September marks National City Library Card Signup Month, a period during which Salt Lake County residents can obtain free library cards to access a variety of discounts at local businesses. The Salt Lake City Public Library noted that the initiative aims to encourage community engagement with library services and support the unionized city employees who manage the system.
Library Card Requirements
The Salt Lake City Public Library stated that residents of Salt Lake County can obtain a free library card in as little as five minutes. This can be done online or in person at the Main Library downtown or at any of the eight neighborhood branches. To qualify for a free card, residents must present a photo ID or a government-issued non-photo ID along with proof of address, such as a check, a paystub, or other official documents listing a current address.
Access for Non-Residents
While the cards are free for local residents, the library noted that individuals living outside of Salt Lake County may still obtain a card for an annual fee of $80 to access the system's perks. The Salt Lake City Public Library highlighted that the library card serves as a tool to connect residents with local commerce through various promotional offers available throughout the month of September.
Dining and Beverage Discounts
The promotional month includes a wide array of discounts across the food and drink category. According to the Salt Lake City Public Library, participating establishments include Avenues Bakery on Fourth, which offers a 10% discount, and Big Dipper Sandwiches, which provides 10% off. Other dining options include Cafe 140B, Crema Coffee and Soda, Hallowed Grounds Café and Gifts, Hidden Oak Gourmet Creamery, JJ Coffee Co., Lucky Ones Coffee, Picnic Cafe, Red Moose Cafe, and Santo Taco.
As City Cast Salt Lake reported on Sept. 3, Don Daniel's Mexican Grill & Cantina offers a 20% discount to cardholders. Additionally, Nothing Bundt Cakes provides a buy-one, get-one-free deal on bundtlets. Other food-related perks include a 10% discount at Hugo Coffee and a 10% discount on food and drinks at Picnic Cafe, though the latter excludes alcoholic beverages.
Retail and Shopping Perks
Retail and shopping benefits are also available to library cardholders. The Salt Lake City Public Library listed several shopping locations, including City of Industry, Hip & Humble, Lovebound Library, Salt & Honey Market, Sanctuary of the Forgotten, and Under the Umbrella Bookstore, all offering 10% discounts. Hip & Humble specifically offers 20% off a customer's most expensive item.
The Library Store, located in the Main Library, offers a 15% discount, while The Novel Nomad, a traveling book cart, provides 15% off. City Cast Salt Lake noted that Lovebound Library offers a 10% discount for patrons looking to stock up on books.
Services and Classes
The library card also provides access to various services, classes, and local attractions. Service and class discounts include 25% off at Lash Samurai and 25% off services at Simons Somatics and Massage. Salt Lake Power Yoga offers a 30% discount on 5-class and 10-class packs, while Seven Sisters Pilates Studio provides 10% off all class packs. Velocity Combat Club offers 20% off single classes or all-access memberships, along with a one-week free trial. Additionally, Hypnoclarity offers $20 off a first session, and Workshop SLC offers a 15% discount on online registration using the code CITYLIBRARY.
Attractions and Transportation
Cultural and recreational attractions are also participating in the signup month. The Natural History Museum of Utah offers a $2 discount on online purchases using the code CITYLIBRARY. This Is the Place Heritage Park offers a $2 discount, and the Tracy Aviary provides a 10% discount.
For transportation, GREENbike is offering a free month of rentals to library cardholders using the code CITYLIBRARY26. The bike rental stations for GREENbike are located throughout Salt Lake City.
Community Engagement
The Salt Lake City Public Library continues to promote its services as a central hub for the community. By participating in National City Library Card Signup Month, residents can leverage their library membership to support local businesses and access various community resources.
