Scottsdale Public Library – Civic Center

This is a really nice library. Lots to choose from, and who doesn’t like free movies and music? I got a library card and the lady who helped me was nice and it was a quick process.

sitting in the parking lot wishing the library opened at 8:30 am rather than 10 am. I can’t write a good review because I’m not actually inside. I’m sure there are tons of books and couches and magazines and whatnot, like most libraries. there are probably computers and stuff, too, if that’s what you want. there is a ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ chance the library has self-​check-​out kiosks, also. I wish I could be inside resting on a couch and reading a book but instead i’m inside my car listening to some ambient breakbeat tunes. really wish pitchfork gave Burial a 9 or 10 instead of settling for a measly 8.4, but whatever. maybe the library would have some CDs, too. i’m sure they do, actually.
giving four smackaroos because I’m sure it’s a wonderful book depository but so far all I’ve seen is the parking garage. good parking options, though. thanks for listening

I like this library for many reasons.
I enjoy the new movies and all the TV series they have for loan. Who needs Netflix when you have free libraries? They also have a great selection of music CDs.
Some other items of note for this particular location: There is an interesting at gallery space that is always nice to walk thru. The children’s book area are has a huge castle façade that a few friends recall fondly from their childhood.

I was really impressed by Scottsdale’s library! The art gallery is what brought me in here; the current exhibition «sLightly Colossal» features ASU faculty and alums so I thought it would be a great opportunity to check out some local art. They also have a café and a book-​sale section where I found vintage back issues of Sunset and some architecture books, including one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s collections of essays. The entire space was very open and the staff we interacted with were very friendly.

Not like the libraries I grew up with. I love the selection, I love the little coffee area, I love the Eureka loft! There are so many resources at your disposal. I also love the free cultural tickets.

Its a great library. You have a ton of books and the people there are super friendly. Everything is easy from signing up to getting books to bring home. Thumbs up!!!

First the positive. Nice sized library. Lots of books and videos. One star so far. Now the bad. Only 6 private study rooms. They fill up fast. The other study desks are located next to the exhibit areas and children’s area. It’s more like a mommies day out at this place than a library. Screaming kids, people on cell phones etc right next to the «study» tables. Whatever moron arranged the layout should be fired.
Seriously, if they ever update or remodel please move the study tables to the back of the library where it’s quiet! I’m currently typing this with earplugs in and I can still hear little Johnny screaming at the top of his lungs in the Forest Floor exhibit not to mention the dbag conducting «business» behind me on his laptop while talking on the cell phone for all to hear.
Oh nice little café by the way. Fresh brewed tea is the bomb! And the workers there are friendly. One star for that.

Really cool library! Who knew Scottsdale had a modern library since most of the style here is dessert country! Love the café inside this library. She was really cool to chat with. Best part, it’s located near the plaza park so after reading, you get to enjoy the nice fountain and maybe even see a family of ducks!
Until then, Cheers! ~ :p

Free wifi. .quiet and right next to beautiful park making it a fun place to visit and have lunch at one of nearby restaurants

The library itself is 5 stars: it’s a lovely library, librarians are super helpful, great events, wonderful selection, great teen room, comfy chairs, great light, fantastic views, fairly good parking when it’s not spring training, famously fun kid’s area, and near lovely restaurants, but does not have enough security against creeps.
Multiple times I was approached by creepy men in the stacks. In about 2009, one man wanted to «massage my feet,» started touching me, and asked if he could «put (my) feet on his penis.» I was too dissociated to report him, which I now deeply regret.
Lots of porn being watched/​pictures being looked at on computers; some men I saw masturbating. I’m all for freedom and non-​censorship in the library, but it made me feel unsafe, uncomfortable, and made me worry about kids sitting nearby.
The library is beautiful and large, but there needs to be better safety and security measures. Most librarians are all near the front, near the back, and occasionally shelving throughout the large stacks.
My parents used to drop me off at the library during summer days as a kid; there is no way I’d feel safe dropping off my kids at Civic Center Library.

Nice and modern public libary in this beautiful town of Scottsdale. Has free wifi and quiet study booths. Also a snack/​drink lounge area for those who are a bit hungry.

I should really get more reviews done! Been coming here for many years but now that I am visiting as a Dad, I appreciate it that much more. The kids section is great with their child friendly computers, fun reading area, castle, play area, it’s awesome to hang out here.
The Wifi is slow but that is no reason to downgrade a public library. A person gave this place a one star because of the slow internet. There are so many plus’s here that the internet is just gravy. Try out the culture pass, you can visit a lot of cool valley attractions like the Phoenix Zoo and Arizona Science Center… for free.
Parking is great as is the location. If my butt wasn’t so sore from these chairs I would give it a five star rating… my but is more important than bandwidth.
Cheers

This is my favorite place to escape the world. Why not? It’s a beautiful library, always clean, nestled in between the crazy touristy spots of Scottsdale and adjacent to my fave museum SMoCA and of course foodie spots like the Mission, AZ88, and Distrito. Parking is so easy and it’s covered, perfect during summer time heat, but drive slow since it also shares space with the Scottsdale PD!!!
Once you walk in, it just beckons you to feed that nerd status because as Frank Sinatra said it shouldn’t be a staring contest when you go out, we like intelligent people. It’s perfect for me I am surrounded by book lovers, thinkers, readers, and doers. The energy just makes you that smarter for choosing to spend a few hours here. There is a café offering treats to delight you. Private rooms, spacious tables and plenty of plush leather chairs that look out to the courtyard will keep you planted here for hours (though 3 hour parking forces you to play musical chairs after that). WiFi is readily available and the card catalog system is easy to navigate. Reserving a book is so easy and convenient, offering also latest releases and best sellers. Why do Redbox when they also offer tons of DVDs, including seasons of great shows like Suits or Dexter? And there’s a little side spot that you can pick up used books or magazines in case you like collecting those kinds of things. In fact, you can bring your own items to donate as well.
Staff is incredibly sweet and attentive if you get lost, feel like a goober because you haven’t stepped into one as an adult. They also offer tons of classes from writing your business plan to guitar lessons for the kiddos. Most are free and others are at a minimal cost. I stinkin adore the various exhibits that they feature as they are so diverse. I will say if you happen to travel and forget to turn in your books, the cost is really minimal and the guilt alone will force you to be more timely, no names need to be mentioned.

I was here for a meeting a few years ago and I decided to explore the library after it finished. I was very impressed! Beautiful, located in downtown Scottsdale, I had always passed it on my way to ASU but never stopped. I like that they have material returns in the parking lot and various other locations. The teen area was really nice and I liked their bookstore. The children’s area was stunning and I loved the view of the plaza in the general seating area. I should come back and explore more.

I love the Scottsdale library. Solid little used bookstore, serious DVD/​Blu ray selection, awesome coffee shop, great teen center (check out their website for lots of free summer activities), fantastic kiddie section and overall general book nerd paradise.
The staff is always pleasant and helpful, I love that I can self checkout (do miss the «THUNK» of the old timey due stamp they used to use…) and the views are phenomenal. Covered parking and drive thru return bins are an added bonus.
My only gripe is the petition people that seem to be hovering around the front 2^nd floor entrance constantly — just a go and different route to avoid them!
Make sure you bring a cute carrying bag when you visit because you’ll definitely need one when you leave.

Just got my first library card in about 10 years… Libraries have changed! They have a huge selection of DVDs and music to borrow. And did you know you can request books online, and if they don’t have them at your «home» library, they’ll ship em there?! There’s also to opportunity to download books from the library to your e-​book device. So cool … I haven’t explored the gift shop or coffee spot in the library yet. I have managed to find good books including the 30-​day Vegan Challenge and a cook book to go along with it. Can’t wait to see what else the library has in store for me!

An excellent library: wonderful selection, nicely laid out, with lots of light and room and comfy seating.
You can order a lot of audio and ebooks online, order books from other branches, reserve items that are out, etc with the click of a few buttons.
They have a terrific young adult room (glassed in, no grown-​ups allowed), and cool exhibits in a large space.
Even the location is wonderful — lots of benches and trees nearby, for reading.

Came here for the Indian festival, and it was great to walk around the area. Beautiful place and you can’t beat free parking nearby. Definitely would come here again when we’re on this side of town.

Love this library! Did you know that you don’t even have to be a Scottsdale resident, just a Maricopa County resident to get a library card here? They have an excellent selection of books, magazines, movies, and DVD’s. There’s a large children’s and young adult section as well and numerous computers for those who want to get online. Plus, you can have books or other items delivered here from any of the Scottsdale libraries and they will e-​mail you when your items arrive.
There’s even a new coffee shop in the lobby and all of the employees are extremely friendly.
Definitely high on my list of recommendations.

Clean, quiet, have plenty of available friendly staff and decent selection at this location.
Any items available for reserve online and you’ll get an email when your item is ready for pickup — perfect for expanding your music collection :)
Easy parking in the garage. Easy item returns in bins at garage or self-​scan return at library entry.