In September, Dan Compton, the esteemed director of the Summit County Library, marked a significant milestone as he celebrated his 20th anniversary with the organization. His journey from a part-time library clerk to the director has been a remarkable testament to dedication, passion for community service, and a commitment to evolving library services in the digital age. Compton’s career began in Green River, Wyoming, where he developed a love for reading and education. Moving to Salt Lake City to attend Westminster University, he initially aspired to be a teacher. However, a chance opportunity led him to a part-time position at the Summit County Library. "I was looking at starting a master’s program, and I just wanted to get some experience working in a library," Compton recounted. This initial role ignited a passion for library sciences that has since shaped his career. Throughout his two decades at the library, Compton has held various positions that provided him with a comprehensive understanding of library operations. His roles have included reference librarian, circulation supervisor, and assistant director before taking on the directorial position in 2011. This diverse experience has equipped him with the empathy and insight needed to lead effectively. Compton stated, "I’ve been able to have jobs in all different aspects of the library, so when I became director, I had an understanding of what is required to do those jobs." Under Compton’s leadership, the Summit County Library has thrived as a community hub, offering a wide range of programs and services that cater to the needs of its patrons. Compton emphasizes the library's role in fostering community engagement, saying, "Our libraries are also getting really creative with lending out nontraditional items. We call it the ‘Library of Things,’ like if you need a blood pressure kit or something like that." One of Compton’s notable initiatives is the Book to Film Club, which has been running since 2014. This monthly gathering allows participants to read a book that has been adapted into a film and then come together to watch and discuss the movie. Compton’s passion for promoting literacy and community interaction through such programs reflects his belief in the library’s potential to enrich lives. The landscape of library services has transformed significantly over the past two decades, largely due to technological advancements. Compton notes the surging popularity of audiobooks as one of the most profound changes he has witnessed. Platforms like Libby and OverDrive have made audiobooks accessible to a wider audience, yet this increase in demand poses challenges for library budgets. "The publishers have also raised prices for libraries to purchase some of the content to make it available, so that’s provided a lot of challenges for us because the demand is rising like crazy, and we’re unable to keep up with it with our limited budget for collections," he explained. Despite the challenges, traditional print circulation remains robust, with many patrons still checking out physical books. Each of the library’s three branches hosts a variety of events, ensuring that something is happening almost every day. Compton highlights this vibrancy as a sign of the library’s growing role as a community gathering place, stating, "That’s something that I love to see because it really makes the place a community hub." Looking ahead, Compton and his team are preparing for an exciting transition in 2026, when the library will move into a newly renovated space at the former Skullcandy building located in Kimball Junction. This relocation promises to provide a state-of-the-art facility that will include larger meeting rooms, an expanded children’s area, and an outdoor patio. Compton expressed enthusiasm about this development, saying, "We are very excited to have this new space and more room and to be able to do more than we have in the past." In addition to the physical expansion, Compton aims to capture the memories and sentiments of patrons regarding the Richins Building, the current library space. He believes it is essential to preserve the history and emotional attachment the community has to the existing facility while embracing the opportunities that the new location will bring. As Compton reflects on his 20-year journey with the Summit County Library, he acknowledges the library's unique role in society. He states, "The library is one of the only places left where you can go and there isn’t an expectation of having to spend money. It’s just a place you can go and be. You can pursue your interests. You can come have a quiet space if you need to study." For more information about the Summit County Library, its programs, and an online catalog, interested individuals can visit www.thesummitcountylibrary.org. As Compton continues to lead the library into a new era, his commitment to serving the community remains steadfast, ensuring that the library remains a vital resource for generations to come.