On Nov. 15, Whitmore Library commemorated 40 years of bringing adventure and learning to residents of Cottonwood Heights and surrounding communities.

To celebrate the landmark birthday, library officials hosted a community celebration, complete with a magic show, cake and balloons.

“We’re just really thrilled to be part of the 40th anniversary. It’s a pretty big deal,” Library Manager Kent Dean said.

When the library first opened in 1974, they did so under the slogan “Tomorrow’s Library Today.” Since that time, Whitmore Library has sought to be instrumental in fostering community growth and promoting innovative learning activities for the entire family.

“We have between 28,000 and 30,000 patrons come through our doors every month with 1 million items checked out. We have people express how wonderful the library has been. Professionals tell us it’s been instrumental in helping their careers. Published authors said coming as children or youth inspired them to write. It’s been an incredible experience for the library to be an integral part of the community,” Dean said.

Throughout the years, the library has fostered close relationships with the business community and Cottonwood Heights City to better serve the community. Visitors from around the country have expressed appreciation for the number of services offered by the library, Dean said.