The year was 2005. Hurricane Katrina devastated Alabama and Louisiana, especially New Orleans. More than 1,800 people died and damage was estimated at $108 billion. The United States was fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Madagascar” was in movie theatres. “The Office” debuted on television. YouTube debuted online. Lance Armstrong won his seventh straight Tour de France before later being disqualified and banned from cycling for doping. And the Draper Library opened its current location.

To celebrate, the library hosted a 20th anniversary party Aug. 16, with special activities inside and outside. The building was a little noisier than usual, but per usual, all ages and walks of life came through the doors to enjoy all the library has to offer. County statistics show some 13,000 people visit the Draper Library every month. 

Katie and Dallin Hunter brought daughters Jane and Lucy to the library that Saturday, not knowing the celebration that awaited them. “We come at least a couple times a month,” Dallin said. Katie grew up in Davis County where she had access to a bookmobile. “Coming to the library is the next best thing. We’re big readers,” Katie said. 

Outside featured a kiddie pool where people could “fish” for prizes. Inside, background music from 2005 played, including Daniel Powter’s “Bad Day” song, and 2005 national and local trivia scrolled on the big screen TV in the large conference room recalling Jon Huntsman Jr. was Utah’s governor, the University of Utah won the Fiesta Bowl, and the San Antonio Spurs were NBA champions.

Several indoor activities were nods to the city’s history as the “Egg Basket of Utah,” back when Draper’s eggs were shipped nationwide, even to WWII soldiers. Participants could make a chicken paper craft and a train coloring craft. “That’s how the eggs got around the country,” librarian Sherry Ann Lee explained. 

Ruth and Claire Hanks had flowers painted on their faces as part of the festivities. The sisters enjoy riding their scooters to the library and cooling off as they peruse the books and play games. 

A large poster asked patrons “Why do you love the library?” People wrote answers such as “we like coming to the puppet shows,” “I love reading” and “the fireplace for a cozy reading environment.” One person wrote, “I used to walk to the library with my friends in the summer and we would love to find new books. Now I bring my little ones.” 

In the main library, a “Flashback to 2005” display still stands, offering popular movies and books from that year that can be checked out. Maybe you remember “The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion, “The Memory Keeper’s Daughter” by Kim Edwards or “Freakonomics” by Levitt and Dubner? Or the kids’ book “Llama Llama Red Pajama?” Or maybe 2005 movies like “Robots,” “Batman Begins,” and “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith” bring back fun memories.

Prior to 2005, the library was located in the basement of the historic Park School, a far cry from the current light-filled, LEED certified location built with an ongoing emphasis on energy and water efficiency, sustainable materials and sourcing, and accessibility. In addition to the prestigious LEED certification, the library honors Draper’s “Egg Basket” history with public art featuring chickens and a train theme throughout the kids’ area.

The library offers programs for kids, teens and adults, including services for people with disabilities. It also offers public computers, printing, faxing, copying and 3D printing.