When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Deseret Book
Why Deseret Book is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Deseret Book has long been a cherished destination for friends and families seeking a meaningful place to connect over shared values and faith-based literature. Founded in 1866 by Elder George Q. Cannon, it has grown from a modest religious bookstore into a prominent Utah staple deeply woven into the community fabric. Its stores offer not only a wide selection of Latter-day Saint (LDS) religious books, including classic works by early Church leaders and contemporary authors, but also a broad array of products like LDS-themed music, CTR rings, handmade crafts, and more. This diversity makes it an inviting venue for social meetups where guests can browse, discuss inspiring literature, or find the perfect gift to uplift loved ones. Deseret Book’s flagship location in Salt Lake City’s City Creek Center occupies a historic spot, enhancing its appeal as a cultural and spiritual hub. Emphasizing both tradition and innovation, the company has adapted to modern trends by offering digital ebooks and audiobooks accessible through the Deseret Bookshelf app, catering to varied preferences. Whether for a casual meetup, a faith-strengthening study group, or a family outing, Deseret Book fosters an environment that nurtures learning, fellowship, and spiritual growth.
Here's what people think of Deseret Book
As of recent, Deseret Book holds a 4.7-star rating based on 1578 reviews.
Customer reviews praise Deseret Book for its comprehensive selection of LDS religious materials, quality customer service, and the peaceful, welcoming atmosphere of its stores. Many reviewers highlight the convenience of both physical and digital offerings, mentioning the ease of obtaining ebooks and audiobooks through their app. Positive feedback often emphasizes the inspirational nature of the books, the helpfulness and knowledge of staff, and the store’s role in community and family traditions. However, some negative reviews mention occasional issues such as limited availability of certain popular titles, occasional website usability frustrations, and some customers desiring a broader product range beyond LDS-focused items. A few comments also note that digital goods are restricted to their app and not compatible with other e-readers, which can be inconvenient. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is strongly favorable, reflecting a stable 4.7-star rating from over 1,500 reviewers. The consistent themes of spiritual value, quality products, and a supportive environment make Deseret Book a trusted resource and gathering place for many in its community.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Advantage Consulting (Dustin Kearl)
Deseret Book at City Creek Center in Salt Lake City is an absolutely wonderful store that combines shopping with a deeply uplifting experience. Whether you’re looking for books, art, music, or gifts, this location offers a beautifully curated selection that feels both inspiring and personal. The store itself is spacious and inviting, with a calm and welcoming atmosphere. The shelves are filled with a fantastic range of products, from religious and inspirational books to beautifully crafted artwork, home decor, and music. They also carry items like journals, planners, and temple bags, which are great for gifts or personal use. The Christ-centered art and unique gifts stand out as highlights, offering meaningful pieces you won’t find anywhere else. One of the things I love most about this store is how knowledgeable and kind the staff are. They’re always ready to help you find the perfect item, recommend a book, or share more about the products. They truly make the experience special and go out of their way to ensure you leave happy and inspired. The location in City Creek Center is perfect, too. After visiting Deseret Book, you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the shopping center, with its open-air design, stunning fountains, and nearby Temple Square. There are also plenty of other great stores and restaurants to explore, making it easy to spend the whole day in the area. You can grab a bite to eat at the food court or a nearby cafe, then head back for more shopping. Deseret Book at City Creek is more than just a store—it’s a peaceful and uplifting stop that leaves you feeling enriched. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for a meaningful gift, this location offers a wonderful experience in the heart of Salt Lake City. Highly recommended!
Adam Show
Awesome book store lots of beautiful artwork . And awesome ice cream
Chellayne Reniker
Great store, lots to see. Amazing art to look at and purchase as well as church materials. Even has the distribution services and a BYU creamery with yummy treats and AMAZING ice cream. Very friendly helpful staff.
Tatiana Grant
I like Deseret Book's variety and everything you can get in their stores. It seems like the downtown location gets more material than other stores which is unfortunate. It is a lot more convenient for me to go to the Cottonwood Heights location. The downtown has ice cream, temple things, missionary things, art, children area, youth, top books, leader book session, etc.
Richard Stewart
People were very friendly Clean, spacious. But geared towards Mormon reading. Loved the painting gallery
How to reach Deseret Book
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Why Deseret Book may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Deseret Book with your friends?
Gathering with friends is about sharing meaningful experiences, and Deseret Book offers an ideal setting to do just that. With a remarkable 4.7-star rating from over 1,500 reviews, this iconic Utah-based bookstore and cultural hub has stood the test of time since its founding in 1866. It not only offers a vast and inspiring collection of books, music, and art that reflect faith, culture, and lifestyle but also fosters a warm, welcoming atmosphere where friends and family can explore together. The blend of historical significance with modern convenience means your group isn't just visiting a store — it's engaging with a rich legacy of literature and learning deeply embedded in the community. Whether you're book enthusiasts, seeking thoughtful gifts, or wanting a quiet yet vibrant place to meet, Deseret Book creates an environment that sparks conversation, personal growth, and shared joy.
Moreover, the store’s locations—especially the flagship store in Salt Lake City’s City Creek Center—are spacious and inviting, providing comfortable nooks for group browsing, reflection, and lively discussions. Whether your friends are LDS Church members or simply curious about religious literature, creative arts, or uplifting music, Deseret Book promises activities and experiences that bring people closer in a setting built on shared values and discovery.
What activities are available at Deseret Book for groups?
Deseret Book offers a multitude of activities that make it perfect for hosting meetups with friends or family. Firstly, its vast collection of books spans genres that include Latter-day Saint theology, fiction, self-help, history, and children's literature. This wide variety encourages group reading sessions, book club meetings, or simply sharing recommendations while browsing its shelves. Friends can explore books to inspire faith, celebrate culture, or enjoy excellent storytelling, fostering engaging conversations and even friendly debates.
Secondly, Deseret Book is not just about books—it also sells art, decor, and lifestyle products that reflect and celebrate LDS culture and values. Groups enjoy exploring unique, handcrafted items or finding gifts which spark thoughtful discussions about heritage and personal meaning. The store often features seasonal and themed collections, adding excitement for visitors to explore together.
Music and media are another pillar of Deseret Book’s offerings. It includes LDS music albums, including recordings by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Groups of friends can listen and share favorite songs or discover new artistic expressions tied to spiritual and uplifting themes. This makes it an ideal place to relax and connect through shared musical tastes.
Events and signings further enhance the experience. Deseret Book hosts author talks, book signings, and community gatherings that provide opportunities for groups to meet favorite authors, deepen their knowledge, and share memorable experiences. These events combine education, entertainment, and social connection, making a group visit feel special and interactive.
Finally, the welcoming store environment encourages informal socializing. Comfortable seating areas and cafés near flagship locations create spaces where groups can pause for refreshments while discussing their finds or planning their next activities. The layout is conducive to lingering, allowing guests to explore at leisure, engage in meaningful dialogue, or simply enjoy each other’s company amidst a backdrop of inspiring literature and media.
Why is Deseret Book perfect for group meetups?
Deseret Book’s appeal as a group meetup venue lies in its blend of cultural richness, comfort, and thoughtful curation. The store’s deep roots in the Utah community and its connection to the LDS Church provide a unique cultural hub that resonates with many visitors and locals alike. Meeting here allows groups to share in a collective identity or broaden their horizons by exploring perspectives on faith, history, and contemporary culture.
Its spacious and well-organized layout makes navigating with friends effortless and enjoyable. The store is designed to accommodate exploration in smaller groups without feeling crowded, with distinct sections tailored to specific interests like children’s books, religious studies, music, and art. This layout means each member of your group can find something that speaks to their interests while still being close enough to engage and share discoveries.
Additionally, the expert knowledge of staff enhances the group experience. Employees are often well-versed in LDS literature and media and can make tailored recommendations or introduce lesser-known authors and artists that your group might appreciate. This personal touch enriches group visits, transforming casual browsing into guided learning opportunities.
The location of flagship stores in vibrant community centers like City Creek also adds a layer of convenience and social appeal. After spending time at Deseret Book, groups have access to nearby dining and entertainment options, making a full day or evening outing simple to plan. This integration into a lively urban setting means your meetup can evolve naturally from books and music to meals and more socializing.
Finally, Deseret Book’s reputation for quality and authenticity makes it a trusted destination for meaningful experiences. Hosting a meetup here signals a commitment to thoughtful interaction and shared values, whether that be religious, cultural, or educational, providing a fulfilling backdrop for friendships to flourish.
What unique products and collections make Deseret Book standout?
Deseret Book distinguishes itself through its exclusive and carefully curated selection of products that reflect LDS culture and lifestyle. It offers a wide range of religious books and scholarly works that explain and explore the doctrines, history, and teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This specialization is appealing for individuals and groups seeking depth in their spiritual and cultural knowledge.
In addition to books, Deseret Book features unique handcrafted items and LDS-themed decor. These include CTR rings (“Choose the Right”), family home evening kits, and artwork that celebrate faith and family values. Many of these items are produced locally or by LDS artisans, adding authenticity and personal resonance for visitors. For groups, this means the opportunity to browse meaningful keepsakes and gifts that can be treasured or shared.
Its multimedia offerings also elevate the shopping experience. Deseret Book’s music department highlights albums by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and contemporary LDS artists, as well as inspirational sound recordings. Groups can explore these collections together, appreciating the role music plays in personal and communal worship. The store sometimes also offers DVDs, church-produced films, and digital books, appealing to various learning styles and preferences.
Seasonal and special collections provide exciting reasons to revisit. Deseret Book often updates its inventory with holiday-themed books and gifts, event-focused items (such as Pioneer Day commemorations), and newly released titles by popular LDS authors. This keeps the inventory fresh and creates a dynamic environment where group visits feel novel and engaging every time.
Why should your group consider hosting special events at Deseret Book?
Deseret Book’s atmosphere and extensive resources make it a natural venue for special events tailored for groups. With a heritage spanning over 150 years, the company brings a deep sense of tradition and purpose to all gatherings held in or through its spaces. The store frequently hosts author presentations, book signings, and discussion panels that foster intellectual engagement and community building.
Groups can easily organize private meetups around these public events or coordinate their own gatherings in partnership with the store’s staff. Whether celebrating book launches, holding study groups, or conducting cultural workshops, Deseret Book’s staff is often supportive and experienced in helping groups create meaningful experiences.
The physical spaces in flagship locations include seating areas and open rooms suitable for lectures, discussion circles, or casual socializing. Such facilities are well-suited for group meetups, providing immersion in an environment that blends education, faith, and culture.
By hosting events at Deseret Book, groups also benefit from the store’s comprehensive inventory and media technology. This access enables event organizers to combine live presentations with audiovisual materials, hands-on product showcases, and interactive moments. These elements make gatherings richer and create lasting memories for participants.
Ultimately, choosing Deseret Book as an event venue signals a commitment to a meaningful, shared experience centered around values, knowledge, and community. For groups looking beyond the usual cafe or restaurant meetup, this is a place that offers substance alongside hospitality.
How accessible and welcoming is Deseret Book for diverse groups?
Deseret Book extends a warm and inclusive welcome to all visitors, making it an excellent spot for diverse groups to gather. With its rootedness in LDS culture, the store naturally caters to members of the Church, but it also opens its doors to anyone interested in exploring spirituality, culture, and uplifting literature. The friendly staff is known for their helpfulness and genuine interest in connecting with visitors of all backgrounds.
The physical design of Deseret Book locations prioritizes accessibility. Spacious aisles, clear signage, and well-organized sections ease navigation for people with mobility challenges or those visiting with children. Seating areas and cafes provide comfort for extended stays, so groups can arrive with a mix of ages and interests.
The variety of products and media is broad enough that every group member can find something engaging, from children’s books and crafts to in-depth theological works and contemporary music. This diversity in inventory helps groups with varied tastes and spiritual experiences enjoy their time together.
Moreover, Deseret Book embraces modern retail technology, including digital catalogs and multimedia displays, accommodating diverse learning styles and preferences. It also supports gift wrapping and online order services, which benefit groups planning gifts or larger purchases together.
In essence, Deseret Book’s combination of cultural focus, thoughtful design, and welcoming service fosters an environment where groups feel comfortable, connected, and valued—making it an exceptional destination for shared experiences.
Deseret Book is not just a bookstore but a community cornerstone with a rich heritage, an expansive selection of culturally meaningful products, and an inviting atmosphere perfect for groups wanting to rally around books, music, art, and faith. Its welcoming staff, spacious environment, and varied offerings make it an exceptional venue for social meetups that go beyond casual gathering to form lasting bonds based on shared values and discovery. Whether you’re planning a quiet afternoon of browsing or a lively event, Deseret Book stands out as a premier destination in Utah and beyond.