Martha Cooper Branch Library

Terrible branch library. The shelves are empty and they eliminated most of the movies no reason given. The manager seems to think that the library patrons are this person’s servants. A shame since the rest of the staff go the extra mile to be helpful. But then again the Pima County library seems to hate books. It has a terrible selection when you consider the size population it serves

This is a really pleasant library. The librarians, clerks, and pages are all friendly and helpful. The collection is sort of scant, but I get 99% of my books via reserve or ILL, so it’s not a big deal, although it I do miss getting lost in the stacks, like you can do at a big library. For a branch, though, it’s decently stocked. There seem to be a LOT of activities going on here, and the rooms where these are held are actually outside the library, so people can enjoy the space without disturbing anyone (well, there was that one Rock Band tournament…). It’s a really good community gathering space. There are also a couple private meeting/​study rooms. You can learn English here, get tax help, take yoga classes, visit story time. Very versatile.
My only complaint about this library is the way they handle the pre-​teen/​young teen demographic. I understand little kids screaming and running around, but once you reach the age of 6 or 7, you should have learned how to use a library. After school can really be a free-​for-​all of 12-​year-​olds playing tag inside. Often security guards, and even cops, seem much more interested in being friends with kids then telling them to sit down and shut up. I’m also fairly uncomfortable with the security guard and cop practice of standing right outside the women’s restroom and making eye contact with everyone. I do not want to smile at a cop when I’m going to the bathroom, OK? Thanks. Why don’t you go tell some teenagers to be quiet?
Usually, I bring headphones when I’m coming here, but if I don’t, I’m always a little sad. When I was a screaming loud teenager in a public library, security told me to shut up, and when I didn’t, I was made to leave the library. I’m all for increased access and the changing needs of the community, but my library needs continue to be a quiet place to study and work.
A big problem with branch libraries is often a lack of places to plug in, but Martha Cooper has addressed that with an extra electrical table with 8 outlets. There are a good number of public terminals here, too. On a normal day, there’s no issue with getting an outlet or a computer. Wifi is pretty decent. Sometimes it works better than my home network.
If you’re walking, be sure to check out the library– and garden district-​themed tiles, designed by schoolchildren, set into the sidewalk on the east side of Columbus in the 2 blocks closest to the branch. Adorable!

Wireless internet access is free to the public — You don’t have to deal with the front desk to get access.
Speeds according to speedtest are 20Mb up and down — Pretty fast.
This is a fairly small library. Only about 7 seats have a place to plug in a laptop. I came in just after lunch on a Tuesday and two spaces were available. Not much in the way of books here. It’s about 20% the size of a normal county library. Honestly, it’d be nice if they cut the books out entirely and put in more computers and electrified seating. This place offers two semi-​private study rooms that can be reserved a day ahead of time. Very clean, and the AC seems to keep up with the hot tucson days without an issue. Lots of literature on the walls describing job help and employment assistance. Very clean and mostly quiet. Seems like a nice library.

The Pima County Library system is the best in the world because they are the only one that has a nurse on site at several libraries to help patrons when they have issues that are not urgent care issues. This service is such a big help for our community not only does it help the individual it helps relieve some of the pressure felt by our urgent care system because there aren’t enough doctor appointments for people to see their doctor when needed. I’m not saying a nurse can replace a doctor but these nurses are qualified to to get the job done.