If you’re a corporate traveler in Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake City Public Library should be among your top ten places to visit in the metropolitan area. The architecture and design of the library is ultra-modern with a bicycle rack that spells out the word “Bike” and a row of small stores along one side of the building. Who can get tired of restful afternoons spent reading a book in front of four-story glass walls with mountain views? Although, word to the wise, parking can add up quickly so take the light rail—there’s a TRAX stop across the street. The gorgeous open-air concept can lead to noise issues—the children’s library is on the lower level so if you are, for example, studying for the bar exam or any other weighty issue this library may not be the best place for you to get your work done. The Salt Lake City Public Library offers writing classes, films, lectures and even boasts a small art gallery which exhibits local and regional art. Their lecture series is edgy and engaging—this November the library is hosting an editor and staff writer from The Onion to discuss the newspaper’s history and readership. And be sure to get involved in the Utah Humanities Book Festival October 21-25, 2009. The festival brings together some of the most important American contemporary authors with readers in the Salt Lake area. So if you’re using Salt Lake City corporate housing and have some down time, read a book on the list and then join in the lively discussion!