Century Library
🏢 Phoenix Public Library · Camelback, Phoenix, Arizona
Century Library
Century Library has anchored the Camelback corridor since December 16, 1973 — the seventh branch Phoenix Public Library opened and the first built in the system's second century of service — drawing more than 5,000 visits a month to its convenient Highland Avenue address just east of State Route 51.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–5pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–6pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–6pm |
| Thursday | 10am–6pm |
| Friday | 9am–5pm |
| Saturday | 9am–5pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 1750 E. Highland Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (602) 262-4636
Website: phoenixpubliclibrary.org
Plus Code: 8559GX44+CJ (Phoenix, AZ)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Century Library
Century Library opened on December 16, 1973, as the seventh branch in the Phoenix Public Library system, designed by Schwenn & Clark Architects and situated within what was then the Sears-Rhodes Mall (now the Camelback Colonnade). Its name carries a deliberate double meaning: 'century' refers to the century plant, a native Arizona succulent, and the branch was also the first new library built after Phoenix Public Library's centennial — the system having been officially established in June 1898. The 6,500-square-foot facility serves Phoenix City Council District 6 on Highland Avenue just east of State Route 51, which was built immediately west of the building in 1990, making it a natural commuter stop. A 1969 Phoenix Growth Committee study first recommended placing a library in this rapidly expanding corridor, and more than 50 years later the branch still draws more than 5,000 visits and roughly 6,000 checkouts each month.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Opened December 16, 1973 — the 7th PPL branch and the first built during the library system's second century (Phoenix Public Library established June 1898)
- Dual namesake: 'century' honors both the century plant (a native Arizona succulent in the PPL naming tradition) and the library system's centennial milestone
- Located in the Camelback Colonnade (former 1973 Sears-Rhodes Mall) just east of SR 51 — a convenient commuter stop for District 6 residents
- Draws 5,000+ visits and approximately 6,000 item checkouts every month (as of its 50th-anniversary year, 2023)
- 24/7 outdoor holds lockers for contact-free pickup at any hour
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Century cardholders can stream, download, and research free through the Greater Phoenix Digital Library and Arizona's statewide collections:
📚 Services
- Free public WiFi and public-use computers
- Mobile printing (Princh portal)
- WiFi hotspot lending
- 24/7 outdoor holds lockers
- EV charging stations
- Cooling Center May 1 – September 30
- Seed library
- Video game checkout
- Large-print books and Braille materials
- Reference and research assistance
🎸 Programs
- Children's and adult programs (see events calendar)
- Summer reading program (system-wide PPL)
- Free library events open to all ages
📍 Nearby Libraries in Phoenix
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this branch called 'Century Library'?
The name has two layers of meaning. 'Century' refers to the century plant, an iconic native Arizona succulent (following the PPL tradition of naming branches after Sonoran Desert plants). It also marks a milestone: Century Library was the first new branch opened during Phoenix Public Library's second century of service — the system was officially established in June 1898, making Century's December 1973 opening a centennial-era landmark.
Is Century Library easy to reach by car or transit?
Yes. The library sits on Highland Avenue just east of State Route 51 (the Piestewa Freeway), making it a natural commuter stop — SR 51 was built immediately west of the building in 1990. Valley Metro bus routes also serve the Camelback Colonnade area, and parking is available in the shopping center lot.
Can I pick up holds outside library hours at Century Library?
Yes. Century Library has 24/7 outdoor holds lockers at the main entrance. Once the library notifies you that your items are ready, you can retrieve them at any time — day or night — without waiting for the branch to be open.
What was at 1750 E. Highland Ave. before Century Library?
In 1973, the site was part of the Sears-Rhodes Mall, a shopping center now known as the Camelback Colonnade. Phoenix City Council approved the library's placement there following a 1969 Phoenix Growth Committee recommendation to add library service to the rapidly growing Camelback corridor.
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