In 1882 the first Copper Queen Library was set up in the east end of the Copper Queen Mercantile Store with a modest collection of 400 to 500 volumes. What precipitated the first library is the stuff of legends. The following history is based on the Library's annual reports and newspaper articles.
According to a number of accounts, principal members of the Copper Queen Mining Company arrived in town one September morning and happened upon the still-swinging corpse of a fellow hanged the night before. So shocked were they by such a sight that they decided immediately that the town needed more Christian and civilized diversion. Thus were the beginnings of the Copper Queen Library.
By 1885 the Copper Queen Library had its own building - a two story, wood frame building which housed the library and the post office on the lower floor with the second floor being used for lodge meetings, church services, dances, and other social gatherings.
In 1887 Reverend J.G. Pritchard became the first paid librarian. He also served as postmaster, clergyman and weather observer.
1892 -The second building was constructed of brick and was similar in architectural style as the current Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum. During this time, a rearrangement was made in the library to provide a game room for checkers.
May, 1906
- The books were removed from the brick building and it was demolished, making way for the current building which opened its doors in March of 1907. The second floor served as a reading and game room complete with equipment with the third floor serving 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 not paid for, the average daily attendance was 261 people.
1913 - The library was closed twice because of spinal meningitis and small pox in the community.
1917 - According to Librarian C.G.Vail, a down stairs partition was moved so that the size of the smoking and game room was doubled, an improvement greatly appreciated by the men.
1918 - In an annual report submitted by C.G.Vail Librarian: “The library has been active in war work during the year. About 450 books have been collected for the soldiers, also a large number of magazines. The bulletin boards have been in use for war bulletins and a large number of food conservation booklets have been given out. The patrons of the smoking and game room have given up that room for the use of the red cross.”
1919 - C. G. Vail reports, “A new feature was added, the “5 cent shelf “ which enabled the library to buy almost immediately any popular book. Any time one of these books is borrowed the borrower must pay five cents until the book is paid for. This is a common practice in all modern libraries and is proving popular in this library. We have added since spring over a hundred books without expense to the Company and it has given both pleasure and convenience to our patrons.”
The annual report of 1932 states that: "The inventory shows that there is considerable dead timber on the shelves, many books not having been in circulation for years; and many of the recent number in poor condition, pages missing, etc.
"Owing to the times, many books are mended and placed in circulation, which in normal times would be discarded.With a great number of unemployed seeking forgetfulness and pastime in reading, the demand on the library has been tremendous, as many as one hundred in the library, on two or three occasions at one time". Mrs. A.L. Sinclair, Librarian
1936 -"The co-operation of Mayor Colford and officers in helping maintain order on the porches, and in the evenings when the main library is closed, has been of great help, as a disorderly crowd often gather on porches and outside stairs. Respectfully, Mrs. A.L. Sinclair Librarian."
The annual report for 1943 - Between 1,800 and 2,000 books and magazines given by public were sent to army posts.
The annual report for November 1948 - "the floors were being given the much needed varnish.”
1947 - Assistant Librarian, Mrs. Pearl Wilcox, resigned April 30th to make an extensive trip abroad.
1949 - Mrs. Rubi L. Boyce, Librarian reports, “The Kiwanis Club gave prizes during Book Week to children entering a contest for drawings and essays. Also, this Service club donated $100 for the purchase of children’s books.”
1997 - A major renovation project was completed in October of this year. After a hundred years of good, hard use, the building was in dire need of improvements. 
The Library made the news for its collection of bats that made their home in the attic. The Friends turned this inconvenience into an asset by selling bat guano by the pound!
With the help of the citizens of Bisbee, dedicated City employees, the Friends of the Copper Queen Library, volunteers and the professionals who renovated the space and its furnishings, our Library has become, not only more beautiful, but also accessible to all.
We are all proud that the library will now serve all of Bisbee’s citizens including many who haven’t been able to use the library in the past. Seniors, those with health problems, mothers with small children and the mobility impaired will now be able to use the Copper Queen Library.