Since 2009, the Friends have maintained two early literacy programs:
Best Beginnings Begin with Books and Buddies of The City Library. Implemented at all three hospitals in Salt Lake
City, the Best Beginnings program is designed to give new parents information about the importance of reading to newborns,
guidance on raising a reader, and a free board book for our newest residents. 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.
Funds raised by the Friends support The City Library's programs, staff development, and promotional efforts.
Examples of Friends-supported initiatives include:
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.
Staff Development Day: the Friends of The City Library fund events on the annual day-long staff training, including
support for programming and tasty vittles to keep staff energy up.
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.
Friends MLS Scholarship: City Library staff pursuing their Master's degree in Library or Information Science are
encouraged to apply for a scholarship from the Friends organization to help offset the cost of tuition.
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 NPR's Scott Simon and Golden Legacy author Leonard Marcus.