We all know Arizona has a rich history, but not everyone is aware that certain places date back to before the state became part of the United States. Copper Queen Library is one such locale, having stood the test of time for nearly 150 years.

All the way back in 1882, exactly 30 years before Arizona officially became a state, Copper Queen Library was born.

Facebook/Copper Queen Library It was located inside the mercantile, so a mere 400 volumes were all that could be accommodated at the time.

Renovations have been minor, only altering the building enough to keep it structurally sound.

Flickr/jacqueline_poggi As you can see, the resemblance is still strong - save for the name, of course, since the library is now a separate entity.

Three floors boast thousands of titles spanning several centuries.

Google/Renata Hickey A rare books room, gallery featuring local artists, and year-round special events likely helped contribute to the award of “Best Small Library in America,” presented by Library Journal this year.

As you peruse the aisles, pay close attention to just how elegantly antiquated everything is.

Google/Renata Hickey Even the bookends look old-fashioned! With every step, the unmistakable aroma of worn pages wafts through the air - a scent that proves intoxicating to book lovers.

Whether you prefer getting lost between the covers of a ravishing romance or harrowing horror novel, rest-assured something on these shelves fits the bill.

Google/Anna Chan Plenty of tables and cozy couches let you dive right in and preview the book the second it catches your eye.

Nothing defines the holiday season quite like curling up with a good read, and the library certainly turns the quest for a book into quite a festive experience.

Facebook/Copper Queen Library This tree might not make the room smell like Christmas, but it’s a fitting touch nonetheless.

Address: 6 Main Street, Bisbee, AZ 85603

Google Maps Hours: Monday & Tuesday: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday - Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visit the library’s website or Facebook page to learn more.

Facebook/Copper Queen Library

It was located inside the mercantile, so a mere 400 volumes were all that could be accommodated at the time.

Flickr/jacqueline_poggi

As you can see, the resemblance is still strong - save for the name, of course, since the library is now a separate entity.

Google/Renata Hickey

A rare books room, gallery featuring local artists, and year-round special events likely helped contribute to the award of “Best Small Library in America,” presented by Library Journal this year.

Even the bookends look old-fashioned! With every step, the unmistakable aroma of worn pages wafts through the air - a scent that proves intoxicating to book lovers.

Google/Anna Chan

Plenty of tables and cozy couches let you dive right in and preview the book the second it catches your eye.

This tree might not make the room smell like Christmas, but it’s a fitting touch nonetheless.

Google Maps

Hours: Monday & Tuesday: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday - Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Have you ever been to Copper Queen Library? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts about it.

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Address: 6 Main St, Bisbee, AZ 85603, USA