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Salt Lake City library board investigates CEO over alleged retaliation

Salt Lake City library board investigates CEO over alleged retaliation

Rule Changes Salt Lake City, UT local

Independent reviewer to be chosen in November; results due at a public meeting in February after former staff testify about retaliation

October 26th, 2026: Utah Library Association summarizes staff concerns

Overview

Updated Oct 29

The library board voted unanimously on Oct. 12 to hire an independent third party to review library practices and workplace concerns. The board chose that route over a review led by board member Sarah Vaughn. Staff and former staff have described understaffing and fear of speaking up, and a Utah Library Association summary of 94 conversations echoes those concerns.

CEO Noah Baskett denies the retaliation claims. He says the library is expanding services, not cutting them, and that turnover is about 1.3 percent a month. The board is expected to pick a reviewer in November, with results due at a public meeting in February. An agenda for the board's Oct. 26 meeting was posted, but no minutes have been published yet.

Why it matters

If the investigation confirms retaliation, it could reshape how Salt Lake City's library system handles employee complaints and staff trust.

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Key Indicators

94
People interviewed by Utah Library Association
Utah Library Association president Heidi Fendrick spoke with 94 people tied to the library. Many asked for anonymity.
Feb
Review results expected
Results of the independent review are scheduled for a public board meeting in February.

Voices

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People Involved

NB
Noah Baskett
CEO, Salt Lake City Public Library
Denies retaliation and staffing-cut claims; says the independent review will show no retaliation.
ST
Sariah Toronto
President, Salt Lake City Library Board of Directors
Proposed an independent third-party review, which the board approved
SV
Sarah Vaughn
Board member, Salt Lake City Library Board of Directors
Was named to lead the review; the board voted Oct. 12 to have an independent third party conduct it instead
QM
Quinn MacQueen
Former director of marketing and communications, Salt Lake City Public Library
Called for the investigation in public comment
 Diana Castro
Diana Castro
Former Salt Lake City Public Library employee
Alleged retaliation in public comment
JO
John Olshinski
Union steward, Salt Lake City Public Library
Says unionization has empowered staff to speak openly

Organizations Involved

Salt Lake City Public Library
Salt Lake City Public Library
Public library system
Board authorized an independent review; reviewer to be selected in November; results due in February

Salt Lake City's public library system, overseen by a board of directors.

Timeline

2024 October 2026

9 events Latest: October 26th, 2026 · 2 weeks ago
Tap a bar to jump to that date

  1. Utah Library Association summarizes staff concerns

    Latest Report

    Association president Heidi Fendrick said she spoke with 94 people tied to the library. Her summary covers understaffing, retaliation fears and communication problems. Baskett disputes many claims.

  2. Baskett disputes staffing and retaliation claims

    Statement

    Baskett said the library is expanding services, not moving to lean staffing. He said there are no planned layoffs and that all employees got a 5.5% raise this year.

  3. Board votes to authorize independent third-party review

    Governance

    At a special meeting, the board voted unanimously to authorize an independent third-party review of library practices and related concerns, after the chair proposed moving it beyond a single board member. Library administration supported the move, and the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

  4. Salt Lake Tribune publishes report on investigation

    Report

    CEO Noah Baskett denies retaliation allegations and says he welcomes the review.

  5. Board announces investigation after contentious public comment

    Investigation

    Following public comments from former employees alleging retaliation, board President Sariah Toronto announces a review of personnel policies, disciplinary actions, and internal complaints.

  6. Board approves new strategic plan

    Governance

    The board approves a new strategic plan in late July.

  7. Library offers voluntary buyouts to staff

    Labor

    CEO Noah Baskett offers voluntary buyouts to staffers, saying no layoffs are forthcoming.

  8. Library and union reach collective bargaining agreement

    Labor

    The library and its employee union finalize a collective bargaining agreement, described as historic.

  9. Noah Baskett hired as library CEO

    Appointment

    Noah Baskett takes over as CEO of Salt Lake City Public Library.

Scenarios

1

Investigation clears Baskett of retaliation

Possible Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Baskett and the library's HR team, who say they requested the review and expect it to confirm no retaliation occurred.

The inquiry concludes that the alleged write-ups and retaliation did not happen. The board issues a statement clearing management. Baskett remains CEO.

2

Investigation finds retaliation, Baskett faces consequences

Possible Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Former employees who testified at the Sept. 28 meeting

The review finds evidence of retaliation or policy failures. The board takes disciplinary action against Baskett, changes leadership, or implements new protections for employees.

3

Investigation yields mixed findings, limited policy changes

Uncertain Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: The board's commitment to its new strategic plan

The review finds some management lapses but no systemic retaliation. The board implements training or policy adjustments while keeping Baskett in place. This outcome would likely satisfy neither side fully.

Historical Context

One moment from history that rhymes with this story — and how it unfolded.

August-November 2020

Boston Public Library leadership crisis (2020)

In August 2020, the Boston Public Library board placed President David Leonard on administrative leave after an investigation into his management and handling of workplace harassment complaints. He resigned that November.

Then

Leonard resigned and the library began a search for new leadership.

Now

The case became a reference point for how library boards handle misconduct allegations against top staff.

Why this matters now

Demonstrates how a library board's investigation into its CEO can lead to resignation and organizational upheaval.

Sources

(8)
+2
The Salt Lake Tribune Utah News Axios Salt Lake City Salt Lake City Public Library Board of Directors Utah Public Notice Website Salt Lake City Weekly KSL.com Salt Lake City Public Library Board of Directors