Volunteers move 3,320 books in two hours for Santaquin library
A community effort relocated materials from the historic 1901 building to a new 12,000-square-foot facility scheduled to open in January.
By Lorenzo Marshall ·
Three thousand, three hundred and twenty books changed hands in just two hours during a volunteer event in Santaquin on Tuesday.
Seventy-eight adults and children participated in the organized transfer, moving materials from the city's existing library to a new building located across the street. Mayor Dan Olson described the efficiency of the group, stating that the books moved feverishly.
The current library operates out of a historic structure built in 1901 at 20 W. 100 South. Although the 3,500-square-foot space was remodeled approximately 25 years ago to meet safety codes, city officials determined the area was insufficient for current demand. The new facility spans 12,000 square feet.
Olson explained that the city aims to maintain the library as a functional learning center with access to computers, printers, and the internet, in addition to lending thousands of books monthly. He noted that the new space will better support these educational services.
Funding the new construction required careful budgeting to avoid increasing property taxes. Olson stated that the city finished the building without raising taxes, a goal he pursued after becoming mayor five years ago. He credited Chief Librarian Jen Wagner with securing grants to support the project.
The new library is expected to open in January with a special event. Organizers plan to hold additional book-moving sessions in the coming months. The full collection consists of 28,000 items, meaning thousands of volumes remain to be relocated.
Olson highlighted the participation of local children in the move. He said the students understood they were preserving local history and that the experience would serve as a lasting memory for them.
