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February 2024 by Mary Reed
Very pleasant staff.always ready to help when asked.
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February 2024 by alaeya fj
Wide variety, two stories, any book lovers dream ❤️
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February 2024 by 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.
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November 2023 by Dolores Green
I just go there to read quietly or to research on difference subject. I think it great place
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November 2023 by Mystery Zynot
When I needed a place to rest and charge up a few devices this place really helped. What a blessing.
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October 2023 by Lorine Sanora
It was nice and quiet. The way a library should be.
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October 2023 by Alex V.
I've lived in Manhattan & San Francisco almost my entire life, and I just moved to Tucson, Arizona just a couple of months ago. I haven't had much interaction with the local people, I mostly spend my time at the JoeL Valdez Library doing some research work. The Library is amazing, open to all the public, with open spaces in all three floors and amazing amenities. What prompted me though to add a review is the exceptional customer service of the librarians here. In NYC they say people are nice but not kind, in the Bay Area they are kind but not nice. Well, if the people working at this library is indicative of the average person in this town then they are certainly extremely kind and exceptionally nice. There have been a few instances where the librarians have been both kind and nice to me, like giving me a set of earphones for free, even though they charge a fee but there are also times they go way above and beyond, like today, I asked the gentleman at the information desk on the first floor if he had a plastic fork so I can have my salad, and he immediately started looking through all the drawers, when a sweet lady named Mary stepped in and said "I have one at my desk back in the library offices." So she proceeded to walk all the way back to her offices and a few minutes returned with the plastic fork! So kudos, and a big thank you to the outstanding staff at this library for accommodating the people to the fullest, above and beyond their official responsibilities and duties.
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September 2023 by 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.
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September 2023 by Lisa Douglas
Trying to use computer - kids yelling running all over- no more Peace and quiet at the library- NO respect anymore- you the bad guy if you complain!
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July 2023 by 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.
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July 2023 by 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!!
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June 2023 by Deanna Campos
Beautiful marble. Water bottle filler and a clean restroom. Went there to study in silence n was not disappointed.
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June 2023 by Alexis Walker
Love their nonfiction and their seed library! The library is one of the best places downtown.
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June 2023 by Rachel Nottke
Quiet and clean. There is currently a kids craft event so that was interesting.
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April 2023 by no almonds
Apparently, they're not open to the public.Lawsuit incoming!
