One of our favorite places to go for a fun, free family activity is the Salt Lake City Main Library. From books to art to film to architecture, there is something for everyone at this amazing library.
Here are our five favorites at the City Library!
1. The rooftop gardens
No trip to the library is complete without a ride up the glass elevator to the rooftop gardens and terrace. It's the perfect place for a picnic with stunning views of the valley and mountains. There's even a bee colony (don't worry, they're tucked away where you can see them but not get to them)!
Speaking of the glass elevators... while up on the roof, you can even watch the mechanics of them as they move up and down!
When you're done on the roof, ride the elevator back down or take the stairs along the sweeping ramp--yes, you can actually walk on that iconic ramp!
2. The free film events
One of my favorite date nights is going to a free movie at the library. The library partners with other community organizations like the Utah Film Center and the Natural History Museum of Utah to present science-themed movies followed by discussions led by experts once a month. Jason and I have gone to see "Doc of the Dead" and "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" (and the discussion after that one was fascinating!) There are also children's movies the first Saturday of the month and other themed movie events--check out the full list here.
If you're imagining watching a movie in the multipurpose room at the local branch of your public library, you're probably thinking that going to a movie at the library doesn't sound all that great. The movies at the main branch of the SLC library are shown in an auditorium with comfy auditorium seating--it's not a movie theater, but it's also not watching a movie in a meeting room!
3. The children's library
The children's library is on the bottom level and is a completely separate, private library-in-a-library. It's filled with toys for toddlers and younger kids, rugs and cozy child-size couches and chairs. There are child size bathrooms, a coatroom to park that big old diaper bag and stroller, and a baby care room with changing station and rocker. There are often children's crafts and activities going on in the children's library. If you're a member of the library, you can check out one of the many themed backpacks they have that are filled with books and simple toys and activities (alphabet, potty training, counting, animals, etc)
But my girls will tell you the best parts of the children's library are the two themed reading rooms:
The Ice Cave, complete with a skylight in the roof that is under the reflecting pool outside the library--so the light is constantly changing and rippling as the water moves.
The Attic, complete with tons of beams that are just right for climbing on.
We love gathering a stack of books and finding an out of the way alcove in one of these reading rooms to read, play, and explore together.
4. The architecture and art
If you've ever driven past the library, you've probably noticed it's amazing architecture. It's a fun building to look at from the street, but it's even more fun to explore! There are soaring ceilings, glass elevators, spiral staircases, walls of windows, water features, sculptures, art exhibits, fountains, shops and counter service restaurants, reflecting pools, you name it!
If there is a book lover in your life, then this is the place to go for gifts. Magnets, book marks, pens, books, stuffed animals and dolls, journals, jewelry, pins, wax seals--it's so fun just to browse! And the prices are actually comparable to Amazon (they carry my favorite baby books, the Babylit series, at Amazon prices). I always stop in for Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers.
So there you have it, our top five reasons to visit the City Library. It's a place that we have gone many times, and it never gets old. Check it out!
Salt Lake City Main Library
210 East 400 South, SLC.
Parking: metered on 200 East along the library block, but if you go south one block (past 500 South) there is free street parking.
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