Salt Lake City Public Library Tours and Activities

The Salt Lake Public Library Main Building is one of the city’s architectural triumphs. It was designed by esteemed architect Moshe Safdie and opened in 2003.  

The spacious library covers 240,000 square feet (22,300 square meters). The modern six-story design incorporates a wall of glass corridors, taking visitors past floors full of books. Avid readers will find all they need here, with more than half a million books to browse through. Read reference books or novels while sitting in the bright Urban Room with sweeping views of the city and the Wasatch Mountains. On the higher levels you’ll find study sections devoted to literacy and language, as well as newspapers and magazines.

You don’t have to be an architecture enthusiast or book lover to enjoy wandering through this library. Paintings and sculptures are featured throughout the building, which features a rooftop garden and spiraling fireplaces. The fireplaces are on four floors, forming one central column of fire when seen from a distance.

A dedicated Children’s Library is on the lower level. This room is filled with natural light and overflowing with books and games for kids. Families flock here on rainy days. There’s also a dedicated teenage section, called Canteena.

Cozy Grandmother's Attic features exposed wooden beams, stuffed animals and quiet nooks for reading. Venture into Crystal Cave, which has a waterfall flowing down the walls in summer.

Visit the café on the first floor for refreshments. The Browsing Library next to it has those books and magazines that are most in demand.

Events are held regularly throughout the year. Attend author talks, workshops, photography and art exhibitions, and education programs. Timetables are posted on the library’s website.

The Salt Lake Public Library Main Building is located in downtown and entry is free. It’s open every day and some weeknights. Parking in the underground lot is free for the first half-hour, with a small fee every half hour after that.