Tempe Public Library

Not great. Too many lurking homeless men. I haven’t gone back for a while, it just feels creepy there and they need to deal with all the loitering.

Until recently, I’d assumed that all public libraries smelled like homeless shelters and made you sort of want to take a shower, or at least wash your hands, after checking out. Having recently spent a lot of time at the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Chandler libraries, however, I’ve begun to think maybe this is a unique feature off the Tempe Public Library. It’s a real shame, too, because the library has so many good things going for it. Good book, CD, and DVD selection, and a really pretty, sprawling campus, that also includes some Tempe municipal offices (I think) and a neat little Tempe history museum. Lots of computers, but even more patrons — I’ve often had trouble finding an open one to hop on to.
Two fun features are: (1) the Friends of the Library bookstore, which offers a great selection of dirt-​cheap used books, movies, and CDs, and (2) the café in the back, which offers delicious Italian sodas and (sometimes) cheap, tasty BBQ sandwiches.
In short, Tempe’s got a pretty good public library. I just wish they’d class it up a little in terms of its olfactory profile and overall cleanliness level.

It seems like there are not many reviews here, so I just leave short comment.
The library is spacious and there are many place to read books and take rest. Nice place to take some time with books.
I’m taking Free ESL class here, and it’s really nice. I also took Talk time class (it’s also free ESL class) in Chandler library. Personally, I prefer the class in Tempe library, because there are not many people. (about 10~13 people, that’s all.)
On the contrary, Talk time class usually have 15~20 people in class because no registration is required, so it’s hard to say more than one sentence during a class. (So many people!)

Wow. Nice place. Good place for all ages. Have to browse more books. So far finding it good. Computer section is having good crowd. Thats nice. Kids area is so neat and cute.

Honestly, I found this library when I was left in a lurch after graduating and realizing how dependent I was on ASU’s massive libraries. Though not nearly as big as Hayden, the Tempe Public Library has a pretty decent selection of books, and I really love how they keep their collection up to date with displays of new additions near the entrance of the library. Also, I love that they have an online library which allows you to borrow ebooks and audiobooks online — makes it real convenient for hermits like me.
A couple of pet peeves which prevents me from giving this place a better rating:
— They’re sticklers for not letting you use your driver’s license as your library card if you left your library card at home. If that happens, you either have to pay for a replacement card or come back when you have your card with you. Basically, if you don’t stash your library card in your wallet (cause there are already five million other cards in there, like mine) don’t make any unplanned stops at the library, or you’re gonna have a bad time.
— While you can borrow the physical book out for 3 weeks, you can only borrow an ebook for 2 weeks. I feel like I’ve been cheated here…

Very nice facility. We came here for a Live reading of the book «Tales from the Firehouse» and I was not disappointed.
The rooms they used were a bit small for the turn out, but it was the first reading.
There were several events taking place and everyone seemed to have the space needed, and parking was sufficient.

Don’t waste your money at this dump. True to government practice, they take our tax dollars then to cut cost they give us less service. The internet here is so spotty it makes it impossible to work smoothly, it’s insane. It’s probably being done on purpose to decrease the amount of people charging their laptops.

Unfortunately, I no longer feel like the library is a safe place to allow my children to browse unless I can see them. I don’t even want my son to use the bathroom on the main level.
I’ve actually had to leave the computing area and the seating area due to strange and inappropriate behavior from fellow patrons. The library attracts a huge homeless population.

It’s nice library and is reasonably quiet.
Facilities:
Wifi
Free Technology Classes
Free Culinary Classes
Enumerous Collection
Free Passes to Museums, etc (Limit 2) had to be availed in a week.
Collections of Magazines, Dvd’s, Books
Study Rooms
Can access your account online and renew your checked in item again.
Self Checkout is pretty cool. Dont have to wait in cues.
Café.

You don’t have to actually live in Tempe to get a library card here, as long as you show your AZ license, you will be able to check-​out books here.

The Tempe Library is the «gold standard» for public libraries. The building is new, the selection if books is great. Customer service and self-​checkout is very good. Also they have a great café. We enjoy getting a latte and a snack while looking for books… nice! Also the online library is very easy to use and the new digital book library is very nice. You reserve a digital book, get an email that it is available, download it and voila, you are reading!

In this area of the Phoenix suburbs I have been to four city branch libraries – downtown Chandler, both Mesa libraries and the Tempe library. While my favorite has to be the Chandler library which I visited weekly for several months when I was here helping my mother out in 2007, I would say the Tempe library is a close second favorite. It has a really nice welcoming atmosphere as soon as you walk in. There is a daïs as you enter were there are usually one or two employees waiting to answer any questions you might have, which is very handy and helpful. They have a pretty decent selection of audio books for being a one branch library. The upstairs seems to be mainly adult items and if you go down the stairs you’ll find the teen section, middle school section, Elementary and preschool sections, also a conference room on the downstairs level. I couldn’t figure out where the elevator was but they do have an elevator if the stairs are a problem.
There are several computers where you can check books out and catalog computers where you can look up books are stationed throughout the library. Off to the back right as you walk in there is a little lunch counter with coffee, drinks, sandwiches, desserts, pastries, etc. I tried a red velvet cupcake and it was very good.
If you’re in a hurry there is a drive thru book drop on one side of the building which I used several times. Parking is more than plentiful and I always see lots of cars there and lots of people using the library– always a good sign.
I can’t survive with out my audio books to listen to wherever I am and this library supplied me with probably close to 20 while I was in town (thanks to my daughter’s library card). I shall return next trip!

I visited the Tempe Public Library for exam proctoring services, so I can’t speak to anything other than that. Getting a library card was quick and painless, the employees were all nice, and the proctoring conditions were good: fairly quiet (for a library), off in a corner of the library, and fairly decent computers (for a library). What wasn’t so good was the caliber of the proctor — my school’s testing authority makes it very easy to understand and get exam materials, and no amount of online video tutorials and personal hand-​holding by the proctoring authority staff could make 1 + 1 = 2. I’ve had proctors across the country and NEVER had to deal with that side of it – it’s that easy, you can pick it up on your own. Even my new proctor (I HAD to get a replacement) had absolutely no trouble… worked like a charm.
So, no problem with the library but don’t do exam proctoring here.

Looks are deceiving, it doesn’t look nearly as enormous on the outside as it should.
Forget about the fact that the upper floors are for city government business and you still have a children’s section that dwarfs some «satellite» library branches. Over time the library has under gone changes, but that hasn’t kept them from having some hidden treasures tucked away in one of the many shelves. I can still remember the time I found the Official 3^rd Rock From the Sun book!
It can be a little overwhelming to just browse here so I try to come with a mission. Thankfully the one time I couldn’t find the book I wanted i found the eBook version.

Some people love going to the coffee shop to relax (i.e. the mob at Starbucks).
I love going to Tempe Public Library to rewind.
It is bright, clean, and reasonably quiet. It has amazing book/​magazine collections, lots of family-​friendly programs, and helpful staff members.
The Connections Café inside serves really good scones. There is a $ 5 minimum for credit cards I think.
Although there was at one point in 2013 some technical problem with renewing books online and as a result I was wrongfully charged late fees for a couple times, I think for the most part Tempe Public Library a true blessing to the community here and offers wonderful resources.

A neat space. The computer facilities are top-​notch and have secure access to anything you might want to read or watch on the internet. The book selection seemed fine in the Fantasy and Science Fiction sections, and of course the «bargain bin» always makes bookworms lick their lips in anticipation.
The library lacks architecturally. Phoenix Public Library has much more interesting things for kids to bound upon when they eventually get bored of what the library offers.

Absolutely love this library!!!
There are so many positive things to say about this facility, it is amazing.
I don’t even know where to begin in my comments about the Tempe Library.
The entire library had a complete makeover in the recent years. It is very modern, with bright colors and comfortable places to chill and read a book or magazine. The number of resources are outstanding.
The most impressive area, I think (and I may be biased because I’m a mom) is the Children’s Library, which is pretty much the entire bottom floor, with the exception of a couple of meeting rooms and a Teen Area where the big kids can hang out, play video games and do homework (yeah, right). It is colorful, well organized and kid friendly with an entire area for toddler aged kids to play. Also, there is a Family Computer Area where parents can use the library computer for up to a half hour at a time while the little ones play with toys and puzzles and read (or gnaw on) books. There’s a couple other computer areas for older children to use and seating of all kinds. Book selection is bountiful, there’s new stuff almost every time we go! Story-​time is awesome, my son loves it and it’s something free to do.
Upstairs is a huge Computer Area and a Café and of course many, many books, mags and other media. And that little Friends of the Library Used Book Store… that little room is full of hidden treasures for way, way cheap. I have found so many cool books and other items for the kids and myself there. The volunteers are sweet people that will keep their eyes open for you if you are looking for something specifically. Just ask and they will take your name and number and call you if they come across something you ask for. Plus, there’s a FREE used book cart right outside the door of the book store and sometimes you can find some cool stuff out there.
Oh yeah, and Free Wi-​Fi too!
This library is just too cool for words, you must check it out in person!

Tempe Public Library is the library of my past, my present, and my future. When I was knee-​high, my mom would take me to the library to check out books every week. I enjoyed browsing through the aisles and flipping through the pages of bright illustrations and short but charming stories. It was here that I developed my love for reading. As I got older and progressed to junior high school and high school, this was the library for research papers, or to read various classics and modern novels. This library was the site of the annual high school art show, where some of my drawings and paintings were shown. Over the years the library has changed in appearance and in some cases, content, as the DVD section grows and a large portion of the library is now devoted to computers, but it still holds many memories that I will cherish, and will continue to build upon. Although I’ve traveled to many places, lived in various cities, this will always be #1 in my list of best libraries. :)

I have been a patron of the Tempe public library since 1973. I love this library. I have used all media (books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, and even online). The volunteer bookstore offers incredible bargains.
The only thing preventing this from being a 5 star library – the HOURS. It opens too late (especially in the summer). I used to take my kids for story time when they were little, and I would love to take my grandkids, but the activities are just too late in the day.

What’s not to love about Tempe Public Library? It’s not huge, but they have a book store inside and it’s so cheap. You can grab a hard-​cover book that’s in PRISTINE shape for, literally, 50 cents. How fucking awesome is that? Really, really fucking awesome!
Their selection of movies is always really great. From this place, I have rented some amazing stuff: The 7^th Seal, The Thin Blue Line, Overlord. I saw A Taste of Cherry here, which sucked, but I shall not fault the library because the movie SOUNDED really amazing, but it ended up being a long-​ass movie about a guy driving around. Talking.