Friends Projects
Since 2009, The Friends have maintained early literacy programs as well as raised funds to support The City Library’s programs, staff development, and promotional efforts.
Early Literacy Programs
Buddies of The City Library
The Buddies of The City Library program provides kindergarten students at Salt Lake City's Title I schools with tours of their local library, a library card, and a free book to keep and practice literacy skills at home.
Examples of Friends-Supported Initiatives
Tech League
In 2016–2017, the Friends helped to fund the Tech League, The City Library's initiative to build a more digital inclusive community in Salt Lake City through information, workshops, events, and classes. Tech League is the result of a Digital Inclusion Fellowship—a partnership between the Nonprofit Technology Network and Google Fiber—being awarded to The City Library.
Kids Summer Reading Program
The Friends provide financial support to bring musicians, animal wranglers, puppeteers, and other performers to create high-quality, engaging programs that draw kids and their families into the library during the summer.
Special Events & Speakers
The Friends support first-rate programming at The City Library, helping offset the cost of bringing nationally-touring speakers to Salt Lake City, such as Underground Railroad author Colson Whitehead.
Career Online High School
Career Online High School offers adults who have not completed high school the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and career certificates online. This program is completely free for students, as scholarships are provided by the Friends.
Staff Development Day
The Friends of The City Library fund events on the annual day-long staff training, including support for programming and tasty treats to keep staff energy up.