Genealogy Resources

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Start your family history project using the genealogy resources available at Salem Public Library at Broadway. The library hosts the Willamette Valley Genealogical Society (WVGS) and their collection to assist users in this type of research. ​WVGS volunteers are available to assist library users at no cost.

Join a Willamette Valley Genealogical Society meeting at the library on the second Saturday of each month at noon for a free program of interest to genealogists, such as a speaker, seminar, or workshop.

For an obituary look-up or specific research, contact WVGS by mail or email.

Online resources

The library hosts two Salem historical sites:

What’s happening
Jul. 15
Quaran-Teen Book Chat3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.Digital Meeting

This casual chat group focuses on a different book, book series, or book type each week. The time is split between trivia (using Kahoot), discussion of the week’s focus book, and books in general. Find out what we’re discussing on Facebook, the library website, or by event email. Sign up to get weekly notices about the Quaran-Teen Book Chat. You will get the Zoom ID by email the day before each meeting.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Visit Salem PL Island in Animal Crossing5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.Animal Crossing

Hey, Salem! Have you been escaping to Animal Crossing during quarantine? We've been busy building a Salem Public Library Island and would love a visit from you! We'll open the gates to our Salem PL Island from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 15. Come visit!! Liv the Librarian will be on hand to answer IRL reference questions. You can take your picture in our virtual library, swap in-game recipes, and just have a look around. Check back on our Facebookpage. We'll post your Dodo code to join at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 15. ¡Hola, Salem! ¿Ha estado escapando a Animal Crossing durante la cuarentena? ¡Hemos estado ocupados construyendo una Isla de la Biblioteca Pública de Salem y nos encantaría una visita! Abriremos las puertas de nuestra isla Salem PL desde las 5-7 p.m. el miércoles 15 de julio. ¡Ven visitarnos! Liv, la bibliotecaria, estará disponible para responder a las preguntas de referencia del mundo real. Puede tomarse una foto en nuestra biblioteca virtual, intercambiar recetas del juego y echarnos un vistazo. Visite nuestra página de Facebook. Visite nuestra página de Facebookpage. Publicaremos el código Dodo para unirnos a las 5 p.m. el miércoles 15 de julio.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Rhys Thomas's Jugglemania OnlineDigital Meeting

Rhys Thomas is bringing his wacky brand of magic and comedy into your home. Sign up Phone: 503-588-6315

Learn more

Imagine Your Story 2020 Short Story Contest for Teens and AdultsLibrary Website

Entries due: July 15

Winners announced: August 20

Writers are invited to enter an Imagine Your Story 2020 Short Story Contest. Cash prizes will be awarded in each of three categories (Middle School, High School, and Adult). We are looking for short stories (250-1,500 words; fiction and non-fiction). Entries are judged on originality, plot and pacing, conventions, and emotional impact. Prizes awarded are $50 for first place; $20 for second place; and $10 for third place.

Review complete contest rules and enter online.

Prizes are sponsored by the Friends of Salem Public Library.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Jul. 16
Hora de Cuentos en el Hogar8:00 a.m.–8:20 a.m.Salem Public Library

Mientras la biblioteca está cerrada al público, comparte el amor de literatura con su familia viendo nuestras SPL Hora de Cuentos en el Hogar. Cada pequeño episodio, lanzado cada jueves, tiene canciones y rimas de algunos de nuestros libros favoritos. Tenemos muchas ganas de verlos en la biblioteca, pero mientras tanto, por favor disfruten de nuestros episodios de Hora de Cuentos en el Hogar desde la seguridad de su propia casa. Visita https://www.facebook.com/@CiudaddeSalemOregon o https://www.facebook.com/spl.oregon/ #splathome

Phone: 503-588-6315

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Contact us

Willamette Valley Genealogical Society
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Wednesday 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Thursday 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Friday 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
1400 Broadway St NE
Salem OR 97301
Mailing address:
WVGS
PO Box 2083
Salem OR 97308-2083
Website: