New Fiscal, New Hope: A Letter to the Community from the City Librarian

A lot has happened during the last six month, since the last community letter from your City Librarian, much of it related to the Budget Process and funding for Library Services. It's time for an update as the new fiscal year begins.

07/21/2024 10:41 PM

Some library fees updated beginning July 1

July 1 marks the beginning of a new fiscal year for the City of Salem, which brings adjustments to the Salem Public Library fee schedule for printing, meeting rooms, and for Library of Things items returned in need of cleaning.

06/30/2024 12:04 PM

Teen Advisory Board applications open through July 8

Interested in being more involved in the Salem Public Library Teen Scene? TAB is a leadership development program for middle and high school-aged youth. Anyone entering grade 6-11 may apply.

06/18/2024 12:26 PM

Library Road Trip activity encourages exploring area libraries

Looking for a fun summer activity? Consider the 2024 Library Road Trip! Salem Public Library is part of the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library Service (CCRLS) and you are invited to have an adventure visiting at least five of the member libraries in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties!

05/31/2024 4:58 PM

Help choose the 2025 Salem Reads book

Please help choose the book for the 2025 Salem Reads: One Book, One Community project! Vote online through Monday, June 10.

05/27/2024 8:37 PM

2024 Summer Reading Challenge starts June 11 for all ages

Beginning on Tuesday, June 11, readers of all ages can track the hours they spend reading and listening to stories in order to earn book bags, free books, and chances at other prizes.

05/22/2024 9:44 PM

PINs now needed for Libby/Overdrive use

Overdrive now requires a PIN in addition to your card number to access your account in the Libby app or Library2Go online. We have some tips for you!

05/14/2024 3:23 PM

Salem Pop-Up Library

Salem Public Library is bringing our outreach van for a day of library fun to the Salem Community!

03/30/2024 3:52 PM

Children's Poet Tree

Kids are invited to submit a poem this April to be featured on the Poet Tree in the Children's Corner in celebration of National Poetry Month.

03/30/2024 2:10 PM

Bridget Esqueda Named City Librarian

Bridget Esqueda has been appointed City Librarian for the Salem Public Library effective Monday, February 26.

02/23/2024 2:39 PM

Take the March into Nonfiction Reading Challenge for Ages 0-18

02/15/2024 11:35 AM

Salem Reads 2024 Kicks Off February 1, Exploring The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina

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.

01/22/2024 4:55 PM

UPDATE: Event Canceled - Childhood Secrets Revealed

PLEASE NOTE: This event has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience.

01/03/2024 2:57 PM

Kids, Teens Invited to Sign Up for Winter Reading Challenge

Children, teens, and families can snuggle up to read in January and earn a book to keep! Just print out a log and read/listen to at least five hours of stories during January 2024.

12/18/2023 3:21 PM

An Open Letter to Our Community about Changes to Library Hours

This is an open letter on the topic of changes to library hours, from the acting-in-capacity City Librarian to our library patrons, the residents of Salem, and everyone who loves and supports the library.

12/08/2023 2:00 PM

CCRLS Mobile App Inoperable - A Message from CCRLS

The CCRLS Mobile app for the The Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library System (CCRLS) became inoperable on November 26, 2023. There is currently no timeline for a fix or alternative.

11/30/2023 1:06 PM

View Oregon Black Pioneers Civil Rights Exhibit through February 1, 2024

The exhibit, developed by the Oregon Black Pioneers, focuses on the fight for equal rights and racial justice as experienced by African American citizens in Oregon during the 1960s and 1970s.

11/02/2023 3:51 PM

Mayor’s Youth Achievement Award honors the library Teen Advisory Board

The Salem Public Library Teen Advisory Board (TAB) was honored Monday with a Mayor’s Youth Achievement Award, recognizing youth volunteer contributions to the City of Salem. The award was given as part of the annual City of Salem Volunteer Recognition event.

10/19/2023 2:34 PM

Items sought for Día de los Muertos Community Altar at Salem Public Library

Salem Public Library invites you to bring in items to be added to a community ofrenda during the month of October. A collection box will be available at the Greeter Desk inside the front doors of the library.

10/18/2023 2:51 PM

Miraculous Occurrences paintings featured at Salem Public Library, Salem Convention Center

The Oregon Artists Series Foundation (OASF) presents Miraculous Occurrences, an exhibition of recent paintings by Salem artist Gary Westford, at its Level 2 Gallery in the Salem Convention Center. The exhibit is complemented by a second show in the Art Hall at the Salem Public Library.

10/13/2023 5:37 PM

Big changes are on the way for the Children’s Discovery Room

Dinosaurs are the next big thing coming to the Discovery Room in the Children’s Corner at Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE.

09/22/2023 10:33 AM

Meet the 2024 book for Salem Reads: One Book, One Community!

The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova was voted as the One Book, One Community title for February 2024. Pick up a copy today!

09/19/2023 1:32 PM

Applications open for the library Teen Advisory Board

Salem Public Library is seeking applications for the 2023-2024 Teen Advisory Board. Applications are open through Friday, July 7.

06/27/2023 2:40 PM

Vote on the 2024 Salem Reads Book through June 26

Please help choose the book our community will explored together for the 2024 Salem Reads: One Book, One Community project.

06/12/2023 8:38 AM

Join the 2023 Summer Reading Challenge!

Readers of every age are invited to be a part of the Find Your Voice 2023 Summer Reading Challenge! It is easy and fun to participate! Registration is open now through Beanstack online or the Beanstack app, available for mobile devices.

06/03/2023 2:13 PM

Teen Summer Reading Crew volunteers sought

Salem Public Library is seeking teen volunteers to spend 4-6 hours each week from mid-June to mid-August helping with the annual Summer Reading Challenge.

05/24/2023 1:32 PM

New Library of Things offers unusual items to check out

The LOT is a unique collection that offers you the chance to check out a variety of useful items. Some are items that most people need to use only once or rarely. Some allow you to “try before you buy” if you are considering a purchase.

05/04/2023 7:51 PM

Salem Library to Expand Hours May 1

Hours are expanding at both Salem Public Library locations beginning May 1. The change will allow more access to programs, services, and meeting rooms for the community.

04/25/2023 12:14 PM

Dreams, paintings by Jon Colburn on view at Level 2 Gallery at Salem Convention Center

The show is open now at the Salem Public Library.

03/10/2023 10:54 AM

Take the March into Nonfiction Reading Challenge for Ages 0-18

Do you have what it takes to complete the March into Nonfiction Reading Challenge? Youth 0-18 are invited to discover an exciting world of new information right at your fingertips.

02/21/2023 4:00 PM

Salem Reads 2023 Kicks Off February 1, Exploring "Born a Crime"

Everyone is invited to engage and explore together as the 7th 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 "Born a Crime" by Trevor Noah in 2023.

01/25/2023 10:48 AM

Enter "The People Who Shaped Me" Writing Contest for Teens and Adults

Entries are accepted until 5 p.m. Tuesday, February 7 for a writing contest honoring the people who helped shape us. We are looking for essays, creative nonfiction, or fictionalized stories about the real people who have influenced your life. Stories should be 200-1,000 words.

01/17/2023 5:34 PM

Charro Attire Exhibit at Salem Public Library

Come see an exhibit featuring six mannequins dressed in authentic, handmade Charro Attire, which highlights the expression of a custom with a history dating back more than 500 years. The Charro Attire Exhibit will be on display until March 3 at Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE.

01/11/2023 11:31 AM

Join the Snuggle Up Winter Reading Club

Children, teens, and families are encouraged to snuggle up for at least five hours of reading or listening to stories in January. Completed reading calendars can be turned in during February 2023 to claim a free book for your home library!

12/16/2022 2:18 PM

Help Decorate the Library Mitten Tree

Help to decorate the Mitten Tree by bringing new or gently used mittens, hats, scarves, socks, and other warm fuzzy things to benefit children and families in need. The Mitten Tree is located in the Children's Corner on Floor 2.

12/03/2022 1:50 PM