Burton Barr Central Library050

Burton Barr isn't just the city's main library - it's a destination.

Designed by Will Bruder with Wendell Burnette, the 280,000 square-foot building's stunning copper and stainless steel exterior resembles a curving mesa split by a canyon. Its five floors contain nearly one million volumes and are accessed by elevators via the Crystal Canyon, a five-story glass atrium.

The 10,000 square-foot children's area is located on the first floor and contains its own Story Room. An extensive collection of books and learning materials in both English and Spanish are available, along with comfortable kid-sized reading areas.

There's an interactive learning center for babies and toddlers up to five years of age and an outdoor Children's Garden featuring a storytelling circle, benches, and attractive desert landscaping. Dedicated kids' computers offer Internet access, games, and activities.

The 4,000 square-foot Teen Central is located on the fourth floor and was designed with lots of input from local youth. The reading area offers comfortable lounge chairs for settling in with all the latest fiction and nonfiction books, graphic novels, and comics.

Teens can study alone or as a group in an area with 20 computers, large tables for interactive work, private desks, and glass-enclosed study rooms. Research homework assistance is available.

The teen living room has plenty of lounging room, a concrete dance floor, a big-screen TV for movies, surround-sound music system, and plenty of current CDs and videos to enjoy with friends. There's a free telephone for teens to use, along with snack vending machines and a cafe area for munching and conversation.

Check the library's website for all the storytimes, teen activities, and other special events at Burton Barr.

The Open Book Cafe on the library's first floor offers indoor and patio seating, WiFi access, and spaces for studying and relaxing. The menu features coffee and espresso, bagels and pastries, sandwiches, salads and wraps. Daily specials are offered.