SLC's Main Library invites public to reopening of rooftop terrace on May 17.
View from the Top
By Benjamin Wood @BjaminWood
After a nearly two-year-long closure for renovation and repairs, the Salt Lake City Public Library is set to reopen its downtown Rooftop Terrace on May 17 with a public celebration between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
In a press announcement on Friday, the library promised a "Big Party!" to show off the terrace's upgrades, which coincided with work to repair the 20-year-old structure's waterproofing and drainage systems. The changes are intended to make the terrace more conducive to community use, from day-to-day visitation by library patrons to special events like yoga and live performances.
"With more shade, more trees and more seating, the Rooftop Terrace will become a perfect place to spend a sunny day reading, taking in the 360-degree views, and just passing the time," the announcement states.
The library also noted the return of honeybee hives that have traditionally been housed on the Rooftop Terrace. The bees—an "unofficial mascot of the Main Library"—produce roughly 100 pounds of honey each year and were awarded 1st place at the 2016 Utah State Fair. The reopening on May 17 includes several programmatic tributes to the hives' return to Library Square.
"The apiaries will be viewable from the roof, and the bee-themed performances, storytimes, activities and honey-themed foods are planned for the reopening party," the announcement states.
The new Rooftop Terrace also features a mural by local artist Cole Eisenhour, and clear safety glass has been added to its perimeter. After May 17, the Rooftop Terrace is expected to be open year-round on good-weather days.
The Main Library is located at 210 E. 400 South, within the Utah Transit Authority's Free Fare Zone and adjacent to Library Station on the Trax Red Line.
About The Author
Benjamin Wood
Lifelong Utahn Benjamin Wood has worn the mantle of City Weekly's news editor since 2021. He studied journalism at Utah State University and previously wrote for The Salt Lake Tribune, the Deseret News and Entertainment Weekly
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