Foundations of Knowledge: The Building of Granger Library
The Granger Library was built in 1968
Groundbreaking Ceremony
A Modern Landmark: The History of the Granger Library
Before 1968, children and families in Granger had limited access to library services. Residents often traveled to the main Salt Lake City Library or waited for the Bookmobile to visit their neighborhoods. That changed with the construction of a long-awaited, modern branch—the Granger Library—bringing educational access and community connection to the heart of the area.
On a Friday in 1968, ground was broken for the new facility at 2850 West 3650 South, adjacent to the Granger Shopping Center. The project was awarded to Acord-Harris Construction Company of Salt Lake City, on a low bid of $237,276. Notably, $111,000 of the funding was provided through the federal Library Construction Act, demonstrating national support for local literacy and growth.
The library was designed with both children and adults in mind, featuring large dedicated rooms for juvenile and adult collections. One of its standout features—unlike other branches at the time—was a 100-seat auditorium, specifically built to support community meetings and events, replacing the audio-visual departments common in the Midvale and Kearns branches. Steel shelving was installed at a cost of $3,033, purchased from Remington-Rand.
Designed by Granger’s Own: J. Leonard Harman, AIA
The building’s original modern architecture was the work of J. Leonard Harman, AIA, a Granger native known affectionately as “The Flying Architect.” Harman was one of Utah’s most impactful mid-century designers, with more than 50 church buildings and civic structures to his name. His vision for the Granger Library gave the community a bold, functional, and beautiful public space that reflected the area's progress and pride.
The library was built by Acord-Harris Const.
A local construction firm whose founders, including O. Thayne Acord—a dedicated community leader and outstanding businessman. He played a major role in shaping Granger’s physical and civic landscape.
Presiding over the development of the library system at the time were:
Mayor Henry Beckstead, President of the Library Board
Marlon S. Bateman, Vice President
Richard W. Winder, Secretary
A Changing Building, A Lasting Impact
The original 1968 structure was admired for its modern design and architectural character, a hallmark of Harman’s work. However, in 2003, a major $1 million renovation dramatically altered the original appearance. The project included asbestos removal, updated lighting, new carpet and heating systems, and a completely redesigned interior, including a patio enclosure. While these upgrades improved functionality, they also transformed the building’s once-unique architectural identity into a more standard rectangular form.
Though much of its original design has changed, the Granger Library remains a cherished resource, symbolizing the growth, determination, and civic vision of the Granger community. It stands as a lasting tribute to J. Leonard Harman’s architectural legacy and the foresight of those who built a place for knowledge and gathering in the heart of West Valley City.
The library was renamed the West Valley Library
In 2003 the library was closed for almost a year for an extensive renovation. The library got a face-lift including asbestos removal, new lighting, carpet, heating system. It was a 1 million dollar project. The entrance on the west side and the patio garden was demolished and enclosed.
