How a group of library lovers convinced a reluctant Salem to raise property taxes

An all-ages crowd gathered in front of the Salem Public Library Wednesday morning, five minutes before the sliding doors opened at 10 a.m. It included an infant strapped into a harness and seniors with tote bags at the ready. Small children bounced around in front of the doors, and some people chatted while others kept their headphones on and their eyes trained at the entrance.

In many ways, it was business as usual for the…