Everyone is invited to engage and explore together as the 8th annual Salem Reads: One Book, One Community kicks off on February 1. This month-long series of events, activities, and displays explores the themes of The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova in 2024. Print, large print, audiobook on CD, and Spanish language copies are available to borrow from the library. In addition, the eBooks and eAudiobooks are available to download and enjoy on the cloudLibrary and Libby apps.

Salem Reads is a project of the Salem Public Library Foundation.

Events are free and open to the public. Where noted, events require advance signup.

• Salem Reads Art Exhibit: Art Inspired by The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina - January 30-March 3 in the Art Hallway at Salem Public Library. View the work of local professional artists, available during all open library hours. This exhibit, curated by the Salem Art Association, is on display until March 3, then travels to regional libraries.
• Willamette Wakeup Radio Show  8 a.m. Wednesday, January 31 on KMUZ 100.7. Learn more about Salem Reads from this interview by host Melanie Zermer. 
• Oil & Water: A Documentary  6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 1 in Loucks Auditorium. View a documentary about the efforts of two young men trying to conserve their cultures and environment in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Shown with Spanish subtitles.
• Seeking Our Roots: Why Do Genealogy?  11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, February 2 in the Dye House at Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St. SE. Join members of the Willamette Valley Genealogical Society to discuss the origins and value of researching our forebearers. Hosted by the Salem City Club. Register after January 22 through the Salem City Club website.
• Ribbon Roses Craft Making  1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, February 3 in the Collaboration Studio. This craft requires high dexterity. All materials and instruction provided. Registration is required.
• Brown Bag Book Discussion  12-1 p.m. Tuesday, February 6 in the Collaboration Studio. Meet with other adults to discuss The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina.
• Ecuadorian History Lecture  6-7 p.m. Wednesday, February 7 in Loucks Auditorium. Delve into the interesting and complex history of Ecuador with Dr. Mariko Plescia.
• Talking About Art  9 a.m. Friday, February 9 on KMUZ 100.7. Host Joel Zak will interview guests about the Salem Reads Art Exhibit.
• CANCELED: Childhood Secrets Revealed  7-8 p.m. Friday, February 9 in Loucks Auditorium. This event has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience.
• The Art of Reading Magical Realism  6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 13 in Loucks Auditorium. Join Willamette University Assistant Professor of English, Teresa Hernández, to learn more about the genre of magical realism and how it has been used as a tool for political and social resistance from across Latin America, Europe, and the United States. Additional reading suggestions will be included.
• CANCELED: Fully Booked! Book Club  5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, February 15 in the Collaboration Studio. This event has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience.
• NEW ADDITION! Talk with Author Zoraida Córdova - HYBRID EVENT - 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Tuesday, February 20 on Zoom AND in Anderson Rooms A&B. Learn more directly from Zoraida Córdova about how this magical story came to be and have a chance to get your questions answered. The author will be joining the conversation via Zoom from New York City. Registration is needed to receive the Zoom link for the event. Anyone attending in person can register to get a reminder email or just drop in.
• Book and Brew: Adult Book Discussion  7-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 21 at For Tomorrow We Die Brewery, 2315 25th St SE in Salem. Kick back and dig into the themes of The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina. We’ll buy the snacks; attendees buy their own drinks.
• Discusión de la libro en español  1-2 p.m. jueves, el 22 de febrero, en La Casita, 1998 Lansing Ave NE. Únase a una animada discusión sobre los temas y la historia épica de La Herencia de Orquídea Divina por Zoraida Córdova en una discusión sobre libros para adultos sin cita previa.
• Nature Make Flower Arranging Workshop - 1-4 p.m. Saturday, February 24 in the Collaboration Studio. Practice the art of using nature to create indoor beauty from florist Jodi Thomas of Little Lantern Floral. All materials are provided. Registration is required.
• Death Cafe: In English  2-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 27 in Anderson Rooms A & B. Spend time talking about the details of life and death with new people in this event centered around cake, tea, and good company.
• Café de Muerte en español  6-7:30 p.m. miércoles, el 28 de febrero en Salones Anderson. Platica de muerte, aprende de vida. Únete a nosotros para un evento centrado en pastel, té y buena compañía. Dedica tiempo platicando de los detalles de la vida y la muerte con gente nueva. Se proporciona pastel y bebidas.

Download a PDF of the month's schedule with live links

View upcoming events on the Salem Public Library LibCal calendar

The Salem Public Library Foundation sees Salem Reads as an opportunity to increase the Library’s visibility, and act as a catalyst to bring the community together for discussions relevant to our time. Our selection of The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina, allows broad community engagement as we offer programs on topics of importance to our city.