Salt Lake County and Midvale City Leaders Vote Unanimously for New County Library Branch in Midvale

Salt Lake County and Midvale City have both approved a key step toward bringing a new County Library branch to Midvale. On Tuesday, October 28, the Salt Lake County Council unanimously approved the Library Board’s motion to purchase approximately 2.5 acres of land from Midvale City. On November 18, the Midvale City Council also voted unanimously to approve the sale of the land to the County, further advancing plans for the new branch.

"The County Library’s Tyler branch has been a treasured neighborhood resource in Midvale for nearly 85 years," said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. "We are beyond excited to reinvest in the community by building a new County Library branch with a design that incorporates sustainable practices, optimizes the surrounding park features, meets the needs of an ever-growing population, and continues to support early and lifelong learning for everyone.”

The property is located at 362 West Center Street, in the southwest corner of Midvale City Park. This acquisition reflects a continued investment in the quality of life of Midvale City and Salt Lake County residents.

“Midvale is a growing city that needs a modern library to serve our residents,” said Midvale City Mayor Dustin Gettel. “We've come to rely on the County Library to assist in everything from homework to tax preparation. Investing in a modern library is an investment in our kids, our workforce, our senior citizens, and all our residents who want to improve their lives and our community.”

With the land purchase approved, the County Library will move forward to the next stages of the project to identify an architectural firm and meet with city leaders and residents to gather the needs and wants of the community. Recent library branches in Kearns, South Jordan, and South Salt Lake have included a playground, amphitheaters, walking paths, a rooftop garden, expanded meeting room space, and enhanced Create spaces, design features pinpointed through open houses and listening sessions in the neighborhoods.

“Access to green space is a priority for so many Salt Lake County residents, and I love that this location will incorporate Library services with the Midvale City Park,” said Salt Lake County Councilmember Natalie Pinkney. “After seeing neighbors using the walking paths at the Granite branch and the community use the rooftop garden at the Daybreak branch, I’m excited to see how this new branch integrates into the landscape.”

The Ruth Vine Tyler branch opened on August 4, 1941, after operating out of two classrooms in the old Midvale School for two years. The success of the County Library within the old Midvale School resulted in the inclusion of small libraries in several schools across Salt Lake County.

“We know how well-loved the current Ruth Vine Tyler branch is to Midvale residents, but the limited size and declining facility isn’t enough to support the community at the level we know they need,” said Library Director Joey McNamee. “We’re thrilled at the possibilities of the programs and services we’ll be able to offer in a new County Library branch.”