UPDATE 12/16/24: The roof is heading toward its final phase of construction. The waterproofing and new concrete is complete. The railings are installed. Trees and flowers have been planted. Next, glass will be installed on the border in order to preserve the incredible 360° view. We also have a rubber stomp pad coming to allow kids to run around and get their wiggles out. The City Library anticipates reopening the roof in the Spring of 2025.

UPDATE 6/19/24: The rooftop renovation project has entered a new phase. With some of the demolition and waterproofing out of the way, the new concrete ramp and bridge have been poured. This is a big step in the complete remodel of the roof. When it’s complete, everyone can visit and enjoy the best views of the city in comfort and style!

UPDATE 5/21/24: 

• The upper terrace area has been waterproofed. The lower terrace area has been waterproofed and sloped with Cellcrete to eliminate major “bathtub” areas, and water quickly sheds from this area due to the slope. The staff patio is the only remaining area that needs waterproofing.
• 100 new holes have been core drilled for light poles, drains, and rebar connections into the existing deck. Most of these penetrations have already been filled, grouted, and waterproofed.
• Structural steel for the skylight infill over the Level 4 stairs has been placed. Framing and waterproofing will be completed shortly.
• Concrete placements have been made to form the benches and walls on the lower plaza. Geofoam was used as part of this work and will help shape the look of the plaza.
• Steel beams for the ramp between the lower- and upper-terraces — as well as for the large shade structure in the middle of the terrace — will be delivered and installed on May 23–24.

UPDATE 2/8/24: At this time, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and the Children's Library are open and accessible. The Urban Room, shops, and meeting rooms will still be available to the public.

UPDATE 2/7/24: The library portion of the building will close for the day at 2:30pm to address leaks caused by the snow/rain.

UPDATE 1/16/24: The Main Library will be closed for the day. Beginning on January 17, the first floor, the Urban Room, and the Children's area will be open for Express Services. We anticipate Express Services being offered through Monday, January 22, and hope to return to full services on January 23. Staff will be available to procure materials from the upper floors.

UPDATE 12/4/23: The library portion of the building will be closed for the day, but the Urban Room, shops, and meeting rooms will still be available to the public. Patrons may return books and pick up holds at the glass door between the Urban Room and the Library.

UPDATE 11/30/23: Crews have made significant progress clearing out the old infrastructure. When the demolition portion is wrapped up, they’ll be starting the new year with a clean slate as they continue to bring the reimagined rooftop to life!

UPDATE 10/16/23: The Main Library’s rooftop renovation project is officially underway. To begin, crews are working to demolish and remove the existing infrastructure so construction can begin with a clean slate. Check back here for progress updates and watch the new roof take shape!

UPDATE 8/1/23: Preliminary design renderings are presented below 

Rendering, Aerial View

Rendering, Rooftop Entry View

Rendering, Rooftop Upper Terrace

Rendering, Rooftop Amphitheater View

On August 7, 2023, The City Library will begin a major renovation project on the Main Library’s roof. This project will repair damage accumulated in the 20 years since the Main Library’s opening, while seeking to prevent the need for future major repairs. The roof and parts of the building will be closed to the public during construction, which is expected to last until the Fall of 2024.

Main’s rooftop terrace is renowned for its free, stunning 360° views of the Salt Lake Valley and its reading gardens. The renovation project will allow the Library to remodel the terrace to become an even more inviting public space. The Library collected community feedback for months and received over 1,600 points of feedback. Based on that patron feedback, the Library will add more shade, seating, and impressive sustainability and safety features. When the rooftop terrace reopens, it will welcome The City Library’s famous beehives and host rooftop yoga, performances and events, and serve as a welcoming place to take in amazing views, read a book, or simply relax and pass the time.  

Construction Details

The Main Library’s West Entrance (200 East) will close on Monday, August 7 to begin preparations. A crane will be placed in the western plaza. The East entrance (through Library Square), along with sidewalks, drive-up bookdrops, staff and delivery entrances, and the loading zone will all remain open.

Level 5 will be closed to staff and patrons. Ceilings will be removed as new drains, supply lines, electrical, and structural steelwork is added. There is a focus on waterproofing the roof, using highly-durable asphalt rubberized waterproofing. An advanced electronic leak detection system will also assist Library maintenance in pin-pointing and stopping any future leaks.

It will be necessary to periodically close some public areas of Level 4, which is currently home to part of the Library’s nonfiction collection, public computers, art gallery, and meeting space. All attempts will be made to limit construction noise during open hours, but some noise will be heard throughout the building. There will be times where the Main Library will need to close entirely. Closures will typically be announced in advance.

Partners include GSBS Architects, building envelope engineers Morrison Hershfield, and Paulsen Construction as the general contractors.