This year, a record number of libraries were awarded the Quality Library Award. This prestigious award is presented to Utah libraries that exhibit exemplary standards in multiple facets of library service, including a commitment to serving patrons and enhancing the quality of life in their communities. Congratulations to the 28 Utah libraries awarded the Quality Library Award for outstanding service …
This December the Utah State Library and the Utah State Library for the Blind are celebrating all things cozy. All month long we are highlighting the Danish concept of Hygge which focuses on conviviality, wellbeing, and comfort. Utah libraries embody these concepts. They are places where the community gathers, where people can find helpful resources, or the perfect cozy read. …
The Utah State Library offers a variety of tools and training for Utah libraries and their staff. We offer so many great library services, some of them have been overlooked. Read on to discover our services that will help your library career, patrons, and community. Here are six Utah State Library services Utah’s librarians need to know about: Up your …
Spooky season is here! Utah libraries are here to help you make the longer, cooler nights extra special for the little ones in your life. We think it’s time to start the fall tradition of reading together. Did you know that reading frightening tales can help with children’s emotional and cognitive development? This world can be a scary place. “Scary …
October is the perfect time to experience the thrill of horror with your book club. Our Book Buzz collection has something spooky for everyone, whether you’re looking for something blood-curdling scary, or something a little more mild. These book club picks come straight from Utah State Library’s Book Buzz Coordinator Rae Schumann and Amanda Rock, the social media manager. We’re …
The library in Bicknell, the Tri-County Bookmobile headquarters, offers free wi-fi, computers, and about 20,000 items to check out for the 300 residents of Bicknell, Utah. It’s also home to The Flower Puff Girls and their queen, Bumbelina. Amber Fullerton, the Tri-County bookmobile headquarters librarian, finds unique opportunities to enrich her patron’s lives. She sees the bookmobile headquarters as a …
Thanks to your local library, monitoring your heart health is much easier. Telehealth is an efficient and practical solution for many people. Online doctor appointments are a great time saver – especially if you have mobility or transportation issues, or live in a rural area. Unfortunately, not everyone has the tools to share blood pressure numbers or their temperature with …
When planning a summer reading event for blind children, you think outside the box. Or in this case, the planet. The Utah State Library’s Blind & Disabled Program staff worked hard to make this year’s summer reading event memorable and educational for 25 blind students. The theme was outer space. “The intention was to provide a multi-sensory experience,” explains Program …
Did you know you could check out a meat grinder from the library? Or that your kid could learn coding from a robot? Libraries are fulfilling community needs like never before thanks to grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act. A big part of the work we do at the Utah State …
The LSTA 2025 competitive grant round, provided with IMLS funds, is open! This annual grant round is intended for project-based grants that respond to community needs. Please note that applications are due May 31, 2024. $250,000 is available in the grant round and projects typically range from $5,000 to $30,000. Projects outside of that range are still welcome to apply. The application is …
Libraries are so much more than books. Sometimes, libraries are homes to guinea pigs and stray cats, but sorry, you can’t check them out. Meet Cosmo, Moab’s famous library cat When a stray cat sauntered into Grand County Public Library’s Moab branch nobody knew he was applying for a job. He was a cat on a mission, slipping inside the …
How do you bring a graphic novel to life for blind and visually impaired library patrons? It’s easy when you have great partners, talented staff members, and a state-of-the-art recording studio. “Thunderous,” a graphic novel for grades 3-6, is about Aiyana, who is more interested in her social media presence than her Lakota heritage. Pursued by the trickster Raven in …