Every visit matters.
The County Library is your library: a place to read, create, learn, play, and connect. Your library card opens the door to endless possibilities for all ages. Whether you’re discovering your next favorite book, attending a program, or simply looking for a place to belong, we’re here to support your interests, goals, and everyday moments.
We offer books, music, movies, and magazines in a variety of formats — and much more to meet your needs for learning and leisure. From personalized reference services and curated booklists to computers with free internet access, your County Library is here to put you in touch with the world.
Make a positive difference in the lives of our community by inspiring imagination, satisfying curiosity, and providing a great place for everyone to visit.
Values & Strategy
What guides our work
These principles shape how we serve our community, make decisions, and design services.
Core Values
Access
We provide all members of our community with equal access to technology, spaces, and information for learning, growth, and entertainment.
Intellectual Freedom
We encourage people to read, watch, and listen to whichever materials they choose, without restrictions or censorship.
Privacy
We safeguard the confidentiality of what people read, watch, and listen to.
Welcoming
We approach each interaction with courtesy, openness, and respect.
Strategic Pillars
Engaged & Empowered Staff
Staff are supported, pursuing excellence, and connecting the community.
Responsible Stewardship
We maintain strong financial, technology, and facility planning with accountable practices.
Patron-centered Approach
Patrons can find relevant materials, programs, resources, and services.
Cohesive Vision
Our team is unified, informed, and mission-driven in service delivery.
Library Cards
Your key to everything
A free library card gives you access to physical and digital materials, online resources, and public computers at every location.
Questions? Read our FAQs or contact Customer Service.
Collections & Programs
Something for everyone
Explore books, eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music, and magazines. Looking for something specific? Place a hold online or in person, and we’ll let you know when it’s ready. Not sure what to read next? Our staff can help with personalized recommendations and curated booklists.
Looking for activities and connection? From storytimes and workshops to summer camps, cultural events, and hands-on activities, the County Library offers programs for all ages and interests.
Explore our calendarServices
Equal access for all
We're committed to providing equal access to information, resources, and experiences for all patrons.
- Spanish and other foreign-language materials at all branches
- Library at your Door for those unable to visit a branch
- Large-print books and audiobooks for visually impaired patrons
- Inter-Library Loan — access to thousands of libraries nationwide
- Book club collections on request from Customer Service
- Public computers with free internet access
- Create Spaces for hands-on creativity
- Library of Things — useful items to borrow
- Meeting and study rooms to reserve
Director's Message
A message from our director
Joey McNamee
Library Director, 2024–Present
With 18 branches across Salt Lake County, the County Library is your neighborhood connection to information, entertainment, and community. Whether you're looking for business solutions, kids activities, a fun date night, or the newest best-seller, our branches remain committed to providing a great place for everyone to visit.
The role of libraries in our communities continues to evolve, and we're thrilled to help Salt Lake County residents bridge gaps of access, knowledge, and digital tools. Even if you aren't a passionate reader, the County Library offers free meeting space for community groups; technology tools like 3D printers, GoPro cameras, and Chromebooks; and early learning and school resources to ensure every child in our community can succeed.
Salt Lake County residents visited the County Library more than 2.8 million times in 2025, checked out more than 13 million items, and attended 13,000 programs and events. We are proud to be one of the top libraries in North America. With two-thirds of Salt Lake County households as active library users, we continue to make sure our collections, programs, and resources benefit you.
Joey McNamee
Library History
Our story
1938
The first Salt Lake County Library Board was established.
1939
The County Library began operations in two classrooms of the old Midvale School. Within four months, library cards had been issued to more than 1,700 patrons.
1941
Grand opening of the Midvale Library Headquarters on August 9.
1972
The County Library became the largest public library system in Utah with 11 buildings, 132 employees, and more than 125,000 library cards issued.
1974
Administrative offices moved from Midvale to the Whitmore Location.
1989
50th anniversary celebration. Carolyn Campbell and Evelyn Tuddenham published a historical retrospective of the library system.
2012
Grand opening of the eco-friendly West Jordan location and Viridian Event Center — a 20,000 sq ft library and 7,000 sq ft event center.
2014
The County Library celebrated 75 years of service.
Today
The County Library remains the largest public library system in Utah with 18 locations, two reading rooms, and a location in the Salt Lake County Jail. Over 16 million items are checked out each year.
Past Directors
Vine Tyler
Schuurman
Longsworth
Cooper
McNamee
Recognition
Recent Awards
2025
- Best of South Salt Lake — Community Champion – Kim Welch
- Salt Lake County — Achievement in Energy Award – Daybreak Library
2024
- John Cotton Dana Public Relations Award — All-Star Winter Reading Program is a Slam Dunk
- American Library Association — Sullivan Award for Public Library Administrators Supporting Services to Children – Susan Spicer
2023
- Tech Logic — People First Award
- NACo Achievement Award – Best in Category — Library Connections at the Salt Lake County Jail
- Urban Library Council Innovations Awards – Honorable Mention — Let's Be Neighbors: Connecting to Civic Engagement
- Utah Library Association — Distinguished Service Award – Wanda Mae Huffaker
- Utah Library Association — Outstanding Staff Award – Alexis Alires
2022
- Salt Lake Tribune Top Workplaces — #14 top large organization in Utah
- NACo Achievement Award — Circulating STEM: A Library and Planetarium Community Education Partnership
2021
- Utah Library Association — Distinguished Service Award – Jim Cooper
- Utah Library Association — Outreach Award – Ellen Thayn, Shelly Ward, & Elizabeth Weaver
- Salt Lake Tribune Top Workplaces — #20 top large organization in Utah
2020
- Utah Library Association — Librarian of the Year – Raquel Ruiz
- Utah Library Association — Outreach Award – Vern Waters, Lisa Henderson, & Deanna Simonis
- Utah Library Association — President's Award – Mindy Hale
- Urban Library Council Innovations Awards – Honorable Mention — Building a Data Warehouse and Protecting Privacy
Library Board
Board of Directors
Chair
Anastasia Morgan
Vice Chair
Steve Sokol
Member
Kaati Tarr
Member
Bill Scarber
Member
Spencer Romney
Member
Ann Engar
Member
Jessica Strong
Member
Lindsay Vargo
Council Member
Natalie Pinkney
County Representatives
- Community Services Director Robin Chalhoub — Contact
- Associate Director Bobby Sampson
- District Attorney's Office Anneliese Booher
Board Meeting Minutes