Calendar of Things to Do at the Library

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​Salem Public Library offers a variety of fun and educational activities for children, teens and adults throughout the year. Some activities require pre-registration. Check the calendar for details or print a monthly calendar of events.

All upcoming Library events
Jan. 20
Martin Luther King Jr. Day

City offices, Center 50+, and the Salem Public Library will be closed for the holiday observance.

Jan. 24
Tinker Tech Time3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.Story Room A
Salem Public Library

An afterschool drop-in program. Kids in grades 2–5 with an adult are invited to check out Tinker Tech kits for 30-minute sessions each Friday afternoon for use in the library. There are a limited number of kits available and are first-come, first reserved. A library card is required.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Learn more

Jan. 25
Make and Take Saturdays for Kids11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.Children's Room
Salem Public Library
585 Liberty ST SE
Salem OR 97301

Children and families are invited to explore their creativity and enjoy hands-on fun with a variety of open-ended crafts each Saturday.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Learn more

Jan. 31
Tinker Tech Time3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.Story Room A
Salem Public Library

An afterschool drop-in program. Kids in grades 2–5 with an adult are invited to check out Tinker Tech kits for 30-minute sessions each Friday afternoon for use in the library. There are a limited number of kits available and are first-come, first reserved. A library card is required.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Learn more

Feb. 01
Make and Take Saturdays for Kids11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.Children's Room
Salem Public Library
585 Liberty ST SE
Salem OR 97301

Children and families are invited to explore their creativity and enjoy hands-on fun with a variety of open-ended crafts each Saturday.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Learn more

Feb. 02
Library Final Day of operation at current Main BranchSalem Public Library Main Branch
585 Liberty ST SE
Salem OR 97301

Salem Public Library's Main Branch will be closed from February 3-17 for a move to a temporary facility as we prepare for the upcoming seismic renovation project. Salem Public Library at Broadway will open February 18, 2020 at 1400 Broadway St. NE, to serve during construction.

Online library services—access to the library catalog and downloading of eBooks and audiobooks—will be available throughout the move and construction phases.

The West Salem Branch, 395 Glen Creek Rd. NW, will be open and maintain services throughout the move and construction phases.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Feb. 05
Salem Reads: Opening Night Art Reception5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.Elsinore Fine Art Gallery
444 Ferry Street SE
Salem
OR 97301

Meet local professional artists who created work inspired by reading the book, Piecing Me Together. Exhibit on display until February 26. Light refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public.

This event is a part of the monthlong 2020 Salem Reads: One Community, One Book project, focusing on the book Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson. Salem Reads is an annual project of the Salem Public Library Foundation.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Feb. 06
Salem Reads: Author Talk and Book Signing with Piecing Me Together author Renée Watson 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.Historic Grand Theater
187 High Street NE
Salem
OR 97301

Renée Watson will speak about her book, a novel set in North Portland, followed by a book signing. No ticket necessary. Doors open at 6pm, lecture at 7pm with book signing afterward.

This event is a part of the monthlong 2020 Salem Reads: One Community, One Book project, focusing on the book Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson. Salem Reads is an annual project of the Salem Public Library Foundation.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Feb. 07
Exploring Narrative Writing Workshop for Adults (18+)10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Pringle Hall
606 Church ST SE
Salem OR 97301

Linda Christensen is currently the Director of the Oregon Writing Project at Lewis & Clark College and was the high school English teacher who inspired Renée Watson to find her voice as an author. The workshop is free. Space is limited. Advanced sign up is recommended.

This event is a part of the monthlong 2020 Salem Reads: One Community, One Book project, focusing on the book Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson. Salem Reads is an annual project of the Salem Public Library Foundation.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Exploring Narrative Writing Workshop for Teens 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.McKay High School
2440 Lancaster DR NE
Salem OR 97305

Linda Christensen is currently the Director of the Oregon Writing Project at Lewis & Clark College and was the high school English teacher who inspired Renée Watson to find her voice as an author. The workshop is free. Space is limited. Advanced sign up is recommended.

This event is a part of the monthlong 2020 Salem Reads: One Community, One Book project, focusing on the book Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson. Salem Reads is an annual project of the Salem Public Library Foundation.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Feb. 11
Salem Reads: Open Mic Night - Tell Your Truth, Part 17:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.The Space
1128 Edgewater ST. NW
Salem
OR 97304

Take inspiration from Piecing Me Together and tell your truth. Come share a poem, song, story, skit, jam, joke, or just listen and appreciate. Everyone is invited to be a part of this open mic partnership between The Space and Salem Reads, celebrating the book’s themes of identity, strength, taking action, and artistic expression.

This event is a part of the monthlong 2020 Salem Reads: One Community, One Book project, focusing on the book Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson. Salem Reads is an annual project of the Salem Public Library Foundation.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Feb. 12
Salem Reads: What We Risk - Creativity, Vulnerability and Art7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.Salem Art Association Annex
600 Mission St. SE
Salem
OR 97302

What do we risk when we lay ourselves open through music, painting or any other art form? Join artist and educator Jason Graham, a slam poetry champion and speaker who performs hip hop as MOsley WOtta, for a conversation exploring the relationship between self-expression and vulnerability. This is an Oregon Humanities Conversation Project event.

This event is a part of the monthlong 2020 Salem Reads: One Community, One Book project, focusing on the book Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson. Salem Reads is an annual project of the Salem Public Library Foundation.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Feb. 03
Salem Public Library - Main Branch closed for move to temporary facilitySalem Public Library Main Branch
585 Liberty ST SE
Salem OR 97301

Salem Public Library's Main Branch will be closed from February 3-17 for a move to a temporary facility as we prepare for the upcoming seismic renovation project. Salem Public Library at Broadway will open February 18, 2020 at 1400 Broadway St. NE, to serve during construction.

Online library services—access to the library catalog and downloading of eBooks and audiobooks—will be available throughout the move and construction phases.

The West Salem Branch, 395 Glen Creek Rd. NW, will be open and maintain services throughout the move and construction phases.

Feb. 17
President's DayCivic Center
555 Liberty ST SE
Salem OR 97301

City offices and the Salem Public Library will be closed for the holiday observance.

Feb. 18
Salem Reads: Beyond the Book - Teen Book Discussion4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.Governor’ Cup
471 Court St. NE
Salem
OR 97301

Readers of middle and high school age are invited to a casual, fun discussion of Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson.

This event is a part of the monthlong 2020 Salem Reads: One Community, One Book project, focusing on the book Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson. Salem Reads is an annual project of the Salem Public Library Foundation.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Opening Day - Salem Public Library at BroadwaySalem Public Library at Broadway
1400 Broadway ST NE
Salem
OR 97301

Salem Public Library at Broadway will open February 18, 2020 at 1400 Broadway St. NE, to serve while the Main Library is undergoing a seismic and safety renovation project.

Online library services—access to the library catalog and downloading of eBooks and audiobooks—will be available throughout the move and construction phases.

The West Salem Branch, 395 Glen Creek Rd. NW, will be open and maintain services throughout the move and construction phases.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Feb. 19
Salem Reads: Book and a Beer - Adult Book Discussion7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.Salem Ale Works
2315 25th ST SE
Salem
OR

Pass a pleasant evening enjoying a beverage and sharing your thoughts about the story and themes of Piecing Me Together . We’ll provide some finger food and pitchers of non-alcoholic drinks. Bar selections are no-host.

This event is a part of the monthlong 2020 Salem Reads: One Community, One Book project, focusing on the book Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson. Salem Reads is an annual project of the Salem Public Library Foundation.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Feb. 20
Salem Reads: Brown Bag All-Ages Book Discussion12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.HomeSmart Realty
3240 Commercial ST SE
Salem
OR

Bring a lunch or just yourself to spend the hour sharing your thoughts about the story and themes of Piecing Me Together . We’ll provide a snack and some conversation starters!

This event is a part of the monthlong 2020 Salem Reads: One Community, One Book project, focusing on the book Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson. Salem Reads is an annual project of the Salem Public Library Foundation.

Phone: 503-588-6315

African-Americans in Oregon: A Unique Legacy7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.Chemeketa Community College
Bldg 2 Student Center
4000 Lancaster DR NE
Salem
OR

From early exclusion policies to a member of the Ku Klux Klan running for governor in the 1920s and beyond, Oregon has a troubling early history of hostility toward African-American residents. Professor Dr. Julius McGee from Portland State University will explore the policies and decisions and examine how this legacy continues to impact Oregon today. Pastor Marilyn Williams, director of the African-American Youth Leadership Conference Salem-Keizer, will introduce our speaker.

This event is a part of the monthlong 2020 Salem Reads: One Community, One Book project, focusing on the book Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson. Salem Reads ia an annual project of the Salem Public Library Foundation.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Feb. 22
Salem Reads: AAUW Speech Contest for girls in grades 10 and 119:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.Chemeketa Community College
Bldg 20
Rm 121
4000 Lancaster DR NE
Salem
OR

American Association of University Women, Salem will host a speech contest, which asks 10th and 11th grade girls to read Piecing Me Together and write a six-minute speech on racism, equality or opportunity for girls and women in the United States. Compete with other girls to win prizes of $500, $300, or $200. Essay writers should register by February 1 at the AAUW website

.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Feb. 25
Salem Reads: Priced Out Documentary Film7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.Grand Theatre
191 High St NE
Salem
OR 97301

Salem Progressive Film Series presents a film exploring the complexities of gentrification. Priced Out (2017) is a heartbreaking documentary of the history of housing discrimination in Portland and the personal impact it has on residents. There will be a moderated discussion following the film.

This event is a part of the monthlong 2020 Salem Reads: One Community, One Book project, focusing on the book Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson. Salem Reads is an annual project of the Salem Public Library Foundation.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Feb. 26
Salem Reads: Bias and Kids - How Do Our Prejudices Affect Our Children?6:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.Bush Elementary School Gymnasium
410 14th ST SE
Salem
OR

Verónika Nuñez and Kyrié Kellett lead a bilingual Spanish conversation. As parents, family members, teachers, neighbors and voters – how do our biases influence how we interact with the children in our lives and communities? We will reflect on how our biases – conscious and unconscious – shape everything from our subtle interactions with the kids we care for to the way we make political decisions that influence children in our society.

This event is a part of the monthlong 2020 Salem Reads: One Community, One Book project, focusing on the book Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson. Salem Reads is an annual project of the Salem Public Library Foundation.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Feb. 27
Salem Reads: Open Mic Night - Tell Your Truth, Part 27:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.Taproot Lounge ＆ Café
356 State ST
Salem
OR 97301

Take inspiration from Piecing Me Together and tell your truth. Come share a poem, song, story, skit, jam, joke, or just come to listen and appreciate. Everyone is invited to be a part of this open mic partnership between Taproot Lounge and Salem Reads, celebrating the book’s themes of identity, strength, taking action, and artistic expression.

This event is a part of the monthlong 2020 Salem Reads: One Community, One Book project, focusing on the book Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson. Salem Reads is an annual project of the Salem Public Library Foundation.

Phone: 503-588-6315

May 25
Memorial Day Observance

City offices, Center 50+, and the Salem Public Library will be closed for the holiday observance.

Jul. 03
Independence Day Observed

The Salem Public Library, Center 50+, and some City offices will be closed for the holiday observance.

Sep. 07
Labor Day

City offices, Center 50+, and the Salem Public Library will be closed for the holiday observance.

Nov. 11
Veteran’s Day - Some city offices closed for holiday observance

City offices, Center 50+, and the Salem Public Library will be closed for the holiday observance.

Nov. 26
Thanksgiving - Some city offices closed for holiday observanceCivic Center
555 Liberty ST SE
Salem OR 97301

City offices, Center 50+, and the Salem Public Library will be closed for the holiday observance.

Nov. 27
Thanksgiving - Some city offices closed for holiday observanceCivic Center
555 Liberty ST SE
Salem OR 97301

City offices, Center 50+, and the Salem Public Library will be closed for the holiday observance.

Dec. 25
Christmas

City offices, Center 50+, and the Salem Public Library will be closed for the holiday observance.