Sprague Branch Library

I would like to write a review of this library, as it was one of the most pleasant library visits I’ve had in a while. I think most librarians are (supposed to be) helpful, kind, and thorough… but this little library takes the cake in those departments. When I showed up in SLC for a several-​month-​stay, the first thing I wanted to do was get a library card. I went walking and found this wonderful, elegant establishment (which seems to be housing a solid collection of graphic novels, also). The librarian was more than helpful: and the environment was warm and welcoming; not grumpy. They had several books that I was looking for, but when they didn’t, it was ordered and shipped to the library for pickup within 24 hours. Good work, small-​but-​tough Sprague Library. Keep your head up.

The Sprague Library is a super cute little branch in a convenient location in downtown Sugar House. Parking can be tricky but the strip mall behind the library can be a good place (I believe there is a 2 hour limit to park there). The librarians and other folks working here are all pleasant and the space is clean and inviting. Downstairs is a little art gallery space which sometimes has special talks and readings as well. I would come here more except the hours are pretty limited (it opens at 10 a.m.), seating/​work space is limited, and sometimes there are a few too many homeless folks just hanging out. I know SLC is a metropolitan area and I do not wish to shirk the plight of the homeless, however I do not believe tax paying citizens should be repelled from their public space because of homelessness. In addition, if you happen to be there as certain times (such as during a children’s event) there is an explosion of small children running amok which can either be cute, or annoying depending on your point of view.
In short: I am thankful to have a branch close to home but like the main branch, can’t rely on it for study/​work space.

This is a small-​town library, though obviously stuffed into a large urban metropolitan area. I imagine they’re keeping it there for some flavor (the building itself is a bit quaint), as it can’t really be serving any sort of huge purpose, other than free computer usage, perhaps. All of those were full when I was there. It looked as though it had a decent DVD selection, though all of the book selections were on the slight side. I liked the layout, which was a bit labyrinth-​y. There is also a huge meeting room, though it was occupied by persons decidedly not in meetings when I was there. Most of the place smells like an aged library should, which is like most good used bookstores do (and it’s that slightly musty book-​y smell that you recognize immediately when you encounter it). The children’s area, however, was downright funky and is badly in need of airing out. It did seem to get a lot of traffic and anything that gets kids into libraries and exposed to books is a huge plus with me. I would do a pretty dramatic u-​turn, though, if I smelled a daycare like that, for instance. It probably doesn’t help that 100% of the carpet in this place needs replacing. Aside from that, I’m mostly glad it’s there, even if, in reality, it’s hardly necessary.

Great place to catch a quiet moment online, then pickup some books or DVDs to take home. Good selection!

Tiny and efficiently beautiful. This is how I would describe this Library. It is a hidden gem lurking in the midst of a busy shopping plaza in Sugar House. They have converted a historical house and filled it with books and decorations. Very good selections of books, movies, and music.

Cute little library in the heart of Sugarhouse. I came here for a La Leche League meeting, which was held in the basement conference room. I was really impressed by the meeting space. It was large and spacious, very clean, and plenty of chairs. There also appeared to be an overhead projector available.
The library is small but has all the basics and the staff is super helpful. They have a decent sized kids section.
If you follow your google maps GPS to get here just know there is little to no parking along highland. It’s better to park in the shopping center parking lot, which is where the library front doors face anyway.

I like this library a lot! I often come here on weekends to work on my homework. The building is very cute and quiet, and it’s been my experience that they generally have a great selection of books. I appreciate their wide variety of DVDs which patrons are also able to check out for free.
The one thing that I would change is their winter weekend hours. They close at 6 on Saturday and at 5 on Sunday. Since I am too easily distracted to get much done at home, this seriously cuts into my work time. A couple more hours would go a very long way!

Cute library! Great for meetings. We have La Leche mtgs there often and it’s great. The staff are always so nice.

Sprague library is wonderful. They have so many programs throughout the week, including a sleep over for stuffed animals. For Valentine’s Day, they have activities to either make paper valentines, or to write about why love sucks. Plus, they host our monthly Sugar House Community Council meetings. If you live in the neighborhood, you need to visit Sprague!

I love going to the library and this one is close to my house. I always come here to pick up travel books before my vacation. Sprague has a very well stocked selection of countries, continents, and states. There’s a pretty big DVD/​CD rental selection, with tv series, documentaries, foreign films, independent films, workout and language learning titles, and tons of music! Its easy to find a book to take home as there is a good variety of genres and selection.
You can use your city or county card to check stuff out. Big kids section too.

Closest to my home. It’s small but has a great selection. An old, possibly historic building (?) so take that into consideration. The downstairs (non-​fiction and children area) sometimes has a smell … Not a good smell. Oh well.
There’s a huge meeting room downstairs in the back. Several times I’ve been here and there have been people talking on their phones inside (for 20+ minutes) which irritates me, but that’s no fault of the library.
The automated checkout system is great; emailed checkout receipt and email reminders.
With SLC library system member ship you can access Overdrive for ebooks on your iPad or other e-​device. Also get 5 free music downloads per month but I never have time to browse them.
Overall a great library.