Throughout the year, Salem Public Library plans and offers a variety of cultural, informational, and educational events. Regularly scheduled series and programs include the Modern Voices Authors Series, the World of Music at the Library Series, a weekly Grown-Up Storytime, and two monthly book discussion groups. Other upcoming events offered by Salem Public Library are listed here. For a complete view of upcoming programs for the month, we encourage you to pick up a copy of our monthly newsletter or download a pdf.

Author Talk by Andrew X. Pham
7 p.m. Thursday, May 3 
Loucks Auditorim

Andrew X. Pham is an independent writer, journalist, culinary professional, engineer, and prize-winning author of Catfish and Mandala: A Two-Wheeled Voyage through the Landscape and Memory of Vietnam and The Eaves of Heaven: A Life in Three Wars. He is translator of Last Night I Dreamed of Peace, the Vietnam War-era diary of Dr. Dang Thuy Tram.

Pham’s 2012 releases include A Culinary Odyssey: A Southeast Asian Cookbook Diary of Travels, Flavors and Memories and A Theory of Flight: Recollections.

Pham lives, farms, tinkers, and writes from a wooden bungalow he built on the Mekong River on the Thai-Laos border with his wife and two dogs.

This program is free and open to the public. More information is available at the Information/Reference Desk at 503-588-6052.

Portland Opera Preview
Candide by Leonard Bernstein
2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5
Loucks Auditorium

Portland Opera Studio Artists return to Salem to introduce the last opera of the season. Associate Music Director, Robert Ainsley, will narrate the story of Leonard Bernstein’s 1956 operetta, Candide, and accompany the singers in highlights from the score. Based on the classic novella by Voltaire, the comedy makes fun of the optimistic idea that human reason can perfect society. Bernstein’s score for Candide is by turns tender and witty, exactly conveying Voltaire’s satirical story. The preview is free and open to the public with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis. More information is available from the Information Desk at 503-588-6052 or www.salemlibrary.org.

Seeking Creative Volunteers for “Live at the Library”

The library is is looking for individuals and groups who have hobbies that are fun, visually appealing, and easy to demonstrate. Volunteers who would like to be part of a new interactive Saturday program called "Live at the Library” are encouraged to inquire about demonstrating their skill at the library. They are asked to contact the Reference Desk at 503-588-6052 or library@cityofsalem.net.