Few simple pleasures in life quite compare to being surrounded by old books. As their pages yellow with age, a nostalgic aroma is emitted that has a universal understanding despite no words being able to describe it. Burton Barr Central Library offers one such experience, with over one million volumes spanning five stories.

Measuring in at nearly 300,000 square feet, Burton Barr Central is by far the largest library in Arizona.

Google/Burton Barr Central Library It opened in 1995 and spans five full stories.

A grand staircase known as the “crystal canyon” leads to all five levels.

Google/Elmer Atienza Climbing to the top is no easy feat, but the floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing gorgeous, panoramic views more than make up for the effort.

Alternatively, you can opt to take a ride on one of three high-speed elevators.

Flickr/ellf Like something from a futuristic movie, the clear, side-by-side columns allow onlookers to witness every gear in motion.

Designed just for kiddos, the 10,000 square-foot Children’s Place is located on the first floor and consists of a story room, auditorium, and outdoor garden.

Flickr/ellf Renovations to double the area of the space are currently in the works. Also on this floor is an exhibition featuring Arizona artists who aren’t presently represented by a gallery.

Head up one level to the Arizona Room, where you’ll find a research project focused on Southwestern heritage, lifestyle, and culture from prehistoric times until now.

Flickr/ellf There’s a business center here, too, which serves as a discovery space for entrepreneurs.

On the third floor, a full-service college planning center offers workshops and advising appointments regarding admissions, financial aid, and scholarships.

Google/Rafael T. Chavez Directly above that is perhaps the busiest level, with a teen area, rare books room, and space for free programs such as video game design and coding.

On the very top floor is the Great Reading Room, housing dozens of study nooks and the library’s nonfiction collection.

Google/Hugo Nunez The view of Downtown Phoenix from here is simply unparalleled, making for a great backdrop to the page-turner you’re currently lost in. Not to mention the skylights project the sun’s rays straight down the middle of the library at noon each day - the effect is so epic, a summer solstice celebration is held annually.

Visit the library’s website to learn more.

Google/Burton Barr Central Library

It opened in 1995 and spans five full stories.

Google/Elmer Atienza

Climbing to the top is no easy feat, but the floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing gorgeous, panoramic views more than make up for the effort.

Flickr/ellf

Like something from a futuristic movie, the clear, side-by-side columns allow onlookers to witness every gear in motion.

Renovations to double the area of the space are currently in the works. Also on this floor is an exhibition featuring Arizona artists who aren’t presently represented by a gallery.

There’s a business center here, too, which serves as a discovery space for entrepreneurs.

Google/Rafael T. Chavez

Directly above that is perhaps the busiest level, with a teen area, rare books room, and space for free programs such as video game design and coding.

Google/Hugo Nunez

The view of Downtown Phoenix from here is simply unparalleled, making for a great backdrop to the page-turner you’re currently lost in. Not to mention the skylights project the sun’s rays straight down the middle of the library at noon each day - the effect is so epic, a summer solstice celebration is held annually.

Have you ever been to Burton Barr Central Library? If so, which floor is your favorite?

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Address: 1221 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA