BOUNTIFUL—The much anticipated new South Branch Library is one step closer in the process of being built. The county has selected the architectural firm Modern Out West, with lead architect Trent H. Smith, to start the design process. 

“We wanted to hire an architect early in the process so we know what we need as a lot,” said Josh Johnson, Davis County Library Director. “We want to make sure it’s the right spot and that      the property suits our needs.”

The county is currently negotiating with Bountiful City for a land swap to build the new library on, he said. “The county owns the property the library sits on and the city owns the property adjacent to it. We want to get all of our ducks in a row so that we don't waste the city’s time. We’re doing our due diligence to make good solid decisions. It might take a little longer but it’s worth it. The city is doing everything they need to do too.”

In 2017, the county received funding for the Syracuse branch that needed expansion, Johnson said in an earlier interview. “They also needed to do something with Clearfield and the South Branch. It was aging and had significant structural problems. It either needed to be rebuilt or remodeled.”

The Syracuse Branch was remodeled and opened in 2019 and the decision was made to build a new Clearfield Branch that opened in 2021.

Johnson said they want to give quality services in the new library. “We want to do the right thing – we will build it for 50 years.”

Some of the upgrades in the new library will be a bigger conference room, he said. “There’s one small conference room now and it’s not adequate. We also want to give special attention to the children’s area.”

In addition they’ll be moving some services to Bountiful now that will be kept in the new building, said Johnson. “We’re putting in a 3D printer in April for National Library Week. The staff is prepping for that. It’s going to begin April 6.”

The Clearfield Library already has a 3D printer, he said. “We want to provide one for the north side and the south end.”

People can bring in a file and staff will help them download it and print it, Johnson said. “The cost is 10 cents per gram of filament. We round it to the nearest gram. They can come pick it up when it’s ready just like a hold. They pay the money for it when they come back. It’s first come first serve.”

The current library is one of the most well used and longest running in the system, he said. “It’s clearly an anchor location. It’s a busy place. It was my library when I was young so it’s fun to work on this project when I have a tie to that branch.”

It’s a big deal to people, said Johnson. “Probably three quarters or at least a good chunk of people went to or performed at that branch. We care about its place in the community and we want to make sure it’s right.”