$237,276 Contract Awarded for New Granger Library – 1967
The Granger Library Opens – 1967
In the spring of 1967, residents of the Granger area received exciting news: a new branch of the Salt Lake County Library system would soon open to serve the growing community.
The Granger Branch Library, located at approximately 2900 West 3650 South. At the time, the community of Granger was expanding rapidly, and the new library would provide an important resource for students, families, and lifelong learners.
Plans for the building were prepared by architect J. Leonard Harman, whose office was located nearby at 4219 West 3500 South. Contractors were invited to review the architectural plans and submit bids for the construction project, which included general construction, electrical work, and mechanical systems such as plumbing, heating, and ventilation.
At a Salt Lake County Library Board meeting held at the library headquarters in Midvale, Chief Librarian Ruth Vine Tyler reported impressive growth within the county library system. During 1966, the system circulated 1,956,352 items, including books, filmstrips, and other materials. The system served the public through eight branch libraries, four mobile library units, and library services in 50 elementary schools and several junior and senior high schools.
At that time, 114,759 library cards were in circulation across the county system. Out of the $849,646 annual budget, about $779,120 had been spent, leaving a balance of $70,525, which would help support the development of the new Granger branch.
For the residents of Granger, the opening of this library represented much more than a new building—it was an investment in education, community gathering, and access to knowledge for generations to come.
Today, the original Granger Library is known as the West Valley City Library, continuing its long tradition of serving the community and supporting readers of all ages.
Groundbreaking for the Granger Library
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Granger Branch of the Salt Lake County Library System were held in 1967 as community leaders gathered to celebrate the beginning of construction.
Turning the first shovel of earth was Henry Beckstead, who was serving as president of the library board. Joining him at the ceremony were library board member Marlon S. Bateman, Frank B. Schick, Richard W. Winder, and architect J. Leonard Harman, who designed the building.
Also present were contractors O. Thayne Acord and M. L. Harris, along with Salt Lake County librarian Ruth Vine Tyler, who held the architectural plans for the new facility.
The new library was planned for a site near 3650 South and 2850 West in the Granger community—today part of West Valley City—and would soon become an important center for learning, reading, and community gatherings for west-side residents.
