'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast Salt Lake
Where would Salt Lake City be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what these institutions offer residents. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran about how Chicago’s libraries have evolved to meet community needs, from opening a food pantry inside a branch to turning student IDs into automatic library cards — and how they could be even better. Plus, are the Chicago Bears still the Chicago Bears if they move to Indiana?
Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!
We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter
Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Salt Lake and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Charlie Kirk Case Moves to Trial, SLC’s Apartment Shrinkage, Pride Ride Returns
It’s official: Tyler Robinson will stand trial in Utah for the killing of political activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last...
Rating Utah's MICHELIN Restaurant, Data Center Money Pit, Fall Football Drama
Host Ali Vallarta ate at Utah’s first MICHELIN-starred restaurant. City Cast Salt Lake contributors Andy Larsen and Chandler Rosenberg gr...
Your Guide to September 2026 in Salt Lake
It’s September! The perfect bridge between summer and fall, and we’ve planned your month accordingly. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana M...
Our Governor's Temper, Fall Job Board, Utah's Hot New Book
Local author and Salt Lake Tribune humor columnist Eli McCann has a new book on Utah quilting culture drama. Host Ali Vallarta and execut...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Is Pittsburgh’s Airport the Gold Standard? — Presented By City Cast Salt Lake
The Salt Lake City airport definitely has a lot going for it, but what it doesn’t have is its own electrical grid, like Pittsburgh’s does...
MICHELIN Star in South Salt Lake, Meta Pays Up, Symphony Tickets on Sale
Utah got its first-ever Michelin star, but is the honor a blessing or a curse? Host Ali Vallarta, City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Gr...
Our Local Dolly Parton Tribute, U of U Student Invasion, Breakfast All-Day
In honor of Dolly Parton and her love of literacy, we imagine her songs as Utah bookstores. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, a...
SLC’s Flooded Streets, Local Beefs, Michelin-Worthy Restaurants
Why does Salt Lake City flood after just a few minutes of rain? Host Ali Vallarta talks with City Cast Salt Lake contributors Andy Larsen...
UVU’s Charlie Kirk Anniversary, LDS Church Is Losing Young Women, Polynesian Pastries
The anniversary of Charlie Kirk's assassination is coming up, and there’s lots of chatter about how Utah Valley University will handle th...
Bike Dreams For SLC, Local Places To Unplug, RHOSLC at the Hot Springs
Last week, we covered the conflict between 999 riders and the Salt Lake City Police Department. Today, host Ali Vallarta talks with Lucas...