trying to convey my conversation to the librarian and asked her why she did not do something to try to control this situation and which she basically replied this was not a quiet zone library. To which I turned around and walked out. IT WAS WORSE THAN BAD. I am on my way to my car and I see a woman and man in a truck parked in the lot and the woman is swearing up a blue streak MF this and MF (white not African american) that. I was shocked. This continued for at least 5 minutes and then she throws herself on to the hood of the truck (the guy must be a handy many of some sort because on the roof of the truck was a rack and on the rack was a ladder) she grabs the ladder with one hand and the space where the crevice for the windshield wipers are with the other hand still cursing and I guess he told her he was leaving and started the truck, backed out and she flew off the hood. She picked herself up continued cursing at him chasing the truck out of the parking lot. This is at the ACACIA library at approximately 2 PM in the afternoon. Can you even believe this? What a way to run a library. I have no idea how the people that work there can stand it. There is no excuse for this. As for the parking lot episode, I realize that there usually is a security guard around but was absent.

I frequent libraries to study and occasionally pick up a few books or movies for leisure time. This is a small library and it gets loud in here with the kids.
There is a laptop station against the wall at the entrance but it gets cold sitting there. It is also distracting as people enter and leave and the occasional sound of the alarm that goes off. There is hardly any natural light and the bathroom is located outside so it’s a bit annoying to access.
If you have kids who want to play, I will recommend it. If you’re looking to get work done, not so much. I have ended up leaving on days it gets loud but some days are not as bad as others.

This is the closest library to where I live but the selection inside is pretty dismal. It is a smaller library, so they have an even smaller selection of books. A while back this library seemed like it was going to close, so I signed a petition to keep it open. It must have worked, because it’s still open and recently had some upgrades. Otherwise, it’s an older brick building that’s hidden away in a deteriorated neighborhood. I usually put the books I want on hold, so that when they arrive at the library I can go and pick them up in one swoop. I really like using the hold system online and feel like it’s the easiest thing ever. I also like that they changed it recently, so now I can put 6 books on hold at a time — instead of just 3. I’m also grateful they are open until 7pm some nights, so I can go after work.

I love this library for two very important reasons; free WiFi, Air Conditioning.
I take my daughters to this location frequently, as there are plenty of in-​house kids activities, plus we can check out movies and books for them, that I can still return when they’re back home in CA.
But the summers, when the girls are here for an extended stay, this is our home away from home.
We will often ride our bikes down, and just hang out in the air conditioned comfort, playing games, or reading books. Sometimes the girls will do some computer-​based activities, and I’ll catch up on Facebook or Twitter, on my iPhone.
One of the things I love about Phoenix area libraries is the Culture Pass; you «check out» a culture pass and get free tickets and admission to area museums, including the Heard, the Bead museum, etc.
There is plenty of parking, and several bike racks available.
Go and check it out!

This library is a hidden neighborhood gem!
For years, people would tell me the library was «right behind McDonalds» and that threw me. It’s not true. It’s not behind McDonalds! Technically, it’s not even behind Walgreens, but that would be closer. The trick is: from 7^th St., you have to turn east onto Townley which is the street between the McDonalds and Walgreens and then… there it is on your left! A tiny little library.
On my first visit I felt jilted by the apparently small selection but then I learned I could find any book I wanted on
(even from home), ask for a hold on the book and have it transfered for me to pick up at Acacia. So, even if the book is not on the shelf, I can get it there! What more do you need?
Same goes for the audiobooks and DVDs.
And, speaking of what you can do online: all Phoenix library card holders can access online learning resources (I used to use Rosetta Stone. They’ve recently switched to Auralog which I haven’t tried yet), databases and several subscription based resources (like Consumer Reports) for free from home!
In the branch, they’ve recently added a birth to 5 area for toddlers, have lots of activities for teens (including a teen council) and from what I understand a remodel is in the works. Since the interior is a little dated, I’ll save the 5^th star for after the remodel but this place has everything you need!
So, using a doubly appropriately cliché, when it comes to Acacia branch library, you can’t judge a book by it’s cover. (Sorry. I couldn’t resist!)