As more libraries in more cities become established, Seely said they can be added to the system. Or, if the program doesn't work well, the system can be re-evaluated on a yearly basis with the option to discontinue.

Some residents have said they want a countywide system to be implemented so they can have greater access to larger libraries — like those in Orem and Provo — but the well-established libraries, which share a reciprocal borrowing agreement, are reluctant.

"The investment in our library is probably one of the most important investments in our community's quality of life," said Orem Mayor Jerry Washburn. "There would not be an appetite in our community to divest ourselves of that and simply make it a countywide library. ... Anybody can come into our library and use it right now. It's a matter of saying, 'How do I have the privilege of taking the collection home and using it?' And that's something we regulate with a library card."

Non-residents of Orem can buy a library card to the city's library for $80 a year, and some cities reimburse their residents for a portion of the cost.

Suggestions have been made that if the reciprocal borrowing system in the northern part of the county works, then perhaps a similar system in the southern part of the county would work, too. If the two regions become strong, then perhaps Provo and Orem will want to participate in the system as well, said Saratoga Springs Mayor Timothy Parker, who was asked by Utah County's mayors to look into the feasibility of creating a countywide system.

Until then, the county's mayors have agreed to delay, but not delete, pursuing the idea of building a regional or countywide library.

"It's still on our agenda of things for us to do," said Utah County Commissioner Larry Ellertson. "It will still be something that we will follow from time to time because I think there's genuine interest in making something work."

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