It is no surprise that in Park City, even our Adult Services Librarian is a former ski patroller and wilderness ranger. “My parents were ski patrollers at Arapahoe Basin, and I always wanted to do it,” Kate Mapp says. “I found my community with fellow ski patrollers at The Canyons.” She summered as a ranger in Little and Big Cottonwood canyons and the High Uinta Wilderness, among other rugged locales.
But the great indoors kept calling.
“I always sought out libraries,” she says. “They allow you to feel connected, collect your thoughts, have conversations, or just daydream.”
After managing the Summit County system, Kate arrived at the Park City Library six years ago. She calls it “the community living room,” where displays and programs stimulate conversation. “I love being innovative and creative,” she says of her exhibits. Her discoveries range from a collection of snow globes (Ethel Preston’s of KPCW) to 50 illustrated portraits of history-making Utah women by artist Brooke Smart, currently on display.
Still, the outdoors is never far. “I love to hike with my dog, mountain bike with my husband and son, ski with my entire family, or sip a nice rosé on the deck at sunset,” she smiles. Kate says the doggo occasionally finds her way to the office, too. “Luna, my chocolate Lab, needs to say “Hi” to the other dogs in the open space next to the library,” she laughs.
The ranger and ski patroller outlook remains, too. ”I always enjoyed helping people find their way off the mountain or the trail,” she observes. “Now, I help them find their way to their next book, job, or hobby.”
We think of Kate as the guide to our exterior and interior spaces. Get to know Kate, Luna, and the “community living room” at parkcitylibrary.org.