The Joel D. Valdez Main library downtown opened a small bookstore on the first floor (behind the reference/info desk) on January 25, 2010. Being the only bookstore downtown * is a big draw for those seeking something to purchase to read later, or as a gift.

The bookstore is open Monday to Friday, 11 to 2 p.m. and is all volunteer run by the Friends of the Pima County Public Library. The co-managers are two dedicated members of the Friends, Carrie Tucker and Libby Stone.

I dropped by recently to check it out and found hard covers, paperbacks, DVDs, CDs, children’s books, audio books, travel books, etc. — all for sale at low prices. And no sales tax is charged! All proceeds go to the Friends, 520-795-3763, website is www.fpcpl.org. Co-manager Carrie told me they are hoping to expand their selection in the future to gift cards and other popular reading materials.

Friends' logo

Definitely stop by this bookstore if you work downtown, or are just there for a few hours. Parking is free in the underground garage for one hour (ticket validation by the library is no longer required). Or take the Sun Tran bus downtown for only $1.25 one way.

The Joel D. Valdez Main library is located at 101 N. Stone, between Pennington and Alameda Streets. Regular library hours are:
Mon 9am-8pm
Tues 9am-8pm
Wed 9am-8pm
Thu 9am-6pm
Fri 9am-5pm
Sat 10am-5pm
Sun 1pm-5pm

Note: There is a used bookstore– Book Stop at 214 N. 4th Avenue, which some people would consider downtown but I don’t, as I see that as the 4th Avenue Shopping district, close to downtown.

*1/21/12 UPDATE: UHS Legacy Club opened a used bookstore at 40 W. Broadway, open only on weekends for now. Click here for story.