Utah
Utah libraries are busier than ever, library director says
FILE: The Kearns library branch is pictured on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Despite what you may think, the Weber County Library Director says Utah libraries are busier than ever before. (Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
(Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah libraries are busier than ever before.
In an age where information is at our fingertips, you might think that library use would be on the decline. However, Weber County Library Director, Lynnda Wangsgard said it’s actually the opposite.
“Without a doubt, this is the busiest the public library has ever been in our community,” she said.
According to Wangsgard, last year, almost nine items per capita were borrowed from libraries in Weber County. Library facilities like meeting rooms and classrooms also saw an increase of 25%.
Additionally, Wangsgard said people are looking for credible information they can find at the library rather than on social media. They also like the sense of community it provides.
“They’re looking for valid sources of information [and] for facts,” she said. “They’re looking for information that has been vetted.”
Libraries also serve as important gathering places for the community. They serve as third places when there aren’t many left, according to Wangsgard.
Click here to find libraries in your area.
Devin Oldroyd contributed to this story.
Britt Johnson is a reporter and anchor for KSL NewsRadio.
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Utah
Utah suicide rates twice national average, Summit County Health Department says
Summit County Health Director Phil Bondurant said the early 2026 survey found men are suffering with significant mental and behavioral health challenges between the ages of 10 and 44. In the U.S., Bondurant said, suicide is the second leading cause of death, behind unintentional injury.
“It’s the eighth leading cause of death nationally across all ages of men,” he said on KPCW’s “Local News Hour” June 8. “When we look at this in Utah, we are two times the national average in suicides, and when you look at men, three of the four suicides in the state of Utah are men.”
He said that’s disproportionate to women. Roughly 31 out of 100,000 suicide deaths in Utah are men while less than 9 deaths per 100,000 are women.
FULL INTERIVEW: Summit County Health Department Phil Bondurant
Bondurant said those statistics are related to men feeling isolated, experiencing depression and uncertainty about the future. But, he said the health department has worked to develop programs to break the stigma around men’s mental health and help people access care.
“It’s important that we remember that connection, conversation, help and support, just like our physical health, when we’re not feeling well or we break a bone, we go to the doctor, and they do what they do to help us get better and help our bodies mend,” he said. “Our mental health is the same way, we need to take care of it.”
He said uninsured residents that need help can call the health department and speak with the behavioral health team.
There is also a 24-hour 988 crisis hotline for people who need help or know someone who needs help. Utahns can also download the SafeUT app to speak with licensed counselors, submit safety tips and confidential help.
Utah
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