Main Library in Salt Lake City, UT 84111

The Main Library is five stories tall with a triangular main building embraced by a curving wall that echoes the line of the Wasatch mountains. The southeast side of the triangle is shaped like a lens and is entirely glass, letting in light and, particularly in the winter, heat.

The wall contains shops on the ground level, study desks on the upper levels (connected by bridges to the interior of the library), and a path along the top, ending at the rooftop garden. The shops include The Library Store (a gift shop operated by the Friends of the City Library), The English Garden (a flower shop), Night Flight Comics, and The Salt Lake Roasting Company. Next to the the English Garden there is a SHARE space, which community nonprofit groups can schedule to use. The groups sign up for one to four weeks, and use the space to share information about their group with the public.

The Children's Library is on the lower level. Take the stairs or an elevator down from the main level and go through the double doors. Child-created artwork decorates the walls of the downstairs hallway. The Children's library is at the base of the lens, so it gets the benefit of all the light coming in. Because this can sometimes be too much, horizontal curtains can be pulled across to form a ceiling to shade the area. Besides a huge collection of books (of course), this section of the library has an outdoor play yard with a waterfall wall, a Crystal Cave with sparkly walls and constellations on the ceiling, an Attic with climbable structures and dress-up clothes, and craft rooms. Kid-sized computer tables allow the young ones to search for books and get online. Child-sized potties are available in the eastern end of the section, near the non-fiction books. A Baby Care room, with a counter and sink for changing and a chair for nursing, is on the outside wall near the Crystal Cave and the Attic.

The second floor is home to the Canteena, where the young adult novels and teen-oriented non-fiction are located. Posters and diner-style booths make this a great teen hangout. The media and technology in the area encourage group study and individual exploration, and the computers are reserved for teens only. Young adults using the Canteena can also request to have their favorite music played or gather around the flat-panel TV to watch movies. The library's collection of graphic novels and zines are next to the Canteena, and a staircase takes teens directly from the Canteena to the in-library coffee shop.

An art gallery on the fourth floor hosts local and traveling exhibits. Numerous meeting rooms are available, and an auditorium with plush tiered seating is the site of lectures and other presentations.

The rooftop garden offers a lovely view of the city and the mountains. We highly recommend taking a guided tour through this amazing building and its rooftop garden. Call or stop by the library for tour information.

Free library cards are available to any Salt Lake City or County resident. Fill out an application at the Main Library or at any city library location and show picture ID that verifies your current address. Children under 18 need a parent's signature. Cards are issued on the spot and can be used immediately.

Kids who have some library fines for overdue books and other library materials can take part in the Read Down Your Fines program. All City Library locations take part in this program in which children can have $1 deducted from their fines for every 10 minutes of reading logged. Older kids who read to younger kids earn credit for both children. Just sign up at any service desk and a staff member will time the reading. This program does not apply to fines for lost or damaged items; it is just for overdue items.

All locations provide weekly storytimes for children and families. Throughout the year a variety of free programs are presented by staff, community experts, and performers.