Blog Archives
Phoenix named finalist for All-America City Award
[Source: City of Phoenix] — The National Civic League announced today that the city of Phoenix is one of 32 finalists for the 2009 All-America City Award. Phoenix is the only Arizona finalist in the 60th annual competition. A committee of 50 people worked collaboratively on the award application, including 30 community members and 20 city employees. Projects highlighted were Urban Higher Education and Economic Development, Parks and Land Preservation, and Library Teen Spaces.
“We are honored and proud to be selected as an All-America City finalist,” said Mayor Phil Gordon. “Phoenix projects like ASU and the downtown Biomedical Campus have brought urban education to life, while spurring economic growth. Our innovative Parks funding initiative saved thousands of acres from development and renovated and built neighborhood parks. The Phoenix Public Library’s unique teen spaces benefit young people at all library branches. These projects show Phoenix works together with the whole community to improve our quality of life.”
The finalists will compete to earn the title “All-America City,” with presentations June 17 – 19 in Tampa, Fla. No tax dollars will be used for any expenses. Phoenix is a four-time All-America City, having won the recognition in 1950, 1958, 1980 and 1989. It is the country’s most prestigious community recognition award, honoring communities of all sizes for collaborative projects addressing critical issues. For more information, click here.
Due to budget cuts, Phoenix Public Library reduces hours starting March 2
Due to City of Phoenix budget cuts, Phoenix Public Library will reduce hours of operation starting March 2. The new hours will be:
- 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
- Closed Sunday
For more information, click here.
Budget proposal shows deep cuts for Phoenix libraries

Burton Barr Public Library, downtown Phoenix
[Source: Casey Newton, Arizona Republic] — The Phoenix Public Library may shut down for one day each week as part of severe budget cuts that also will slash the fund for buying new books and DVDs. The budget proposal submitted by the library to Phoenix budget officials would both reduce the hours of service by an unspecified amount and reduce the budget for new materials, said Toni Garvey, the city librarian. The complete proposal will be unveiled Jan. 6, with two weeks of community budget hearings to follow. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]