(Tucson, AZ) It's happening! The new Sahuarita Library at 670 W. Sahuarita Road will open to the public on Tuesday, September 7 at 10 am. The Library's hours will be Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm and Friday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Please note, some map apps may suggest making a u-turn at Calle Imperial. Please disregard that and make a left at Calle Imperial. The library parking lot will be immediately on the left after that turn.
The 17,700 square foot library features a Storytime room with rainbow lights, stuffed animals, and lower windows for outside views, a gaming room, reading patios, private study rooms, and a large meeting room for programming. The library also has an outdoor performance space, generously funded by The Pima Library Foundation. The space is the first of its kind in the library system and will be a community gathering space for movies, concerts, story hours, poetry readings, art workshops, gardening classes, and much more!
The library was constructed for universal access by Line and Space, an architectural company known for its energy-conscious buildings that blur the lines between inside and outside. Line and Space was recently awarded a Best Regional Project prize, opens a new window by ENR Southwest for the new library.
The design has a simple façade for the main, north-facing entrance, but as a rock with crystals, the back of the library (seen from Sahuarita Rd) features two glassed spaces that project out from the building. By day, the towers provide natural light and views of the Santa Rita Mountains. At night, the glass towers appear almost like beacons welcoming people in. The building materials and landscaping represent Sahuarita’s history of mining and agriculture.
The Library will also feature public art by Chris Aranda of Aranda/Lasch, a New York and Tucson-based design studio that has exhibited internationally in galleries, museums, design fairs, and biennials. Their work is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Libraries rank among the most the most trusted institutions in America (Pew Research) and a recent Gallup poll found that U.S. adults go to the library regularly, on average more often than movies, concerts, and plays. There's no doubt that this will be the case at the new Sahuarita Library. Library staff look forward to welcoming the community into this beautiful new space—the 27th library in the system.
Photos of the Sahuarita Library are available on Flickr, opens a new window. Please credit Randy Metcalf, Pima County Communications Office.
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About Pima County Public Library
For more than 100 years, we've been here for people just like you. Today, in our libraries, online, or out in the community, our dedicated staff and volunteers are always looking ahead to help you find what you’re looking for. Every day, we’re making our mission a reality by educating and connecting people and inspiring ideas.
