Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
Just as you finish rotating through the revolving doors at the West entrance of the new Salt Lake City Public Library, you are greeted on your left by "Crismon's News & Views" newsstand — a sight traditionally beheld only by frequenters of the Salt Lake City International Airport.
For over forty years Air Terminal Gifts has dominated the retail business in the airport, but recently the company decided to branch out and set up shop in Salt Lake City's Main Library. Brooke Crismon works as the Marketing Director for the family run business, and says Air Terminal Gifts was looking to expand when they heard the library had available spots. Initially, the company submitted a proposal to open a new "Your Planet" gift store -- a shop dedicated to educating consumers about protecting the environment. The library, however, also wanted an extension of Air Terminal's popular "News & Views" store.
The library version of "News & Views" differs somewhat from the shop in the airport. The newsstand still provides customers with a selection of newspapers, magazines, books, gifts and snacks, but also has more services. "News & Views" in the library carries both national and international newspapers and has the capability to print 180 different newspapers from around the world for any given day. Plasma screens above the cash register also display national and international news, stock quotes and other information of general interest throughout the day, making the little shop quite the news hub. Besides extended newspaper features, Brooke tells me the newsstand carries over 250 different magazines. I managed to browse through several specialty magazines on sailing, cooking and travel.
The newsstand fits right in at the library. I noticed many parents bringing their child to the library and stopping in the store to pick up a paper or enjoy a snack. So, next time you pass through the revolving doors of Salt Lake City's public library, turn to your left for a taste of the world's "News & Views."
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
