Davis County to lease temporary off-site library space during Bountiful branch renovation

The Davis County Commission on Dec. 23 approved a two-year lease with Liberty Hills Academy to serve as a temporary off-site location while the county renovates the Bountiful library branch.

Josh, the county library director, told commissioners the Bountiful branch is one of the busiest in the county and that architects recommended extensive rehabilitation of the existing building rather than building a new structure. "We will need to close that branch to renovate," he said, and the temporary site will allow staff to provide as much service as possible during construction.

The lease total was presented as $239,886 for the two‑year term. Commissioners noted there will be additional costs to ready the site for public use, including adding internet service and other small improvements. Chair Lorraine Kamalu praised staff and partners for the work to identify an interim location and asked the public to expect service adjustments during the renovation.

Commissioner John Cross moved approval of the lease; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Staff said the renovation follows a multi-year feasibility process and coordination with Bountiful City and other local stakeholders. The project team told the commission the existing building will be taken "to the bones" and rebuilt rather than fully replaced, and that facilities and architects are actively working on plans and timelines.

The libraries also sought and won approval to renew two digital resources (Flipster and MyHeritage) to maintain services while the Bountiful branch undergoes renovation. The commission approved the contract renewals and the temporary‑location lease in the same session.

Next steps include site preparations at the Liberty Hills location, procurement for construction work on the Bountiful branch and public notices about service changes and temporary hours.