I love this little library! This is the closest branch of…read morethe Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library Service (CCRLS) to my home, and so it is where I pick up my books reserved via hold requests. That process has been consistently smooth and efficient. Everyone I've encountered here has been polite and clearly engaged in their job. I've had great conversations about books, reading recommendations, and even baking tips! The staff work hard to inspire people in the community to read and learn. Since COVID (and possibly before) the librarians regularly post videos geared towards child enrichment, with story times, crafts, baking, and science experiments all being offered. I think this is a cool, thoughtful service. They also put on library reading challenges, offering participants the chance to win cool prizes (for both adults and kids) from various community businesses. The building itself is a nice size. It has both a cozy and open feel with high ceilings. They offer a sizable amount of computers for public use, as well as places to read and/or study. It is always peacefully quiet in there when I stop in. I feel fortunate to have access to such a fine resource staffed with hard-working and passionate people. It is a gem!

Love the smaller size and selection, and that you can get your holds shipped there. Friendly staff…read moreand not ever busy.

The selection is sufficient if just browsing and yes, the parking lot is small, but that's rarely…read morean issue. The staff is friendly and helpful, and best of all, you can easily order most any book and pick it up without much wait at all (for comparison, in other library systems I have had to wait months for a requested book to arrive). My biggest complaint is that the outside drop off box is closed, so you have to return books during hours or at another location. Other than that, it's a very acceptable library.

Fond memories of taking my child to story time every week. She loved it. The parking is free and…read moreplentiful and there are some really good meeting rooms to reserve. The staff are super kind and helpful. You can also reserve books using the online platform and then just get them off the reserved shelf and check them out. This feature is so helpful if you want an in/out experience. The library is what makes this City right. They are doing an excellent job!! The books are super awesome - you can find so many great ones, and they pull from other Oregon libraries so you really aren't limited to the books at this location. A fat thumbs up to this library and everything it has to offer. Also - don't forget the cultural pass you can reserve. It was a great way to take your children to local attractions without paying an entry fee. What a great educational opportunity!!!!

After years of living in Salem, I finally started going to the main branch of the Salem Library…read moreand, my god, I can't believe I never utilized this incredible place before. The building is huge, three stories, with plenty of conference rooms and even quiet side rooms that you can reserve for your own use. The sections are clearly marked and offer a little bit of everything. There's even a selection of audio books that you can look through. Upstairs on the second floor is the "Teen Zone." This room has video games, board, games, comfortable chairs and tables, and is a nice place where, I assume, teens can do their homework in a quiet, safe, warm, comfortable area. I often times take my kids here when we're looking for something to do, or in between times when we're meeting their mom to swap off our time together, and we'll play the various games they have available like Munchkin and Ticket to Ride, or Jenga or other traditional games. I love the science-fiction section and, because the library offers two electric vehicle charging stations at a lower price per kilowatt hour than some other locations, I'll often stop by here to charge my vehicle. I can easily pass the time by reading a book in one of the many, many comfortable seating locations around the library while my car charges. One thing that I finally found, that a friend pointed out, is something I'm almost hesitant to write about. However, if more people know about and request these things, maybe there's the opportunity to have more. I'm speaking of, of course, the Cultural Passes. Salem Library offers passes that are free for admission to many, many amazing locations around the Salem and Portland area. Each pass allows free entry for two people and are available for: Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum Gilbert House Children's Museum Hallie Ford Museum of Art Lan Su Chinese Garden Oregon Garden Oregon State Parks (all locations!) Pittock Mansion Portland Japanese Garden Willamette Heritage Center The passes are available for seven days and are non-renewable. Most people seem good about getting them in (although it appears that one person is almost two weeks late returning their pass, which is just plain rude and hopefully they will not be allowed to rent any more cultural passes) on time. You can look online at the website to see what passes are currently available at any time. There is also a section in the middle of the main floor of the library where you can borrow cooking and baking equipment, electronic equipment, games, and other miscellaneous items. Really, this library has so many incredible things available, it's really one of the greatest resources in the area. I hope the city council continues funding this incredible place because it's one of the greatest benefits our community has.

As you walk in the doors, you may think you have entered an ordinary library, but this one is not…read more I am shocked at just how great it is. 1. Their section of books in Spanish is big! It's also on the main level and right in front. Their collection of board books in Spanish is larger than any other library I've been to (and in much larger cities). 2. Their summer reading program and winter reading programs are incredible. No matter your age, you can join. Books are often the main prize! 3. They have storytime almost every day! They have preschool, toddlers, baby and even "wobblers". Also Spanish storytime but I haven't attended that one yet. A great mix of songs and reading, sometimes there are toys, instruments, a craft or food! 4. The children's area beats the pants off all the other libraries I've visited. Huge selection of books. Children's librarian almost always right there. Lots of toys and area to play, including a puppet theater with quality puppets, play kitchen with food, sensory toys, blocks, puzzles, large abacus, rocking chairs, giant foam blocks, etc. The room is spacious and there are beautiful murals. 5. This doesn't even include the area for teens which is upstairs! 6. The Friends of the Library run a great, small used book store off the rear entrance. The hours are different than the library. 7. Easy checkout and at least two automated book returns.

I do not visit Albany as regularly as I used to, but I have noticed that some staff or volunteers…read moreat this library have made dramatic improvements. I do not mean to denigrate the Salem library, but the new books shelf at the Albany library is MUCH more interesting. I read voraciously, but Albany is sourcing titles which have completely escaped my attention--and that of big-name book lists. The same discrimination is being shown in the little store run by the Friends of the library. Their shelves used to be blah, but are now always worth a look.

The wifi sucks a video plays from 1-5 minutes then freezes. It will not restart and if you use…read morerefresh it starts from the begining and try to remember where to forward too until it locks up again on a few min. I don't even bother trying anymore. Intentional or not it is useless. Free at what price!!!

First time at the Corvallis Public Library. Friendly staff and clean facilities. Art on each floor…read more Quiet except for an occasional kid sound. Very pleasant lots of natural lights and different types of seating thru out. Nice study spaces and only 1.6 miles from university. Really enjoyed looking thru books and also they have a video game and DVD collection that is amazing!

Excellent place for Oregon history, genealogical resources and access to Oregon government…read moreinformation.

The City Of McMinnville has done a wonderful job with their public library…read more The outside is beautiful, and well cared for. The inside is clean and inviting. There is a reception area when you come in, and restrooms not far from it. There are two levels. Each one is very user friendly. There are tables and chairs to sit, and stay a while. There are lots of books and games available. Computers are also available to use.

This place is magical - and the staff are angels! I am so sad they are being defunded.read more

We had a volleyball tournament here and I hope we don't have to go back. No outside food or drink…read moreof any kind- fine I can handle that because they have a snack bar. Unfortunately, the snack bar was ridiculous. They ran out of just about everything by noon (partly because they started with almost nothing). Hosting an all day (12 hours) tournament in April (think rain/cold), and not letting the girls eat anything inside the building except your sub bar snack shack food is asinine. I asked if they had anything with Protein (besides the peanut M&M's) and they shrugged and said "no, not really". Later in the evening they brought in some Little Caesars cheese pizzas that they decided to sell for $16 a each. They are $5 at the store! $5...10 I get... you gotta make some money, but $16 for a crappy cheese pizza??? They ran out of most of their soda, all their water. Even when they ran out of food, they wouldn't let us bring in a cup of coffee. No food/drink in the gym, I totally get that- but no food in the entire place when your trying to keep an athlete heathy and functioning for 12 hours is counter intrusive. Someone needs to revaluate their policies.

This place is an indoctrination center for liberal politics, where any level-headed student might…read moreend up adopting the same mindset. The staff are mostly middle-aged individuals who seem to focus heavily on their personal identities in what they teach. It's not worth spending your money or sacrificing your independent thinking to support their feelings.

This is an amazing library. They have an amazing selection of books. Very knowledgeable and…read morefriendly people working there. They also have many different things they offer.

Very nice, clean, huge library. Lots of computers and helpful staff! My girls and I love coming…read moreto this library especially in the winter when their is not much to do. Plus, the children's section is very big!

This review is of Willamette just as a local cultural and entertainment asset. With the public…read morelibrary about to be handicapped for two years, I set out to look for alternatives. At the Mark O.Hatfield Library main desk, staff will issue to area residents a "community borrower's card" for a yearly fee of $50. To access the campus, I always park in the visitors' lot on the east side of Winter St., close to the intersection with Pringle Parkway. The signage is confusing: parking is free for casual drop-ins only on weekends. For those from away, walk NE from the visitors' parking until you see the fountain. There is found an excellent map and you can orient yourself. The Martha Springer Botanical Garden is a few minutes' walk from the library and worth a visit. It does not show on the online map. It is the green strip north of the Sparks Center, on the south bank of the Mill Race.

Horrible parking options, working students seem uninterested and routinely put down the city of…read moreSalem, staff and faculty take weeks to MONTHS for responses. Tuition is far too high for the level of education provided. Be aware and take you or your loved ones education elsewhere!!!!