The Salt Lake County Library system provides community members with access to advanced technology through specialized 'Create Spaces,' featuring equipment ranging from 3D printers and laser cutters to professional-grade audio/visual studios. These facilities, located at select branches such as Daybreak, Granite, and Kearns, allow patrons to engage in self-guided learning using software for music production, robotics, and digital design.
Audio/Visual Production Capabilities
The library's 'Create' initiative is designed to help patrons expand their technical skills and bring creative ideas to life. According to the County Library, these spaces offer hands-on experiences with specialized software and hardware, though the library notes that assistance may be limited, encouraging visitors to familiarize themselves with equipment before arrival.
For those interested in music and media production, several branches host dedicated audio/visual studios. The Daybreak branch features an array of musical hardware, including electric, bass, and acoustic guitars, an amplifier, a Yamaha DGX6MTB 88-key arranger, and an Alesis Surge 8-piece electronic drum set. This studio is equipped with PreSonus Studio audio interfaces, Audio-Technica headphones, and JBL studio monitors, alongside software such as Studio One and Audacity.
The Granite and Kearns branches offer more advanced video production capabilities. The Granite branch includes a Canon DSLR 90D camera, a professional tripod, a built-in green screen, and a Rode wireless microphone system. Similarly, the Kearns location provides a 10-foot portable green screen, LED ring lights, and JBL 305P studio monitors, allowing users to record music videos or high-quality digital content.
3D Printing and Fabrication
Digital fabrication and 3D printing are central components of the library's technological offerings. The system maintains various 3D printers across multiple locations, including the Flashforge Adventurer series. Specifically, the Daybreak, Granite, Holladay, Kearns, and Magna branches all host the Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro.
Other specialized printing hardware includes the Lulzbot Workhorse at the Daybreak and Granite branches, as well as the Lulzbot Taz 6 at the Kearns and Sandy locations. The Sandy branch also features a Flashforge Adventurer 4 Pro. Patrons can use free software like TinkerCAD, SketchUp, or Blender to prepare files for printing, provided they are in .stl or .obj formats.
While many services are available for use, some fabrication tasks involve specific usage fees. The library charges 6 cents per gram of filament used for 3D printing. Additionally, the Daybreak, Granite, and Kearns branches offer a 40-watt CO2 Laser Cutter using the Glowforge Plus system. This service requires a maintenance and filter fee of 10 cents per minute or $6 per hour spent engraving.
Robotics and Digital Design
The library's technology footprint extends to robotics and digital design. Branches including Daybreak, Granite, Holladay, Kearns, and Sandy offer opportunities to learn coding through the use of robots such as Dash and Cue. Other branches feature specialized robots like the JD Humanoid at the Holladay and Kearns locations, or the Dot robot at the Granite branch.
For graphic and large-format needs, several branches provide workstations equipped with desktop PCs, iMacs, and Wacom tablets, including the Wacom Intuos Pro and Wacom One. The library also supports large-scale printing and lamination services at Daybreak, Granite, Holladay, Kearns, Magna, and Sandy.
Large format printing fees vary by size, with 8.5” by 11” prints costing 75 cents per sheet and larger 24-inch bond paper costing 20 cents per linear inch. Lamination services for 27-inch materials are available at the Daybreak, Granite, Kearns, and Magna locations at a rate of 30 cents per linear foot.
A Legacy of Community Service
The expansion into high-tech 'Create Spaces' complements the library's long-standing mission to provide information and entertainment. The County Library, which has been in operation since 1939, manages a massive collection of over two million items, including books, audiobooks, and DVDs, circulating more than 15 million items annually.
According to library records, the system has grown from its beginnings in two classrooms at the old Midvale School to becoming the largest public library system in Utah, with 18 locations throughout Salt Lake County. The library's impact is significant, with over 4.5 million people visiting its physical locations annually and tens of millions more utilizing its virtual services.
Beyond technology, the library provides essential community services such as 'Library at your Door' for those physically unable to access branches, and Inter-Library Loan services that connect patrons to 7,500 libraries across the United States. The system also maintains a large collection of Spanish and foreign-language materials, with its largest selection located at the Hunter branch.
System Growth and Evolution
As part of its ongoing commitment to community needs, the library continues to evolve its services. The current administration, led by Director Joey McNamee, oversees a system that manages over a million computer sessions and provides thousands of community programs each year.
The library's history is marked by significant milestones, including the 1941 grand opening of the Midvale Library Headquarters and the 2012 opening of the eco-friendly West Jordan location. Today, the library remains a vital economic and cultural driver for Salt Lake County residents.
