The North Branch of the Weber County Library System opened at 475 E 2600 N, in North Ogden on January 14, 1983. The building, on a site donated by the City of North Ogden, was constructed at a cost of $700,000. The collection came primarily from the Emerson Stone Branch Library, which was closed on January 1, 1982. The facility was furnished with approximately $100,000 in community donations provided through the Weber County Library Development Fund. The North Branch service area was recognized by the Utah Library Association with its Special Services to Libraries Award in 1983, for their work in providing support and funding for the facility.
The 23,040 square foot building has a main floor and a full, unfinished basement, built to accommodate collection growth, expanded computer facilities, and other public services. Currently, the branch houses approximately 42,000 print and non-print items selected to support its mission to serve as a popular materials community information library. Two public computer centers, one specifically for children, and the other for people of all ages, offer access to in-house and Web-based electronic resources.
Special programs and services include book discussions, children’s discovery programs, public notary service, and classes in computer use. The branch has a public auditorium, complete with large screen video projection facilities, grand piano, and kitchenette, and a conference/study room is also available to not-for-profit community groups. The North Branch is home to a permanent collection of bronze sculpture representing “non-traditional women’s roles in the settling of the West.” During 1998, the main floor of the North Branch was completely renovated. The following year, the landscaping and parking area were significantly upgraded to accommodate the widening of 2600 North Street. Two Community Development Block Grants were used to upgrade access to the building, the first in 1986, to automate the entrance doors and the second in 2000, to remodel the checkout desk and make way for automated checkout units.
Future plans for the building include moving the auditorium into the unfinished basement, where it can be expanded to accommodate larger audiences; and adding additional shelving in the main floor area now occupied by the public meeting room.
