New funding for Salem Public Library doubles West Salem branch hours, increases programming

As of November, the West Salem Library has doubled its opening hours, from 10 to 21 hours per week. The West Salem branch will now be open on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 12 p.m.-7 p.m. 

The increase in hours comes after the passage of the Salem Parks and Library Services Tax Measure in May, which brings new funding to the library system and other city programs for the next five years. Hours at the main library in downtown Salem have also increased, and the library system hired three additional staff as a result of this funding.

“What we’re here to do is provide the best service we can with that levy support,” Sonja Somerville, the Salem Public Library Programming & Outreach Supervisor, said. 

The specific schedule changes were chosen based on a community-wide survey conducted earlier this fall. In that survey, the community expressed strong support for more hours across the board. In response, the library system added Monday hours and evening hours on Wednesdays at the West Salem branch. 

“Monday is a strategic choice because it allows us to have some time open at Salem libraries all days of the week,” Somerville said. Even if one library is closed, people can pop by the branch on the other side of the river. 

The increased hours and staffing offer an opportunity for new programming as well. At the West Salem branch, librarians are adding events and activities aimed at both children and adults. In December, the West Salem branch hosted a family craft night, aimed at elementary-aged children. A family activity night is planned for the fourth Wednesday of each month. 

The West Salem branch has plans to host adult programming on Mondays. Ideas for this programming include author lectures, book discussions, and technology support workshops.

“It’s an exciting time for us,” Somerville said. 

In addition to monthly programming, the library offers computer access and printing during its open hours. The West Salem branch also has a study room that can be reserved for free, and a 21-person conference room that can be reserved for $21 per hour. Both spaces can be booked online or in-person. 

The West Salem branch also hosts a monthly textile display held behind the check-out counter. The display, which is often a quilt or other textile art, is usually procured by library staff, but community members can submit their textile art for display as well.   

Community members can stay up to date with library programming at both branches by checking out the Library’s online calendar or Facebook page (@spl.oregon). They can also sign up for the Library’s email newsletter to get notified about new events and other library updates. Both resources can be found at cityofsalem.net/library.