Salem, Oregon
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Salem Public Library
585 Liberty St. SE
Salem, OR 97301
503-588-6315
library@cityofsalem.net
Events
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English as a Second Language Beginner Class
04/25/2024 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
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Preschool Storytime
04/26/2024 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
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Infant/Toddler Storytime
04/26/2024 11:00 AM - 11:20 AM
Library
Salem Public Library is pleased to introduce the new Library of Things (LOT) - a unique collection that offers you the chance to check out a variety of useful items.
Library of ThingsCultural passes give patrons access to museums and other cultural venues for free.
Cultural PassesEach comes with 10 copies of the book and a set of discussion questions.
Book Group Kit ListSalem Public Library is now fine-free. Learn more about what this means for you and other library users.
Fine-Free News
Library News
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
Fall Book Sale coming November 17-20
Readers of all ages will find something to love at the Friends of Salem Public Library Fall Book Sale, coming up from November 17-20 in Anderson Rooms A&B at Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE.
11/14/2022 10:12 PM
Día de Muertos Community Ofrenda Available October 1-November 2
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.
10/01/2022 12:35 PM
Call for Submissions: Adult Talent Show
The Salem Public Library is hosting an Adult Talent Show for performers 18+. Share your singing, dancing, instrumental, magical or other skills with the world! Submit your application by Monday, September 12.
09/06/2022 4:46 PM
Tiny Art featured in display, library dollhouse
Select Tiny Art Gallery works will be shrunk further and added to the walls of the library's newly remodeled dollhouse.
08/12/2022 4:31 PM
Book chosen for 2023 Salem Reads: One Book, One Community
After a rigorous selection process and a vote by many readers, our community has selected "Born a Crime," a best-selling memoir by comedian Trevor Noah to be the focus of discussion, events, and activities in February 2023.
07/22/2022 10:51 AM
Soul Box Project Display at Library Focuses on Gunfire Awareness
Salem Public Library is hosting a display of the national Soul Box Project from July 19 through August 19, a project designed to draw focus to the impacts of gun violence in the United States.
07/18/2022 1:39 PM
Hours expand at the West Salem Branch
Expanded hours kick off at the West Salem Branch beginning Saturday, July 2. The branch will now be open four days each week - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
06/30/2022 3:05 PM
Salem Public Library goes fine-free on July 1
A new fine-free policy for Salem Public Library takes effect on July 1. Many people now unable to use their library cards because of fines owed will be able to use the library again!
06/16/2022