The Martha Cooper Branch Library and Learning Center will open this summer with a collection of 20,000 new items, a community meeting room, study rooms and a community garden.
The $2.6 million building is being funded with county and city bonds and by a Community Development Block Grant.
Residents are excited about getting a library in their neighborhood.
"The more libraries, the better it is for our community," said Jill Perdomo, who lives in Midtown. "I love libraries because it gives me a place to go and sit. Let's face it, I'm cheap. I don't like to buy books, but I love to read them."
The building shell is almost complete, but contractors have to wait for a certificate of occupancy before crews are allowed to work inside.
The library, a branch of the Tucson-Pima Public Library, has been several years in the works.
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"We did wait about five years to start construction, but that's the way the funds were programmed to happen. It wasn't a delay, it was a planned schedule," said Pat Corella, assistant director of the Tucson-Pima Public Library. "There were some delays, because the contractors were having a hard time getting ahold of material. All of the things were being sent to New Orleans."
There will be 20,000 new items, including books, compact discs, DVDs and magazines.
The library will have a large room where nonprofit groups can hold meetings. It also will have computers for the public to use.
"The community has asked for a type of library that is focused on youth and computers," said Elizabeth Burden, Tucson-Pima Public Library public information officer.
Scott Tryon lives within walking distance of the library and said he is excited to have access to the Internet.
"I don't have the Internet at home, and if I ever want to research something, it will make it easy," he said. "I can walk right over and satisfy my mental curiosity."
The library has yet to form a schedule of activities, but officials said the programs will emphasize families and youth.
"We want to have after-school homework help, computer classes for all ages and story times. Just focus on the needs of youths and families," Burden said.
Currently the closest library to the neighborhood is Himmel Park Branch Library, 1035 N. Treat Ave. It is more than two miles away.
When Midtown resident Jane Sikkema was younger she dreamed about being locked in a library.
"I wanted to be alone with the books. Have them all to myself. How exciting would that be," she said.
Sikkema is planning on visiting the new library. She goes to the library about once a week.
"I will go and check it out. I am pretty excited about it, because it means more books," she said.
What: The Martha Cooper Branch Library and Learning Center is under construction. It'll open this summer
Where: 1377 N. Catalina Ave., near East Speedway and North Columbus Boulevard.
More info: Contact the Tucson-Pima Public Library at 791-4391.
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