At the heart of downtown Bisbee stands the historic Copper Queen Library, a place where history, creativity, and community life meet. For Library Manager Jason Macoviak, who celebrated his tenth anniversary in January 2026, the building is more than a workplace. It’s a living gathering space where ideas, people, and projects come together every day.
Jason began his career at the library as a library assistant and worked his way up to manager in 2016. Over the past decade, he has helped guide the library through changes in technology, community needs, and programming while maintaining the welcoming, hands-on spirit that makes the library special. He describes his job as “playing with our community,” a phrase that reflects both the creativity and the sense of collaboration that define the library’s atmosphere. Working in such a historic and architecturally beautiful building, he says, adds another layer of inspiration to the daily work of organizing collections, planning programs, and creating new ways for residents to connect.
Bisbee has often been described as an “analog city,” and the library embraces that identity. Shelves of books and DVDs remain central to the experience, while digital materials are available through the library’s partnership with Cochise County, giving patrons access to e-books and other online resources. The goal is balance, preserving the joy of browsing while ensuring the community can access modern formats when needed.
Visitors quickly discover that the Copper Queen Library is far more than a traditional lending space. Its Annex houses a growing collection of creative programs designed to meet the evolving interests of the community. The Seed Library allows residents to share and grow plants, the Tool Library offers practical equipment for home and garden projects, and “Pretend and Play” kits help children explore imaginative learning. Adults can check out Birding Backpacks for outdoor exploration or even Ghost Hunting Backpacks; playful, uniquely Bisbee offerings that encourage curiosity and participation. Each new initiative reflects the library’s ongoing commitment to adapting as the community’s needs and interests change.
Here is a little history on the oldest continuously-operating library in Arizona:
In 1882, the first Copper Queen Library, with a collection of 400 volumes, was established in the east end of the Copper Queen Mercantile Store. By 1885, the Copper Queen Library had its own building; a white two-story wood-framed structure housed the library and the post office on the lower floor. The second floor was used for lodge meetings, church services, dances, and other social gatherings. The sign above the door read: “Copper Queen Con. Mining Co. Library Reading Room”.
In 1887, Reverend J.G. Pritchard became the first paid librarian at the Copper Queen Library. Soon after he arrived in Bisbee, he was appointed postmaster and assumed charge of mail matters until an increase in the business warranted a separation of the library and postal interests. In 1888, a disastrous fire swept Bisbee’s Main Street and destroyed much of the town, leaving the library and all its books in ashes. However, 1892 saw the construction of a new brick building in a similar Italianate style to the current Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum. During this time, a rearrangement was made in the library to provide a game room for checkers.
In 1906, books were removed from the brick building, and it was demolished, making way for the current (and bigger) building, designed by local architect Frederick C. Hurst, which opened its doors in March of 1907. The Renaissance Revival building’s second floor served as a reading and game room, and the third floor served as the library. By 1910, the library had 6,550 volumes. Approximately 23,924 books circulated that year, 13 books were lost and paid for, 13 books were lost and not paid for, and the average daily attendance was 261 people.
In 1913, the library was closed twice because of spinal meningitis and smallpox in the community. In 1908, Bisbee experienced two disasters in quick succession. In August, excessive rainwater running down the mountains caused a flood that damaged homes and local businesses, and in October 1908, a fire destroyed much of the town’s commercial district. The Library survived both disasters.
In 1918, during World War I, Librarian Vail noted in her annual report that the library had collected about 450 books and a large number of magazines for soldiers. She also stated that the patrons of the smoking and game room had given up their space for use by the Red Cross. Also, that year, the library was closed due to quarantine for 76 days for the Spanish Flu.
In April of 1976, The Copper Queen Library was given to the City of Bisbee by the Phelps Dodge Corporation. In November of that same year, the Friends of the Copper Queen Library was established. Today, the Copper Queen Library continues to thrive and serve its patrons, and still houses Reverend Pritchard’s historic collection of books in its Rare Books Room.
In 2018, the Library opened the Copper Queen Library Annex, offering library services and programs in the San Jose Neighborhood of Bisbee. In 2019, the Library was awarded the EBSCO Excellence in Rural Library Service Award by the Public Library Association and was named the Best Small Library in America by the Library Journal. And, in 2022, the Library was named a finalist for the National Medal by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The library also plays an important role in local arts and cultural life. April brings the Second Annual Zine Festival, celebrating independent publishing and providing a platform for community members to express their ideas in creative, personal formats. Zines created by local artists are available for checkout, ensuring their voices continue to circulate throughout the community. April is also Poetry Month, featuring workshops, readings, poetry banners displayed around town, and an ongoing monthly poetry group that welcomes writers of all levels.
Community gatherings remain central to the library’s mission. Each year, the Ice Cream Social, held the Friday before Mother’s Day at the Annex, serves as a joyful kickoff to the Summer Fun Program in June and July, complete with live music, family activities, and even a petting zoo. These events reinforce the library’s role as a central meeting place where neighbors can gather, converse, and celebrate together.
Support from the community continues through the work of Friends of the Copper Queen Library, whose donations of books, magazines, and funds help sustain programs and expand collections. Residents can stay informed through the library’s weekly e-newsletter, which highlights new materials, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved.
More than a century after its founding, the Copper Queen Library remains one of Bisbee’s most vibrant public spaces, constantly evolving, deeply creative, and always thinking, as Jason likes to say, “outside the book.”