Cocopah Tribal Library
🏢 Cocopah Indian Tribe · Somerton, Arizona
Cocopah Tribal Library
The Cocopah Tribal Library preserves the language, history and genealogy of one of Arizona's smallest federally recognized tribes — the Cocopah, whose ancestral home along the Colorado River delta has been their homeland for centuries.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 8am–4pm |
| Tuesday | 8am–4pm |
| Wednesday | 8am–4pm |
| Thursday | 8am–4pm |
| Friday | 8am–4pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 14250 S Ave I, SOMERTON, AZ 85350
Phone: (928) 627-8026
Website: cocopah.com
Plus Code: 8547H6VJ+25 (SOMERTON, AZ)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Cocopah Tribal Library
The Cocopah Tribal Library serves the Cocopah Indian Tribe on their 6,600-acre reservation in Yuma County, near the confluence of the Colorado River and the Mexican border. The Cocopah — whose name means 'people of the river' — received federal recognition of their reservation in 1917 through an executive order of President Woodrow Wilson. The library holds approximately 6,200 volumes and focuses on collections that matter most to the community: tribal language and O'odham orthography materials, genealogy resources, and the history of the Cocopah people. A 2024 IMLS grant supports expanded internet services and the growth of language, history and genealogy collections, as well as cultural programming that helps pass Cocopah traditions to younger generations. The Cocopah Museum and Cultural Center, opened in 1996 nearby, houses exhibitions and hosts dances and other tribal gatherings that complement the library's mission.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Serves the Cocopah Indian Tribe — 'people of the river' — whose 6,600-acre reservation in Yuma County was established by executive order in 1917
- Holds approximately 6,200 volumes with a focus on tribal language, genealogy and Cocopah history
- 2024 IMLS grant supports internet expansion and growth of language, history and genealogy collections
- Cultural programming includes Art of Beading workshops, Summer Reading and Intergenerational Sewing Circles
- Located near the Cocopah Museum & Cultural Center (opened 1996), which houses exhibitions on tribal heritage
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
The Cocopah Tribal Library provides access to digital and reference resources for cardholders:
📚 Services
- Free library cards for community members and visitors
- 6,200-volume circulating collection including tribal language and genealogy materials
- Public internet access terminals
- Genealogy and tribal history research assistance
- Reference and reader's advisory services
- Interlibrary and inter-agency resource sharing
🎸 Programs
- Summer Reading Program for youth
- Art of Beading workshops
- Intergenerational Sewing Circles preserving traditional crafts
- Cultural and language programming for community members of all ages
- Youth and family events supporting Cocopah cultural traditions
📍 Nearby Libraries in Southern Arizona
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Cocopah people, and where is their reservation?
The Cocopah (meaning 'people of the river') are one of Arizona's smallest federally recognized tribes, with deep roots along the lower Colorado River and its delta. Their reservation in Yuma County — about 6,600 acres across three non-contiguous sections — was established by executive order of President Woodrow Wilson in 1917. The tribal seat is in Somerton, and the tribe today operates a range of community services including this library, a museum, a community center and various cultural programs.
What makes the Cocopah Tribal Library's collection distinctive?
The library's 6,200-volume collection emphasizes resources that directly serve the Cocopah community: tribal language and orthography materials, Cocopah genealogy resources, and books documenting the history and culture of the tribe. A 2024 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is funding further expansion of these language, history and genealogy collections, as well as improved internet services.
What cultural programs does the library offer?
The library hosts several programs designed to pass Cocopah traditions to younger generations: Art of Beading workshops, an Intergenerational Sewing Circle pairing elders and youth, and a Summer Reading Program. These activities complement the nearby Cocopah Museum and Cultural Center, which opened in 1996 and hosts tribal dances, hand games and community gatherings.
Is the Cocopah Tribal Library open to the general public?
Yes — the library is listed as a public library by both IMLS (the federal library statistics agency) and the Arizona State Library. It is open to community members and visitors Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. If you plan to visit specifically for research, it is worth calling ahead at (928) 627-8026 to confirm hours and ask about available resources.
🎨 This library lends museum passes. See how library museum passes work and find other libraries that lend passes museum passes by state.
📜 This library has genealogy & local-history resources. See how library family-history research works and find other libraries with genealogy collections genealogy libraries by state.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.
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More libraries in Somerton
Somerton is also served by the Somerton Library — a branch of the Yuma County Library District at 240 Canal St.