Fred Mertlich’s artwork captures the places, structures, landscapes, and subjects that help tell the story of Utah and Wasatch County. His detailed illustrations preserve the past while documenting the present for future generations.

Through his artwork, Mertlich has helped create a visual record of Wasatch County, capturing historic buildings and familiar scenes that connect generations. His work is not limited to the past; recent illustrations include the Wasatch County Library buildings and surrounding schools. His work reflects a lifelong appreciation for history, architecture, nature, and the communities that make Utah unique.

Art Reception: Friday, September 25, 5- 6 p.m., at Wasatch County Library. Community members are invited to attend the reception and recognize an artist whose work has contributed to the preservation of local Wasatch County history. This reception will also be in honor of Mertlich’s 90th birthday.

Contact: Juan Lee, Wasatch County Library Director,
435-654-1511, jlee@wasatchcounty.utah.gov

The library exists to serve the community—and it’s impressively well-prepared to do so. This article offers just a glimpse of the many resources and programs available right now. And while I won’t talk about books (you already know a library has those!), I hope you’ll be inspired to stop by and explore everything beyond the shelves. Let’s dive in:

The Seed Library

Did you know that you can check out plants from the library? Not fully-grown ones, mind you, but a cabinet on the library’s upper floor contains a wide variety of seed packets that you are free to take home with you and try your hand at cultivating. The library additionally offers gardening tips and plant information, courtesy of its partnerships with local agricultural education organizations, so you can “return” the leftover seeds from your harvests.

Youth Programs

I’ve condensed so many things into one category here, because otherwise the entire article would just be listing specific clubs, recurring events, and organizations tailored to kids of all ages. There’s a Lego club. Chess. Minecraft. Movies. Dungeons & Dragons. Pokemon. A bunch of kids were having a full-blown Roblox tournament while I was interviewing people. There are book clubs, and national community programs like Sages and Seekers that connect teens with trusted 60+ year-olds interested in passing down everything from life advice to hobby expertise. There’s a weekly Toddler Play Time, where families with young children can enjoy everything from puppet shows to art projects. None of which require a library card. I got to chat with a woman who was visiting for the summer from Florida who was so glad to have an accessible space where her daughter could play with other kids her age.

Fine Arts

Thanks to your tax funds allocated to Trails, Arts, and Parks, the Wasatch County Library regularly hosts local and regional musicians for free live music. Tour galleries showcasing the work of local painters, sculptors, and photographers. Attend book-signings for local authors. Create your own art with the aid of qualified mentors as part of the monthly Try Something Tuesday.

Games

Cabinets on the first floor contain numerous board and card games ready to be played on the reading tables or in any of the multi-purpose rooms. Not only that, but you are free to check out games to play at home. For any fellow board game enthusiasts reading this, they’ve got plenty of the good stuff.

A State-of-the-Art Creator Space

The library offers a vast range of creative hobby equipment for use on-site in a dedicated workshop space. Why not learn how to operate a sewing machine? Ever thought about taking up crochet? Use the library’s 3D printer to create a prototype of your new invention. Make use of cutting-edge technology like the laser level, or immerse yourself in living history by learning how to use traditional leatherworking tools.

History

Ever wanted to look at old maps of the city? Learn about the extensive documents and historical archives the library has on hand. Interested in the history and stories of coins? Join the Wasatch  Coin and History Club. Additionally, the library is beginning the rollout of its local history preservation program, where patrons can come in and record family stories and oral histories.

Private Audio Space

Upstairs, tucked against a wall near the balcony, a soundproof room is available for use by library patrons. The new space will allow community members to record personal audio projects, as well as provide an invaluable community resource for people who need a private space for telehealth appointments, job interviews, or sensitive conversations. The room comfortably seats up to four people.

Librarians

Let me introduce you to our program librarians:

Dana Brosnahan, the children’s librarian, is a delightful woman whose favorite dinosaur is the stegosaurus. She is doing a wonderful job of creating a welcoming and engaging space for kids, judging by how happy all of the ones I saw looked. She is a kind, charming woman who is extremely pleasant to spend time with, and the kids all seem to love her. She was also eager to answer my questions about volunteer opportunities and other methods of community involvement.

Brittnie Hecht is the young adult librarian, and she is exactly the sort of person who you would expect someone whose favorite dinosaur is Ducky from the Land Before Time to be. She is so proud of all of the teens and tweens she works with, and will eagerly tell you all about how excited they are to participate in the book clubs and D&D games she helps run. You will want to play board games with her within minutes of meeting her.

Kate Mapp, the adult service librarian, is fun, personable, and just as reassuring as anyone who not only is prepared to preemptively defend the noble pterodactyl’s claim to dinosaurhood, but also offers the wooly mammoth as a backup favorite prehistoric creature could possibly be. She was more than willing to delve into the details of the library’s events schedule with me. She works hard to ensure that adults have ways of meaningfully participating in all-ages events, and also makes certain to create spaces for adults to try new things in a relaxed, professional setting that respects their intelligence and time. I enjoyed her presence immensely.

I’ve barely scratched the surface—there’s the puzzle swap, the dragon statues in the children’s section, Friday craft kits, the movie library, Libby’s endless digital shelves… and the list goes on. To me, the Wasatch County Library is straight out of Reading Rainbow—a magical place where imagination soars. And the best part? It’s right here, it’s real, and it’s free.