Youth & Families

​You can help the young people in our community to develop their skills and interests. The City of Salem is committed to investing in the next generation. Through direct support and partnership, the City provides recreation activities, service learning opportunities, and other programs for the young people of Salem and their families.

What's happening
Apr. 21
Books Please! Teen Book Discussions5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.Digital Meeting

Each monthly meeting (on Zoom for now) includes trivia questions, talking about the book, and a chance to share ideas for more reading. Book themes will change three times a year, so many types of books will be included. We welcome anyone from one-time visitors to regular monthly participants.

The current theme - chosen by middle and high school readers - is Science Fiction/Dystopia:

5-6 p.m. Wednesday, March 17 - "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman;

5-6 p.m. Wednesday, April 21 - "Renegades" by Marissa Meyer

5-6 p.m. Wednesday, May 19 - "Steelheart" by Brandon Sanderson

Sign up to get a reminder and Zoom login information the day before each meeting.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Apr. 22
Hora de Cuentos en el Hogar9:00 a.m.–9:30 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

Learn more

Earth Day Live Stream Event from Talewise1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.Virtual Meeting

Salem Public Library and Talewise presents: "Revenge of the Toxic Robot" a live streaming Earth Day mystery. A group of friends discovers an illegal dumpsite deep in the woods. When they investigate, they meet an eccentric robot powered by toxic sludge!

Kids in grades K - 5 are invited to explore the mystery and discover some exciting science concepts along the way! Sign up to receive a Zoom invitation.

Special note for teachers: In order for kids to participate in the questions and polls during the program, it is recommended that students in each household sign up to receive an individual Zoom invitation.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Learn more

Apr. 24
SPL Storytime at Home9:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.Virtual Meeting

Families are invited to join Youth Services staff online each week for stories, songs, and fingerplays. New online storytimes are published on the library's Facebook page using #splathome each Monday and Saturday in English and Thursday in Spanish.

Phone: 503-588-6315

Learn more

Songwriting Workshop for Tweens and Teens with Mo Phillips2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.Digital Meeting

Four sessions: 3 recorded; 1 live!

  • Watch weekly recordings from April 24-May 14 | On YouTube
  • Attend the final session live: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, May 15 | On Zoom

    Explore the art of songwriting in a 4-week workshop series led by zany local rock-n-roller and performer Mo Phillips. Kids in grade 4-8 will first watch and follow Mo as he teaches the basics of writing lyrics and creating music. This leads to a final live Zoom session with Mo where students will get coaching from the expert and share their own original music creations.

    Register now to get access to the three recorded sessions starting on Saturday, April 24 and to get the Zoom access information for the final, live session.

    This Songwriting Workshop is free for students, funded by a grant from the Marion Cultural Development Corporation.

    Phone: 503-588-6315

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    Neighborhood Enhancement Division
    Monday–Friday
    8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
    555 Liberty ST SE RM 305
    Salem OR 97301
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