Tempe Public Library: a Chronology

1908	First available written record of the Tempe Free Reading Room and Library Association
1932	City Council appoints Library Board; first city funding
1941	Library moves to East Wing of City Hall, 31 East Fifth Street, Tempe
1953	Dedication of 475 sq. ft addition to Library and Council rooms
1957	Library moves to 103 E. Fifth Street, Tempe
1964	Bookmobile begins operation; first professional Library Director hired
1969	Library moves to temporary quarters in Danelle Plaza
1971	Library occupies 37,000 sq. ft facility at Rural and Southern Avenue, Tempe
1973	Library Department and Advisory Board created
1981	Library operation is automated
1983	Membership with OCLC established
1989	Library moves to present 120,000 sq. ft. building on September 30, 1989
1990-2006	While maintaining traditional book-based services, the Library gradually expands to include public access computing, audio-visual materials, and online access to reference and research materials via the Internet.
2006	The Friends of the Library establish Tempe Connections, which includes Connections Café and a wide range of programming and volunteer activities.
2006	Tempe citizens pass an $8 million dollar bond issue for the renovation of the Library and technology enhancements.
2009	Tempe Public Library is one of the busiest libraries in the Phoenix metropolitan area with over 1,000,000 visitors each year.
2009/2010	Library undergoes extensive renovation project, adding digital infrastructure, computers, meeting rooms and enhanced book stack and reading areas.
More History	Click here to read a detailed history written in 1971 by Dorothy E. Weiler, Library Director at the time.