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Salt Lake City library faces scrutiny over workplace tensions

The library's board of directors is reviewing personnel policies, disciplinary actions and internal complaints.

News

Tension between Salt Lake City Public Library leadership and workers is spilling into public view amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="allegations of retaliation and a toxic workplace" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wndvYwyd6OQ" data-vars-content-id="71a682b2-a1df-4da9-840b-5a000361257a" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City library faces scrutiny over workplace tensions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wndvYwyd6OQ" target="_blank">allegations of retaliation and a toxic workplace</a>.Why it matters: The dispute is escalating just months after the library union reached a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic collective bargaining agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ksl.com/article/51442937/salt-lake-city-finalizes-historic-collective-bargaining-agreement-with-librarians" data-vars-content-id="71a682b2-a1df-4da9-840b-5a000361257a" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City library faces scrutiny over workplace tensions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ksl.com/article/51442937/salt-lake-city-finalizes-historic-collective-bargaining-agreement-with-librarians" target="_blank">historic collective bargaining agreement</a> and as the system navigates staff changes and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plans for its future" data-vars-click-url="https://static.libnet.info/frontend-images/pdfs/slcpl/Board/2026_Library_Board/2026_SLCPL_Strategic_Plan.pdf" data-vars-content-id="71a682b2-a1df-4da9-840b-5a000361257a" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City library faces scrutiny over workplace tensions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://static.libnet.info/frontend-images/pdfs/slcpl/Board/2026_Library_Board/2026_SLCPL_Strategic_Plan.pdf" target="_blank">plans for its future</a>.

Salt Lake's best haunted houses and Halloween displays: Mapped

See scores of amazing haunts all around Salt Lake County.

Salt Lake&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="neighborhoods" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/10/08/map-salt-lake-free-haunted-houses-halloween-pumpkin-patch" data-vars-content-id="d49dc210-04ed-4271-8392-051d09b84743" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake&#x27;s best haunted houses and Halloween displays: Mapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/10/08/map-salt-lake-free-haunted-houses-halloween-pumpkin-patch" target="_self">neighborhoods</a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/10/08/map-salt-lake-free-haunted-houses-halloween-pumpkin-patch" data-vars-content-id="d49dc210-04ed-4271-8392-051d09b84743" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake&#x27;s best haunted houses and Halloween displays: Mapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/10/08/map-salt-lake-free-haunted-houses-halloween-pumpkin-patch" target="_self"> </a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="are getting spooky" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/10/08/map-salt-lake-free-haunted-houses-halloween-pumpkin-patch" data-vars-content-id="d49dc210-04ed-4271-8392-051d09b84743" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake&#x27;s best haunted houses and Halloween displays: Mapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/10/08/map-salt-lake-free-haunted-houses-halloween-pumpkin-patch" target="_self">are getting spooky</a> with fog machines, wiggling animatronics and eerie lighting — and we want you to relish every jump scare. The big picture: We curate a map of the county&#x27;s best-decorated houses <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="each" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/10/08/map-salt-lake-free-haunted-houses-halloween-pumpkin-patch" data-vars-content-id="d49dc210-04ed-4271-8392-051d09b84743" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake&#x27;s best haunted houses and Halloween displays: Mapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/10/08/map-salt-lake-free-haunted-houses-halloween-pumpkin-patch" target="_self">each</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/10/29/salt-lake-home-haunts-halloween-displays" data-vars-content-id="d49dc210-04ed-4271-8392-051d09b84743" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake&#x27;s best haunted houses and Halloween displays: Mapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/10/29/salt-lake-home-haunts-halloween-displays" target="_self">year</a>, with updates throughout October so you can find the biggies near you.

Utah voters to weigh 60% threshold for some citizen initiatives

Amendment B would require 60% voter approval for ballot initiatives that raise taxes.

A Republican-backed constitutional amendment on the November ballot could make it harder to pass <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="citizen-led ballot initiatives" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/04/28/utah-ballot-referendum-signatures-difficult" data-vars-content-id="6da121a9-c4c9-46da-8ac2-4a9900256f44" data-vars-headline="Utah voters to weigh 60% threshold for some citizen initiatives" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/04/28/utah-ballot-referendum-signatures-difficult" target="_self">citizen-led ballot initiatives</a> that raise taxes.Why it matters: Critics say Amendment B would dilute Utahns&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voting power" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/09/16/utah-mail-elections-2026-changes" data-vars-content-id="6da121a9-c4c9-46da-8ac2-4a9900256f44" data-vars-headline="Utah voters to weigh 60% threshold for some citizen initiatives" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/09/16/utah-mail-elections-2026-changes" target="_self">voting power</a>.

Utah is about to enter its bagel era

Jeff's Bagel Run is betting big on the Beehive State, with plans to open 15 stores in northern Utah.

Culture

Utah&#x27;s emerging bagel scene is about to get bigger with the arrival of two national chains.The big picture: Utah has long been known for being a bagel desert, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Salt Lake City" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city" data-vars-content-id="c3aad4fa-7431-4843-89a3-2c6dc9a5db2f" data-vars-headline="Utah is about to enter its bagel era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city" target="_self">Salt Lake City</a> shops like the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bagel Project" data-vars-click-url="https://bagelproject.com/" data-vars-content-id="c3aad4fa-7431-4843-89a3-2c6dc9a5db2f" data-vars-headline="Utah is about to enter its bagel era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bagelproject.com/" target="_blank">The Bagel Project</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Baby&#x27;s Bagels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.babysbagels.com/" data-vars-content-id="c3aad4fa-7431-4843-89a3-2c6dc9a5db2f" data-vars-headline="Utah is about to enter its bagel era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.babysbagels.com/" target="_blank">Baby&#x27;s Bagels</a> have helped change that with their New York-style varieties.

Salt Lake City wants to help fund your community event

Applications are now open for the mayor's annual Arts, Culture and Entertainment Grant.

Have an idea for an event that brings Salt Lake City residents together?State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Applications are now open" data-vars-click-url="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01a039bc6c307789b548048df433cd76" data-vars-content-id="27159f9b-337a-4c99-bb03-80bba3a9e900" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City wants to help fund your community event" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01a039bc6c307789b548048df433cd76" target="_blank">Applications are now open</a> for the mayor&#x27;s annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arts, Culture and Entertainment Grant" data-vars-click-url="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/f5f6788c754b42829b4042ed3d01598e" data-vars-content-id="27159f9b-337a-4c99-bb03-80bba3a9e900" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City wants to help fund your community event" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/f5f6788c754b42829b4042ed3d01598e" target="_blank">Arts, Culture and Entertainment Grant</a>, which helps support festivals, neighborhood gatherings and cultural celebrations.

Salt Lake City to celebrate the 9th & 9th whale's new look

The new mural by local artist Jiyoun Lee-Lodge is inspired by the Great Salt Lake and Utah's open skies.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="9th &amp; 9th whale" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/08/02/the-slc-whale-new-mural" data-vars-content-id="008cead4-6d96-4324-8d6a-d731152909ab" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City to celebrate the 9th &amp; 9th whale&#x27;s new look" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/08/02/the-slc-whale-new-mural" target="_self">9th &amp; 9th whale</a> is making a splash with a new look.State of play: Salt Lake City is holding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Whale Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://publicart.slc.gov/whale-fest-2026/" data-vars-content-id="008cead4-6d96-4324-8d6a-d731152909ab" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City to celebrate the 9th &amp; 9th whale&#x27;s new look" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://publicart.slc.gov/whale-fest-2026/" target="_blank">Whale Fest</a> from 2-7pm Saturday to celebrate the landlocked whale&#x27;s new mural.

Utah ranks second in the U.S. for library use

Cultural factors and large household sizes may contribute to why Utahns check out so many books.

Utah ranks second in the nation for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public library use" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/library-book-checkout-map" data-vars-content-id="70366766-260c-4bfb-9073-bd7875642f4b" data-vars-headline="Utah ranks second in the U.S. for library use" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/library-book-checkout-map" target="_self">public library use</a>, with more than 11 checkouts per person, federal data shows.The big picture: Cultural factors and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="large household sizes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/12/04/utah-three-generation-households-census" data-vars-content-id="70366766-260c-4bfb-9073-bd7875642f4b" data-vars-headline="Utah ranks second in the U.S. for library use" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/12/04/utah-three-generation-households-census" target="_self">large household sizes</a> may contribute to why Utahns check out more books than people in other states.

Tower of Terror sees attendance rise as audiences flock to horror movies

Attendance for the annual event has grown 35% between 2022 and 2025.

Broadway Centre Cinemas&#x27; annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tower of Terror horror film series" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/08/15/tower-of-terror-horror-film-lineup-2025-halloween" data-vars-content-id="2fc78e33-fb82-4073-b73d-c54527db5b58" data-vars-headline="Tower of Terror sees attendance rise as audiences flock to horror movies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/08/15/tower-of-terror-horror-film-lineup-2025-halloween" target="_self">Tower of Terror horror film series</a> is pulling bigger crowds as horror goes mainstream. Why it matters: The genre is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drawing more moviegoers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/studios-bet-horror-films-reanimate-cinemas-2025-07-05/" data-vars-content-id="2fc78e33-fb82-4073-b73d-c54527db5b58" data-vars-headline="Tower of Terror sees attendance rise as audiences flock to horror movies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/studios-bet-horror-films-reanimate-cinemas-2025-07-05/" target="_blank">drawing more moviegoers</a> and earning new respect from critics after decades of being <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dismissed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcrw.com/shows/press-play-with-madeleine-brand/stories/sinners-nabs-record-16-oscar-noms-has-horror-finally-found-respect" data-vars-content-id="2fc78e33-fb82-4073-b73d-c54527db5b58" data-vars-headline="Tower of Terror sees attendance rise as audiences flock to horror movies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcrw.com/shows/press-play-with-madeleine-brand/stories/sinners-nabs-record-16-oscar-noms-has-horror-finally-found-respect" target="_blank">dismissed</a> as lowbrow.

Meet Salt Lake City's first poet laureate, Joel Long 

Joel Long will serve as a cultural ambassador for the city, writing original poetry about civic life.

Joel Long, a creative writing and English high school teacher, has been named Salt Lake City&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first poet laureate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/04/20/first-poet-laureate-arts-apply" data-vars-content-id="dae50bc7-17ff-4598-b8e5-37be3dd252d0" data-vars-headline="Meet Salt Lake City&#x27;s first poet laureate, Joel Long " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/04/20/first-poet-laureate-arts-apply" target="_self">first poet laureate</a>.The big picture: Long will serve as a cultural ambassador for the city, writing original poetry about civic life, developing programming and leading public readings in the city&#x27;s seven council districts.

Where to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Utah

The monthlong celebration honors Latino heritage, culture and history in the U.S.

Hispanic Heritage Month is underway, with events around the Salt Lake Valley celebrating Latino culture and history in the U.S.Why it matters: Latinos are one of the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fastest-growing demographic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ksl.com/article/51548825/the-main-motor-latinos-accounted-for-nearly-half-of-utahs-growth-from-2020-to-2025" data-vars-content-id="89944850-0d2c-454c-9e22-990bc938a47b" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Utah" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ksl.com/article/51548825/the-main-motor-latinos-accounted-for-nearly-half-of-utahs-growth-from-2020-to-2025" target="_blank">fastest-growing demographic</a> groups, representing nearly 1 in 5 Utahns.

Why you should visit the Creative Arts building at the Utah State Fair

With treasures like Masking Tape Godzilla and Lego Jesus, it's the best show in town.

Things to Do

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Creative Arts category" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/08/23/utah-state-fair-entries-creative-arts-food-agriculture" data-vars-content-id="abe064c6-f850-4fae-ac3a-d9f78c41bb7c" data-vars-headline="Why you should visit the Creative Arts building at the Utah State Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/08/23/utah-state-fair-entries-creative-arts-food-agriculture" target="_self">Creative Arts category</a> at the Utah State Fair once again produced a cornucopia of inspiration, with arts, crafts and assorted curiosities like ugly babies:<figure><img alt="Grotesque puppet head with many eyes and a toothy mouth, suspended by a black arc frame; a purple Utah State Fair ribbon rests in front against a light wall." height="2268" id="fb2fb22a-a8c4-4026-986b-1e541fd4d6a4" src="https://images.axios.com/8EXzz3yUdDdeTaQxcbF1vLy9hQs=/2026/09/17/1789682067682.jpeg" width="2268"/><figcaption>A sculpture aptly labeled, &quot;ANOMALOUS OBJECT.&quot; Photo: Erin Alberty/Axios</figcaption></figure>A roadside game of thrones:

Historic Tower Theatre in Salt Lake City will reopen in 2028

The restoration of the 1928 venue comes as local independent theaters in the U.S. see a resurgence.

Salt Lake City&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="iconic Tower Theatre" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/08/07/salt-lake-city-tower-theatre-9th-historic-reopen" data-vars-content-id="592c3734-47a5-4380-9097-81bc08d6dee4" data-vars-headline="Historic Tower Theatre in Salt Lake City will reopen in 2028" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/08/07/salt-lake-city-tower-theatre-9th-historic-reopen" target="_self">iconic Tower Theatre</a> is on track to reopen in 2028 after closing in 2020. Why it matters: The beloved arthouse theater is among a rare few from its era still standing, serving as a gathering place for cinephiles to celebrate film culture.

The many sides of Salt Lake City's 999 Ride

Some bicyclists say the 999 Ride has lost its way as ridership and police presence grow.

Salt Lake City&#x27;s 999 Ride is a celebration of cycling culture — and a source of frustration for riders and non-riders alike who see the weekly gathering as chaotic and disruptive.Why it matters: Salt Lake City police have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ramped up enforcement efforts " data-vars-click-url="https://www.ksl.com/article/news/utah/police-and-courts/salt-lake-police-conduct-enforcement-around-999-ride/51507574" data-vars-content-id="278bea83-7e17-441e-bc4e-3ea1b6fa1a05" data-vars-headline="The many sides of Salt Lake City&#x27;s 999 Ride" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ksl.com/article/news/utah/police-and-courts/salt-lake-police-conduct-enforcement-around-999-ride/51507574" target="_blank">ramped up enforcement efforts </a>during rides this summer, prompting some longtime cyclists to reconsider the tradition.

A choropleth map of the U.S. shows library checkouts per person in a given service area for FY 2024. The national rate is 6.5 physical and digital items. Oregon leads with 13.3 items per person, while Mississippi lags with 1.9. Data is not available for Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts and Oregon.

Library materials checked out per person

Data: Institute of Museum and Library Services Public Libraries Survey; Note: Reporting periods and adherence to survey definitions can vary by state; "No data" states did not report electronic material circulation; Map: Sami Sparber/Axios