About the Library : Renovation Project

Timeline and History

Timeline

  •  May 26, 2009 - The Youth Library temporarily housed on the main floor.
  • June 22, 2009 - The Computer Access Center closed.
  • July - December 2009 - The entire lower level will be closed.
  • July 6, 2009 - Construction began on the lower level.
  • December 2009 - Lower level (Children's Library, Teen Center) completed.
  • December 2009 - Construction begins on main level.
  • January 2010 - Friends of the Tempe Public Library bookstore open on main level.
  • March 2010 - Computer Commons and Media Area open on main level.
  • July 2010 - Meeting Rooms on Lower level available.
  • July 2010 - Construction completed on main level.

Please note:  The Library will remain open throughout the construction.  However, some services may be limited during various phases. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Updates

Click here to read about the project as it unfolds.

History

  • The current library facility opened in September of 1989, having moved from its previous location which is now the Tempe Historical Museum.  
  • When the library opened, the Internet didn’t exist and the collection consisted primarily of books and magazines.  Since that time, the Library has expanded its services to included public access computing, a full range of audio-visual materials, and online access to reference and research materials via the Internet. 
  • The Tempe Public Library is one of the busiest libraries in the Phoenix metropolitan area with over 1,000,000 visitors each year.  
  • In May of 2006, Tempe citizens passed an $8 million dollar bond issue for the renovation of the library and technology enhancements.