Martha Cooper Library Guide (with Photos & Amenities)
Tucked away in midtown Tucson, Martha Cooper Library originally opened in November 2006 and has since been renovated and remodeled to a spacious, modern community hub. The most recent renovation, which brought the library up to 13,554 square feet, was completed in September 2024.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Where is Martha Cooper Library located?
Martha Cooper Library is located in Central Tucson near Columbus Road between Pima Street and Speedway Boulevard. The address is: 1377 N Catalina Ave, Tucson, AZ 85712.
Interestingly, the Martha Cooper Library is only 2.2 miles from Himmel Park Library and 2.7 miles from Eckstrom-Columbus Library so you have three excellent library options if you live in midtown Tucson.
Who is the Martha Cooper Library named after?
Founder of the Midtown Neighborhood Association, Martha Cooper was active in her central Tucson neighborhood for decades. She initiated a nature garden project and pushed for a needed playground at Wright Elementary School. She later led the efforts to have a library built in the Garden District where she lived. Martha Cooper passed away in 2002 at age 74.
What are the hours?
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00am to 7:00pm
Wednesday: 10:00am to 6:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am to 7:00pm
Friday and Saturday: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday: Closed
What is the parking situation at the library?
Free and plentiful parking is available.
Why would I visit the Martha Cooper Library?
To check out materials - including DVDs, audio books, CDs, cookbooks, novels, and children’s books.
To attend a Storytime with your baby, toddler, or preschooler.
To browse the rotating art displays, featuring work by local artists.
To use wifi, wireless printing, or one of the public computers
To conduct a meeting or study in one of the library’s meeting spaces.
To seek Job Help and get support with everything from creating an email account to resume writing.
How much does it cost?
Admission to libraries is always free.
What is the cost of a library card?
FREE! Library cards are available as a complimentary amenity for all Pima County residents.
How many study rooms are available?
Three study rooms can be reserved up to a week in advance.
How many meeting rooms are there?
An on-site multipurpose room can accommodate 65 people.
Martha Cooper Library also has a Learning Space, which is a smaller meeting room, ideal for book clubs, quilting/knitting groups, HOAs, etc.
Are bathrooms available?
Yes.
DINING
Is outside food allowed in the library?
Food & drink guidelines are the same systemwide.
“We ask that you act responsibly when consuming food and drink in the Library. Please clean up after yourself and alert staff if you need assistance with a spill.”
Food and drink are permitted throughout the library except while using special collections.
Beverages need to be in covered containers.
Delivery of food to the library is not permitted.
Is there a snack bar, cafe, or vending machines?
No, but there are dozens of wonderful restaurants and cafes in the immediate area.
What restaurants are located NEAR Martha Cooper Library?
As mentioned above, there are a plethora of outstanding dining options in midtown Tucson! Our top picks within 2 miles are:
Zayna Mediterranean Restaurant, 1138 N Belvedere Ave, (0.3 miles away) - healthy mediterranean, vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free available
dedicated: a gluten-free bakery, 4500 E Speedway Blvd #41 (0.4 miles away) - gluten-free baked goods, breakfast, lunch, coffee
Tito and Pep, 4122 E Speedway Blvd (0.7 miles away) - neighborhood bistro, mesquite-fired cuisine
Korea House Restaurant, 4030 E Speedway Blvd (0.8 miles away) - traditional Korean dishes, lunch specials
Noodleholics, 3502 E Grant Rd (1.9 miles away) - Chinese noodle shop
BABIES & KIDS
Should I bring a stroller?
The library is small and walking will be minimal so a stroller is probably unnecessary.
Is there a designated area for nursing moms?
No. That said, there are comfortable chairs located throughout the library.
Are changing tables available?
Yes – in both the men's and women's restrooms.
Is there a Children's Area?
Yes. The children's area also features an outdoor children’s patio and dedicated storytime space.
Is there a Teen Area?
Yes. The Teen Area features soft lounge seating, a teen-only patio area, and a mini-maker space.
What ages would be best suited for a library visit?
All ages!
EVENTS
Can I have my child’s birthday party, wedding reception, or corporate meeting at the Martha Cooper Library?
The Martha Cooper Library has a multi-purpose room and a learning space (see above). The rooms can be used at no charge “for organizations engaged in educational, cultural, civic, intellectual, or charitable activities.”
MISCELLANY
Is the Martha Cooper Library active on social media?
Manager Tara Foxx-Lupo says, “Nestled in the heart of the Garden District, Martha Cooper library is a lovely outdoors as it is inside. The park-like area on the North side of property is a great place to walk or chillax. The library interior is spacious, inviting, and responsive.”
TucsonTopia contains both paid and non-paid mentions of businesses and organizations in and around Tucson, Arizona. Any reference made here to local businesses, services, classes, etc. is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement. We encourage you to do your own research before participating in an event or engaging with a local business or organization. The intent of TucsonTopia is to provide ideas for family-friendly activities, events, and resources. Participants assume all risks for any activities they engage in. TucsonTopia is not responsible for any injuries or problems that may arise from partaking in any of these events and activities.
