Tote bags for toddlers, cultural passes and novel “The Women” by Kristin Hannah were among the most checked-out items at the Salem Public Library this year.
Tag: salem public library
Salem Reads 2025 pick looks at family secrets through memoir
The Salem Reads pick for 2025 is “Why Didn’t You Tell Me?” a memoir by Carmen Rita Wong exploring identity and family. Starting in February, community events include an art and writing contest, an expert talk on DNA testing and a virtual talk with the author.
Salem librarians report patrons trashing, hiding LGBTQ+ books in past year
Books in Oregon libraries saw a record number of challenges and censorship efforts this year, according to a report from the Oregon State Library. In multiple Salem libraries, books about LGBTQ+ people and people of color were hidden on far away shelves and thrown in the trash.
Budget committee votes to fund Salem’s library following outpouring of community support
Salem’s budget committee on Wednesday voted to use hotel tax money to stave off proposed library reductions for the next year, as a revenue task force seeks long-term funding. The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association is questioning the move.
Mayor Chris Hoy proposes stopgap to avoid Salem library cuts this year
Mayor Chris Hoy will present a motion Wednesday to use money from hotel taxes to stave off library budget cuts for the next fiscal year. He called the measure a temporary solution.
Library workers given layoff notice for July as city moves forward with budget cuts
City Manager Keith Stahley said it’s “definitely a possibility” that the West Salem library branch would close as a result of his proposed budget cuts.
As Salem weighs budget, community rallies against cuts to library
Amid ongoing budget discussions, around 100 people, including library employees, joined a sign rally outside the Salem Public Library on Sunday to ask that no more cuts be made to it.
Salem community shares overwhelming support for the library amid budget cut talks
During the City Council Meeting on Monday, March 25, teens, librarians and community members said they did not want to see deep cuts to the Salem Public Library.
Bridget Esqueda named Salem’s city librarian
Bridget Esqueda, who has served as city librarian in the interim for the past eight months, will continue leading the library as it works to expand accessibility while scaling back spending amid looming budget cuts.
Library staffing, budget concerns close the book on 50-year-old delivery program
Since 1972, volunteers with “Operation Bookshelf” have been bringing a stack of personalized books to homebound and disabled people throughout Salem. The library closed the program in December due to staff workload and budget concerns
