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.

World at Your Doorstep
Our Native American Neighbors
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Saturday, February 4

The World at Your Doorstep is a year-long series of programs, presented in partnership with Salem-Keizer Public Schools and with other organizations that celebrate just a few of Salem’s many cultural communities. In February, with the help of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, the focus will be on Salem’s Native American Community. Activities include:

Grande Ronde History
11 a.m.-12 noon
 Anderson Rooms A& B

Dr. David Lewis, Cultural Resources Department Manager of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, will discuss the history of the Grand Ronde Tribe.

Family Crafts & Activities
12 noon-2 p.m.
Main Floor

Participants of all ages are welcome to attend. All events are free and open to the public.

More information on the series is available at www.salemlibrary.org. or at the Information Desk at 503-588-6052.

Polk County History Display
February 1 -29
West Salem Branch

Honoring Oregon's birthday, the Polk County Museum will display several historic pieces.

Human Trafficking in Oregon:A Human Rights Presentation
League of Women Voters of Marion & Polk Counties
7 p.m. Tuesday, February 7
Loucks Auditorium

Willamette Law School Professor Gwynne Skinner will discuss the extent to which Oregon is complying with both national and international law in the area of prevention of human trafficking. She will discuss international and national law in this area, and possible legislative changes that could impact the situation in Oregon. 

This program is free and open to the public. More information is available from the League of Women Voters of Marion & Polk Counties at www.marionpolk.or.lwvnet.org

8th Annual Straub Environmental Lecture Series
Once and Future Giants
7 p.m. Thursday, February 23
Loucks Auditorium

Veteran science journalist Sharon Levy discusses lessons learned from former giant species such as the woolly mammoth, camels, and saber-toothed cats. We can draw parallels to our own “modern giants,” such as elephants, lions, and grizzly bears, which are currently threatened worldwide.

Happy Hour and book signing will immediately follow the lecture at Orupa. More information is available from the Friends of Straub Environmental Learning Center at 503-391-4145 or www.fselc.org.

Japanese Earthquake Memorial Concert
Taiko Drumming and Koto Music
2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 3
Loucks Auditorium

On March 11, 2011, a tragic earthquake and tsunami occurred in Japan, causing a serious nuclear power crisis, severe loss of property, and over 18,000 deaths. This concert expresses our condolences for the Japanese earthquake victims.

The concert will include performances by Monmouth Taiko, featuring musicians Masumi Timson and Noriko Dozono on koto, a string instrument and Larry Tyrrell playing shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese flute.

This program is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.monmouthtaiko.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.