Desert Foothills Library

The best thing about this place is being able to get a passport on a Saturday afternoon!
When I arrived for my 10 am appointment, I was told by a real snippy lady that it was going to be a while since she was backed up. OK, I’ve got nothing but time to wait…
When I finally got called back she took my photo, a horrible photo. She was standing above me so I’m looking up. You can see the white in the bottom of my eyes and I’m all «cheek». A normal person would have taken the photo head on. When I asked about why it’s such an awkward angle, she huffed and said she could retake it if I absolutely need to. No worries lady, I’ll just spend the next decade with a horrible passport photo.
She was quick but good golly she needed a snickers bar to improve her mood.
The website says it’s $ 10 for a photo, it’s actually $ 12. Don’t bother telling her that though…
5 stars for getting my passport on a Saturday
2 stars for your crappy attitude.

ok, Im biased, ive been a volunteer here for 10+ years. I LOVE this library.
For a non profit organization, we have a better selection of books, audios, DVD’s, than most public libraries. Ive had so many out of town visitors stop and visit our used book store, which is a hidden gem here in town. A fantastic cactus rock garden and waterfall with outdoor tables and chairs on the patio is a wonderful place to take a book and relax. Views of the mountains to the North are the best in town. A wonderful place for locals and visitors alike.

This is a special little library just up the hill from the intersection of Cave Creek & Schoolhouse Rd. (after passing through the «Frontier Town» of Cave Creek.) It’s special because of its setting (up on a bluff) and its grounds/​surrounding views of the Tonto National Forest. And it’s also unique because library cards are open to individuals residing in any city. It is a library that’s a 501 (c)(3) non-​profit organization, supported solely by donations. The staff is mostly if not all volunteer and they’re the best!
There’s a tranquil patio with desert décor and a rock wall waterfall where you can absorb some Vitamin D while you absorb the written word. Sometimes, you even catch some rainbow rays.
Here’s an excerpt from the webpage regarding a surrounding parcel which is a very nice easy hike in you’re in the mood for a book and an adventure:
«When you visit the library to purchase your copy of The Library Book, Check It Out, leave some time to take a short walk up Saguaro Ridge behind and just to the east of the library building (access path is from lower parking lot). The formal name of Saguaro Ridge is The Caroline Bartol Preserve on Saguaro Hill. This small preserve, owned by the Desert Foothills Land Trust, is a saguaro-​studded gem that overlooks downtown Cave Creek. The six-​acre preserve features a short interpretive nature trail that leads to the Goldwater Memorial Garden that provides a panoramic view of the area.»