Residents visiting branches of the Salt Lake County Library checked out more than 12.5 million books in 2024. This made the system one of the top 10 highest circulating libraries in North America. This checkout of books highlights  the importance to residents of Salt Lake County’s library services. The community has a deep appreciation of education and entertainment. 

There are about 9,000 libraries in North America between the US and Canada. There are about 15 or 20 that circulate more than 10 million items a year. This entails all of Salt Lake County’s 18 branches. 

“I’m hopeful we will meet 13 million in 2025, but it will probably be more than 12.5, because people in Salt Lake definitely love all of their library services, and it points to how valuable libraries are to the county,” Marketing and Communications Manager Sara Neal said.

“We serve a county that is passionate about reading and learning, and fulfilling those needs for our residents is very rewarding,” Senior Manager of Collections at the County Library Christa Warren said.

There is a group of people in the Salt Lake County community who are interested in helping to educate themselves and their family. “It is fun for the residents to share the cultural experiences in entertainment. The residents put a high value on knowledge, spending time together and sharing experiences,” Neal said. 

Residents can access everything the library has, popular title books, musical productions, bands, dancing, theatrical experiences and fun seasonal parties. The library offers help with homework and language learning with a free library card. The most popular book in 2024 was “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros, checked out by
12,000 people. 

“This book definitely took the world by a storm last year,” Neal said. 

There is a high check out for children’s materials. It is a good experience for children to learn about words, colors and about their world. Every branch has checkouts for all ages to help them explore the world. You can create spaces where you can use a sewing machine, 3D print items and get homework help if you need. The library has many resources for any age or stage of your life. The First Friday Concerts are a fun way to listen to music and have fun dancing. 

With the change of technology in the past five years people have moved to digital checkouts. “Probably 25% of our checkouts are digital, people who are reading e-books on their phone or listening to e-audio books, and it is all digital platforms,” Neal said. 

Neal did some research and found out “Gen Z generation prefers physical books, because they have a digital experience for so many things, and having a physical book is preferable for them,” she said. 

About two-thirds of county households have library cards. “So those who don’t have a library card should go to their local branch and see what they are missing out on,”
Neal said. 

The County Library can spark your interest to read, learn, play and create. You will always be supported by the library employees in the programs, online resources, a collection of many activities, learning experiences for all ages and equal access. The library is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of all people and the community. There are movies for kids, teens and adults. Digital printing is available. You can reserve a room for your events. You can attend fun events and do your homework at the library. 

“We serve a county that is passionate about reading, learning, and fulfilling those needs for our residents is very rewarding,” Warren said. “We are proud of the way we’ve delivered great materials to our patrons and thrilled to be one of the top circulating libraries in the country.” λ