SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah — Salt Lake County has approved a key step toward bringing a new County Library branch to West Valley City in a shared facility with Ballet West. The Salt Lake County Council unanimously approved the Library Board’s motion to partner with Ballet West in construction of a new library branch. The new two-story facility, which will be built on the West Valley branch’s current location on Lancer Way, will include the Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy studios (second floor) and a black box theater.
“Rebuilding the West Valley branch is about more than bricks and books—it’s about updating a public space to ensure it truly works for today and tomorrow. This project reflects my commitment to smart modernization, environmental responsibility, and designing places that bring people together,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “Our libraries are civic anchors and, with this revitalized branch, we’re delivering a future-ready hub for residents—one that pairs strong public purpose with private-sector innovation through a meaningful public-private partnership.”
The County Library will move forward to the next stages of the project to identify an architectural firm and meet with city leaders and residents to gather the needs and wants of the community. Recent library branches in Kearns, South Jordan, and South Salt Lake have included a playground, amphitheaters, walking paths, a rooftop garden, expanded meeting room space, and enhanced Create spaces—design features pinpointed through open houses and listening sessions in the neighborhoods.
“As one of the nation’s largest, and most highly regarded training academies in America, the Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy continues to grow, resulting in full classes with little room to meet the needs of children and families on the west side,” said Ballet West Executive Director Michael Scolamiero. “Serving the greater West Valley City area is yet another way for us to reach new communities and new audiences. The inclusion of a black-box theatre will fill a profound void of affordable performance space on the west side, enabling community organizations to present performances in a state-of-the art facility. We are particularly excited about a partnership with the Library Board and continuing our longstanding partnership with Salt Lake County that has been incredibly beneficial to Ballet West and the community.”
The West Valley branch opened in 1969 and is one of the oldest and smallest branches in the system. In 2024 the West Valley branch had 123,000 visitors who checked out 160,000 items and attended more than 1,000 programs and activities.
“Our County Library system supports residents with the tools and resources they need to learn, connect, and thrive,” said Salt Lake County Council Chair Aimee Winder Newton. “We know West Valley residents are excited about a new County library branch, and it will be a great model for how strong partnerships can build better public services, bring people together, and support community growth.”
“The West Valley branch has been a cornerstone of the community for decades, and a modernized branch will allow Salt Lake County to continue serving West Valley residents well into the future,” said Library Director Joey McNamee. “Our unique partnership with Ballet West reflects and strengthens the cultural interests of our West Valley neighborhoods—an added benefit that enriches the community experience even further.”
Originally settled as farming communities west of the Jordan River, West Valley City incorporated in 1980 and has since grown to be the second-largest city in Utah.
“West Valley City is already at work on a comprehensive update to our General Plan that supports the vitality of our community,” said West Valley City Mayor Karen Lang. “The new building will support the early learning and lifelong learning of our residents through both the County Library branch and Ballet West’s studios.”
About the County Library
The County Library is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our community by inspiring imagination, satisfying curiosity and providing a great place for everyone to visit. You belong at the County Library and your interest to read, create, learn, play and connect is supported by our employees, programs, collection and online resources. Early and lifelong learning, as well as equal access for all, are at the forefront of all that we do.
About Ballet West
Ballet West, led by Artistic Director Adam Sklute, has been celebrated for innovation and excellence since 1963. Based in Salt Lake City, it presents classical masterpieces, historic works like America’s first, and longest-running Nutcracker, and bold new creations that push the art form forward. Through the Frederick Q. Lawson Ballet West Academy, Ballet West trains the next generation of ballet artists and audiences in classical technique. The company also extends its reach into the broader community through one of the largest outreach and education programs in the country.