The Southwest Library opened its doors on September 10, 2002.
Mary Barbosa was the coordinator of Tucson Unified School District’s Family Resource and Wellness Center in 1999 when she had an inspiration. She wanted to build a library for the underserved community and the Tohono O’odham and Pascua Yaqui residents in southwest Tucson. The Tucson-Pima Public Library and the Tucson Unified School District, with the support and encouragement of Pima County District 3 Supervisor Sharon Bronson, came together to establish the 2,200 square foot library.
The Southwest Library, which is adjacent to the Family Resource and Wellness Center, serves a population of more than 43,000 people in the surrounding area.