This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
This summer, Salt Lake County is trying to lure the whole family to the library with a bevy of nonreading pursuits such as interactive gaming sessions, Wii tournaments, reptile shows and even "extreme" science demonstrations.
Libraries such as those in West Valley City, Magna and Kearns still offer traditional summer reading programs, such as book clubs and story times, but the county has been working to broaden the library's appeal to adults, elementary-age children and especially teens by jazzing up its offerings. It's having the best luck through distinctive — even offbeat — events and activities.
Ever wanted to know what Tarot cards are all about? The Magna Library will show you at 7 p.m. June 11. Patrons 16 and older can learn about paranormal research at the Kearns Library June 28 and the Magna Library July 30.
"We want to be a cross-generational resource," said Jim Cooper, director of Salt Lake County Library Services. The whole family can enjoy high-definition and interactive gaming experiences in Taylorsville June 21.
Others can learn about "Creatures of the Night," which the Ogden Nature Center will present at the Magna Library at 2 p.m. June 30, the West Valley Library at 2 p.m. Aug. 8, and the Hunter Library in West Valley City at 7 p.m. Aug. 28. The program offers a glimpse into the world of nocturnal creatures, such as tarantulas and owls, and an opportunity to see them up close.
"The Reptile Guy," aka Corbin Maxey, will visit the Hunter Library with his reptilian friends at 11 a.m. Aug. 6, and the Magna Library, at 7 p.m. Aug. 9.
All components of the summer program, which runs through Aug. 18, are free, with a full lineup of events available at slcolibrary.org.
For teens, group Wii game play and other computer-based activities will be offered, Cooper said. "We're really working to get that age group back into the library."
To that end, the library system for the first time is offering a high-tech gaming experience called Gamin' Ride Game. Participants enter a mobile theater and play games on XBOX 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii consoles, with 3-D motion and even scents to heighten the gaming experience, said Cindy Smiley, manager of the West Valley Library.
Gamin' Ride Game will be offered in Taylorsville on June 21 and in West Valley on Aug. 10.
In addition to all the events and experiences, the library is offering incentives to do some old-fashioned reading. During the summer months, children and teens can log reading time in the library to reduce any fines they may have.
Smiley said they also can log reading time at home for an opportunity to win small prizes and, via drawings, larger prizes.
Many of the people participating in those reading programs already come to the library periodically or regularly. But it's the other experiences that lure people for the first time —many of whom end up taking time to explore what the library has to offer.
"We love to see people who wouldn't normally come," Smiley said. "People come in for the first time, and they are so surprised to see we have DVDs, free music, databases for businesses —you name it."
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West-side stories
Hunter Library • 4740 W. 4100 South, West Valley City
West Valley • 2880 W. 3650 South
Kearns • 5350 S. 4220 West
Magna • 2675 S. 8950 West
Taylorsville • 4870 S. 2700 West