Contact Info

Martha Cooper Branch Library
Michael Seamans
1377 N. Catalina Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85712

Phone: 594-5315
Visit our Website

Services

• Public Art
• Computers
• Meeting Rooms

About Us

Meeting Rooms
Please call 594-5315 for more information and to reserve the meeting rooms. Please read our Meeting Room Policy (PDF). See meeting rooms available at other library locations.
Print out a Meeting Room Use Application (PDF).
Large Meeting Room
The large meeting room is 728 sq. ft. Capacity: 70 standing, 50 seated, 35 seated with tables.
Small Meeting Room
The small meeting room is 448 sq. ft with a concrete floor. Capacity: 40 standing, 30 seated, 20 seated with tables.
Computers
You may reserve a computer two times per day. We offer:
2 non-reservable computers
10 reservable computers with 45 minute sessions
6 reservable computers for teens only
2 reservable computers for children only
We offer free computer classes. Call 594-5315 for more information.
We also have wireless internet access available. Bring your laptop and use the library's WiFi network for free. For more information, please see our WiFi FAQ.
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History

The Martha Cooper Branch Library provides a new 7,000 square foot library to residents in Midtown area. The $2.6 million facility was funded with County and City bonds funds and by a Community Development Block grant.
The new library houses a collection of 20,000 items with the focus on materials for children and teens. The completed structure provides the community with a meeting room, two study rooms, computers with Internet access and approximately 56 of service per week.
The Martha Cooper Branch is named in memory of Martha Cooper, former president and founder of the Midtown: The Garden District Neighborhood Association. Please see the web site Martha Cooper Legacy.
Photo at right: Martha Cooper Branch Library and attendees of the grand opening celebration. Tile work on the wall was created by Las Artes.
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Who is Martha Cooper?

Martha Cooper was born on March 24, 1928 in Burlington, Iowa. She moved to Tucson around 1948. Martha Cooper was the former president and founder of Midtown: The Garden District Neighborhood Association. She was a huge supporter and advocate for the building of the Martha Cooper Branch Library and Learning Center.
Martha Cooper instilled the love of reading in her own four children from the very beginning. In the summers, she would gather them and head for the library, making sure that each child had plenty of books to read.
It was only natural that after Martha instilled the love of reading and educational values into her children, she would continue to do so for the children at John B. Wright Elementary and, ultimately, for the children at the new Martha Cooper library. Advocating for this branch library for the children in Midtown was a very natural extension of Martha's true love for every child, and her belief that education and learning are absolutely necessary for the successful development of future generations.
Martha Cooper died on Oct.29, 2002 at the age of 74. She was a major force behind school and neighborhood improvements for four decades. People will always remember that there was a certain constant in Martha's life: her passion for reading and learning. She shared that love of reading and learning with not only her children and their children but with all of the lives she touched-young or old.
Photo at right: Anna Marie Patti, Current President of The Garden District: Midtown Neighborhood Association and Caroline Rondeau, Current Vice-President of the Garden District: Midtown Neighborhood Association standing with Anna Marie Patti's award presented to her by The Garden District: Midtown Neighborhood Association at the ceremony.
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Grand Opening Celebration

Our Grand Opening Celebration was held on November 18, 2006. This fantastic community event was covered by the Arizona Star, and our new library will be featured on Tucson Channel 12.
Photo at right: Judi Williams (Martha Cooper's daughter), Chairman Elías, David Kha (Current Treasurer of the Midtown: The Garden District Neighborhood Association), Nancy Ledeboer (Library Director), Councilmember Nina J. Trasoff, Brad Holland (Former President of the Midtown: The Garden District Neighborhood Association), Audrey Marr (Midtown: The Garden District Neighborhood Association member), Fred Ronstadt; Steve Williams (Martha Cooper's son), Sharla Darby (Martha Cooper Branch Library Manager), Devon Forrest (Martha Cooper's granddaughter), Crismon Cooper (Martha Cooper's daughter), Christopher Stubler (Martha Cooper's grandson), Mrs. Ornstein (previous land owner and a tree on the library property was dedicated to her family). Photograph provided by John Rhodes.
A Few Words by Molly McKasson on The Opening of the Martha Cooper Library
Greetings to all. Though I will not be present to read these words, as I write them my heart is full of gratitude. Gratitude for my own connection to this project which was a profound experience of the power of community and good will. Gratitude for the human kindness and hard work that has helped transform Midtown neighborhood--through people like Martha and David, Brad and so many others.
Thank you for your friendship and your tireless commitment to increasing opportunity, beauty, safety, and understanding in the heart of Tucson. For me, all of our hopes for a more humane and compassionate future are embodied in the walls of this building. A library stands for everything that is good and constructive in our shared lives--for dignity, curiosity, tolerance, understanding,creativity, beauty--all that we cherish.
I know that this library will be a sanctuary for truth, a safehaven for exploration and creativity, a place for us to come together and increase our trust and care for one another. I know that with each child who comes here to read about the earth, and each adult who comes here to learn new skills, positive waves will ripple all across the basin. And All of Tucson will be enriched. Thank you Midtown Friends, Thank you Pima Library Staff and Board, Thank you Robin Hiller, and everyone else who helped to bring about this beautiful occasion. The future has been brightened by our work.
Molly McKasson's comments were read by Brad Holland, Former President of the Midtown: The Garden District Neighborhood Association. Molly McKasson was a member of the Tucson City Council, Ward 6, from 1989-1997. She is now a freelance journalist, active member of the local theater scene, and teacher.
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About Public Art
The teachers and staff of Las Artes were asked to create artwork for the Martha Cooper Branch Library located in the Midtown: The Garden District Neighborhood. We were honored to be considered for such a distinguished project.

First and foremost in considering designs was the idea of paying tribute to one of the community's most prominent residents, Martha Cooper, with a large-scale tile portrait that is located in the library lobby. Photographic or artistic representations of Martha cannot completely convey her enthusiasm, charm, and caring nature. Our hope is that library visitors will contemplate Martha's portrait and be inspired just as she inspired all the neighborhood residents who shared in her visions and endeavors.
Las Artes youth combine academic course work with neighborhood involvement as they attain a GED in our educational program. It is exactly the kind of program Martha would have championed as it engages youth in creating long lasting positive bonds to the communities they live in.
Pedestrians and drivers will also enjoy the brightly colored mural that is situated in front of the library. Images of flowers, animals, important neighborhood features and activities will be a beautiful addition to the newly landscaped areas.
Architects: Burns and Wald-Hopkins Architects
Contractor: Corona Sierra Inc.
Tile Artists: Las Artes