Salt Lake City Public Library

10/21/2026

TONIGHT! The American Revolution: Coming to a Theater Near You!
In this free five-week class, explore the fascinating intersection of civic and cinema history as historians Dr. James D’Arc and Brad Westwood present the patriotic film series Old Glory, (1936–1940), starting Wednesday, October 21, 6:30–8pm at the Main Library. Each week, a local scholar will join the panel to discuss how the context of the Great Depression shaped these films, and how accurately interpreting American Revolutionary history can help Utahns be more informed and more engaged today.

Free and open to all ages. Presented by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Utah. For the full schedule, click the link in our bio!

This project is supported in part by Utah Humanities. Utah Humanities strengthens communities by cultivating connections, deepening understanding, and exploring our complex human experience.

10/19/2026

Celebrate the Power to Read with PBS Utah! On Saturday, October 24, from 10am–1pm at the Main Library, kids and families can meet Daniel Tiger, Super Why, and Carl the Collector, watch the new PBS kids show, and “trick or treat” with local organizations. Dress like a superhero and sign up for the November Reading Marathon!

10/14/2026

Send a shiver down your spine this October with these horror recommendations! Werewolves, ghosts, and cryptids lurk behind every page…

Nonfiction – Scream with Me: Horror Films and the Rise of American Feminism (1968–1980) by Eleanor Johnson (791.436164 Johnson)

Adult Fiction – The Red Winter by Cameron Sullivan (FICTION Sullivan)

Young Adult Fiction – The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson (TEEN Jackson)

Manga – The Summer Hikaru Died vol. 1 by Mokumokuren (TEEN MANGA Summer H) also available as a light novel (an easy-to-read, illustrated novel popularized in Japan) (TEEN Summer H)

Middle Grade – Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursue (j Ursu)

Picture Book – Creepy Crayon! by Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown (jp Reynolds)

Our librarians want you to enjoy these thrills and chills! If you’re unsure about horror, online resources like TheStoryGraph have user-created lists of content warnings available for books.

10/06/2026

Let’s get reading!

Join our friends at PBS Utah for the Reading Marathon Kickoff Party on Saturday, October 24, from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the Salt Lake City Public Library. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun, reading, and activities designed to inspire young readers.

Whether you're exploring the universe, traveling to faraway places, or discovering an amazing new story, every great adventure begins with a book!

We’re excited to partner with PBS Utah to help inspire Utah’s next generation of readers, explorers, and lifelong learners.

10/06/2026

Banned Books Week is a reminder that the freedom to read belongs to everyone!

This year’s theme, Let Books Be, celebrates the joy, creativity, and connection that come from having access to books, stories, and ideas. Libraries help make that access possible by creating space for people to explore different perspectives and choose what they want to read for themselves.

Book challenges and censorship efforts continue to affect libraries and communities across the country. Banned Books Week is an opportunity to celebrate intellectual freedom, support access to information, and stand up for every reader’s right to choose.

Let books challenge us. Let books inspire us. Let books be.
www.ala.org/bbooks

10/05/2026

Squash season has a way of sneaking up on you. And so does a great read.

Rikki stopped by the Plot Community Garden to share why now is the perfect time to harvest squash. While you’re searching for hidden garden gems, don’t forget there are plenty of literary gems waiting to be discovered at your local Library too.

Whether you’re picking squash or picking your next read, there’s no better time to branch out.

10/05/2026

Hear Utah Music with the HUM Autumn Update! We’ve added 26 new albums from 14 new artists to our free streaming collection, selected by local music advocates.

Find a new favorite, explore a different genre, and support Utah music at hum.slcpl.org.

10/03/2026

Tweens ages 9–13 can learn video game coding using Fiero Code, a free online software. This seven-week workshop will happen every Tuesday, from 4–5:30pm at the Marmalade Branch, starting October 13.

Perfect for beginners: no experience needed (registration required): https://services.slcpl.org/event/17241644

Tweens don't need to attend all six sessions, but it will help them get the most out of the workshop. On the 7th week, we'll showcase the games everyone made!

10/02/2026

📚 Friends Members, this sale is just for you!
Shop great deals on used books, movies, and more at the Friends of The City Library Members Only Used Book Sale.

📅 Thursday, October 15
⏰ 4:30–7:30pm
📍 Main Library — Friends Used Book Sale Area

Find hardbacks, paperbacks, picture books, nonfiction, teen fiction, movies, and plenty of other treasures. Proceeds from Friends sales help support Library programs and resources. Not a member yet? Learn more about joining the Friends of The City Library at slclibraryfriends.org/membership.

10/02/2026

It's time once again for Alt Press Fest, an SLC fall favorite going on nearly two decades! The 18th annual fest is coming up on Saturday, October 17, 12–5pm at the Main Library.

Stop by to meet some of the inspiring DIY-publishers from our local zine community. Browse zines and art for sale, try out free activities, take a zine/leave a zine at the Trading Wall, and catch a talk from author Chad Anderson and an artists panel in the auditorium.

Poster Design by Local Artist: Kruttika Susarla
https://services.slcpl.org/event/17142418

The City Library is committed to advancing knowledge, fostering creativity, encouraging the exchange of ideas, building community, and enhancing the quality of life.