Courtesy Spanish Fork City

As National Library Week came to a close, April 23-29, Spanish Fork residents were left without a venue to celebrate. The new 45,550-square-foot Spanish Fork Library Hall held its grand opening on Saturday, ushering in a new era of reading, learning and exploring for the city after a month-long process moving books and equipment from the old building to the new. 

“Two years ago when we broke ground, I talked about how it takes a great team to make your dream come true. And look at this awesome dream that’s reality today. Look at this awesome building that you guys get to go into today and experience for yourselves,” said Scott Aylett, library director. “It does take a great team. Thank you so much (to everyone) for your help in making this dream possible.”

City Manager Seth Perrins took time to tell the crowd, hundreds of residents and city employees, about the multi-year process to make the building a reality. It took six years to obtain the land and finish construction on the Library Hall which contains three different spaces for official use — the library, finance office and city council chamber/offices.

“The city council chambers is a beautiful space where we conduct the city’s business. You’ll notice that the back is glass, visible from the outside, and that is a symbol of the transparency that occurs as we work there. (Along with) broadcasting our meetings, (our focus has always been) making our meetings accessible to the public,” Perrins said.

He ended by emphasizing the city’s priorities for the space — for each individual person that comes to the library, “there is a space, a book and a place for each one of you.”

Courtesy Spanish Fork City

To finish off the day’s remarks, Mayor Mike Mendenhall shared a message of hope for what the new library will mean for the city as a whole. 

“It takes a village to raise our children. I’ve got my kids here today and it makes me emotional thinking of that. I’m a believer that the best chances of success in our society does begin in teaching kids through opportunities provided in a community. To help kids be healthier and learn and grow together is what makes it a community,” Mendenhall said. 

The ceremony ended with a short prayer by Mendenhall before people were able to walk through the facilities and participate in a series of activities. A record-breaking amount of over 3,500 items were checked out and taken home by patrons to enjoy, officials said.

Other speakers for the day include Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, a Spanish Fork resident; Jordan Hales, Spanish Fork finance director; Steve Leifson, former mayor; Brian Backe, representing the designers; and Chris Houghton, representing the construction company. 

The Library Hall was designed by Blalock and Partners and constructed by Westland Construction. On Tuesday, a second ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the City Council chambers, also in the new Library Hall, before the body’s meeting. 

Courtesy Spanish Fork City