History

The Summit County Library operates three branch libraries, a bookmobile, and a remote locker.

Kimball Junction Branch

The Kimball Junction Branch is the result of a quest which began in 1991 by Lou Jean Nelson. She was able to open a “Reading Room” with the help of local volunteers and tremendous community support. In 1995 the Utah State Library Division upgraded the status to “Library” and it was able to receive the same support services as other libraries in the state (interlibrary loan, state supported training, eligibility to apply for state and federal grants, etc.). It had a collection of 2,500 books. After enjoying the success of a small library, public demand started the ball rolling and Summit County funds were appropriated for a new library building. On November 17, 2001, the Kimball Junction Branch of the Summit County Library System opened its doors in the Sheldon Richins Building located at 6505 North Landmark Drive in Park City, Utah. With the addition of a roundabout west of the Sheldon Richins Building, the library’s address changed to 1885 West Ute Boulevard. Current holdings in 2022 are 49,653.

Kamas Valley Branch

For 25 years the citizens in the Kamas area lobbied for a library. In 1989 the Kamas Valley Branch Library was opened in the Summit County Services Building with full library service, including children’s preschool and summer story time, two part-time clerks, and a collection donated by the community and State Library. In 1997 an addition to the library was completed and the collection expanded. During the millennial year this branch saw significant improvements and services including a full-time branch manager and Internet access computers for patrons. In 2004, the children’s area was enlarged. In May of 2016 the original facility was demolished and the Kamas Valley Branch Library moved to a temporary location (228 W. 200 S. Ste. 2B). The new Kamas Valley Branch Library, part of the South Summit Services Building, opened on Monday, April 2, 2018. A celebration of the new library was held on Saturday, June 16, 2018. Current holdings in 2022 are 25,490.

Coalville Branch

The Coalville Branch Library was originally the Bookmobile Headquarters operating with a closed-door policy until 1989. Public demand again called for a fixed-site library. Coalville City, on behalf of their citizens, contacted Summit County for help in implementing this service. Summit County funded Coalville City $50,000 to enlarge the Coalville City offices to include 1,000 square feet for a public library. In 2011 Summit County funds were appropriated to renovate the old hospital building into a combined Library/Health Department. On January 12, 2012 the library was moved from the Coalville City building to the new facility and the doors opened on Friday, January 13. On January 25, 2012 a special ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the newly renovated facility. Find more history about the Summit County Hospital here. Current holdings in 2022 are 18,548.

Bookmobile

The Summit County Bookmobile joined with Rich County in the mid-1970s to become the Summit/Rich Bookmobile. In January of 2002 Summit County entered into an agreement with the State of Utah to take over the Summit/Rich Bookmobile Headquarters in Coalville. In November of 2002, Summit County and Rich County bookmobile services were separated. In 2007 the State sold the bookmobile to Summit County and the County continued to provide bookmobile services on its own. Summit County purchased a new bookmobile which was delivered in the late summer of 2009. Summit County artist Sarah Holden was commissioned to design the wrap for the bookmobile. It continues to visit local schools, senior centers, and the rural towns of Henefer, Wanship, Oakley, Francis, and Woodland on a regular schedule. Current holdings in 2022 are 5,555.

Henefer Remote Locker

The Summit County Library received an LSTA Grant in 2018 to purchase a locker system to place in the rural town of Henefer, Utah. Henefer Town donated space that had previously been used for storage to house the locker. Residents in Henefer can collect and return their materials through the locker system instead of being required to travel 20 miles round-trip to the nearest Summit County Library Branch. The locker system is the first of its kind in Utah. On September 12, 2018 a special ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of the Henefer Remote Locker. Henefer Mayor Kay H. Richins and Town Council members Robin K. Riches and Matthew P. Shill attended the ceremony.