Prescott Public Library has been faithfully serving the Prescott community at our Goodwin Street location for 50 years as of May 2025. In celebration of this milestone as well as the more than a century of service overall, we asked our community to share their Prescott Public Library story and how our library has helped to make a difference in their lives. These are a selection of the wonderful stories you shared with us.
Prescott Public Library changed my life by giving my family somewhere to go to get involved with the community without it costing any money. We homeschooled and the book clubs for kids, TAG, art lessons, seasonal fun, and other activities gave us a feeling of connection, and gave my kids opportunities to interact with kids their ages. Additionally, the librarians always made us feel welcome, and feel like part of the Prescott family. I’ll always be grateful for what the library has given to my family. Even after my kids were grown, the library has been amazing for digital resources during the pandemic, making it very easy to read ebooks and listen to audiobooks without leaving home. It even provided at-home access to resources normally only available in-library. I’m ever grateful for the library.
-Anonymous
My favorite memory at the Prescott Public Library is the day that I walked in and found my first published children’s book on the shelf in the children’s section of our library. I cried happy tears! It is still so special to me. Prescott Public Library enriched the lives of our two sons as well as my own. When our kids were small, we looked forward to storytime at the library each week and spent a lot of time there, checking out books and meeting up with other young families.
-Deborah M.
Twenty-three years ago, my daughter and I attended Mr. Steve’s weekly story time at Prescott Public Library. He was so engaging and entertaining. The toddlers hung on his every word and joined him in actions and songs. I also remember a special story time out on the lawn. I have a photo of [my daughter] and I spread out on our blankets listening intently. For long trips, there’s nothing better than renting a few stories on CD to make the time go by. My favorite experience was listening to a Tony Hillerman novel when we were driving through the four corners region. I don’t make it to the library as frequently as I used to, but for the past 26 years that I have lived here, it has been a place of warmth, comfort, learning and socializing. Today, the library offers seeds in the spring, tickets to the Desert Botanical Garden and much more. The Prescott Public Library is the heart of Prescott.
-Brenda
When I read new book reviews in the NYTimes, the Prescott Library already has them on order! They have a wide range of books across the political spectrum and don’t try to censor the material. I really appreciate that.
-Anonymous
Many years ago I had to leave a domestic violence situation and move in with my daughter for a time. I didn’t have a job or access to a computer. The Prescott Library was there for me. I not only had access to a computer and other resources but it also gave me a place to go each day. The library staff were kind to me and helped me maneuver through job searches and showed how I could find legal advice. They were patient with my many questions. The Prescott Library was truly a lifesaver for me.
-Anonymous
As a poor, struggling Nursing Student in 1974, I desperately needed a job to support my meager lifestyle. I was fortunate enough to be hired to work at the Prescott Public Library in a work/study program. I catalogued material, returned books to the shelves and performed any duties required of me. This time was precious and I fell in Love with the staff and ambiance of our beautiful public space where all were welcomed and nurtured in a safe environment. I not only was able to complete my degree but also gathered a wealth of experience that enhanced my education and love of books to this day. In later years, I authored a book of my own. The Library inspired me to excel, learn and appreciate diversity. It is one of the gems of Prescott.
-Linda L.
In the 1990’s, I came to the library after school to do homework and wait to get picked up by my parents. My friends and I learned sign language from some books we would borrow after school. … I still remember my library card number. I bring my 11-year-old to pick up books now from the teen section!
-Cori B.
I’ve lived in Prescott 40 years-when I first moved here, I brought my children to storytime and to check out books. When my daughter was a MHMS student she always wanted to come here after school-not be home with me! Before I had wifi at home, I used yours. When I had nothing scheduled or was waiting for an appointment, I often stopped in. I still use the printer (from home) and copier. As a treat to myself I often purchase a used book-great selection!
-Alice
PPL supports my bookaholic nature splendidly-even through COVID. As a senior of very limited means PPL has provided video entertainment and learning that fits my budget (primarily free). I have benefited by tech help, computer and internet use as well as easy access to a copier. Prescott is blessed to have this library and the Friends of PPL.
-Anonymous
We have enjoyed the beauty of the Prescott area since 1980. Upon retirement we were able to move here full time 10 years ago. One of the highlights is frequently visiting our library and participating in the variety of activities and events offered. I especially enjoy the Mystery Book Club. The website is easy to navigate in searching for books and placing a hold for the item I seek. Thanks also for the support staff who help me answer questions/concerns cheerfully! This community library is Prescott’s hidden gem.
-Janet S.
My library has given me many hours of enjoyment by making books on my phone available to me. I am 85 years old, don’t drive, & don’t get around really well, so having my books come to me is such a blessing & joy! Thank you so much for making them available to me!
-Anonymous
I have loved libraries since I was a young girl. I went with my mother and sibling and we took out books and this started my love affair with books. I was so happy to retire in Prescott because the library is great. I love the displays, New fiction and large print, easy for my aging eyes. I love the comfortable chairs and the Librarians. They have taught me so much about the Library. Thank you, Librarians. This building would only be a shell if it wasn’t for you.
-Patti
I like Prescott Public Library because in a time of growing hatred and intolerance, this library reminds me that kindness and inclusivity do still exist even in dark times. The murals especially are a poignant demonstration of it.
-Liam F.
My family spent lots of time in the Prescott Library when I was a kid- it was my favorite place. I was an early reader and loved wandering the stacks and picking whatever made me curious. When my husband and I were deciding if we would move to Prescott or Minnesota to be close to family. I remember sharing that the Prescott library was a reason to pick Prescott (+family!). I have loved sharing this library with my kids!!!
-Joy G.
Arriving in Prescott in 1982 I immediately started to visit the library. I took my young children over the years to look for books, attend programs and participate in crafts. As they grew and needed information for school projects and homework, we depended on the library’s endless resources, before the internet existed. It was also a place I could go by myself for some quiet time to read. I now take my grandchildren for all of the same reasons and love that I’ve come full circle. The library has continued to grow and flourish in the best of ways and I am so grateful to have it available to me in my home town. Walking through the doors always brings a smile to my face! Thank you to everyone who works hard to make our library the absolute best!
-Anonymous
My favorite Prescott Public Library memories are created every time we walk through the doors and I get to watch each of my children get excited about books and learning! The Prescott Public Library has changed our life by being a limitless resource that supports our home schooling journey!
-The Robertson Family
My sister and I lived a block away in the mid to late 70’s. Mom was a single parent and worked the night shift at the hospital. My sister and I spent many hours at the library reading and participating in activities they had. My favorite Prescott Public Library memory is “checking out” the guinea pigs for a week at a time.
-Anonymous
I’m a terrible reader but this library has saved, I believe, a lot of homeless people from going over the edge. Without you, things would be way worse for them and nobody really wants to be in jail. I think if they did not have this comfort they would lose it way quicker than they might [have]. Everyone has a right to be here but Prescott Library has touched me in ways where [I] thank God for you. I’m homeless right now so my definite opinion is thank you for your support.
-Steven
I still remember the first time I stepped foot into this library, that was four years ago. The towering shelves felt endless. I spent countless hours bundled up in a booth reading to my heart’s content. As I grew it because a sanctuary, a place where I discovered my love for books. I found comfort in difficult times, and bonded with the community. The Prescott Public Library has shaped me in more ways than one. It’s more than just a building –it’s a home for imagination, learning and connection. I am forever grateful for its presence in my life.
-Dani D.
Prescott Public Library changed my life by helping me pass my ADOT written driver’s test with texts of regulations and practice testing.
-Joan
Prescott Public Library adds adventure movie dates, books to read at the lake, and widens our love of this wonderful town for the past fifteen years. Thank you so much.
-Sonia and Bob C.
The Carnegie Library on the corner of Marina and Gurley was my first library day here in 1969! I was 10 and the children’s room was downstairs. I went upstairs then to the adult section to read about the world –history, archeology, mysteries of the world, etc. I wanted truth and found it there/here still!! Vowed to only read nonfiction and learned a lot! Thank you so much!
-Anonymous
I brought my kids here when they were storytime ages. The librarians made fun art and story hours for them. My teenagers have used the library with me and I still enjoy time in the stacks discovering new books. I love the library atmosphere and the comfort I find year-round here at the Prescott Library.
-Anonymous
I have always enjoyed browsing through our library. I often check the books for sale which is how this story started. About 40 years ago, my husband and I … took an air flight to the Cayman Islands for some R&R. While on the plane, I noticed one of the passengers about eight rows in front of us kept staring at my husband. He had an isle seat and was reading a book that I had purchased for him at the Prescott Library. About 15 minutes later, the passenger approached us and asked my husband if he like the the book to which he said “Yes” and then the passenger said “I wrote it.” My husband was a bit surprised and somewhat startled. The passenger asked “How much are they selling it for these days?” We checked the penciled in amount and told him “75” cents to which re replied jokingly “That much!!” My husband checked the picture of the passenger in the book and although it was about 15 years old. It confirmed that he had written the book and was who he claimed to be, Buzz Aldren-the second man to walk on the moon. He graciously signed the book “First on the Moon” to Barry with best wishes Buzz Aldrin 5-2-85. He next answered my husband’s rather obvious question “I just have to ask, how was it?” “Fantastic” came the answer. Buzz was on his way to Roatan, Honduras for some scuba diving. What a coincidence that our paths should cross all because I found a great book by a great man in a great library.
-Margaret W.