West-side library lovers who hope a new Glendale library will function as the community's heart may get their wish.

The Salt Lake City Council on Tuesday gave its unanimous nod to the so-called "North" property, saying the parcel in the "heart" of Glendale — just off California Avenue and Concord Street (1250 West) — is the ideal location for the long-planned branch.

The decision ultimately will be made by the Library Board with input from Mayor Ralph Becker. But a long-serving steering committee also has endorsed the North site, a key factor in the council's decision.

Councilman Van Turner, who represents Glendale, says area residents fully support the location.

"They would like to see this blighted area that's been that way for 40 years ... to have something positive," Turner said.

He notes the locale is perfectly positioned between Glendale Junior High and Mountain View Elementary schools, and should help attract students, families and quality businesses.

The private property owner is willing to work with the city on the transaction if the site is selected for a library. If not, the owner intends to erect housing there.

Councilman Carlton Christensen agreed that the location provides a redevelopment opportunity. Children would not have to navigate busy California Avenue to get there, he noted, but hundreds would likely come regularly for computer access alone.

"It's been a real burden on that neighborhood for a long time," he said about the dilapidated property littered with some vacant buildings.

Library Director Beth Elder said the extensive search process "built a great sense of community." And she said the desire to build the branch in the middle of Glendale remains "very strong."

Construction of the new branch will take two years after the Library Board makes a final decision on the site, which is expected this spring.

Late last year, a city official recommended a new city-owned spot alongside the Jordan River near 900 South and 1000 West. The hope was to also service neighboring Poplar Grove and provide an anchor for a future streetcar envisioned along 900 South from the 9th & 9th neighborhood to Redwood Road. That idea never got rolling since it would delay the project by forcing the site-selection committee to essentially start over.

A second committee, charged with finding a location for a planned Marmalade library branch, may have its final list in another month. The committee is eyeing the vacant lot at 300 West and 500 North now that a planned development there has disappeared.

The council has authorized up to $17 million for the two new branches — $8.5 million for each — which could be raised through a combined 2012 property tax increase and a sales tax bond. —

Library Board gets two new members

Just one month after the city's Library Board faced four vacancies amid management turmoil, it is nearly back to full strength.

The City Council on Tuesday approved two new members to the board. One, Elizabeth Barlow Gupta, is a former board member who resigned her term early to move east. She is back on the board after recently relocating back to Salt Lake City.

Luana Chilelli, who is a 14-year Salt Lake City resident in the book business, also was selected. The council appointed a third new member last month.

"Some would say you're stepping into a bit of a quagmire," cautioned Councilman Soren Simonsen, a reference to the recent controversy over Director Beth Elder's management shake-up. Both board appointees said they are up to the challenge.

Derek P. Jensen