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The Park
City Library
The Main
Street Library The
front page headline the August 3, 1917 Park Record read, "A
Public Library for Park City." Two Park City women had presented
the Mayor and City Council a petition signed by more the 200 resident
property owners and taxpayers asking that a public library be established,
and that an annual tax of one mill be levied upon properties in Park
City for maintenance. A special election was held to submit the
proposition to the taxpayers. The official tally showed 50 votes
cast in favor of the library and 16 against. The Miners
Hospital Library
As the City grew, so did its library needs. In 1980 Parkites rallied to the cause and $800,000 was raised through a bond issue and private donations to restore the old Miners Hospital as the new home of the Park City Library. The Miner's Hospital had served the community's medical needs from 1904 until the mid-50's when it had become obsolete and was shut down. In the 1970s, the building was a boarding house and, later, a youth hostel. Despite its historic status, the building was nearly razed in the late 1970s. A public outcry to preserve the building ensued, and it was ultimately donated to the City. Preservation of the historic landmark began with the successful relocation of the 400-ton hospital structure from near the Park City Mountain Resort to City Park. There it remained vacant until it was converted to the Library. To save money, volunteers did all the demolition work, and lugged truckloads of debris to the dump. Through detailed, faithful restoration the building appears today almost exactly as it did when it was dedicated as the Miners Hospital in 1904. Inside, historic integrity was preserved by attention to detail such as the rich oak woodwork surrounding massive double-hung windows and by including the old operating table and lamp in the decor.
On September 6, 1982, 78 years after the Miners Hospital first opened its doors to injured miners, the building was rededicated as the Park City Library. The "Book Brigade," a human chain of over 750 people, passed approximately 5,000 volumes three-quarters of a mile from the former Library on Main Street to the new Library at the Miners Hospital. The building, now the Miners Hospital Community Center, is listed on the National Register on Historic Places. The Park
City Library and Education
Center In 1990 the Board of the
Park City Library, realizing the Library was outgrowing Miners Hospital,
began to look at options for more space. Board members considered
an annex to Miners Hospital, a new library building, and the renovation
of another old building, the old Park City High School. They decided
on the high school because it offered the potential for flexibility,
and the space to serve the growing community for 15 to 20 years.
The Board spent a year and half year holding public meetings to gain
community and municipal support. The Reading Garden 1997 The Reading Garden, was another community project. A local couple conceived the idea and brought it to fruition with the cooperation of The Friends of the Park City Library, Park City Municipal Corporation, and dozens of volunteers. Over 300 donors contributed money to the Garden, and 77 contributed time, talent, and materials. One of the unique features is handmade stepping stones flanking the pathways, personalized with hand prints, paw prints and drawings. The Reading Garden offers a sheltered and tranquil place to read a book, chat with a friend, or simply enjoy a beautiful day. The Friends of the Park City Library Over the years, The Friends of the Park City Library have been a major reason that the Park City Library is one of the most impressive small town libraries in the country. The Friends present activities for the community such as book discussion groups, as well as performing volunteer work for the Library. They are the major financial donor to the Library and in recent years have contributed almost 25% of the collection budget. Fund raising activities include an annual book sale, on-going used book and magazine sales, and a membership luncheon. The Park City Library is supported by the taxpayers of Park City, The Friends of the Park City Library, grants and private donations. Everyone is welcome to use the library, but a library card is required for check out privileges. |
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The
Park City Library, for many the heart of Park City, is the result of
many, many years of community effort. Back in September 1888 the
Park Record reported, "Miss Lizzie Barbee has been appointed
librarian for the Ladies Library Association library." Park
City had a library before Utah had statehood! In February 1889
the Park Record listed the 82 new books the library had received.
The paper reported that the books had "cost the ladies upwards
of $75", bringing the total number of books in the Library to 327.
This first library was created in a room in the basement of the Congregational
Church and was open to all who wanted to use it. When the City
opened its own library the books and furnishings were donated to it.
The Congregational Church, which became the Park City Community Church
in 1919, was located at 402 Park Avenue. The church building,
now a private residence, is listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. 
