How To Make the Most of Your Salt Lake Library Card

We’re big fans of the library here at City Cast Salt Lake (and patiently crossing our fingers for this merch giveaway that ends Monday, April 29). Whether city or county, libraries are a treasure trove of resources. And we’re not just talking books here.

🌱 Seed Library

You can get free seeds to use for gardening. They operate on an honor system, so only take what you need and donate seeds when you can.

City: You can request seeds online or in-person. There are seven locations of the city library that offer seeds: Main, Marmalade, Day-Riverside, Sprague, Glendale, Chapman, and Anderson-Foothill. Additionally, they’re offering gardening workshops on the last Saturday of the month through September.

County: The seed library generally runs from March-April at select locations, but they have sporadic events depending on availability.

🎨 Creative Lab

This has got to be my personal favorite resource. Both the city and county libraries have creative offerings. Take advantage of their sewing machines or virtual reality equipment. Some other things you can find are 3D printers, sound booths for audio production, laser cutting, bike repair (tools and manuals), robotics, and Cricut machines for vinyl cutting.

🧠 Memory Kits

Memory Care Kits at SLC library are designed especially for caregivers of those with memory issues, like Alzheimer's or dementia. The kits include things like books, activities, fidget toys, and CDs to spark conversation and stimulate memories.

☀️ ZAP Kids Summer Passport

Pick up a summer passport at various library locations around the valley. Anyone under the age of 17 can use it for free or discounted admission to places like Clark Planetarium, UMOCA, the Natural History Museum, and more! If you get four stamps, you’ll get invited to the ZAP Summer Passport Celebration on Aug. 23 at Wheeler Farm.

✈️ Passport Services

Need to renew your passport? The SLC Main Library is an official passport application acceptance facility. It’s a first-come, first-served situation, so keep that in mind. If you need a photo, they can take one for $10; otherwise, bring your own.

🔭 Library of Things

Salt Lake County’s Library of Things has items like telescopes, tablets, and GoPros that you can borrow with your library card.