When the Whitmore Library opened in 1974, it offered its patrons access to cutting-edge technology. People could check out typewriters, filmstrip projectors, calculators and cassette recorders. They could also make their own transparencies and slides and edit Super 8mm film. There was even a UPI teletype machine to give residents up-to-date news stories.

On Nov. 15, The County Library celebrated the Whitmore’s 50th anniversary with a ribbon cutting and events for the entire family including story time, a magic show, a digital photo booth, crafts, treats and a scavenger hunt.

Whitmore Manager Maggie Mills has worked at the branch in Cottonwood Heights (2197 E. Fort Union Blvd.) for three years but has served with The County Library for more than 20 years. She said the library continues to be a place that provides its patrons with access to technology, resources and reading materials.

“In our Library of Things we have Preserve the Memories equipment, we have Chromebooks people can use, we even have telescopes,” Mills said. “Technology is ever evolving and we will always assess what would be useful for our patrons to have for them to borrow, as well as what things could help us do our jobs better.”

Designed with a library on the main floor and library system administration on the lower level, the library was so popular, it was expanded in 1977. While the Whitmore branch hosts the system’s technical services department, the County Library’s administrative offices are now located at the West Jordan branch and Viridian Event Center. 

Cottonwood Heights Councilmember Suzanne Hyland attended the Whitmore ribbon cutting ceremony and highlighted the library’s purpose in the community.

“It’s a gathering place and a place where people can learn and come together,” Hyland said. “Think about what a library has become. It’s not just books, it’s technology based. You can check out tablets, you can do so many things that can enrich the lives of our citizens. Think about when we get out of school. Where do we go? We go to the library. Where do we bring our children to help them start learning from infancy? We go to the library. It’s the heart of a community.”

Salt Lake County Library Director Joey McNamee said Whitmore is one of the highest-circulating branches in the county and a central part of Cottonwood Heights.

“It’s loved by community members who live here now and who have lived here before,” McNamee said. “We also have some candies from 1974 which in fact was 50 years ago. So we’re celebrating the lifespan of this building with sugar, everyone’s favorite way to celebrate.”

Other officials in attendance included Cottonwood Heights City Manager Jared Gerber, Salt Lake County Councilmember Laurie Stringham and additional leaders from the city and county.

Attendees received a disco ball keychain, stickers, a bag of 1970s candy and they could make a pet rock. The Whitmore branch is scheduled for demolition in a few years to make way for a new library building. 

“You know, 50 years is a long time and a building can only last so long,” Mills said. “We will be rebuilding in a few years but there’s no exact timeline.”