Library

Salem Public Library serves its community by promoting and providing opportunities for full and equal access to information and ideas, the love of reading, the joy of learning, and engagement with the arts, sciences and humanities in a safe and comfortable environment. Learn about our core values.

The Main Library at 585 Liberty St. SE is closed for a seismic and safety renovation from February 3, 2020-Summer 2021.

Salem Public Library at Broadway is now serving as the temporary Main Library.

Services at two branches and many resources are also available online. Check hours and locations or sign up for email notifications.

Access your Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library Service (CCRLS) account to renew items, check on holds and fines or find out if the item you want is available.

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What’s happening
Feb. 20
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

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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

Next
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Salem Public Library at Broadway
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
1400 Broadway ST NE
Salem OR 97301
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