This play is based on the real life of Salt Lake City’s most famous librarian, Josh Hanagarne. Perfect for all ages, this story shows how learning and kindness are as important as physical strength.
The World's Strongest Librarian is presented by the BYU's The Young Company.
Written by Jeff Gottesfeld and Elizabeth Wong From the book by Josh Hanagarne
Directed by Adam Houghton
A play about the power of books, muscles and human kindness. Josh is the children's librarian at a public library facing a huge budget crisis. He's also a power lifter, pumping iron in the library basement. Kids flock to his unconventional story time and check out books by the dozens. When the town says the library needs to close for monetary reasons Josh and the kids are hit hard and stage a '60s-inspired “Read-In” rather than let their library be shut down. The World's Strongest Librarian will get kids pumped up to read, to work themselves into shape, and especially to be kind to others.
Production runs about 50 minutes, and will be followed with a short talk by Josh Hanagarne.
AGE GROUP: | Tweens | Teens | Kids | Family |
EVENT TYPE: | Performances & Presentations |
NOTE: The Main Library's Rooftop Terrace is closed for renovations.
Salt Lake City's Main Library, designed by internationally-acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie in conjunction with VCBO Architecture, opened in February 2003 and remains one of the most architecturally unique structures in Utah. This striking 240,000 square-foot structure houses more than 500,000 books and other materials, yet serves as more than just a repository of books and computers. It reflects and engages the city's imagination and aspirations. The structure embraces a public plaza, with shops and services at ground level, reading galleries above, and a 300-seat auditorium.
A multi-level reading area along the Glass Lens at the southern facade of the building looks out onto the plaza with stunning views of the city and Wasatch Mountains beyond. Spiraling fireplaces on four floors resemble a column of flame from the vantage of 200 East and 400 South. The Urban Room between the Library and the Crescent Wall is a space for all seasons, generously endowed with daylight and open to magnificent views.
