Joel D. Valdez Main Library - Tucson, Arizona

Stephanie White

I love this library. I’ve been coming here for decades. Huge selection. Definitely get yourself a library card. You’d be surprised how easy it is to make new friends at the library. They have computers and a big fun kids’ section as well. Last time I was there they had art on display from a local high school art class. Just a very community-minded place.

Joshua Fouquette

Security guard with pink hair is harassing and stalking my children on a regular basis… my kids go to school near by and after they go to the library for about 20-30 min before I pick them up because it is (I thought) a safe space were they can read or do homework while they wait for me instead of waiting on the street for me to pick them up… last week the pink haired security guard made a racist comment to a young boy that my kids go to school with. Yesterday the pink haired security guard wouldn’t stop hovering and following my minor daughter’s and stalked them from inside all the way outside to were there grandmother picked them up at….. gotta give it to vetsec security for a+ professionalism

John N

It's a cool library. Lots of sketch people were there. Nothing they can do about it I guess since it's a public place

James super

The library is awesome. It's an American institution. Knowledge in the hand not based on wealth, just being a citizen. Well, really anyone who comes in and behaves respectfully. We need more, not less.

Lindsay Heimm

I visited the Joel D. Valdez Main Library for the first time on 1/4/24. While the staff member who assisted me in obtaining my library card was knowledgeable and helpful, and answered all of my questions, I was somewhat disappointed by the overall library experience.

The one notable positive, besides the books, was the helpfulness and knowledge of the staff member who assisted me. However, I observed that most of the staff members did not come across as very professional in appearance or particularly welcoming and customer-service-oriented. I believe that a more engaged and focused staff could have potentially addressed some of the issues I encountered during my visit, but perhaps the burden isn’t entirely on them.

My primary concerns during my visit included:

Disruptive Behavior: There were two teens talking loudly on their cellphones and using offensive language near the teen center and study areas when I first arrived to use the catalog kiosk. This was distracting and made it challenging to concentrate and was actually anxiety provoking. Staff and security both walked by them and said nothing.

Aisle Blockages: Again on the second floor near the 305 section, there was a man sitting at a table charging his phone, with his chair kicked out so far, that he was blocking part of the aisle, making it difficult to access a section of books. I felt uncomfortable asking him to move, and I wondered why these tables were placed in aisles that could obstruct bookshelves. There was no staff around to ask for help in asking him to kindly move, so I just left that section.

Noise Levels: Many patrons in the library were speaking way above hushed tones, including a security guard who was conversing so loudly with a staff member at a kiosk on the second floor that I could hear them from the back corner near the Teen Center. This added to the distraction.

Facility Cleanliness: The women’s bathroom appeared somewhat unkempt and in need of remodeling. And when I walked in there were girls coughing without covering their mouths! (Side note: there seemed to be lots of coughing with mouths open all around the library). Also what was with the overgrown planters outside? Not a nice look.

5. Art Reference Books: This was a big one since it was the entire reason I drove across town to come to this location. I specifically visited the main library location to access art reference books. However, I was surprised to learn from a staff member at the front desk that most of these books are housed at the Tucson Museum of Art. This seemed counterintuitive for a city's main public library. Who goes to the museum to look at reference books?

6. Weekend Hours: I was taken aback to discover that the main library location is not open on weekends, especially considering Tucson's status as a college town. Other mid-sized and metropolitan cities where I’ve lived in California, such as Stockton and Sacramento, offered weekend library hours. Maybe not in all locations but definitely at the main library location.

7. Parking: I didn’t see any convenient free public parking area near the main library building. Metered parking is limited or time restricted. I don’t know about you but I like to take my time at the library, and I like to know my car is parked safely.

8. Limited Book Availability: I was disappointed to find that many of the books I was searching for were not available at this library location. Additionally, some books had very few copies available with extraordinarily high hold numbers, which was frustrating.

9. Seed Library: Not a bad idea, though I questioned the placement of the seed library within the library, as it seemed somewhat disorganized.

Overall, I was left with the impression that the Joel D. Valdez Main Library faces challenges related to funding, access, organization, and resources. As someone who deeply values libraries and sees them as peaceful sanctuaries, my experience at this library was unexpectedly stressful. I hope that improvements can be made to create a more patron-centered and welcoming environment in the future.

Marissa Ferrin

Mine and my children's favorite library in town. We love story time. Mary the children's librarian is amazing! There are so many fun things to do in the children's area in addition to picking up more books to take home. It is a very bright, clean, and spacious refuge from hot Tucson summers.

Nick Cassadine

Library used to be nice but it's just Bum daycare center now, the library staff let's homeless bums take over the place and do whatever they want. productive citizens who need library services must deal with foul body odor, obscene behavior and dangerous unwell individuals. they don't let security throw these creeps out. Security told me the library staff doesn't let them do anything without their approval so it's basically a dirty homeless shelter. Avoid this library at all costs!!

Morgan Patterson

Best library in town! We can sit here all day and never be bored. The kids resources are so very much appreciated, and we appreciate our librarians even more.