A Jewel of a Library

Today, with lots of rain outside, I was treated to the magnificent new main branch of the Salt Lake City Public Library. I got a behind-the-scenes tour from MDS, who was also my dogged co-worker in writing,producing, and directing his brother's wedding.

You can read about the library's features here. But you need to see it to believe it. SLC has worked a wonder by turning a library into a multipurpose, tech-savvy, fully accessible community center. I've spent A LOT of time in libraries, as both a user and an employee. And this was by far the most successful general-use library I've ever been in!

What is more, MDS and I discovered more the work of Moshe Safdie, the architect who designed SLCPL. (In order to visit his site, you have to have Macromedia Flash Player, but it's entirely worth it just to see the photos.) I wish The University of Chicago had retained Safdie to design what became the instant eyesore known as Max Palevsky Residential Commons! His work is a stunning play of light and structure (what a canned statement!). It's a full, multi-course meal, from sparkling apéritives to succulent main course to simply delightful dessert and champagne.

Though I now have several reasons to return to SLC again, this is near the top of my list.