We Love Interlibrary Loan

As we wrap up this month celebrating the love we have for Utah libraries, we want to share a service we love to provide. Did you know that the Utah State Library offers interlibrary loan service for libraries, library branches, and bookmobiles throughout Utah? Sarah Pitkin, the interlibrary loan librarian at the Utah State Library has a superpower, finding things. …

A colorful bookmobile stands out against the Utah landscape

Bookmobile Love Stories

Visiting schools, senior citizen centers, and neighborhoods, our four bookmobiles deliver library services to our rural patrons in Garfield, Kane, Piute, Iron, Sanpete, Sevier, Wayne, and Utah counties. Our bookmobile headquarters offer free Wi-Fi, computers, study spaces, and host story times and fun children’s activities.   The bookmobile program at the Utah State Library has been improving the quality of life …

Quality Library directors hold their trophies

Quality Library Awards 2024

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 …

Get Cozy with Utah Libraries This December!

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.  …

Utah Libraries Light the Way – Even in the Dark!

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 …

Black and white photo of two women looking solemn, and wearing black holding books

Haunting Book Buzz Picks for October 

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 …

A young girl is enthralled by a beehive

See What’s Buzzing at the Library in Bicknell

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 …

Telehealth kit and instructions

Your Library’s Newest Addition: Telehealth Kits for Convenient At-Home Care

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 …

Children read braille books

Blast Off into Reading: An Out of This World Summer Reading Event for Blind Students

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 …